Technical Committee on Electronic Computer Systems (ELT-AAA)

Technical Committee on Electronic Computer Systems (ELT-AAA)

MEMORANDUM

DATE: February 20, 2015 TO: Principal and Alternate Members of the Technical Committee on Electronic

Computer System (ELT-AAA) FROM: Jon Hart, Fire Protection Engineer/NFPA Staff Liaison SUBJECT: AGENDA PACKAGE– NFPA 75 Second Draft Meeting (F2015) ________________________________________________________________________

Enclosed is the agenda for the NFPA 75 Second Draft meeting of the Technical Committee on

Electronic Computer Systems, which will be held on Monday, March 23, 2015 and Tuesday,

March 24, 2015, at the Holiday Inn – Houston Northwest Willowbrook, in Houston, TX.

Please review the attached comments in advance, and if you have alternate suggestions, please

come prepared with proposed language and respective substantiation.

If you have any questions prior to the meeting, please do not hesitate to contact me at:

Office: (617) 984-7470 Email: [email protected]

For administrative questions, please contact Elena Carroll at (617) 984-7952.

I look forward to working with everyone.


NFPA 75 Second Draft Meeting (Fall 2015) Monday, March 23, 2015 through Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Holiday Inn – Houston Northwest Willowbrook 18818 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77070

AGENDA

Monday, March 23, 2015 – Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Call to Order of NFPA 75 First Draft Meeting

Chairman Comments

Introductions and Attendance

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

Staff Liaison Presentation

Preparation of the Second Draft

Address the 3 Larger Topical Issues from Comments (See Handout) Review Public Comments Create Second Revisions

New Business

Adjournment

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 – HP Facility Tour

Please submit requests for additional agenda items to the chair and staff liaison at least seven days prior to the meeting.




Key Dates for the Fall 2015 Revision Cycle

Public Input Closing Date January 3, 2014 Final Date for First Draft Meeting June 13, 2014

Final First Draft Posted September 5, 2014 Public Comment Closing Date November 14, 2014Final Date for Second Draft Meeting May 1, 2015 Posting of Second Draft and Ballot June 12, 2015 Final Second Draft Posted July 17, 2015 NITMAM Closing Date August 21, 2015 Issuance of Document with No NITMAM November 10, 2015NFPA Annual Meeting (Las Vegas) June 2014 Issuance of Document with NITMAM August 12-14, 2014




Note from the Staff Liaison Dear Technical Committee Members: We are very pleased that you will be participating in the processing of the 2016 Edition of NFPA 75, Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment. Development of this document would not be possible without the participation of volunteers like you. Meeting Preparation Committee members should review the published Public Comments prior to the meeting and to be prepared to act on each item. Handout materials should be submitted to the chair and staff liaison at least seven days prior to the meeting. Only one posting of the Public Comments will be made; it will be arranged in section/order and will be pre-numbered. This will be posted to the NFPA 75 Document Information page (www.nfpa.org/75) under the “Next Edition” tab. If you have trouble accessing the website please contact Elena Carroll at [email protected].

Mandatory Materials: Last edition of the standard Meeting agenda Public Comments Committee Officers' Guide (Chairs) Roberts’ Rules of Order (Chairs; An abbreviated version may be found in the

Committee Officer’s Guide) Optional Materials:

NFPA Annual Directory NFPA Manual of Style




Regulations and Guiding Documents All committee members are expected to behave in accordance with the Guide for the Conduct of Participants in the NFPA Codes and Standards Development Process. All actions during and following the committee meetings will be governed in accordance with the NFPA Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in challenges to the standards-making process. A successful challenge on procedural grounds could prevent or delay publication of the document. The style of the document must comply with the Manual of Style for NFPA Technical Committee Documents.




General Procedures for Meetings

Use of tape recorders or other means capable of producing verbatim transcriptions of any NFPA Committee Meeting is not permitted.

Attendance at all NFPA Committee Meetings is open. All guests must sign in and identify their affiliation.

Participation in NFPA Committee Meetings is generally limited to committee members and NFPA staff. Participation by guests is limited to individuals, who have received prior approval from the chair to address the committee on a particular item, or who wish to speak regarding public proposals or comments that they submitted.

The chairman reserves the right to limit the amount of time available for any presentation.

No interviews will be allowed in the meeting room at any time, including breaks.

All attendees are reminded that formal votes of committee members will be secured by letter ballot. Voting at this meeting is used to establish a sense of agreement, but only the results of the formal letter ballot will determine the official action of the committee.

Note to Special Experts: Particular attention is called to Section 3.3(e) of the NFPA Guide for the Conduct of Participants in the NFPA Codes and Standards Development Process in the NFPA Directory. This section requires committee members to declare any interest they may represent, other than their official designation as shown on the committee roster. This typically occurs when a special expert is retained by and represents another interest category on a particular subject. If such a situation exists on a specific issue or issues, the committee member shall declare those interests to the committee and refrain from voting on any action relating to those issues.

Smoking is not permitted at NFPA Committee Meetings.

Technical Committee Roster

Address List No PhoneElectronic Computer Systems ELT-AAA

Jonathan Hart02/17/2015

ELT-AAARalph E. TransueChairJENSEN HUGHES82 North West RoadLombard8, IL 60148-2118Alternate: James R. Lugar

SE 8/5/2009ELT-AAA

Scott R. LangSecretaryHoneywell InternationalSystem Sensor Division3825 Ohio AvenueSt. Charles, IL 60174Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc.Alternate: Max McLeod

M 10/20/2010

ELT-AAAMark J. AabyPrincipalKoffel Associates, Inc.8815 Centre Park Drive, Suite 200Columbia, MD 21045-2107Alternate: William E. Koffel

SE 08/09/2012ELT-AAA

Wayne J. AhoPrincipalXtralis, Inc.175 Bodwell StreetAvon, MA 02322-1122

M 10/27/2009

ELT-AAAAlastair R. BrownPrincipalRushbrook Consultants, Ltd.216 West George StreetGlasgow, G2 2PQ Scotland

SE 7/12/2001ELT-AAA

Thomas M. BurkePrincipalUL LLC455 East Trimble RoadSan Jose, CA 95131-1230Alternate: Kerry M. Bell

RT 1/1/1991

ELT-AAAThomas G. DeeganPrincipalThe Viking Group, Inc.3033 Orchard Vista SE, Suite 308Grand Rapids, MI 49546National Fire Sprinkler AssociationAlternate: James Archer

M 7/12/2001ELT-AAA

Jeffry T. DudleyPrincipalNational Aeronautics & Space Administration503 Glenbrook CircleRockledge, FL 32955

U 10/20/2010

ELT-AAARonald A. DurginPrincipalMohave County Development Services3250 East Kino AvenuePO Box 7000Kingman, AZ 86402-7000

E 07/29/2013ELT-AAA

Edward S. GoldhammerPrincipalQualcomm5775 Morehouse DriveSan Diego, CA 92121-1714

U 03/03/2014

ELT-AAALee A. KaiserPrincipalOrr Protection Systems, Inc.11601 Interchange DriveLouisville, KY 40229

IM 8/9/2011ELT-AAA

Stanley KaufmanPrincipalCableSafe, Inc./OFSPO Box 500082Atlanta, GA 31150-0082Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc.

M 7/23/2008

1



ELT-AAAChad MariskaPrincipalAPS Fire400 North Walnut StreetBroken Arrow, OK 74012-2353National Association of Fire Equipment DistributorsAlternate: William D. Johnson

IM 08/11/2014ELT-AAA

Stephen McCluerPrincipalAPC by Schneider Electric3903 Walden WayDallas, TX 75287-4918Alternate: Vince Hawxhurst

U 10/23/2003

ELT-AAATina R. NelissenPrincipalAmerex CorporationPO Box 17908Anaheim, CA 92817Fire Equipment Manufacturers' AssociationAlternate: Derek P. Wester

M 08/09/2012ELT-AAA

Michael ParasPrincipalEnvironmental Systems Design, Inc.175 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 1400Chicago, IL 60604Alternate: Jocelyn Sarrantonio

SE 08/09/2012

ELT-AAAKeith J. PolaskoPrincipalUS National Security Agency9800 Savage Road, ATTN: M445/SAB1Fort Meade, MD 20755-6000

E 1/1/1993ELT-AAA

Jack PoolePrincipalPoole Fire Protection, Inc.19910 West 161st StreetOlathe, KS 66062-2700

SE 03/05/2012

ELT-AAABryan K. PowellPrincipalXL Global Asset Protection Services10112 Lindsay Meadow DriveMechanicsville, VA 23116Alternate: Steven M. Guthrie

I 10/20/2010ELT-AAA

Brian P. RawsonPrincipalInternational Business Machines (IBM)61 Wellingwood DriveEast Amherst, NY 14051-1744

U 7/24/1997

ELT-AAARodger ReiswigPrincipalTyco/SimplexGrinnell3640 Haddington CourtApopka, FL 32712-5690

M 08/11/2014ELT-AAA

Mark L. RobinPrincipalDuPont Fluoroproducts107 Saint Andrews CourtMiddletown, DE 19709Fire Suppression Systems AssociationAlternate: Robert J. Ballard

U 03/05/2012

ELT-AAAPatrick S. SabaPrincipalHewlett Packard Company1707 Ritchie HighwayAnnapolis, MD 21409

U 10/18/2011ELT-AAA

Joseph A. SpataroPrincipalLiberty Mutual Commercial Markets135 Dalton DriveBuffalo, NY 14223

I 10/1/1993

ELT-AAAMark SuskiPrincipalAon Fire Protection Engineering Corporation4 Overlook PointLincolnshire, IL 60069-4302

I 10/27/2009ELT-AAA

Randy WillardPrincipalUS Central Intelligence Agency3960 Point of Rocks RoadJefferson, MD 21755Alternate: Stacie K. Tunnessen

U 4/16/1999

2



ELT-AAAThomas J. WysockiPrincipalGuardian Services, Inc.111 Luther LaneFrankfort, IL 60423

SE 1/1/1988ELT-AAA

David ZolotarPrincipalOracle America, Inc.Product Safety Engineering500 Eldorado BoulevardMail Stop UBRM05-223Broomfield, CO 80021Information Technology Industry Council

M 4/4/1997

ELT-AAARobert KasiskiVoting AlternateFM Global1151 Boston Providence TurnpikePO Box 9102Norwood, MA 02062-9102Voting Alt to FM Rep.

I 8/9/2011ELT-AAA

Robert V. ScholesVoting AlternateFireman's Fund Insurance Company16200 Pacific Highway, Unit 26Lake Oswego, OR 97034Voting Alt. to FFIC rep.

