Over the past few months, we’ve had a lot of conversations around data center fire protection, and one thing became pretty clear: Not everyone is looking at the same challenges the same way. To get a better picture of what’s really driving decisions regarding fire protection in data centers right now, we surveyed professionals across the data center space, including engineers, contractors, AHJs, and risk professionals. The results showed some strong trends around lithium-ion batteries, suppression strategy, and system integration, but they also revealed something bigger happening across the industry.
Nearly half of respondents pointed to lithium-ion batteries and energy storage as the biggest factor influencing fire protection decisions. That lines up with what we’re seeing in the field.
Battery systems are no longer a “secondary” consideration. They’re shaping permitting, system selection, and even project timelines.
What’s interesting is how differently this shows up depending on who you talk to.
AHJs are feeling the pressure around approvals and evolving code requirements
Engineers are working through how to design for newer, less-defined risks
Risk professionals are still focused heavily on compliance and insurer expectations
Same project. Different pressures.
And that disconnect is starting to impact how projects move forward.
About a third of respondents said suppression strategy varies significantly by project or owner. From there, the industry splits:
Both are common. Neither is dominant. What that tells us is simple – these decisions aren’t being made in a vacuum.
They’re being shaped by:
So instead of asking “what’s the standard,” the better question is: What makes sense for this specific facility, in this specific environment? If you want to learn more, check out our Guide to Choosing the Right Preaction System for Your Facility.
When we asked where fire protection challenges show up most often, the answer wasn’t surprising, but it’s important. It’s not about choosing the right system anymore. It’s about making sure everything works together.
Top responses included:
System integration and sequence of operations (25%)
Lithium-ion battery room protection (25%)
Preventing false alarms or accidental discharge (22%)
Coordination with mechanical systems (19%)
That lines up with what we see on projects. The complexity isn’t in the individual components, it’s in how they interact. And when that coordination isn’t tight, that’s when issues show up:
Delays in commissioning
Unexpected system behavior
Friction during AHJ approvals
This is where early collaboration makes a difference.
Water supply and sustainability didn’t rank as the top driver overall, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. In fact, the people closest to permitting, especially AHJs, are seeing it more often in real conversations, and we’re hearing the same thing.
Even if water isn’t the first topic in design meetings, it’s coming up later in approvals, infrastructure discussions, and community impact conversations. It’s one of those factors that can quietly influence decisions if it’s not addressed early.
If there’s one thing this survey made clear, it’s this: There isn’t one version of the problem anymore.
Different stakeholders are navigating different risks:
And all of those perspectives are shaping the final outcome. Understanding that early is what helps projects move smoother.
This blog just scratches the surface.
We pulled together the full Data Center Fire Protection Industry Survey Report with deeper breakdowns by role, along with more detail on trends, challenges, and decision drivers.
If you’re in the middle of a data center project, planning one, or need to protect and maintain one that’s up and running, we’re happy to walk through what we’re seeing and how it applies to your specific setup. Reach out to chat with on or our data center fire protection expert.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Every fire protection system is unique, with specific inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements determined by system type, manufacturer specifications, building use, and local regulations. Consult a qualified fire protection professional or your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure compliance with applicable standards. Century Fire Protection assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.