Hot Aisle Containment System (HACS) and Data Center Fire Protection

The design of data centers around Hot Aisle Containment Systems (HACS) is growing in popularity. Engineers and, increasingly, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) are questioning the need for fire protection in the hot aisle; specifically: incipient stage fire detection (high sensitivity smoke detection), smoke detection, fire suppression, sprinkler protection. This application note describes fire protection strategies for hot aisle containment systems. It is intended to clarify questions regarding detection and suppression requirements as applied to asset protection as well as address misconceptions within the HACS space.