BS 6266

BRITISH STANDARD BS 6266:2002
Code of practice for fire

protection for
electronic equipment
installations
ICS 13.220.20; 35.020
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Copyright British Standards Institution

Provided by IHS under license with BSI
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
BS 6266:2002
Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by Technical
Committee FSH/12, Fire detection and alarm systems, to Subcommittee
FSH/12/4, Automatic operation of fire protection, upon which the following
bodies were represented:
British Fire Protection Systems Association

BRE — Building Research Establishment
BRE/LPC Laboratories
Home Office
IFS — Institute of Fire Safety
London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority
Ministry of Defence — UK Defence Standardization
This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Health and
Environment Policy and
Strategy Committee, was
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published under the authority

of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee on
20 December 2002
© BSI 20 December 2002
First published August 1982 Amendments issued since publication

Second edition April 1992
Second revision December 2002 Amd No. Date Comments
The following BSI references

relate to the work on this British
Standard:
Committee reference FSH/12/4
Draft for comment 01/540649 DC
ISBN 0 580 40703 9

BS 6266:2002
Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
Introduction 1
1 Scope 2
2 Normative references 2
3 Terms and definitions 3
4 Risk assessment 5
5 Location and construction of dedicated electronic equipment areas 7
6 Building engineering services for dedicated electronic equipment
areas 10
7 Fire detection and alarm in dedicated electronic equipment areas 12
8 Fire suppression 16
9 Choosing the appropriate fire detection and disaster recovery
strategy 19
10 General precautions for dedicated electronic equipment areas 19
11 Protection of information, contingency and recovery measures 22
12 Business-critical ancillary facilities 25
Bibliography 33
Annex A (normative) Spacing and location of point smoke detectors and
optical beam smoke detectors 26
Annex B (informative) Typical features of fire detection and suppression
systems 32
Figure A.1 — Location of detectors in electronic equipment rooms 27
Figure A.2 — Location of optical beam and point ionization smoke
detectors in electronic equipment rooms 30
Table 1 — Recommended numbers of portable CO2 and/or clean agent
extinguishers per floor area for dedicated electronic equipment areas 16
Table A.1 — Floor area coverage per point smoke detector 29
Table A.2 — Floor area covered for room monitoring using a mixture of
optical beam and point ionization chamber smoke detectors 30
Table B.1 — Typical features of fire detection and suppression systems
for each risk category 32
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BS 6266:2002
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Foreword
This British Standard has been prepared by Subcommittee FSH/12/4 and