I 9/30/2004

ELT-AAAJames ArcherAlternateNational Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc.42 Blueberry LaneStormville, NY 12582National Fire Sprinkler AssociationPrincipal: Thomas G. Deegan

M 03/05/2012ELT-AAA

Robert J. BallardAlternateVictaulic Company of AmericaPO Box 31Easton, PA 18044-0031Fire Suppression Systems AssociationPrincipal: Mark L. Robin

M 03/05/2012

ELT-AAAKerry M. BellAlternateUL LLC333 Pfingsten RoadNorthbrook, IL 60062-2096Principal: Thomas M. Burke

RT 4/1/1993ELT-AAA

Steven M. GuthrieAlternateXL Global Asset Protection Services1328 Airport RoadCoatesville, PA 19320Principal: Bryan K. Powell

I 10/29/2012

ELT-AAAVince HawxhurstAlternateAPC Corporation85 Rangeway RoadNorth Billerica, MA 01862Principal: Stephen McCluer

U 10/29/2012ELT-AAA

William D. JohnsonAlternateMid State Fire Equipment Inc.297 Washington Blvd. NELake Placid, FL 33852-8801National Association of Fire Equipment DistributorsPrincipal: Chad Mariska

IM 08/11/2014

ELT-AAAWilliam E. KoffelAlternateKoffel Associates, Inc.8815 Centre Park Drive, Suite 200Columbia, MD 21045-2107Principal: Mark J. Aaby

SE 08/09/2012ELT-AAA

James R. LugarAlternateJENSEN HUGHES14502 Greenview Drive, Suite 500Laurel, MD 20708Principal: Ralph E. Transue

SE 08/11/2014

3



ELT-AAAMax McLeodAlternateSiemens Industry, Inc.285-A Cahaba Valley Parkway NorthPelham, AL 35124Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc.Principal: Scott R. Lang

M 10/20/2010ELT-AAA

Jocelyn SarrantonioAlternateEnvironmental Systems Design, Inc.175 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 1400Chicago, IL 60604-2766Principal: Michael Paras

SE 10/28/2014

ELT-AAAStacie K. TunnessenAlternateUS Central Intelligence AgencyNHB 5X62Washington, DC 20505Principal: Randy Willard

U 08/09/2012ELT-AAA

Derek P. WesterAlternateAmerex Corporation7595 Gadsden HighwayPO Box 81Trussville, AL 35173-0081Fire Equipment Manufacturers' AssociationPrincipal: Tina R. Nelissen

M 10/29/2012

ELT-AAAEdward D. LeedyMember Emeritus2033 Butterfly Lane, CC304Naperville, IL 60563

SE 1/1/1978ELT-AAA

Donald E. ReillyMember Emeritus36 Delafield AvenueStaten Island, NY 10301

I 1/1/1984

ELT-AAAJonathan HartStaff LiaisonNational Fire Protection Association1 Batterymarch ParkQuincy, MA 02169-7471

2/25/2011

4

Technical Committee

Distribution

02/17/2015

Electronic Computer SystemsELT-AAAName Representation Class Office

Distribution by %

Company

Ronald A. Durgin Mohave County DevelopmentServices

E Principal

Keith J. Polasko US National Security Agency E Principal

2Voting Number Percent 7%

Bryan K. Powell XL Global Asset Protection Services XLGAPS I Principal

Joseph A. Spataro Liberty Mutual Commercial Markets I Principal

Mark Suski Aon Fire Protection EngineeringCorporation

AON I Principal

Robert Kasiski FM Global FM I Voting Alternate

Robert V. Scholes Fireman's Fund Insurance Company I Voting Alternate


Lee A. Kaiser Orr Protection Systems, Inc. IM Principal

Chad Mariska APS Fire NAFED IM Principal


Scott R. Lang Honeywell International AFAA M Secretary

Wayne J. Aho Xtralis, Inc. M Principal

Thomas G. Deegan The Viking Group, Inc. NFSA M Principal

Stanley Kaufman CableSafe, Inc./OFS SPI M Principal

Tina R. Nelissen Amerex Corporation FEMA M Principal

Rodger Reiswig Tyco/SimplexGrinnell TYCO M Principal

David Zolotar Oracle America, Inc. ITIC M Principal


Thomas M. Burke UL LLC UL RT Principal


Ralph E. Transue JENSEN HUGHES SE Chair

Mark J. Aaby Koffel Associates, Inc. SE Principal

Alastair R. Brown Rushbrook Consultants, Ltd. SE Principal

Michael Paras Environmental Systems Design, Inc. SE Principal

Tuesday 2 17, Tuesday

Electronic Computer SystemsELT-AAAName Representation Class Office

Distribution by %

Company

Jack Poole Poole Fire Protection, Inc. SE Principal

Thomas J. Wysocki Guardian Services, Inc. SE Principal


Jeffry T. Dudley National Aeronautics & SpaceAdministration

U Principal

Edward S. Goldhammer Qualcomm U Principal

Stephen McCluer APC by Schneider Electric U Principal

Brian P. Rawson International Business Machines(IBM)

U Principal

Mark L. Robin DuPont Fluoroproducts FSSA U Principal

Patrick S. Saba Hewlett Packard Company U Principal

Randy Willard US Central Intelligence Agency U Principal


30Total Voting Number

Previous Meeting Minutes

FIRST DRAFT MINUTES (Fall 2015)

NFPA 75 Technical Committee on Electronic Computer Systems Tuesday Thursday April 22-24, 2014

Holiday Inn Inner Harbor Baltimore; Baltimore, MD

1. Call to Order The meeting of the Technical Committee on Electronic Computer Systems at the Holiday Inn Inner Harbor Baltimore in Baltimore was called to order by Chair, Ralph Transue at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. 2. Introduction of Committee Members and Guests Self introductions of members and guests were completed. Those present are indicated below: Name Representing Transue, Ralph Chair The RJA Group, Inc. Spataro, Joe Secretary Liberty Mutual Insurance Aaby, Mark Principal Koffel Associates, Inc. Aho, Wayne Principal Xtralis, Inc. Archer, James Alternate to T. Deegan National Fire Sprinkler Association Ballard, Robert Alternate to M. Robin Fire Suppression Systems Association Crowder, Vincent Principal Deegan, Thomas Principal National Fire Sprinkler Association Durgin, Ronald Principal Mohave County Development Services Goldhammer, Edward Principal Qualcomm Kaiser, Lee Principal Orr Protection System s, Inc. Kasiski, Robert Voting Alternate FM Global Kaufman, Stanley Principal Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. Lang, Scott Principal Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc. McCluer, Stephen Principal APC by Schneider Electric McLeod, Max Alternate to S. Lang Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc. Nelissen, Tina Principal Polasko, Keith Principal US National Security Agency Poole, Jack Principal Poole Fire Protection, Inc. Powell, Bryan Principal XL Global Asset Protection Services Rawson, Brian Principal International Business Machines (IBM) Robin, Mark Principal Fire Suppression Systems Association Saba, Patrick Principal Hewlett Packard Company Schwartz, William Alternate to J. Spataro Liberty Mutual Insurance Suski, Mark Principal Aon Corporation Tunnessen, Stacie Alternate to R. Willard US Central Intelligence Agency Willard, Randy Principal US Central Intelligence Agency Zolotar, David Principal Information Technology Industry Council Hart, Jonathan NFPA Staff Liaison National Fire Protection Association

Chatterjee, Prateep Guest FM Global Durgin, Christine Guest to R. Durgin Mohave County Development Services Kimball, Amanda Guest NFPA Research Foundation Mulzer, Mike Guest Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products Quirk, David Guest DLB Associates Schlasser, Brian Guest EBL Engineers 3. Announcements

procedures, rules, and regulations. Key dates for the 2015 Fall Revision Cycle were discussed. Amanda Kimball with the NFPA Research Foundation discussed their role with the NFPA & NFPA Technical Committees, research functions, losses, studies, etc. Status on work by the Joint Task Group consisting of NFPA 75 & NFPA 76 technical committee members and non-committee / general industry representatives for high air velocity air and aisle containment was provided during the Joint NFPA 75 & 76 TC Meeting from 8:00 AM 12:00 PM on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. Also, a presentation of preliminary findings from Hughes Associates on the Fire Protection Research Foundation project: Validation of Modeling Tools for Detection in High Air Flow Environments was provided. 4. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the April 14-15, 2011 ROC Meeting held at the Doubletree Hotel in Dallas, TX were approved without changes. 5. Chairman Comments Ralph Transue discussed TC Members dated April 18, 2014. Ralph Transue led open, extensive discussions to determine if our Standard is responsive to modern data centers of today (i.e. has it kept with modern data centers, etc.), Equivalences, Risk Analysis and the Performance-Based Approach. TC also discussed the status of the high air velocity air and aisle containment research, preliminary conclusions, recommendations and Public Input; which resulted inclusion of a mention of aisle containment in 8.2.1 with Annex material and a new Annex E. Ralph Transue distributed a 3-page handout titled Summary of Prescriptive Requirements of NFPA 75 2013 Edition and open discussion followed. 6. Task Group Reports Joint Task Group consisting of NFPA 75 & NFPA 76 technical committee members and non-committee / general industry representatives for high air velocity air and aisle containment will continue with new Chair, Patrick Saba. Timothy Carman Principal representing Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products has been added to this joint task group.

New task group has been formed with Chair, Mark Aaby, Stacie Tunnessen and Tom Wysocki (Guardian Services, Inc.) to review the objectives related to dampers in the Information Technology Equipment (ITE) Area separation walls, including when they are actuated. New electrical task group has been formed with Chair, Ralph Transue, Tom Burke (UL LLC), Stan Kaufman, Stephen McCluer, Brian Rawson and Joe Spataro to address two (2) objectives in the short term. First, examine and revise the text of 10.3 and 10.4 to use consistent circuit and wire descriptions that harmonizes with the NEC without changing the content of 10.3 and 10.4. Second, prepare suggestions to the committee for simplification of the electrical requirements of Chapter 10 in a technical committee has indicated it wants in NFPA 75 by prior and current actions. Longer term, the electrical task group may prepare Input to CMP-12 from NFPA 75 as may become appropriate. New task group has been formed with Chair, Patrick Saba, Lee Kaiser, Mark Aaby, Keith Polasko, Brian Rawson, Timothy Carman (Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products), Mark Suski and Robert Kasiski to address the technical committee adding a statement that the scope of NFPA 75 include modular Information Technology Equipment (ITE) containers or PODS, since the NEC has a new article covering modular ITE containers or PODS. 7. Action on Public Inputs The committee resolved the 71 public inputs that were received by providing a committee statement of creating a corresponding first revision (FR). Several other FRs were developed and one additional committee input was generated. Refer to F2015 First Draft and First Draft Report for specific actions taken on each. 8. Old Business There was no old business. 9. New Business Discussed next TC meeting which is tentatively planned for early March 2015 in Houston, TX or another location in the Southern portion of the US. One day will be a joint meeting of NFPA 75 & 76 Technical Committees which will potentially include a tour of a Hewlett Packard Company data center and a presentation from FM Research on the full-scale testing that did on aisle containment fire detection. 10. Adjournment The NFPA 75 First Draft meeting was adjourned at 4:00 pm on Thursday, April 24, 2014.

Public Comments

Public Comment No. 3-NFPA 75-2014 [ Section No. 2.3.1 ]

2.3.1 ASTM Publications.ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2007 2014 .

ASTM E136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C, 1999 2012 .

