A computer lab is a room which provides users access to multiple computers. They are typically located in libraries, schools, universities, company buildings and within many other governmental institutions. Computer labs can either be free and open to the public or in private buildings where important and secure information can be stored.
With this in mind, it is essential that an effective and reliable fire detection system is in place.
San Luis Obispo High School Computer Lab Fire
In early December 2016 a fire broke out in the computer lab of San Luis Obispo High School in California. Fortunately, the fire occurred out of school hours and no students or members of the public were injured.
The fire started as a result of arson committed by three of the school’s former pupils. Alarms were raised and emergency services arrived to tackle the blaze, however, there was over $1 million worth of damage as the fire spread into other buildings, causing a large amount of damage to the adjoining wood shop building in particular.
Due to the intensity of the fire, the entire building remained unsafe and students were unable to compete in the upcoming computer science fair, with large amounts of their work being lost, potentially damaging their final grade.
What Fire Risks are Associated with Computer Labs?
There are many fire risks in regards to computer labs, for example:
- Faulty cords
- Loose cables
- Overloaded plug sockets
- Smoking
- Faulty wiring
- Leaving electrical appliances on overnight
- High voltage electricity
The Importance of a Reliable Fire Detection System in Computer Labs
As computer labs can hold large amounts of confidential information, can be open to the public and are located in many school environments, it is crucial that an effective and reliable fire detection system is installed and maintained.
Cost Effective Solution
Eurofyre are proud, British manufactures of specialist fire detection systems, they offer a cost-effective, reliable solution to keep buildings safe from fire. Eurofyre believe that clients should have the freedom to chose their own fire detection system maintainer and, therefore, provide an ‘open protocol’ solution.
Eurofyre’s ProFyre range of fire detection equipment allows customers to have full control over how their system is managed and maintained, whilst receiving the highest level of support.
Most common systems used in computer labs:
Analogue Addressable
Eurofyre’s ProFyre range of analogue addressable fire detection equipment has been designed and structured to comply with the latest international standards – offering full, high quality and reliable fire detection.
The ProFyre A4 panel is perfect for large size properties due to its modular nature, it has the ability to have a maximum of 8 loops, up to 250 addresses per loop. The A4 control panel can be installed alone or with the option to listen to other nodes on a peer to peer network facility.
The ProFyre A2 is the ideal solution for medium sized applications that require less than 2 loops, 8 zones, 256 devices and no cause & effect programming.
2-Wire Addressable
The ProFyre T8 2-wire addressable fire alarm system is designed to use the ProFyre range of 2-wire detectors, sounders, manual call points and ancillary devices. The T8 provides all the advantages of an addressable system, with the simplicity of a conventional system, making it the ideal solution for small to medium size properties.
Conventional Fire Detection
The ProFyre C8 is a cost effective, compact conventional fire alarm panel which is available in 1,2,4,6 or 8 zone versions, making is suitable for small size properties, where an easy to install automatic alarm solution and fire detection is required.
The ProFyre C24, however, is suitable for medium sized properties as it is a fully-featured expandable panel available in 8, 16 or 24 zone versions. The C24 is easy to commission, install, maintain and operate.
To find out more about any of Eurofyre’s fire detection systems feel free to contact Eurofyre on +44 (0)1329 835024 or by email to [email protected]. For all the latest fire protection news sign up to our newsletter using the form at the bottom of your screen or follow us online on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