supersedes BS 6266:1992 which is withdrawn.
In this revision of this standard, the major changes are:
a) an expanded section on risk assessment and its application to the design and
protection of electronic equipment installations;
b) widening of the scope to cover all electronic equipment, including PCs within
an office environment;
c) revised advice on the selection of fire protection and detection measures;
d) additional advice on contingency and recovery planning.
Earlier versions of this standard focused largely on the data processing centre to
be found at the heart of a modern industrial or commercial company. At that time,
mainframe computers were still the nerve centre of many operations, with high
value equipment and potentially significant business interruption implications if
the systems were taken out of service for an extended period.
Since then, networked systems have become common, based around industry
standard equipment that can be replaced easily in days or hours in some cases.
However, centralized computer rooms and communications centres can still be
found in many industrial and commercial operations, with similar hazards and
risks to those found in their predecessors.
Most electronic equipment has an inherently low fire risk due to the way in which
it is designed and operates. It is, however, inherently sensitive to thermal damage
(i.e. direct consequences of fire) and non-thermal damage from smoke, corrosive
fumes and liquids.
This British Standard is complementary to BS 7974 which gives a structured
method for determining the most appropriate fire protection strategy for a
building as a whole.
As a code of practice, this British Standard takes the form of guidance and
recommendations. It should not be quoted as if it were a specification and
particular care should be taken to ensure that claims of compliance are not
misleading.
Consideration should be given to the use of products and services that are
certificated against appropriate standards by a UKAS-accredited approvals body.
Such approval schemes often incorporate approval of the certificated firm’s
quality systems, and they provide confidence in the product or standard of
workmanship produced by the certificated firm.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 33 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.
ii
Copyright British Standards Institution © BSI 20 December 2002
BS 6266:2002
Introduction
A fire in an electronic installation can lead to extensive physical damage and serious interruption of
operations and services. However, the occurrence of a major fire in an electronic installation is a rare event.
This could be because a high degree of security is normally implemented, human activities within central
processing equipment rooms are often limited, and smoking is usually prohibited. Also, if a minor fire does
occur, the fire load that could contribute to its development is often minimal, linings are usually of low
flammability, and very often there will be early detection and extinguishing of the fire, either of which
might occur automatically (by fixed systems) or manually (by persons on the premises).
Provided there are persons on the premises, minor incidents that involve electronic equipment can often
be dealt with simply by isolating the power to the unit in question. Any residual flaming can then be easily
extinguished by use of a suitable portable extinguisher. These incidents can, however, lead to a fire if
appropriate action is not taken, perhaps because the premises are unmanned and there is no suitable
automatic fire detection system. Even in the absence of flaming combustion, smoke and fumes from
overheated components and wiring can lead to damage of sensitive electronic equipment.
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Modern electronic equipment constitutes a relatively low fire hazard, although peripheral components
can give rise to problems of the type described previously. Accordingly, any fire protection strategy that
is directed solely towards fires originating within the actual electronic equipment is deficient.
Air-conditioning and power supply equipment, for example, constitute as great a risk as electronic
equipment. Many fires affecting electronic equipment originate outside the confines of the electronic
installation. In such cases, typical causes of fires include electrical faults, arson and smoking. This
reinforces the importance of considering ignition sources other than those associated directly with
electronic equipment.
The infrequent occurrence of serious fires in electronic installations does not obviate the need for high
standards of fire prevention. The use of fire protection systems, for example sprinkler and fire detection
installations, is not, in itself, sufficient to prevent loss from fire. In fact, the prevention of fire is more
important since, in many electronic installations, a significant financial loss can result from even a small
fire, regardless of whether such a fire is detected or extinguished within a short time of ignition.
Accordingly, in this standard advice is given on matters, such as basic housekeeping and avoidance of
ignition sources, which can reduce the probability of fire. Advice is also given on contingency planning for
recovery after fire and, in particular, protection and duplication of data. It is, however, impossible to
eliminate sources of fire entirely, and there is a need to consider the installation of active fire protection
equipment. The extensive use of fire protection systems in electronic installations arises not from a high
probability of fire, nor from a significant hazard to life, but from the consequences of fire loss.
In practice, a wide variation of dependence on electronic equipment is found. At one extreme, a batch
processing operation might be completely duplicated at a second location, so that there is complete
redundancy. In this case, a major fire at either location would not cause measurable interruption to the
operation. The fire protection strategy for electronic equipment fires could then be related entirely to the
physical damage to the equipment and its surroundings and the associated financial cost.
At the other extreme, a “real-time” facility might be absolutely critical to the revenue-earning capacity of
an organization, e.g. it might control a major manufacturing process or provide financial dealing
information. In such circumstances, even a few minutes downtime can result in significant interruption to
users. It might be impractical to restore the service at another location in a short time-scale and so, for
these reasons, a sophisticated fire protection system to prevent, detect and suppress fire might be
warranted.
It is often necessary to consider the potential for business interruption separately from the potential for
material damage. Since the former, in particular, can vary with time because of changes in dependence on
electronic equipment or modifications to contingency plans for recovery, it is essential that the standard of
protection is reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains appropriate to the exposure to loss.