ASTM E814, Standard Method of Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Fire Stops, 1997 2013a .

ASTM E1537, Standard Test Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture, 2007 2013 .

ASTM E2652, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Tube Furnace with a Cone-Shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750°C, 2012.

Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment

date updatesRelated Item

Public Input No. 5-NFPA 75-2013 [Section No. 2.3.1]

Submitter Information Verification

Submitter Full Name: Marcelo HirschlerOrganization: GBH InternationalStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Sep 18 18:53:12 EDT 2014

National Fire Protection Association Report http://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/ContentFetcher?commentParams=(CommentType="...

1 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Public Comment No. 40-NFPA 75-2014 [ Section No. 3.3.16.2 ]

3.3.16.2 Limited-Combustible Material.A material not meeting the definition for noncombustible material and that, in the form in which it is used, exhibits a potential heat value notexceeding 3500 Btu/lb (8141 kJ/kg) where tested in accordance with NFPA 259; and either has a structural base of a noncombustible materialwith a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) where the surfacing exhibits a flame spread index not greater than 50 when testedin accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials , or ANSI/UL 723, Standard forTest for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials , or is composed of materials that, in the form and thickness used, exhibit neither aflame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or ANSI/UL723 and of such composition that all surfaces that would be exposed by cutting through the material on any plane would exhibit neither a flamespread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or ANSI/UL 723.(see 6.1.2)


I understand the committee's reluctance but the NFPA Manual of Style does not allow references to standards or codes in definitions because definitions are not enforceable. That s why other codes and standards, like NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000 moved the definitions. Adding a new subsection to the section on building construction is a simple way to resolve this problem. This addresses the definition of limited combustible material because it was added by the technical committee. See also explanation in public comment and public input 9.

Related Public Comments for This Document

Related Comment Relationship

Public Comment No. 36-NFPA 75-2014 [New Section after 6.1]Public Comment No. 42-NFPA 75-2014 [Section No. 3.3.16.3]

Related Item

Public Input No. 7-NFPA 75-2013 [Section No. 3.3.16]Public Input No. 9-NFPA 75-2013 [New Section after 6.1]



City:

State:


2 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri Nov 14 13:13:10 EST 2014


3 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


3.3.16.3 Noncombustible Material.A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or releaseflammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat, or a material that is reported as passing ASTM E136, Standard Test Method for Behavior ofMaterials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C , or a material that is reported as complying with the pass/fail criteria of ASTM E136 when testedin accordance with the test method and procedure in ASTM E2652, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Tube Furnace with aCone-Shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750°C . (see 6.1.1)


See explanation in associated public comments 36 and 40 and public input 9.



Public Comment No. 36-NFPA 75-2014 [New Section after 6.1]Public Comment No. 40-NFPA 75-2014 [Section No. 3.3.16.2]

Related Item

Public Input No. 9-NFPA 75-2013 [New Section after 6.1]



City:

State:

Zip:



4 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Public Comment No. 19-NFPA 75-2014 [ Section No. 4.1 ]

4.1

4.1.2 Fire Risk Analysis Factors.

The fire protection for information technology equipment, information technology rooms, and information technology equipment areas shall bedetermined based on an evaluation of fire risks and hazards associated with the site and services provided and the business continuity planningand disaster restoration capabilities of the information technology equipment service provider specific to the site.4.1.1

The fire protection shall be established with consideration given to the following factors:

(1) Exposure threat to facility occupants, the general public, emergency responders, and exposed property from a fire occurring at the facility,adjacent to, or within the information technology areas

(2) The importance of the continuity of the data being stored or processed by the information technology equipment

(3) Methods and equipment employed, as part of a risk management or business continuity strategy, that allow data to remain viable duringand after an event or to be replaced or restored

(4) The potential for a given protection strategy to result in a service or data disruption or inhibit the ability of the data provider to restoreoperation and access to the data in a timely manner post-event

4.1.1* A fire risk analysis shall be permitted to be used to determine

the construction, fire protection

,and fire detection

, and utility

requirements for information technology equipment, information

technology rooms, and information technology

equipmentareas

where specifically permitted by Chapters

6 , 9 , and 11 that are necessary to achieve the purpose of this standard stated in Section 1.2.


5 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

5 and 8.

4.1.

3 * 2 The fire risk analysis conducted in 4.1.

21 shall be documented

and acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

4.1.

4 The fire risk analysis shall include an evaluation of the risk management considerations as outlined in Section 4.2 .3* The following factors shall be considered to determine

the level of acceptable fire risk (see also Annex C) :

(1) Life safety aspects of the function (e.g., process controls,

air traffic controls)

(2) Fire threat of the installation to occupants or exposed

property

(3) Economic loss from loss of function or loss of records

(4) Economic loss from value of equipment

(5) Regulatory impact

(6) Reputation impact

(7) Redundant off-site processing systems


Fire protection should be as required by NFPA 75 with exceptions based on a fire risk assessment where such exception are specifically permitted by NFPA 75. This problem is resolved by the Comment which is to delete the entirety of First Revision 1 and replace it with the text in the current edition of NFPA 75.

Related Item

First Revision No. 1-NFPA 75-2014 [Section No. 4.1]


Submitter Full Name: Mark RobinOrganization: DuPont Fluoroproducts


6 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Affilliation: Fire Suppression Systems AssociationStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



7 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Public Comment No. 9-NFPA 75-2014 [ Section No. 4.1 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]

The fire protection for information technology equipment, information technology rooms, and information technology equipment areas shall bedetermined permitted to be determined based on an evaluation of fire risks and hazards associated with the site and services provided and thebusiness continuity planning and disaster restoration capabilities of the information technology equipment service provider specific to the site. Fire protection based on risk assessment shall be at least equivalent to the fire protection specified in Chapter 9.


As proposed in the first draft, this paragraph would require fire protection to be based on risk assessment for the specific site. Users of the standard should have the option of using the prescriptive measures of the standard as set forth in Chapter 9 to determine the fire protection requirements for a site. Further fire protection based on risk assessment should be at least equivalent to the minimum protection required by Chapter 9.

Related Item



Submitter Full Name: Thomas WysockiOrganization: Guardian Services, Inc.Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Tue Nov 04 10:37:26 EST 2014


8 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


4.2 Risk Considerations.4.2.1 *

The following elements shall be considered to determine the level of acceptable fire risk documented as part of the risk analysis (see alsoAnnex C ) :

(1) Life safety aspects of the function (e.g., process controls, air traffic controls)

(2) Fire threat of the installation to occupants or exposed property

(3) Continuity of service, operation, and data access

(4) Size and value of the information technology areas

(5) Economic loss from loss of function or loss of records

(6) Economic loss from value of equipment

(7) Regulatory impact

(8) Reputation impact

(9) Construction and compartmentation of the information technology equipment areas

(10) Fire protection and detection features provided for the information technology equipment areas

(11) Response time to an alarm

(12) Local fire-fighting capabilities

(13) Redundant infrastructure, including off-site processing systems

(14) Life safety of occupants of information technology equipment areas and adjacent spaces, emergency responders, and general public

4.2.2 The fire risk analysis shall cover the entire information technology equipment area, including all adjacent exposures.4.2.3

The fire protection approach shall be developed in conjunction with the considerations in 4.2.1 resulting in the use of one or both of thefollowing strategies for areas within the information technology equipment area:

(1) Prescriptive-based approaches in accordance with this standard

(2) Performance-based approaches in accordance with Chapter 6


9 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

4.2.4 An approved performance-based approach, in accordance with Chapter 5 , shall be permitted to be applied selectively to specifically identifiedareas, hazards, or equipment or to specific fire protection requirements for an entire information technology equipment area.


Proposed Section 4.2.2 provides the opportunity to replace fire protection in the equipment area and adjacent exposures based upon the risk analysis. There are no guidelines or qualifications for the individuals performing the evaluation of fire risks and hazards. 4.2.4 allows for selective fire protection. These problems are addressed by the comment which is to delete the section inits entirety.

Related Item

First Revision No. 2-NFPA 75-2014 [New Section after 4.1.3]


Submitter Full Name: Mark RobinOrganization: DuPont FluoroproductsAffilliation: Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA)Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



10 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


5.2 Goals and Objectives.The performance-based design shall meet the following goals and objectives:

(1) The performance-based approach is to allow the alternative means to be utilized for the elements of the information technology equipment(ITE), ITE rooms, and ITE areas as permitted in Chapters 6 , 9 , and 11 .

(2) The risk analysis, design criteria, design brief, system performance, and testing criteria are developed in accordance with this section.

(3) The fire protection system(s) disseminates information to the target audience in an accurate and timely manner.

(4) The design and performance criteria are specific to the nature and anticipated risks of each location.

(5) The fire protection system(s) is capable of withstanding various scenarios and survives even if some damage has already occurred.

(6) Message initiation can be affected by all responding entities responsible for the safety and security of occupants.

(7) The performance based design shall not be less than the minimum requirements for both the A&D and suppression systemrequirements in the prescriptive requirement section of the existing NFPA 75.


Fire protection should be as required by NFPA 75 with exceptions based on a fire risk assessment where such exception are specifically permitted by NFPA 75. This problem is resolved by the Comment.

Related Item

First Revision No. 5-NFPA 75-2014 [New Section after 4.2.2.2]


Submitter Full Name: Mark RobinOrganization: DuPont FluoroproductsAffilliation: FSSAStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



11 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


5.3 Qualifications.The performance-based design and risk analysis shall be prepared by a licensed design professional experienced in fire protection andapproved by the authority having jurisdiction. The licensed design professional shall be experienced in the preparation of fire risk assessments.


The qualitative and quantitative methods used in fire risk assessments require considerable technical judgement normaally developed through exsperience.

Related Item

Public Input No. 95-NFPA 75-2013 [Global Input]


Submitter Full Name: Thomas DeeganOrganization: The Viking Group, Inc.Affilliation: NFSAStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



12 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


5.4 Independent Review.The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to require an approved, independent third party to review the proposed design brief anddocumented fire risk assessment and to provide an evaluation of the design to the authority having jurisdiction.


This would clarify that the required fire risk assessment can be required by the AHJ to have a third party review. Related Item

Public Input No. 95-NFPA 75-2013 [Global Input]


Submitter Full Name: Thomas DeeganOrganization: The Viking Group, Inc.Affilliation: NFSAStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



13 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Public Comment No. 36-NFPA 75-2014 [ New Section after 6.1 ]

6.1 * Combustibility of materials.

6.1.1 A material that complies with any of the following shall be considered a noncombustible material:

(1)*A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, orrelease flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat

(2) A material that is reported as passing ASTM E136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at750 Degrees C

(3) A material that is reported as complying with the pass/fail criteria of ASTM E 136 when tested in accordance with the test method andprocedure in ASTM E 2652, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Tube Furnace with a Cone-shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at750 Degrees C

6.1.2* Limited-Combustible Material. A material shall be considered a limited-combustible material where all the conditions of 6.1.2.1and 6.1.2.2, and the conditions of either 6.1.2.3 or 6.1.2.4, are met.

