Fire Protection of Electronic Data Processing Installation - Code of Practice

IS 12456: Scope & Key Specifications Summary

Scope

• Covers fixed automatic extinguishing systems for EDP and associated areas.
• Emphasizes compliance with IS 2:1960 for rounding test/analysis results.
• Refers to related standards (Annex A) for system design and operation.

Key Tables & Specifications

1. Extinguishing Systems Selection (Clause 8.2, Table 3)

• Note: CO2 systems require manual operation if area is occupied.
• Time delay for evacuation ≤ 30s recommended before discharge.

2. Fire Detection & Alarm System (Clause 6.4, Table 2)

• Use coincidence connection of smoke detectors to minimize false alarms.
• Smoke detectors must conform to IS 11360.
• Aspiring systems may be used as additional detection but not for direct extinguishant discharge without approval.

Important Notes

• Automatic shutdown of power and AC on fire alarm,

IS 12456: Referenced Indian Standards Summary

This code references key Indian Standards related to fire protection and safety in electronic data processing installations:

Key Notes:

• These standards cover fire detection, fire resistance, extinguishing systems, and safety equipment essential for data processing centers.
• Refer to these IS codes for detailed specifications, test methods, and installation practices.
• Use IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values in compliance checks.

Quick Reference Table for Fire Safety Components

flowchart LR
    A[Electronic Data Processing Installation] --> B[Fire Detection]
   

IS 12456: General Principles & Considerations - Key Points

1. Fire Alarm & Shutdown (Clause 7.2 d)

• Fire alarm activation automatically shuts down all electrical power and air conditioning in EDP areas.
• Manual shutdown option must be available if automatic shutdown causes business interruption.

2. Coincidence Connection for Smoke Detectors (Clause 7.2 e)

• Use IS 11360 compliant smoke detectors.
• First detector triggers fire alarm indication.
• Addressable systems: detectors can share circuits; non-addressable: separate circuits.
• Increase detector density to 15 m²/detector or as per Table 2.
• Use at least two types of detectors (photo-optical & ionization) evenly distributed (cross-zoning).

3. Aspiring Systems (Clause 7.2 f)

• Must be approved.
• Adjust sensitivity by qualified personnel.
• Follow manufacturer & IS 2189 spacing.
• Not for direct extinguishant discharge unless agreed.

4. Detector Spacing (Table 2)

5. Fixed Automatic Extinguishing Systems (Clause 8.2)

• Options:
  • Sprinkler (IS 15105) – not for floor voids
  • Clean agent total flooding (IS 15493)
  • CO₂ total flooding (IS 15528)
  • High expansion foam (floor voids)
• Table 3 guides system selection by risk type.
• CO₂ & clean agents require no personnel presence during discharge.
• Time delay (max 30s) and hold switch recommended for occupied areas.

Summary Diagram: Detector & Extinguishing System Selection

flowchart TD
    A[Fire Alarm Activation] --> B

IS 12456: Key Definitions, Tables, and Specifications Summary

1. Rounding Off (IS 2:1960)

• Final test/analysis values rounded to the same significant figures as specified.

2. Fire Alarm & Detection System

• Fire alarm triggers emergency shutdown of electrical power & air conditioning in EDP areas.
• Manual shutdown possible to avoid business interruption.
• Coincidence connection reduces false alarms by requiring multiple detectors to activate.
• Smoke detectors must conform to IS 11360.
• Detector density increased to 15 m²/detector for coincidence systems (see Table 2).

3. Table 2: Detector Spacing

4. Fixed Automatic Extinguishing Systems (Clause 8.2)

• Time delay (≤30 s) recommended for occupied areas to

IS 12456: Location & Construction of EDP Areas - Key Points

1. Location & Construction (Clause 5.1)

• EDP areas preferably in separate non-combustible building with ≥1 hour fire resistance.
• External walls exposed to fire must have:
  • 6 mm wired glass in metal frames (fire resistance ≥ 60 min).
  • No door openings on exposed sides unless protected by fire check doors (60 min rating, IS 3614 Part 1).
• EDP areas must be protected from fire, water, corrosive fumes, smoke.