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BS 6266:2002
1 Scope
This British Standard gives recommendations for the protection against fire of electronic equipment,
including computers, mission critical servers, internet hosting centres, and systems for communications,
design, manufacturing and distribution.
NOTE Guidance on the design of electronic equipment is given in BS EN 60950 and guidance on the design of the physical
environment including the air-conditioning and lighting is given in BS 7083.
The standard is applicable to new installations; however the recommendations may be used with an
existing installation and when alterations are made to an existing area housing electronic equipment.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
BS 476-4, Fire tests on building materials and structures — Part 4: Non-combustibility test for materials.
BS 476-6, Fire tests on building materials and structures — Part 6: Method of test for fire propagation for
products.
BS 476-7, Fire tests on building materials and structures — Part 7: Method of test to determine the
classification of the surface spread of flame of products.
BS 476-11, Fire tests on building materials and structures — Part 11: Method for assessing the heat
emission from building materials.
BS 476-20, Fire tests on building materials and structures — Part 20: Method for determination of the fire
resistance of elements of construction (general principles).
resistance of loadbearing elements of construction.
resistance of non-loadbearing elements of construction.
BS 5287, Specification for assessment and labelling of textile floor coverings tested to BS 4790.
BS 5306-2, Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises — Part 2: Specification for sprinkler
systems.
BS 5306-4, Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises — Part 4: Specification for carbon
dioxide systems.
BS 5306-6.2, Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises — Part 6: Foam systems —
Section 6.2: Specification for medium and high expansion foam systems.
BS 5306-8:2000, Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises —Part 8: Selection and
installation of portable fire extinguishers — Code of practice.
BS 5499-5, Graphical symbols and signs — Safety signs, including fire safety signs — Part 5: Signs with
specific safety meanings.
BS 5588-9:1999, Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings — Part 9: Code of practice
for ventilation and air conditioning ductwork.
BS 5839-1:2002, Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings — Part 1: Code of practice for system
design, installation, commissioning and maintenance.
BS 5852:1990, Methods of test for assessment of the ignitability of upholstered seating by smouldering and
flaming ignition sources.
BS 5867-2:1980, Specification for curtains and drapes — Part 2: Flammability requirements.
BS 6387:1994, Specification for performance requirements for cables required to maintain circuit integrity
under fire conditions.
BS 6651, Code of practice for protection of structures against lightning.
BS 7083, Guide to the accommodation and operating environment for Information Technology (IT)
equipment.
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2 British Standards Institution

Copyright © BSI 20 December 2002
BS 6266:2002
BS 7176:1995, Specification for resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture for non-domestic seating by
testing composites.
BS 7273-1, Code of practice for the operation of fire protection measures — Part 1: Electrical actuation of
gaseous total flooding extinguishing systems.
BS 7671, Requirements for electrical installations — IEE Wiring Regulations. Sixteenth edition.
BS EN 3 (all parts), Portable fire extinguishers.
BS EN 54-7, Fire detection and fire alarm systems — Part 7: Smoke detectors — Point detectors using
scattered light, transmitted light or ionization.
BS EN 1047 (all parts), Secure storage units — Classification and methods of test for resistance to fire.
BS ISO 14520 (all parts), Gaseous fire-extinguishing systems — Physical properties and system design.
EN 54-12, Fire detection and alarm systems — Part 12: Smoke detectors — Line detectors using an optical
light beam.
Code of Practice for Category 1 Aspirating Detection Systems. Kingston upon Thames: British Fire
Protection Systems Association.1)
3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this British Standard, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
aspirating detection system
automatic fire detection system in which a sample of the atmosphere in the protected space is drawn by a
fan or pump into a fire detector that can be remote from the protected space
3.2
class 0 material
material that when tested in accordance with BS 476-7 is classified as class 1, and which when tested in
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accordance with BS 476-6 has a fire propagation index I of not more than 12, and a subindex i1 of not more
than 6
3.3
coincidence connection
facility designed so that an output is obtained only when at least two independent inputs are present at the
same time
NOTE For example, an output suitable for triggering a fire suppression system is obtained only after a detector has detected a fire,
and at least one other independent detector covering the same protected space has confirmed the existence of the fire.
3.4
electronic equipment area
room, or rooms, which contains the machinery and electronic equipment requiring protection from fire
3.5
equipment protection
provision of a fire detection and/or suppression system to an individual item of electronic equipment
3.6
fire load
quantity of heat that would be released by the complete combustion of all the combustible materials in a
volume of a room or area, including the facings of all bounding surfaces
3.7
fire resistance
ability of an item to fulfil for a stated period of time the required stability and/or integrity and/or thermal
insulation and/or other expected duty specified in a standard fire resistance test
NOTE BS 476, BS EN 1364, BS EN 1365 and BS EN 1366 give guidance on fire resistance.
1)Available from BFPSA, Neville House, 55 Eden Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1BW
(Tel: 020 8549 5855, Fax: 020 8547 1564).