6.1.2. 1 The material shall not comply with the requirements for noncombustible material in accordance with 6.1.1.

6.1.2.2 The material, in the form in which it is used, shall exhibit a potential heat value not exceeding 3500 Btu/lb (8141 kJ/kg) wheretested in accordance with NFPA 259, Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials.

6.1.2.3 The material shall have the structural base of a noncombustible material with a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 1⁄8 in.(3.2 mm) where the surfacing exhibits a flame spread index not greater than 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, StandardTest Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface BurningCharacteristics of Building Materials.

6.1.2.4* The material shall be composed of materials that, in the form and thickness used, neither exhibit a flame spread indexgreater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Methodfor Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics ofBuilding Materials, and shall be of such composition that all surfaces that would be exposed by cutting through the material on anyplane would neither exhibit a flame spread index greater than 25 nor exhibit evidence of continued progressive combustion whentested in accordance with ASTM E84 or ANSI/UL 723.

6.1.2.5 Where the term limited-combustible is used in this standard, it shall also include the term noncombustible.

Also add:

A.6.1 The provisions of 6.1 do not require inherently noncombustible materials to be tested in order to be classified as noncombustiblematerials.

A.6.1.1(1) Examples of such materials include steel, concrete, masonry, and glass.

A6.1.2.4 Materials subject to increase in combustibility or flame spread index beyond the limits herein established through the effects of


14 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

age, moisture, or other atmospheric condition are considered combustible.

Also add ASTM E136 (2012) and ASTM E2652 (2012) to section 2 on referenced ASTM standards and NFPA 259 to the section onreferenced NFPA standards.

Also, renumber existing sections 6.1.1 as 6.1.2.


I understand the committee's reluctance but the NFPA Manual of Style does not allow references to standards or codes in definitions because definitions are not enforceable. That s why other codes and standards, like NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000 moved the definitions. Adding a new subsection to the section on building construction is a simple way to resolve this problem.

This public comment addresses both non-combustible and limited combustible materials, since the technical committee added limited combustible during the first draft.



Public Comment No. 40-NFPA 75-2014 [Section No. 3.3.16.2]Public Comment No. 42-NFPA 75-2014 [Section No. 3.3.16.3]

Related Item

Public Input No. 9-NFPA 75-2013 [New Section after 6.1]



City:

State:

Zip:



15 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


6.1.1.1 The building construction requirements in 6.1.1 shall be permitted to be modified where a performance-based risk analysis, as outlined inChapters 4 and 6 , demonstrates that alternate building construction types can be used.


Fire protection should be as required by NFPA 75 with exceptions based on a fire risk assessment where such exception are specifically permitted by NFPA 75. The comment addresses this problem.

Related Item

First Revision No. 6-NFPA 75-2014 [Section No. 5.1.1]



City:

State:

Zip:



16 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


6.1.1.1 The building construction requirements in 6.1.1 shall be permitted to be modified where a performance-based risk analysis, as outlined inChapters 4 and 6 5 , demonstrates that alternate building construction types can be used.


Editorial comment to correct the reference to performance-based risk analysis described in Chapters 4 and 5 (not chapter 6).Related Item



Submitter Full Name: Stephen McCluerOrganization: Schneider ElectricStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



17 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


6.1.3.6 Under the following conditions, the fire separation requirements of 6.1.3 shall be permitted to be evaluated as part of the performance-basedrisk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5 :

(1) The anticipated fire exposures are documented.

(2) Alternate forms of fire separation are provided based on the anticipated fire exposures.


This section does not reference Federal, State and local building codes prior to making changes based upon the performance based risk analysis evaluation. Deleting the section in its entirety resolves the problem.

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



18 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


6.2.2 A risk analysis as outlined in Chapter 4 shall be used to identify the need for protective features identified in 6.1.2 .


Fire protection should be as required by NFPA 75 with exceptions based on a fire risk assessment where such exception are specifically permitted by NFPA 75. This is resolved by deleting the section in its entirety.

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



19 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


6.3.3 Where an alternate solution, such as containment with leak detection, is provided, the drainage requirements in 6.3.2 shall be permitted to beevaluated as part of the performance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5 .


Fire protection should be as required by NFPA 75 with exceptions based on a fire risk assessment where such exception are specifically permitted by NFPA 75. This is resolved by deleting the sectin in ts entirety.

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



20 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


7.1.2 Small work areas shall be permitted within the ITE room provided all the following conditions are met:

(1) Areas are not occupied on a full-time basis.

(2) Case furniture, including desks, is constructed of noncombustible material (e.g., metal). The construction can include a high-pressurelaminate veneer on the desktop.

(3) Space dividers and system furniture panels and chairs with upholstered assemblies exhibit a maximum rate of heat release not exceeding80 kW and a maximum total heat release not exceeding 25 MJ within the first 10 minutes of test when tested in accordance with one of thefollowing:

(4) ASTM E1537, Standard Test Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture

(5) California Technical Bulletin 133, Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture for Use in Public Occupancies

(6) Paper records, manuals, drawings, and all other combustible materials are stored in fully enclosed noncombustible cabinets or cases.

(7) The quantity of records, manuals, drawings, and all other combustible materials kept in the room are limited to the absolute minimumrequired for essential and efficient operation.

(8) Trash receptacles, where provided, are shall be listed, noncombustible, and provided with tight-fitting or self-closing lids and constructedof materials that are either noncombustible or meet a peak heat release rate not exceeding 300 kW/m2 when tested in accordance withASTM E1354 at an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m2 in the horizontal orientation .Also, add ASTM E1354, Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and products Using an OxygenConsumption Calorimeter (2013) into section 2 on referenced ASTM standards,

.


The approach taken by the technical committee solves one problem (eliminating the unenforceable concept of "self-extinguishing") and, very reasonably, introduces the concept that trash containers should be listed and have self-closing lids. Unfortunately the language proposed does not offer what the committee wants because it requires the trash receptacles to be noncombustible, which is an excessive requirement, and thus introduces another concern. NFPA 1 (Fire Code) and IFC both have incorporated the requirements that trash receptacles that meet the ASTM E1354 (cone calorimeter) heat release requirements proposed are shown to be acceptably safe and they are increasingly present in multiple environments and are manufactured by multiple companies. These trash receptacles are on the market, are not proprietary (and I don't work for or with any company manufacturing them) and will provide adequate fire safety.

Note that this public comment does not propose changes to item 3, in spite of parts of that item appearing underlined.Related Item


21 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM




City:

State:

Zip:



22 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


8.1.4 * Enclosures of floor-standing equipment having external surfaces of combustible materials of such size that can contribute to the spread of anexternal fire shall have a flame spread index of 50 or less in accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface BurningCharacteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.8.1.4.1

Equipment conforming to the requirements of UL 60950, Safety of Information Technology Equipment , or ANSI/UL 62368-1, Audio/Video,Information and Communication Technology Equipment — Part 1: Safety Requirements , shall be considered as meeting the requirements of8.1.4 .8.1.4.2 Equipment conforming to the requirements of ANSI/UL 60950, Safety of Information Technology Equipment; ANSI/UL 60950-1, InformationTechnology Equipment — Safety — Part 1: General Requirements; or ANSI/UL 62368-1, Audio/Video, Information and CommunicationTechnology Equipment — Part 1: Safety Requirements, shall be considered as meeting the requirements of 8.1.4.


DELETE all of 8.1.4.1 as it is redundant to 8.1.4.2, except that 8.1.4.2 references an additional document (ANSI/UL 60950-1). 8.1.4.2 becomes 8.1.4.1.Related Item



Submitter Full Name: Stephen McCluerOrganization: Schneider ElectricStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



23 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Public Comment No. 8-NFPA 75-2014 [ New Section after 8.2 ]

8.2.1 Acoustical Materials.

All sound-deadening material used inside information technology equipment shall be of such material, or so arranged, that it does not increasethe potential of fire damage to the unit or the potential of fire propagation from the unit.


Still finding acoustical material out in the field. This provision will help reduce potential fire damage.Related Item



Submitter Full Name: Jim MuirOrganization: Clark County, Washington, Building Safety DivisionAffilliation: NFPA's Building Code Development Committee (BCDC)Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri Oct 31 11:21:10 EDT 2014


24 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Public Comment No. 26-NFPA 75-2014 [ Sections 9.1.1.1, 9.1.1.2 ]

Sections 9.1.1.1, 9.1.1.2

9.1.1.1 Information technology equipment rooms and information technology equipment areas located in a nonsprinklered building shall be providedwith one or more automatic fire protection systems as permitted by Chapter 9.9.1.1.2 The requirement of 9.1.1.1 shall be permitted to be evaluated as part of the performance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5.


In proposed 9.1.1.1, fire "protection" system could be interpreted as meaning an automatic detection system as listed in Chapter 8.2(9.2) and it could be interpreted that the detection system meets the requirement. This is resolved by striking "protection" and replacing it with "suppression. For Section 9.1.1.2,fire protection should be as required by NFPA 75 with exceptions based on a fire risk assessment where such exception are specifically permitted by NFPA 75 and 9.1.1.2 could allow for a performance based risk analysis to eliminate the need for a fire suppression system. This is resolved by the deletion of 9.1.1.2 in its entirety.

Related Item

First Revision No. 11-NFPA 75-2014 [Section No. 8.1.1.1]



City:

State:

Zip:



25 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


9.1.1.3 * An automatic

fire protection system as permitted by Chapter 9 shallsprinkler system or a gaseous fire extinguishing system shall be provided for the protection of the area below a raised floor in an informationtechnology equipment room or information technology equipment area where oneor more of the following exist

(1) there is a critical need to protect datain the process, reduce equipment damage, and facilitate return to service.

(1) the area below the raised

floor

(1) flor contains combustible material

other than the following:

(1)

Cables listed for plenum use

Listed plenum communications raceways

Listed equipment power cords up to 4.6 m (15 ft) each

Cables installed in metallic raceways

Installations in compliance with NFPA 70 , Section 300.22(C)

Listed cooling hoses


Automatic fire suppression under raised floors is a long standing requirement of the standard. The requirement is related to life safety and so long as combustible or limited combustible material is present under a raised floor automatic fire suppression shall be required. Tis is resolved by deletion of the proposed text and reverting to current edition wording.

Related Item



Submitter Full Name: Mark Robin


26 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Organization: DuPont FluoroproductsAffilliation: FSSAStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



27 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


9.1.1.3 * An automatic fire protection system as permitted by Chapter 9shall be provided for the protection of the area below a raised floor in aninformation technology equipment room or information technology equipment area where the area below the raised floor contains combustiblematerial other than the following:

(1) Cables listed for plenum use

(2) Listed plenum communications raceways

(3) Listed equipment power cords up to 4.6 m (15 ft) each

(4) Cables installed in metallic raceways

(5) Installations in compliance with NFPA 70 , Section 300.22(C)

(6) Listed cooling hoses

materials.


