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FAQs from Our Data Center Fire Protection Expert Chat
One of the things we enjoy most about hosting our Expert Chats is how much conversation they spark. During this session covering cabinet-mounted preaction systems for data centers, we walked through a mix of live poll questions, attendee questions, and real-time discussion points with Reliable’s Alan Larson. We’ve compiled the most helpful questions and answers here as a quick reference for anyone responsible for fire protection in data centers and other mission-critical environments.
Want to watch the full session? View the Expert Chat on-demand
When should I use a double-interlock preaction system instead of a single-interlock?
Alan put it simply: Use a double-interlock system only when putting water in the pipes would cause a problem on its own.
Examples include:-
- Freezer rooms
- Mission-critical power or electrical spaces
- Any area where a false fill could shut down operations or damage equipment
Double-interlock systems require two events to occur before water enters the piping (detection + sprinkler activation). That delay adds protection against accidental discharge, but it also means the fire can grow during those extra seconds.
Single-interlock systems are faster and generally preferred unless there’s a strong reason to avoid water in the pipes or protected space.
What’s the advantage of low-pressure dry systems?
Low-pressure dry systems came up several times because they’re gaining traction in data centers.They offer:
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- Faster water delivery (less air/nitrogen to push out)
- Smaller compressors or nitrogen generators
- Fewer leaks
- Lower maintenance costs
- Far fewer false trips
- Better performance on large, sprawling systems common in data centers
For large mission-critical environments, low-pressure dry systems hit a very useful balance between speed, reliability, and long-term stability.
If you want help comparing options, here’s a deeper dive: Understanding Preaction Systems: Which Type Fits Your Facility?
Can cabinet-mounted systems be customized?
Yes, and this was a fun one.
Reliable offers cabinet customization in a wide range of finishes and colors. Black and red are common, but if your facility requires something specific, like a particular RAL or Sherwin-Williams color, the panel manufacturer can match it.
We see this most often in:
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- Colocation data centers
- Facilities with branding requirements
- Spaces where cabinets are visible to tenants or tour groups
Customization doesn’t affect performance, just aesthetics.
Should my detection devices connect to the cabinet’s release panel or directly to the building FACP?
Both options work, but the cleanest, simplest setup is to land the detection directly in the cabinet’s release control panel.Here’s why:
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- Less coordination between trades
- Faster, more reliable system response
- Fewer mismatches between alarm and sprinkler programming
- Easier to read/maintain (you can see the status right on the cabinet panel)
Most issues we see in the field stem from release panels not being installed inside the cabinet. Integrating detection into the cabinet panel reduces that risk dramatically.
Can one cabinet serve multiple risers?
No – each riser requires its own cabinet.
This keeps the system easier to service, easier to troubleshoot, and compliant with manufacturer standards.
Reliable, Viking/FireFlex, Victaulic, and Tyco all follow this same approach.
What’s the newest technology in cabinet-mounted systems?
Reliable shared something exciting during the session: Their new Pre-Pack cabinet integrated with Vapor Pipe Shield (VPS), developed in partnership with General Air Products.
This technology replaces the need for an internal nitrogen generator by actively protecting the piping from corrosion. It’s a newer approach and something we expect to see more of in large-scale mission-critical environments.
Want more details? We can send the brochure or put you in touch with the right product team. Request more information.
Final Thoughts
The questions during this Expert Chat reminded us why we value these conversations so much. The people who join these sessions bring real experience and real challenges — and that’s exactly where the best learning happens.
Whether you’re upgrading a data center, navigating AHJ requirements, or trying to simplify your next preaction install, we’re here to help you find the approach that works best for your facility.
Watch the Full Session
Watch the Expert Chat on-demand
Or
Book a quick 10-minute chat with our fire protection team — we’re always happy to talk through real-world challenges and what we’ve seen work in similar environments.
Watch the Full Session
Data Center Fire Protection Made Easy with Cabinet-Mounted Preaction Systems
Understanding Preaction Systems: Which Type Fits Your Facility?
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.