2. Permissible Contents (Clause 7.1.1)

• Only computer & support equipment allowed.
• Small supervisory offices/light hazard occupancies related to EDP permitted.
• Records allowed but minimized to essentials.

3. Fire Detection & Alarm (Clause 6.4 & Table 2)

• Coincidence connection recommended to reduce false alarms.
• Smoke detectors must conform to IS 11360.
• Automatic fire alarm triggers emergency shutdown of power & AC in EDP area.
• Manual shutdown override allowed if auto shutdown causes business interruption.

4. Additional Protection

• Aspiring smoke detection systems allowed with proper approvals.
• Indicator panels for fire alarm & extinguishing system outside EDP area.
• Interlock & shutdown devices power supervised by fire alarm panel.

Summary Diagram: EDP Area Protection Concept

graph LR
A[EDP Area] --> B[Non-combustible Building (≥1h fire resistance)]
A --> C[Protected Windows (6mm wired glass)]
A --> D[Fire Check Doors (60 min rating)]

IS 12456: Utilities and Services - Key Points

Fire Separation & Compartmentation (Clause 5.14)

• Small workshops, supervisor rooms in EDP areas must have ≥ 1 hour fire-resistant compartmentation from critical areas.

Water Service Pipes (Clause 5.10)

• Water pipes (except sprinkler pipes) should not enter EDP areas unless essential.
• Emergency provisions to cut off non-sprinkler water supplies.
• Use bunding and leakage detection for pipes to prevent damage.

Contingency Measures (Clause 13.3)

• Contract for immediate backup computer services or portable recovery centers.
• Consider duplicate back-to-back systems or mutual aid with nearby companies.

Referenced IS Standards for Utilities & Services

Summary Table: Utilities & Services Fire Safety

flowchart TD
    A[EDP Area] -->|Fire Resistant Wall (≥1 hr)| B[Workshop/Supervisor Room]
    C[Water Pipes] -->|Allowed only if

IS 12456: Materials and Equipment Within EDP Area

Key Specifications

• Permitted Items (Clause 7.1.1):

  • Only computer equipment and support equipment allowed.
  • Small supervisory offices/light hazard occupancies related to EDP operations may be permitted.
  • Records allowed but limited to essential minimum for operation.

• Fire Rating (Clause 6.16):

  • Passive equipment (fire doors, dampers, fire stops) must have fire rating ≥ fire resistance rating of building components where installed.

• Combustibles Control (Clause 7.2.1):

  • Paper stock, inks, unused recording media, and other combustibles must be:
    • Kept to absolute minimum.
    • Stored in totally enclosed metal file cases/cabinets.
    • Quantity and location as per equipment manufacturer’s design.

Definitions (Clause 4.16)

• EDP Area includes:
  • Central processing, data handling, media stores, output, communications.
  • Areas served by the same air conditioning system.
  • May include clean rooms and industrial processing.

Summary Table: Materials in EDP Area

flowchart TD
    A[EDP Area] --> B[Computer & Support Equipment]
    A --> C[Records (Minimal)]
    A --> D[Paper stock, inks, media (Minimal)]
    D --> E[Stored in metal cabinets]
    A --> F[Passive Fire Equipment]
    F --> G[Fire rating ≥ Building components]

This ensures fire safety, minimal combustibles, and controlled access to materials within the EDP area as per IS 12456.

IS 12456 - Fire Protection, Detection and Extinction Equipment: Key Points

1. Fixed Automatic Extinguishing Systems (Clause 8.2)

• Systems for EDP & adjacent areas:

  • Sprinkler system (IS 15105) – not suitable for floor voids
  • Clean agent total flooding system (IS 15493) – restrictions on Halons
  • Carbon dioxide total flooding system (IS 15528)
  • High expansion foam system – recommended for floor voids only

• Table 3: Extinguishing System Selection

• Safety:
  • No personnel during CO2 or high concentration clean agent discharge.
  • CO2 systems in occupied areas must be manual with controls outside.
  • Time delay for discharge ≤ 30 s with hold switch option.

