code jurisdiction mandates a sprinkler system in the data center.How can you further protect the data center's IT equipment while meeting the mandated requirements?

Question

Options

• AReplace the wet-pipe sprinkler system with a FM-200 system.
• BReplace the wet-pipe sprinkler system with a pre-action system.
• CInstall linear heat detectors along the cable trays in addition to the existing sprinkler system
• DInstall heat detectors next to each of the sprinkler heads and then connect them to the fire control panel.

• A
  2% (1)
• B
  80% (39)
• C
  12% (6)
• D
  6% (3)

Explanation

Pre-action sprinkler systems are the best solution because they satisfy the code mandate for a sprinkler system while adding a crucial layer of protection: water only flows when two independent events occur - a fire detector activates AND a sprinkler head opens. This two-stage mechanism prevents accidental water discharge (e.g., from a broken sprinkler head), which is the primary threat to IT equipment in a data center.

Option A is wrong because FM-200 is a gaseous suppression agent, not a sprinkler system - replacing the wet-pipe system with FM-200 would violate the code mandate, regardless of how effective FM-200 is for protecting electronics.

Option C is wrong because linear heat detectors are detection devices, not suppression - they detect heat in cable trays but do nothing to prevent water from damaging equipment when the existing wet-pipe system activates.

Option D is wrong because adding heat detectors next to sprinkler heads only improves alarm notification; it does not change the wet-pipe system's behavior. Water still sits pressurized in the pipes and releases the moment any head opens - accidentally or not.

Memory tip: Think "Pre-action = Protection Action." A pre-action system demands a deliberate action (detector trigger) before water is admitted to the pipes - it won't soak your servers by accident.

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