The presence of combustible cables, raceways, other materials should trigger the requirement for automatic suppression under the raised floor This requirement addresses the difficulty in accessing the space under the raised floor to allow manual fire fighting and the ancillary danger to emergency responders. Open floor tiles under fire conditions with possibly limited visibility present a fall danger to responders. The difficulty in locating a fire under a raised. floor can lead to delays in suppression with unacceptable equipment damage and unacceptable build up of toxic products of combustion.

Related Item

Public Input No. 107-NFPA 75-2013 [Section No. 8.1.1.2]



City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Wed Sep 24 11:29:13 EDT 2014


28 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


29 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


9.1.1.4 The requirement of 9.1.1.2 shall be permitted to be evaluated as part of the performance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and5 .


Fire protection should be as required by NFPA 75 with exceptions based on a fire risk assessment where such exception are specifically permitted by NFPA 75. 9.1.1.4 could allow for a performance based risk analysis to eliminate the need for a fire suppression system. Deletion of 9.1.1.4 in its entirety resolves this problem.

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



30 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


9.1.5 The requirement of 9.1.4 shall be permitted to be evaluated as part of the performance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5 .


Fire protection should be as required by NFPA 75 with exceptions based on a fire risk assessment where such exception are specifically permitted by NFPA 75. This is resolved by deleting the current text.

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



31 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM



Additional Proposed Changes

File Name Description Approved

The_requirement_of_9.docx


Tests done by manufacturers of AISS demonstrated that fire in these units produce large amounts of toxic, corrosive products of combustion - such fires can become deep seated. Access to AISS for manual fire fighting is difficult and the difficulty is exacerbated by the dark, dense smoke which is produced by burning media. Testing demonstrated the ability of properly designed automatic suppression systems to extinguish such fires. Unless the reasons for which the existing requirement for automatic suppression systems in AISS with an aggregate storage capacity of more than 0.76 m3 (27 ft3) are clearly stated in the Standard, this requirement for automatic suppression in larger AISS should not be subject to waiver based on fire risk assessment. No specific reasons which would reasonably permit waiver of the requirement have been put forth.

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



32 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

The requirement of 9.1.4 shall be permitted to be evaluated as part of the performance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5.


9.2.2 * Automatic detection equipment shall be installed to provide early warning of fire.

Automatic detection systems shall be installed in the following locations:

(1) At the ceiling level throughout the information technology equipment area

(2) Below the raised floor of the information technology equipment area containing cables

(3)

(4)


This can be present without aisle containment. Section 9.2.3 addresses above the suspended ceiling - but only in relationship to it being used to "circulate air to other parts of the building"

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:


* In the exhaust/return air stream where aisle containment systems are used

In the above ceiling space where it is utilized as an open return air plenum


33 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


9.3.4 Where provided, inside hose shall meet the following requirements:

(1) It shall be 3.81 cm (1 1 ⁄ 2 in.) rubber-lined hose with shutoff and combination solid-stream and water-spray nozzles.

(2) It shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 14.

9.3.4.1 Inside hose supplied from a sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 shall be permitted.


This section should be deleted pending evaluation by NFPA 75. Hand hose lines are not usually present in IT spaces, they require on-going maintenance, and the responding fire department will typically bring in their own hoses - not relying on the building hose. Solid stream nozzles are a "no-no" on electrical hazards - only fog nozzles should be employed.

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



34 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM




Fire protection should be as required by NFPA 75 with exceptions based on a fire risk assessment where such exception are specifically permitted by NFPA 75. Deletion of 9.3.5 resolves this problem.

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



35 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


11.3.7 * Signal wiring and cabling, including optical fiber cables, installed in an air space below a raised floor shall be listed.

11.3.7.1 Where the air space below a raised floor is protected by an automatic fire protection system, signal wiring and cabling listed forplenum, riser and general-purpose use shall be permitted to be installed exposed to the airflow in an air space below a raised floor.

11.3.7.2 Where the air space below a raised floor is not protected by an automatic fire protection system, only signal wiring and cabling listedfor plenum use shall be permitted to be installed exposed to the airflow in an air space below a raised floor.

11.3.7.3 Where the air space below a raised floor is not protected by an automatic fire protection system, signal wiring and cabling listed forplenum, riser and general-purpose use shall be permitted to be installed in metal raceway in an air space below a raised floor.

A11.3.7* See 9.1.1.3. The installation of general-purpose and riser cables exposed to the airflow in the air space below a raised floor ispermitted only where the space is protected by an automatic fire protection system.


The requirement in 11.37 (formerly 10.3.8) conflicts with the action taken on FR 13. The recommended text for 11.3.7, 11.3.7.1 and 11.3.7.3 correlates with the action taken on FR13.

Related Item

Public Input No. 17-NFPA 75-2013 [Section No. 10.3.8]Public Input No. 84-NFPA 75-2013 [Section No. 10.3.8]First Revision No. 13-NFPA 75-2014 [Section No. 8.1.1.2]


Submitter Full Name: Stanley KaufmanOrganization: CableSafe, Inc./OFSAffilliation: SPIStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



36 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


11.4.6 Disconnecting Means.11.4.6.1 *

An approved means shall be provided to disconnect power to all electronic equipment in the event of a fire in the information technologyequipment room or in designated zones within the room in a manner appropriate to the degree of risk identified by the risk assessmentdescribed in Chapter 4 and installed in accordance with NFPA 70 .11.4.6.2 *

There shall be an approved means to disconnect the power to all dedicated HVAC systems serving the room or designated zones in a mannerappropriate to the degree of risk identified by the risk assessment described in Chapter 4 and installed in accordance with NFPA 70 .11.4.6.3

Activation of an HVAC disconnecting means shall cause all required fire/smoke dampers to close.11.4.6.4 * Disconnecting means shall be implemented by one of the methods listed in 11.4.6.4.1 through 11.4.6.4.2 .11.4.6.4.1 Remote Disconnect Controls.11.4.6.4.1.1

Remote disconnect controls shall be located at approved locations readily accessible in case of fire to authorized personnel and emergencyresponders.11.4.6.4.1.2

The remote disconnect controls for the control of electronic equipment power and HVAC systems shall be grouped and identified.11.4.6.4.1.3

A single means to control electronic equipment power and HVAC systems shall be permitted.11.4.6.4.1.4

Where multiple zones are created, each zone shall have an approved means to confine fire or products of combustion to within the zone.11.4.6.4.1.5

Additional means to prevent unintentional operation of remote disconnect controls shall be permitted.


37 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

11.4.6.4.2 Alternative Disconnecting Means.Remote disconnecting controls shall not be required where all the following criteria are met:

(1) An approved procedure has been established and maintained for removing power and air movement within the room or zone.

(2) Qualified personnel are continuously available to meet emergency responders and to advise them of disconnecting methods.

(3) A smoke-sensing fire detection system is in accordance with Chapter 9 .

(4) An approved fire protection system is in accordance with Chapter 9 .

(5) Cables installed under a raised floor, other than branch circuit wiring and power cords, are installed in compliance with NFPA 70 ,Sections 645.5(D)(2) or (3), or are in compliance with NFPA 70 , Sections 300.22(C), 725.154(A), 770.113(C), and Table 770.154(A);Section 800.113(C) and Table 800.154(A); or Section 820.113(C) and Table 820.154(A).

11.4.6.5 * Installations qualifying under the provisions of NFPA 70 , Article 685, shall be permitted.


NFPA 75 is the occupancy standard containing the requirements to supply disconnecting means; NFPA 70 (NEC) is the installation code for them. There is a Public Input for NFPA 70 calling for the removal of Section 645.10 in the NEC. This Public Comment coordinates with that action in the NEC.

The entire Section 11.4.6 should be deleted. Information technology equipment located in an information technology equipment room commonly carries and processes information and data critical to the operation, support, and performance of the business entity that it serves. In some cases, ITE installations contain data critical to operations the failure of which can be life-threatening. Examples are 911 databases, access to emergency services, ongoing medical procedures, and information critical to the continuity of emergency-related mobile services (E911) and other emergency response systems. Presidential Policy Directive 21 -- Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience discusses the need to maintain continuous operation of certain infrastructure elements, one of which is communications. The disconnecting means required by 11.4.6 is a single point of failure. Where data operations include or are necessary for communications networks such single points of failure in power supplies to equipment are specifically opposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC, through its Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) has published a list of Best Practices for communication networks. Best Practice 9-7-0651 reads “Network Operators, Service Providers, Public Safety, and Property Managers should consider providing diversity within power supply and distribution systems so that a single point of failure (SPOF) is not catastrophic in critical network locations.” The FCC has designated this best practice “critical.” To see the FCC database of Best Practices, go to https://www.fcc.gov/nors/outage/bestpractice/ProcessBestPractice.cfm. The evolution of NFPA 75 since its adoption in 1962 has created a safer environment with the development and continued improvement of fire resistance of Information Technology equipment (ANSI/UL 60950 or 60950-1 and associated references in Chapter 7), the advancements of fire detection technology including new capabilities for sensitivity settings, advanced analysis of environmental conditions, and intensified monitoring points that provide earlier detection and response to potential fire/smoke incidents. Additionally, NFPA 75 Chapter 8 now mandates the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, a gaseous clean agent extinguishing system, or both, in all Information Technology equipment spaces.

Related Item




38 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Submitter Full Name: Randall McCarverOrganization: Telcordia (Ericsson)Affilliation: Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS)Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



39 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


11.4.6.1 * An approved means shall be provided to disconnect power to all electronic equipment in theevent of a fire in theinformation technology equipment room or in designated zones within the roomin a manner appropriate to the degree of risk identified by the risk assessment described in Chapter 4 and installed in accordance with NFPA70.


Reject changes and revert to current edition text. Fire protection should be as required by NFPA 75 with exceptions based on a fire risk assessment where such exception are specifically permitted by NFPA 75. 11.4.6.1 proposal does not guarantee the fire, power, source to be removed. An approved means to disconnect power will be based upon a risk assement.

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



40 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


11.4.6.2 * There shall bean approveda similar approved means to disconnect the power to all dedicated HVAC systems serving the room or designated zonesin a manner appropriate to the degree of risk identified by the risk assessment described in Chapter 4 and installed in accordance with NFPA70.


Substantiation:Fire protection should be as required by NFPA 75 with exceptions based on a fire risk assessment where such exception are specifically permitted by NFPA 75. This is resolved by reject changes and reverting to current edition text.

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



41 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Public Comment No. 13-NFPA 75-2014 [ Section No. 11.4.6.4.2 ]

11.4.6.4.2 Alternative Disconnecting Means.Remote disconnecting controls shall not be required where all the following criteria are met:

(1) An approved procedure has been established and maintained for removing power and air movement within the room or zone.

(2) Qualified Knowledgeable personnel are continuously available to meet emergency responders and to advise them of disconnectingavailable, either continuously on premises or contactable by telephone, intercom, internet or radio, to direct and advise emergencyresponders of disconnecting methods.