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BS 6266:2002
3.8
fire risk
product of the following parameters:
— probability of the occurrence of a fire, to be expected in a given technical operation or state; and
— consequence or extent of damage to be expected following the occurrence of the fire
3.9
fire stop
seal provided to close an imperfection of fit between elements and components of construction in a building,
or any joint, so as to restrict penetration of smoke and flame through that imperfection or joint
3.10
material of limited combustibility
material which is either:
a) of a density of at least 300 kg/m3 which, when tested in accordance with BS 476-11, does not flame,
and the rise in temperature on the furnace thermocouple is not more than 20 °C; or
b) comprised of a non-combustible core of at least 8 mm thick, having combustible facings (on one or both
sides) which are not more than 0.5 mm thick
3.11
non-combustible material
material that conforms to BS 476-4, or which, when tested in accordance with BS 476-11, does not flame or
cause any rise in temperature on either the centre (specimen) or furnace thermocouples
3.12
pre-alarm warning
early warning of conditions that might (or might not) represent a fire
3.13
protected space
area or volume protected by a fire detection and/or suppression system
3.14
room protection
provision of a fire detection and/or suppression system within a room, floor void or ceiling void
3.15
staged fire alarm system
alarm system in which two or more stages of alarm are given within a specific area
3.16
stakeholders
parties with a direct or indirect interest in the life cycle of an electronic equipment area
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NOTE The interest may be:

— financial, e.g. owner or insurance company;
— as a customer (internal or external);
— as an authority having jurisdiction, e.g. building control officer, fire authority;
— in a professional capacity as an adviser to one of the parties, e.g. architect, fire engineer, building service engineer; or
— in a contractual capacity, e.g. a manufacturer, installer or maintainer of equipment.
3.17
total flooding
discharge of an extinguishing agent into an enclosed volume in order to achieve a uniform concentration of
the agent within that volume sufficient to extinguish a fire
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BS 6266:2002
4 Risk assessment
4.1 General
A risk assessment should be undertaken prior to the specification for the electronic equipment installation,
the building and environment in which the equipment will be sited, and the design of fire protection
systems. Furthermore, there should be an on-going process of re-assessment as changes and modifications
are made to the equipment, its environment, its use and disaster recovery plans.
The risk assessment should be carried out by a competent person or team possessing the following skills:
a) experience and knowledge of risks associated with the equipment, including both direct and indirect
(consequential) costs associated with loss or damage;
b) an understanding of fire safety engineering principles and techniques, and of how fires can be initiated
and spread, and how they can affect electronic equipment, and the effects of those incidents.
Risk is a function of the probability and consequences of a fire.
4.2 Probability of a fire occurring
Fires originating within electronic equipment are rare. The overall probability of fire in an electronic
equipment area is more often determined by the presence of other sources of ignition and the availability
of combustible materials. Factors to consider are as follows:
a) supporting electrical equipment and installations, e.g. power supplies, control equipment and
switchgear;
b) air handling equipment;
c) hot works/maintenance;
d) deliberate ignition;
e) smoking;
f) poor housekeeping;
g) fire from adjacent areas or premises.
4.3 Consequences of a fire occurring
The consequences of a fire on electronic equipment vary widely. These consequences can include physical
injury to personnel, damage to equipment or property, or interruption to operations, resulting in financial
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loss. When considering fire hazards, the harm to electronic equipment can be summarized as follows.
a) Damage to materials and/or equipment where the fire originates, for example a component that fails
and overheats.
b) Damage to adjacent materials, components and equipment:
— thermal, for example direct involvement in fire, and affected by radiant and convective heat;
— non-thermal, for example damage caused by smoke and products of combustion such as hydrochloric
acid vapours from burning PVC.
4.4 Factors affecting risk assessment
When assessing the vulnerability of electronic equipment installations to loss or damage from fire, the
following factors should be taken into account:
— tolerance to system downtime;
— equipment redundancy;
— replacement availability;
— specific environmental operational requirements;
— business continuity plans.

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BS 6266:2002
4.5 Risk assessment categories

4.5.1 The criticality of most electronic equipment areas can be categorized subjectively, based on factors
listed in 4.4. The categories are:
A — Slight
B — Low
C — Moderate
D — High
E — Critical
4.5.2 The categories of risk as identified in 4.5.1 should be used to determine the type and level of fire
prevention and protection deemed appropriate. Formal and extensive risk assessment methodologies are
also available and might be more suitable for Category D and Category E installations. In order to choose
a category the criteria given in 4.5.2.1, 4.5.2.2, 4.5.2.3, 4.5.2.4 and 4.5.2.5 should be used.
4.5.2.1 Category A: Slight
Typical features are as follows:
a) modern small office environment;
b) personal computers — not networked;
c) equipment is standard and easily replaceable;
d) operations can be transferable to another location without great difficulty;
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e) critical files can be backed up periodically, for example on floppy/zip disks or CDR;
f) potential for business interruption is slight.
Examples of Category A electronic equipment installations are: typical small electronic office; CAD office;
small business telephone PABX (Private Automatic Branch Exchange).
4.5.2.2 Category B: Low
a) modern commercial/industrial environment;
b) personal computers — networked;
c) equipment is standard and easily replaceable;
d) operations can be transferable to another location with some difficulty;
e) files can be backed up periodically on central server;
f) loss can affect a number of PCs or central storage facility;
g) potential for business interruption is low.
Examples of Category B electronic equipment installations are: typical small/medium business — critical
files can be backed up periodically on central server; commercial departments; central CAD/CAM
operation; operator area of Call Centre.
4.5.2.3 Category C: Moderate
a) dedicated equipment room;
b) centralized server/computer facility;
c) equipment is standard but not immediately replaceable;
d) operations can be transferable to another location with some difficulty;
f) loss affects short-term business operations.
Examples of Category C electronic equipment installations are: dedicated support systems for Category B
operation; Call Centre communication facilities, where alternative Call Centre operations exist.
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BS 6266:2002
4.5.2.4 Category D: High