2. Fire Detection System (Clause 8.1)

• Automatic fire alarm system per IS 2189 & IS 12456.
• Detector siting & spacing (Table 2):

Commissioning of Fire Protection Systems (IS 12456)

Key Points from Clause 9 & 8:

• Commissioning tests must confirm full functionality and adequacy of fire protection systems (9.1).
• Specific commissioning/acceptance tests for extinguishing systems are detailed in respective clean agent standards (9.5).
• Fixed automatic extinguishing systems for EDP areas include:
  • Sprinkler system (IS 15105)
  • Clean agent total flooding system (IS 15493)
  • CO2 total flooding system (IS 15528)
  • High expansion foam (for floor voids only)
• Systems must comply with health & safety; no personnel during discharge of CO2 or high concentration clean agents.
• Procedures for ventilation post-discharge and agent replacement must be established (8.2b, c).
• Time delay for evacuation before discharge should not exceed 30 seconds with a hold switch to pause countdown if needed (8.2f).

Table: Selection of Extinguishing System (Clause 8.2, Table 3)

Commissioning Test Checklist

• Verify automatic/manual operation modes per occupancy.
• Confirm time delay and hold switch function.
• Check agent concentration and discharge time per standard.
• Ensure ventilation and agent replenishment procedures.
• Train staff on portable extinguishers near sensitive equipment (IS 2878, IS 940).

flowchart TD
    A[Start Commissioning] --> B[Verify System Type & Occupancy]
    B --> C{Is Area Occupied?}
    C -->|Yes|

Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems (IS 12456)

Key Points from Clause 10:

• Maintenance Plan (10.1):
  A detailed maintenance plan must be established to ensure reliable and continuous operation. It should include routine testing schedules.

• Fire Detection System (10.2):
  Maintain per IS 2189 and manufacturer-specific instructions.

Important Specifications & Procedures (Clause 8.2):

Operational Safety Notes:

• Discharge Delay: Max 30 seconds to allow evacuation.
• Hold Switch: Stops countdown if held; audible warning required.
• Post-Discharge: Ventilate enclosure; replace extinguishing agents promptly.

Summary Table: Extinguishing System Selection (Table 3 excerpt)

flowchart TD
    A[Fire Protection System Maintenance]
    A --> B[Routine Tests per IS 2189]
    A --> C[Replace Extinguishing Agents]
    A --> D[Discharge Ventilation Procedures

IS 12456: Training and Supervision Key Points

1. Supervision (Clause 4.37)

• Continuous surveillance by special supervisory equipment or trained personnel.
• Purpose: Alert responsible persons of failure or hazardous conditions.

2. Training (Clause 12.5)

• EDP/computer room must be manned by trained personnel during operation.
• Cleaners/other personnel accessing EDP areas must be supervised.

3. Fire Detection & Alarm System (Clause 6.4)

• Automatic fire alarm should initiate emergency shutdown of electrical power and HVAC in EDP areas.
• Manual shutdown capability must be provided.
• Use coincidence connection of smoke detectors to minimize false alarms.
• Detector spacing (Table 2):

4. Extinguishing System Operation (Clause 8.2)

• Automatic actuation in unoccupied spaces; manual control when occupied.
• Time delay up to 30s allowed for evacuation.
• Audible warnings and hold switches to prevent accidental discharge.
• Procedures for ventilation and agent replacement must be established.

Summary Diagram: Training & Supervision Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Continuous Supervision] --> B[Trained Personnel]
    B --> C[Operate Fire Protection Equipment]
    C --> D[Supervise Cleaners/Visitors]
    D --> E[Monitor Fire Alarm System]
    E --> F[Initiate Shutdown Procedures]
    F --> G[Control Extinguishing System]

In brief: Train and supervise personnel continuously, use coincidence smoke detectors with specified spacing, ensure manual/automatic control of extinguishing systems with audible warnings, and establish clear procedures for shutdown and agent replacement.

IS 12456 - Operational Safety and Access Control: Key Points

Manual & Automatic Shutdown (Clause 6.4)

• Emergency override switches to shut down A/C manually, located near main exit with controlled access.
• Fire alarm triggers automatic shutdown of all electrical power in EDP area except essential services.
• Manual power disconnect switches near main exit and operator consoles.