(3) A smoke-sensing fire detection system is in accordance with Chapter 9.

(4) An approved fire protection system is in accordance with Chapter 9.

(5) Cables installed under a raised floor, other than branch circuit wiring and power cords, are installed in compliance with NFPA 70, Sections645.5(D)(2) or (3), or are in compliance with NFPA 70, Sections 300.22(C), 725.154(A), 770.113(C), and Table 770.154(A); Section800.113(C) and Table 800.154(A); or Section 820.113(C) and Table 820.154(A).


NFPA 75 is the occupancy standard containing the requirements to supply disconnecting means; NFPA 70 (NEC) is the installation code for them. There is a Public Input to NFPA 70 calling for the same changes to the Alternative Disconnecting Means. This Public Comment coordinates with that action in the NEC.

It is possible for a person to satisfy the need to direct operation of disconnecting means without being a “qualified person,” as defined in the NEC. What is required is only the knowledge of the use of the approved disconnecting means. This use can be directed from off-site as effectively as from on-site. With today’s remote monitoring capabilities and ability to communicate with emergency responders, the presence of qualified personnel at thousands of facilities is not necessary. The historically low, almost non-existent need to use the disconnecting means does not justify the physical presence of qualified personnel 24 x 7. In addition to access to a knowledgeable person via a method of communication (i.e., telephone, intercom, internet or radio), emergency instructions, binders, diagrams, labels, awareness training and orientation for emergency responders, as agreed to by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) provide adequate assistance to emergency responders. The evolution of NFPA 75 since its adoption in 1962 has created a safer environment with the development and continued improvement of fire resistance of Information Technology equipment (ANSI/UL 60950 or 60950-1), the advancements of fire detection technology including new capabilities for sensitivity settings, advanced analysis of environmental conditions, and intensified monitoring points that provide earlier detection and response to potential fire/smoke incidents. Additionally, NFPA 75 mandates the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, a gaseous clean agent extinguishing system, or both, in all Information Technology equipment spaces. This Public Comment is intended for consideration should the Technical Committee not accept Public Comment No. 14.

Related Item

Public Input No. 90-NFPA 75-2013 [Section No. 10.4.6.4.2]



42 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Submitter Full Name: Randall McCarverOrganization: Telcordia (Ericsson)Affilliation: Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS)Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



43 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Public Comment No. 41-NFPA 75-2014 [ Section No. A.1.2 ]

A.1.2 The prescriptive requirements of this standard are intended to provide a minimum level of fire protection for

A.1.2 This standard does not cover installation of information technology equipment and

facilities. As technology changes, information technology facilities might have varying sizes, equipment density, equipment cooling arrangements,physical separations, different numbers of users served by a single facility, and other characteristics. The fire risk analysis required by Chapter 4is intended to reveal any causes that justify modification of the prescriptive requirements of this standard for a specific facility.information technology equipment areas that can be made without special construction

or protection. It can, however, be used as a management guide for the installation of electrically powered mechanical information technology equipment,small tabletop or desktype

units, and information technology equipment.

The strategic importance placed on information technology equipment and areas by the user is vitally tied to uninterrupted operation of the system.Consequently, by the partial

or entire loss of this equipment, an entire operation of vital nature could be temporarily paralyzed.

Not to be overlooked are the one-of-a-kind information technology systems. These are the custom-made models that are designed to perform specifictasks. Replacement units for

this type of equipment are not available, and the probability of the existence of duplicate facilities, which could be used to perform vital operations in theevent that the one-of-a-kind

systems are partially or totally impaired by a fire, is remote.


Substantiation: Fire protection should be as required by NFPA 75 with exceptions based on a fire risk assessment where such exception are specifically permitted by NFPA 75. Resolve by rejecting changes and reverting to current edition text

Related Item

First Revision No. 32-NFPA 75-2014 [Section No. A.1.2]


Submitter Full Name: Mark RobinOrganization: DuPont FluoroproductsAffilliation: FSSA


44 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



45 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Public Comment No. 16-NFPA 75-2014 [ Sections A.9.2.2, A.9.2.2(3) ]

Sections A.9.2.2, A.9.2.2(3)

A.9.2.2 The detection system selection process should evaluate the ambient environmental conditions in determining the appropriate device, location,and sensitivity. In high airflow environments, air-sampling detection devices should be considered.A.9.2.2(3) Products of combustion follow forced air streams early in the development of a fire or overheat condition when the influence of mechanicalsystems is greater than the buoyant forces of the fire or overheat condition. Detection system sensors or ports installed in the paths of coolingair exhaust from the cooled equipment can be expected to respond to a small fire in the equipment sooner than sensors or ports located outsideof the cooling air exhaust stream. To be effective, the detection equipment installed within the cooling air exhaust stream should be suitable forthe temperatures, air velocities, and other conditions present. If suitable detection equipment cannot be installed within the cooling air exhauststream, a fire in the cooled equipment should be expected to grow to a size at which its energy is sufficient to overcome the mechanical forcesof the HVAC containment system.



A_9_2_2_version_7.docx Replace A.9.2.2 and A.9.2.2(C)


Expanded guidance



Public Comment No. 18-NFPA 75-2014 [Chapter E]Related Item



Submitter Full Name: Ralph TransueOrganization: Hughes/RJAStreet Address:


46 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Nov 13 09:58:12 EST 2014


47 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

A.9.2.2 Smoke Detector Sensitivity and Spacing Guidance for Protection of IT Equipment in High Airflow Areas General For smoke detections systems to detect products of combustion, the products must travel from the source to a sensor or port and arrive there in sufficient density to be detectable. Products of combustion follow forced air streams early in the development of a fire, or overheat condition, when the influence of mechanical systems is greater than the buoyant forces of the fire or overheat condition. Detection system sensors or ports installed in the paths of cooling air exhaust from the cooled equipment can be expected to respond to a small fire in the equipment sooner than sensors or ports located outside of the ventilation air envelope. To be effective, the detection equipment installed within the ventilation air envelope should be suitable for the temperatures, air velocities and other conditions present. If suitable detection equipment cannot be installed within the exhaust ventilation air envelope, a fire in the cooled equipment should be expected to grow to a size at which its energy is sufficient to overcome the mechanical forces of the HVAC containment system. In the presence of aisle containment systems used to enhance the effectiveness of cooling ITE, sensors or ports located in hot aisles or in the above ceiling plenum may be effective. Regardless, sensors or ports located on the ceiling in ITE areas are a basic requirement and contribute to effective detection over a broad range of ITE area configurations. Listed ITE has inherent fire resistant characteristics. Failing or overheated components or connections may lead to smoldering events that produce smoke but tend to remain small due to the very low electrical voltages present at the board level in the ITE. Exceptions may occur when a source of energy external to the ITE drives increasing involvement of the materials present. In such exceptional cases, flaming fires may result. Automatic fire and smoke detection systems installed to detect smoldering events and/or flaming fires in ITE areas are more effective in detecting flaming fires than smoldering events due to the respective release rates of combustion products and the effects of forced air flow on the products of combustion. The greater the air flow, which dilutes and channels detectable products of combustion, the less effective will be the performance of the detection system. Damage or losses that may result from smoldering events or flaming fires in ITE prior to detection are likely to be greater in the presence of greater forced air flow due to the likely decrease in detection system performance.

Smoke Detection Systems for Very Early Warning Where a smoke detection system is installed for the primary purpose of summoning responsible people to the presence of a small ITE fire, or electrical event that produces smoke, the system should be arranged with high sensitivity and close spacing to achieve response to low density products of combustion suspended in air with reasonable stability and tolerance of the environment. Smoke Detection Systems to Initiate Operation of HVAC Dampers or to Close Openings in Fire Rated Walls Where smoke a smoke detection system is installed for the primary purpose of initiating operation of dampers, shutters, doors or other closures in the event of a fire in an ITE area, the system should be arranged with medium sensitivity and spacing less than listed spacing to assure the integrity of fire resistive barriers. Smoke Detection Systems to Initiate Release of a Fire Suppression Agent Where smoke a smoke detection system is installed for the primary purpose of initiating the release of a fire suppression agent into an ITE Area, the system should be arranged with low sensitivity, spacing less than listed spacing, and should include a form of logical confirmation of the presence of products of combustion to assure that a single indication does not release the agent. . Sensitivity and Spacing Ranges

(1) Smoke sensor and port spacing on ceilings in the presence of high air movement should follow the requirements of NFPA 72 section 17.7.6.3.

(2) Where air changes per hour (ACH) in the room served by the ventilation system exceeds 60, and where the supply air is delivered to the room through a raised floor, smoke sensors or ports under the floor may not be effective in detecting a fire originating under the floor. They may, however, be effective in detecting a fire originating in an air handling unit supplying air to the underfloor space.

(3) For sensors and ports installed in the exhaust/return air stream in hot aisles or above ceiling plenums, the spacing and sensitivities listed in Table A.9.2.2 should be used. The guidance in Table A.9.2.2 comes partly from a study sponsored by the Fire Protection Research Foundation. That guidance is conservative since it is based on testing using airflow without recirculation into the volume being studied.

(4) In applying the sensor or port spacing, it is recommended that sensors and ports be located at strategic points where smoke is likely to pass; for example, in hot air return streams and at return air registers.

Table A.9.2.2 Sensitivity and Spacing of Smoke Sensors or Ports in Exhaust/Return Air Streams in ITE Areas with High Air Flow

Intended Function

Low ACH - Up To 30 High ACH - Greater Than 30

Sensitivity Spacing Sensitivity Spacing

Very Early Warning

≤0.2%/ft. ≤200 sq. ft. ≤0.1%/ft. ≤100 sq. ft.

Operating Dampers, Doors & Shutters

≤1.5%/ft. ≤400 sq. ft. ≤0.75%/ft. ≤200 sq. ft.

Suppression Agent Release

>2.5% ≤4%/ft.

≤400 sq. ft. >1.5% ≤3%/ft. ≤200 sq. ft.

Public Comment No. 15-NFPA 75-2014 [ Section No. A.9.2.2(3) ]

Replace first draft A.9.2.2 (3) and A.9.2.2(C) with the following expanded text and table:


48 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

A.9.2.2 Smoke Detector Sensitivity and Spacing Guidance for Protection of IT Equipment in High Airflow Areas

General

For smoke detections systems to detect products of combustion, the products must travel from the source to a sensor or port and arrive there insufficient density to be detectable.

Products of combustion follow forced air streams early in the development of a fire , or overheat condition , when the influence of mechanicalsystems is greater than the buoyant forces of the fire or overheat condition. Detection system sensors or ports installed in the paths of cooling airexhaust from the cooled equipment can be expected to respond to a small fire in the equipment sooner than sensors or ports located outside ofthe

coolingventilation air

exhaust streamenvelope . To be effective, the detection equipment installed within the

coolingventilation air

exhaust streamenvelope should be suitable for the temperatures, air velocities

,and other conditions present. If suitable detection equipment cannot be installed within the

coolingexhaust ventilation air

exhaust streamenvelope , a fire in the cooled equipment should be expected to grow to a size at which its energy is sufficient to overcome the mechanicalforces of the HVAC containment system.

In the presence of aisle containment systems used to enhance the effectiveness of cooling ITE, sensors or ports located in hot aisles or in theabove ceiling plenum may be effective.

Regardless, sensors or ports located on the ceiling in ITE areas are a basic requirement and contribute to effective detection over a broad rangeof ITE area configurations.

Listed ITE has inherent fire resistant characteristics. Failing or overheated components or connections may lead to smoldering events thatproduce smoke but tend to remain small due to the very low electrical voltages present at the board level in the ITE. Exceptions may occurwhen a source of energy external to the ITE drives increasing involvement of the materials present. In such exceptional cases, flaming firesmay result.

Automatic fire and smoke detection systems installed to detect smoldering events and/or flaming fires in ITE areas are more effective indetecting flaming fires than smoldering events due to the respective release rates of combustion products and the effects of forced air flow onthe products of combustion. The greater the air flow, which dilutes and channels detectable products of combustion, the less effective will be theperformance of the detection system. Damage or losses that may result from smoldering events or flaming fires in ITE prior to detection arelikely to be greater in the presence of greater forced air flow due to the likely decrease in detection system performance.

Smoke Detection Systems for Very Early Warning


49 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Where a smoke detection system is installed for the primary purpose of summoning responsible people to the presence of a small ITE fire, orelectrical event that produces smoke, the system should be arranged with high sensitivity and close spacing to achieve response to low densityproducts of combustion suspended in air with reasonable stability and tolerance of the environment.

Smoke Detection Systems to Initiate Operation of HVAC Dampers or to Close Openings in Fire Rated Walls

Where smoke a smoke detection system is installed for the primary purpose of initiating operation of dampers, shutters, doors or other closuresin the event of a fire in an ITE area, the system should be arranged with medium sensitivity and spacing less than listed spacing to assure theintegrity of fire resistive barriers.

Smoke Detection Systems to Initiate Release of a Fire Suppression Agent

Where smoke a smoke detection system is installed for the primary purpose of initiating the release of a fire suppression agent into an ITE Area,the system should be arranged with low sensitivity, spacing less than listed spacing, and should include a form of logical confirmation of thepresence of products of combustion to assure that a single indication does not release the agent. .

Sensitivity and Spacing Ranges

(1) Smoke sensor and port spacing on ceilings in the presence of high air movement should follow the requirements of NFPA 72 section17.7.6.3.

(2) Where air changes per hour (ACH) in the room served by the ventilation system exceeds 60, and where the supply air is delivered to theroom through a raised floor, smoke sensors or ports under the floor may not be effective in detecting a fire originating under the floor. Theymay, however, be effective in detecting a fire originating in an air handling unit supplying air to the underfloor space.

(3) For sensors and ports installed in the exhaust/return air stream in hot aisles or above ceiling plenums, the spacing and sensitivities listed inTable A.9.2.2 should be used. The guidance in Table A.9.2.2 comes partly from a study sponsored by the Fire Protection ResearchFoundation. That guidance is conservative since it is based on testing using airflow without recirculation into the volume being studied.

(4) In applying the sensor or port spacing, it is recommended that sensors and ports be located at strategic points where smoke is likely topass; for example, in hot air return streams and at return air registers.


IntendedFunction



Very EarlyWarning ≤0.2%/ft. ≤200 sq. ft. ≤0.1%/ft. ≤100 sq. ft.

OperatingDampers, Doors

& Shutters≤1.5%/ft. ≤400 sq. ft. ≤0.75%/ft. ≤200 sq. ft.

SuppressionAgent Release >2.5% ≤4%/ft. ≤400 sq. ft. >1.5% ≤3%/ft. ≤200 sq. ft.



50 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


A_9_2_2_version_7.docx Expansion of first draft A.9.2.2 and A.9.2.2(C)


A joint task group of the NFPA 75 and 76 technical committees developed more thorough guidance on the subject of detection in high air flow electronic equipment areas. The additional text is based on results of a study sponsored by FPRF and previously known detection application guidance.

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



51 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

A.9.2.2 Smoke Detector Sensitivity and Spacing Guidance for Protection of IT Equipment in High Airflow Areas General For smoke detections systems to detect products of combustion, the products must travel from the source to a sensor or port and arrive there in sufficient density to be detectable. Products of combustion follow forced air streams early in the development of a fire, or overheat condition, when the influence of mechanical systems is greater than the buoyant forces of the fire or overheat condition. Detection system sensors or ports installed in the paths of cooling air exhaust from the cooled equipment can be expected to respond to a small fire in the equipment sooner than sensors or ports located outside of the ventilation air envelope. To be effective, the detection equipment installed within the ventilation air envelope should be suitable for the temperatures, air velocities and other conditions present. If suitable detection equipment cannot be installed within the exhaust ventilation air envelope, a fire in the cooled equipment should be expected to grow to a size at which its energy is sufficient to overcome the mechanical forces of the HVAC containment system. In the presence of aisle containment systems used to enhance the effectiveness of cooling ITE, sensors or ports located in hot aisles or in the above ceiling plenum may be effective. Regardless, sensors or ports located on the ceiling in ITE areas are a basic requirement and contribute to effective detection over a broad range of ITE area configurations. Listed ITE has inherent fire resistant characteristics. Failing or overheated components or connections may lead to smoldering events that produce smoke but tend to remain small due to the very low electrical voltages present at the board level in the ITE. Exceptions may occur when a source of energy external to the ITE drives increasing involvement of the materials present. In such exceptional cases, flaming fires may result. Automatic fire and smoke detection systems installed to detect smoldering events and/or flaming fires in ITE areas are more effective in detecting flaming fires than smoldering events due to the respective release rates of combustion products and the effects of forced air flow on the products of combustion. The greater the air flow, which dilutes and channels detectable products of combustion, the less effective will be the performance of the detection system. Damage or losses that may result from smoldering events or flaming fires in ITE prior to detection are likely to be greater in the presence of greater forced air flow due to the likely decrease in detection system performance.

Smoke Detection Systems for Very Early Warning Where a smoke detection system is installed for the primary purpose of summoning responsible people to the presence of a small ITE fire, or electrical event that produces smoke, the system should be arranged with high sensitivity and close spacing to achieve response to low density products of combustion suspended in air with reasonable stability and tolerance of the environment. Smoke Detection Systems to Initiate Operation of HVAC Dampers or to Close Openings in Fire Rated Walls Where smoke a smoke detection system is installed for the primary purpose of initiating operation of dampers, shutters, doors or other closures in the event of a fire in an ITE area, the system should be arranged with medium sensitivity and spacing less than listed spacing to assure the integrity of fire resistive barriers. Smoke Detection Systems to Initiate Release of a Fire Suppression Agent Where smoke a smoke detection system is installed for the primary purpose of initiating the release of a fire suppression agent into an ITE Area, the system should be arranged with low sensitivity, spacing less than listed spacing, and should include a form of logical confirmation of the presence of products of combustion to assure that a single indication does not release the agent. . Sensitivity and Spacing Ranges

(1) Smoke sensor and port spacing on ceilings in the presence of high air movement should follow the requirements of NFPA 72 section 17.7.6.3.

(2) Where air changes per hour (ACH) in the room served by the ventilation system exceeds 60, and where the supply air is delivered to the room through a raised floor, smoke sensors or ports under the floor may not be effective in detecting a fire originating under the floor. They may, however, be effective in detecting a fire originating in an air handling unit supplying air to the underfloor space.

(3) For sensors and ports installed in the exhaust/return air stream in hot aisles or above ceiling plenums, the spacing and sensitivities listed in Table A.9.2.2 should be used. The guidance in Table A.9.2.2 comes partly from a study sponsored by the Fire Protection Research Foundation. That guidance is conservative since it is based on testing using airflow without recirculation into the volume being studied.

(4) In applying the sensor or port spacing, it is recommended that sensors and ports be located at strategic points where smoke is likely to pass; for example, in hot air return streams and at return air registers.


Intended Function



Very Early Warning

≤0.2%/ft. ≤200 sq. ft. ≤0.1%/ft. ≤100 sq. ft.

Operating Dampers, Doors & Shutters

≤1.5%/ft. ≤400 sq. ft. ≤0.75%/ft. ≤200 sq. ft.

Suppression Agent Release

>2.5% ≤4%/ft.

≤400 sq. ft. >1.5% ≤3%/ft. ≤200 sq. ft.

Public Comment No. 6-NFPA 75-2014 [ Section No. A.11.3.2 ]

A.11.3.2 It is recommended that premise transformers not be installed in the information technology equipment area.


The action on FR 23 deleted the undefined term “premise transformer”. The annex note is no longer relevant to the text and should be deleted.Related Item



Submitter Full Name: Stanley KaufmanOrganization: CableSafe, Inc./OFSAffilliation: SPIStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



52 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Public Comment No. 17-NFPA 75-2014 [ Chapter E ]

Annex E Fire Detection for IT Area Risks and Special ConditionsE.1 Introduction.For fire detection systems to be effective in information technology (IT) areas, the design and installation must respond to the special conditionsand unusual risks present. The conventional requirements of NFPA 72 for fire detection systems might not provide effective early detection offires in IT areas.

This standard permits equivalent solutions ( see Section 1.5 ) and alternative means ( see Section 1.6 ) to achieve its purpose ( see Section1.2 ). The standard recognizes the performance-based approach to determine equivalent solutions or development of acceptable alternativemeans ( see Chapter 5 ). The standard requires design of fire detection systems based on a fire risk assessment ( see Chapter 4 ).

These fire risk assessments consider the risk of specified losses and need to consider the likelihood of fires (ignition source and fuel ignited bylocation in the protected space) and the likely response of the selected detector(s) in the proposed location(s). A 2013 paper by Bukowskidiscusses the most likely fires that might occur in data centers based on limited fire experience reported by a major, global operator as part ofcommittee task group activities.

Recent research conducted by the Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) has produced draft papers that seek to validate a fire dynamicssimulator (FDS) for use in predicting the response of smoke detectors to specific fires in data centers of the types discussed by Bukowski over abracketing range of ventilation [FPRF 2014a] and that examine the response of typical detectors and locations to these fires for typical datacenter configurations [FPRF 2014b]. These FPRF papers are not yet final and have not been made public. It is anticipated that they will be usedas the basis for prescriptive detector siting rules for data centers configured and ventilated as modeled, and the validated model can be used toestimate detector performance in configurations differing from those modeled.

E.2 Risk Assessment Objective(s).The objective of a fire risk assessment is to minimize risk by mitigating the consequences of a fire or reducing its likelihood. Life safety(preventing fatalities and reducing or eliminating injuries) is generally the prime objective of a fire risk assessment, but modern data centersoperate with relatively few staff located mostly in the ancillary areas with technicians that venture into the IT equipment (ITE) areas to install andservice equipment. Life safety risk in the ancillary areas is similar to office occupancies, and the life safety risk in the equipment areas is verylow; there are few occupants, and fires are rare and grow very slowly. The widespread practice of data mirroring virtually eliminates the risk ofdata loss, so the primary objective of data center fire protection is to mitigate the likelihood of loss of capacity to store and retrieve data. In atelecommunications facility, this translates to mitigating the likelihood of loss of telecommunications services in fault-tolerant, distributedsystems.