Fire Detection & Coincidence Connection (Clause 6.4e)

• Use IS 11360 smoke detectors.
• Coincidence connection reduces false alarms; requires:
  • Increased detector density: 15 m²/detector (vs. 25 m² normally).
  • Both photo-optical & ionization detectors, minimum two each, distributed evenly.
• Detector spacing per Table 2:

Fixed Automatic Extinguishing Systems (Clause 8.2)

• Options include:
  • Sprinkler (IS 15105) – Not for floor voids
  • Clean agent total flooding (IS 15493)
  • CO2 total flooding (IS 15528)
  • High expansion foam (floor voids only)
• Table 3 guides system selection by risk type.
• Safety: No personnel during CO2 or high concentration clean agent discharge.
• Time delay before discharge max 30 s with hold switch to stop countdown.

Access Control & Indication

• Fire alarm & extinguishing system panels visible near EDP area.
• Manual controls accessible outside protected space.
• Electrical power to interlocks supervised by fire alarm panel.

Summary Diagram: Safety & Access Control Flow

flowchart TD
  A[Fire Detection] -->|Alarm| B[Automatic Shutdown]
  B --> C[Power Off Non-Essential Systems]
  B --> D[Extinguishing System Activation]
  D --> E[Evacuation Warning & Time Delay (≤30s)]
  E --> F[Extinguishing Agent Discharge]
  F --> G

IS 12456: Contingency Measures - Key Points

1. Contingency Planning (Clause 13.1)

• Prepare plans for:
  • Loss of equipment/records due to fire or hazards.
  • Loss due to faults or major failures.
  • Re-sitting or alteration of equipment/records.
• Include detailed recovery procedures from backup media.
• Control and guard plans and backups as vital records.
• Test plans at three levels:
  1. Paper exercise.
  2. Recovery exercise.
  3. Recovery with production run and service restoration.
• Testing frequency depends on risk criticality.

2. Fire Safety Actions (Clause 12.10 & 6.4)

• Display post-fire action procedures prominently.
• Fire alarm triggers emergency shutdown of power and AC in EDP areas.
• Coincidence connection for smoke detectors to avoid false alarms.
• Detector spacing per Table 2:

3. Backup & Recovery (Clause 13.3)

• Contract immediate backup or portable recovery services.
• Plan for cold restart procedures.
• Consider duplicate systems or mutual aid with nearby facilities.

Additional Notes:

• Smoke detectors must conform to IS 11360.
• Use cross-zoning and mixed detector types for reliability.
• Fire alarm panels and extinguishing controls must be accessible and supervised.

flowchart TD
    A[Fire or Hazard Event] --> B[Activate Fire Alarm System]
    B --> C[Emergency Shutdown of Power & AC]
    B --> D[Indicate Fire on Panel]
    D --> E[Initiate Contingency Plan]
    E --> F[Recover from Backup Media]
    F --> G[Test Recovery Procedures]
    G --> H[Restore Services]

This concise summary aligns with IS 12456 clauses 6.4, 12.10, 13.

Key Specifications & List of Referred Indian Standards in IS 12456

IS 12456 refers to multiple Indian Standards essential for fire protection and safety of electronic data processing installations. Below is a concise list of key referenced IS codes:

Important Notes:

• These standards cover specifications for fire detection, fire extinguishing equipment, fire resistance tests, and installation practices.
• The standards ensure safety and continuity of electronic data processing by minimizing fire hazards.
• Refer to each IS for detailed design, installation, and maintenance guidelines.

Diagram: Relationship of IS Codes in Fire Protection System

graph LR
  A[Fire Safety of Buildings (IS 1646)] --> B[Fire Detection Systems (IS 11360, IS 2175)]
  B --> C[Fire Extinguishers (IS 940, IS 2189, IS 2190, IS 2878)]
  A --> D[Fire Resistance & Materials (IS 3808, IS 3809)]
  A --> E[Electrical Cables (IS 1554)]