53 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

E.3 Design Fire Scenarios.Fire experience in data centers shows that by far, the most common fires involve ancillary fuels in adjacent spaces such as meeting rooms,offices, and break rooms. The inclusion of fire and smoke barriers between these spaces and the ITE spaces, along with sprinklers anddetectors as usually provided in office occupancies, will prevent fires in these spaces from affecting ITE. Additionally, strict enforcement ofhousekeeping rules for ITE areas so that there are no (even temporary) accumulations of combustibles (e.g., packaging materials, constructionmaterials, or papers/manuals) limits the risk of fires in ancillary areas affecting ITE.

The most common fire sources within the ITE areas most frequently involve power supplies, including UPSs, because these contain somecombustible materials, which can produce significant fault energies, and involve components that run hot since they are operated near ratedcapacity for maximum electrical efficiency. Physical separation of power supply equipment and associated power cables from digital equipmentand data cables and the inclusion of overheat sensors to shut down power supplies exceeding normal operating conditions can minimize firerisk to the facility from such equipment.

The next most common fire scenarios involve HVAC or other support equipment located within ITE areas. The most likely fires originating incooling equipment involve (combustible) filters and overheating fan motors. The FPRF research [FPRF 2014b] explicitly examined detectorresponse for these fires, and the resulting siting rules should be almost universally applicable regardless where the computer room airconditioning (CRAC) units are located within the space.

Wire and cable fires are limited to power cables; these are the only cables that contain significant fault energy and can run warm enough topermit combustion of the insulation or jacket materials. Most wire and cable insulation and jacketing will not support combustion unless heatedinternally or externally. Physical separation or specific protection such as enclosed cable trays and linear overheat detection can result inadequate mitigation.

The least common fires are in the ITE itself, particularly where that equipment is listed to UL 60950, Safety of Information TechnologyEquipment , or Telcordia GR-63-CORE, Network Equipment Building System (NEBS)™ Requirements: Physical Protection , standards. TheFPRF research [FPRF 2014b] provides insight into detector response for circuit board fires in equipment cabinets for typical equipmentconfigurations and bracketing ventilation rates.

E.4 General Rules for Typical Configurations.For low ventilation rates [8 to 15 air changes per hour (ACH)], detection of fires occurring in the filters or motors of CRAC units was found to beeffective by detectors located on the CRAC outlet grille, under a subfloor (if present), within a ceiling plenum (if present), or within cold or hotaisle enclosures (if present). The ceiling plenum location is effective at low sensitivity and normal spacing [9.1 m (30 ft)], but other locationsrequire higher sensitivities and/or reduced spacing [4.6 m (15 ft) to 6.1 m (20 ft)]. At high ventilation rates (30 to 150 ACH), detection of CRACfires was difficult at any location, even at high sensitivities.

For low ventilation rates (8 to 15 ACH), detection of cable tray fires was found to be effective at high sensitivity and normal spacing [9.1 m (30ft)] on the ceiling or within the ceiling plenum. Detection in the subfloor or hot aisle enclosure requires reduced spacing of 4.6 m to 6.1 m (15 ftto 20 ft.) For high ventilation rates (30 to 150 ACH), spacing must be further reduced to 3 m (10 ft).

For low ventilation rates (8 to 15 ACH), detection of fires within server cabinets (circuit boards in power supplies, UPSs, or servers), detectorslocated on the ceiling over the hot aisle or within a ceiling plenum require reduced spacing [4.6 m (15 ft)]. For high ventilation rates (30 to 150ACH), the same locations were found to be somewhat less effective even at further reduced spacing of 3 m (10 ft.) Detectors located in subfloorand cold aisle locations were judged not effective for server cabinet fires.

These recommendations are valid for ceiling heights of 3 m to 6.1 m (10 ft to 20 ft), with or without ceiling plenums or raised floors and with orwithout hot aisle enclosures. With 100 percent recirculation and minimal filtration detector performance at all recommended locations improved,permitting increased spacing for the same performance.


54 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

E.5 Using a Fire Dynamics Simulator for Specific Applications.The general rules for detector placement described above should be used only for facilities that are configured like those analyzed, with similarventilation rates. Where the configuration or operating conditions are different, FDS analysis of the specific configuration and conditions isnecessary. Modeling should utilize FDS version 6 or later. The FDS model for the facility should be constructed similar to the prototypical facilityanalyzed but to reflect the specifics of the facility analyzed, including fan characteristics, duct sizes, and grille open areas. A grid size of 4 in.should be used for the model mesh. Fire characteristics including heat release rates and yield fractions used in the FPRF analysis should beused, but additional fire sources representative of unique characteristics of the facility should be considered. Detector response curvesdeveloped for the FPRF study should be used to represent these classes of devices.

Facility analyses typically are performed in the design development stage before the facility is built. However, due diligence on the resultingdesign might include a verification of the design analysis after the facility is complete. This could be done by extracting, from the FDS output,ventilation air velocities at key locations and comparing them to measurements taken during facility commissioning. This would provide a qualitycheck on the analysis and permit adjustments to be made to detector locations or sensitivities if significant differences are identified.


Guidance to users of the standard developed by a jount task group formed by the technical committees responsible for NFPA 75 and 76 on detection in the presence of high air flow and air containment cooling systems for IT equipment.

Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



55 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM


Annex E Fire Detection for IT Area Risks and Special ConditionsE.1 Introduction.

For fire detection systems to be effective in information technology (IT) areas, the design and installation must respond to the special conditionsand unusual risks present. The conventional requirements of NFPA 72 for fire detection systems might not provide effective early detection offires in IT areas.






56 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM











57 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM





Annex_E_Fire_Detection_for_IT_Area_Risks_and_Special_Conditions_proposed.docx

Informative annex material as edited by the joint task group formed by NFPA 75 and 76 technical committees. A similar annex has been submitted to NFPA 76.


Shortened annex is coordinates better with the work of the joint task group comments to enlarge the detection guidance from that included in the firs draft.



Public Comment No. 16-NFPA 75-2014 [Sections A.9.2.2, A.9.2.2(3)]Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:


58 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM



59 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Annex E Fire Detection for IT Area Risks and Special Conditions E.1 Introduction

For fire detection systems to be effective in information technology (IT) areas, the design and installation must respond to the special conditions and unusual risks present. The requirements in NFPA 72 for fire detection systems might not provide effective early detection of fires in IT areas. This standard permits equivalent solutions (see Section 1.5) to achieve its purpose (see Section 1.2). The standard recognizes the performance-based approach to determine equivalent solutions (see

Chapter 5). The standard permits design of fire detection systems based on a fire risk assessment (see

Chapter 4). These fire risk assessments consider the risk of specified losses and need to consider the likelihood of fires (ignition source and fuel ignited by location in the protected space) and the likely response of the selected detector(s) in the proposed location(s). A 2013 paper by Bukowski discusses the most likely fires that might occur in data centers based on limited fire experience reported by a major, global operator as part of committee task group activities. E.2 Risk Assessment Objective(s)

The objective of a fire risk assessment is to minimize risk by mitigating the consequences of a fire or reducing its likelihood. Life safety (preventing fatalities and reducing or eliminating injuries) is generally the prime objective of a fire risk assessment, but modern data centers operate with relatively few staff located mostly in the ancillary areas. Technicians venture into the IT equipment (ITE) areas only when necessary to install and service equipment. Life safety risk in the ancillary areas is similar to office occupancies, and the life safety risk in the equipment areas is very low; there are few occupants, and fires are rare and grow very slowly. The widespread practice of data mirroring greatly reduces the risk of data loss. Thus the primary objective of data center fire protection is to mitigate the likelihood of loss of capacity to process, store and retrieve data. E.3 Design Fire Scenarios

Fire experience in data centers shows that by far, the most common fires involve ancillary fuels in adjacent spaces such as meeting rooms, offices, and break rooms. The inclusion of fire and smoke barriers between these spaces and the ITE spaces, along with sprinklers and detectors as usually provided in office occupancies, will prevent fires in these spaces from affecting ITE. Additionally, strict enforcement of housekeeping rules for ITE areas so that there are no (even temporary) accumulations of combustibles (e.g., packaging materials, construction materials, or papers/manuals) limits the risk of fires in ancillary areas affecting ITE. The most common fire sources within the ITE areas most frequently involve power supplies, including UPSs, because these contain some combustible materials, which can produce significant fault energies, and involve components that run hot since they are operated near rated capacity for maximum electrical efficiency. Physical separation of power supply equipment and associated power cables from digital equipment and data cables and the inclusion of overheat sensors to shut down power supplies exceeding normal operating conditions can minimize fire risk to the facility from such equipment. The

next most common fire scenarios involve HVAC or other support equipment located within ITE areas. The most likely fires originating in cooling equipment involve (combustible) filters and overheating fan motors. Wire and cable fires are limited to power cables; these are the only cables that contain significant fault energy and can run warm enough to permit combustion of the insulation or jacket materials. Most wire and cable insulation and jacketing will not support combustion unless heated internally or externally. Physical separation or specific protection such as enclosed cable trays and linear overheat detection can result in adequate mitigation. The least common fires are in the ITE itself, particularly where that equipment is listed to UL 60950, Safety of Information Technology Equipment, or Telcordia GR-63-CORE, Network Equipment Building System (NEBS)™ Requirements: Physical Protection, standards. References

Bukowski 2013, Risk Considerations for Data Center Fire Protection, Proc 2013 SFPE Engineering

Conference and Expo Austin TX October 26-30, 2013.


Annex E Fire Detection for IT Area Risks and Special ConditionsE.1 Introduction.

For fire detection systems to be effective in information technology (IT) areas, the design and installation must respond to the special conditionsand unusual risks present. The conventional requirements of NFPA 72 for fire detection systems might not provide effective early detection offires in IT areas.






60 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM











61 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM




This topic needs to be presented and further discussed. The results of the FPRF, as stated in E.1, are not yet final. This Annex material should thus be delayed until the information is available and can be reviewed and discussed.

Related Item

First Revision No. 19-NFPA 75-2014 [New Section after D.7]



City:

State:

Zip:



62 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Public Comment No. 4-NFPA 75-2014 [ Section No. F.1.2.1 ]

F.1.2.1 ASTM Publications.ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P. O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959.

ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials,2013 2014 .


date updateRelated Item

Public Input No. 6-NFPA 75-2013 [Section No. E.1.2.1]



City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Sep 18 18:57:25 EDT 2014


63 of 63 1/12/2015 2:45 PM

Technical Committee on Electronic Computer Systems (ELT-AAA)

Documents

Transcript of Technical Committee on Electronic Computer Systems (ELT-AAA)