a) dedicated equipment room(s);
b) centralized server/computer facility;
c) equipment can be non-standard and not replaceable in the short term;
d) operations not easily transferable without robust contingency plans;
f) loss affects medium-term business operations.
Examples of Category D electronic equipment installations are: main IT facility; major telecommunication
facility; production control computers.
4.5.2.5 Category E: Critical
a) dedicated premises;
b) centralized server/computer facilities;
c) equipment is high value or purpose built and not replaceable;
d) operations are not easily transferable without extensive and regularly tested contingency plans;
e) data is backed up on a continual basis on central server(s) and/or remotely;
f) no or negligible downtime tolerable.
Examples of Category E electronic equipment installations are: financial dealing computer operations;
internet hosting centres; air traffic control facilities; nuclear and chemical plant control facilities.
5 Location and construction of dedicated electronic equipment areas

5.1 Sites and buildings
Space separation should be provided between buildings housing electronic equipment and potential fire
risks from nearby buildings or outdoor fires in vegetation or storage. Where practicable, vehicles should not
be parked in close proximity to the building.
Electronic equipment should not be sited where fire-fighting could be impeded or where there is a risk of
flooding from fire-fighting operations.
Consideration should be given to the provision of lightning protection using the risk assessment
methodology outlined in BS 6651. Where required, protection from lightning should be provided in
accordance with BS 6651.
5.2 Fire separation of electronic equipment areas
5.2.1 Electronic equipment should be separated from other operations, such as offices, storage, or other
unrelated processes. This separation should include separation from ancillary accommodation within the
area (see 5.6.2). Separation should be achieved by enclosing the electronic equipment area using
fire-resisting construction that has a fire resistance appropriate for the fire load in the adjacent area.
The construction for Category C installations should have a fire resistance of not less than 30 min when
tested in accordance with BS 476-20, BS 476-21 and BS 476-22.
When tested in accordance with BS 476-20, BS 476-21 and BS 476-22, the construction for Category D
and Category E installations should have a fire resistance of not less than:
a) 60 min when the remainder of the building has a low fire load, for example offices or factories involved
in processes involving wet or non-combustible materials;
b) 120 min when the remainder of the building has a medium fire load, as found in many factories;
c) 240 min when the remainder of the building has a high fire load, for example warehouses.
Alternatively, the appropriate fire resistance can be calculated by using fire engineering techniques as
described in BS 7974.
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BS 6266:2002
5.2.2 Where automatic sprinklers or other automatic fire extinguishing or suppression systems are
installed in the adjacent area, the fire resistance of the enclosure may be reduced by 50 %, subject to a
minimum of 30 min, i.e. 60 min reduces to 30 min.
5.2.3 Fire-resisting walls and partitions separating the electronic equipment area should be constructed
from the structural floor to the soffit of a structural floor or roof above.
NOTE If an area is protected by a gaseous extinguishing system, it is important that walls enclosing the area are constructed from
structural floor to ceiling in order to maintain room integrity.
5.2.4 Fire-resisting walls, including any glazing therein, should be fire resistant in terms of both integrity
and insulation. Integrity only glazing should be used only when it is clear that radiation through the
glazing in the event of an external fire is unlikely to be a hazard, i.e. where there is no electronic equipment
or other combustibles in close proximity to the glazing.
NOTE PD 6512-3 gives advice and information on the fire performance of glazed elements in buildings.
5.2.5 Ventilation ductwork or service ducts serving other parts of the building should not pass through an
electronic equipment area. If it is not possible to avoid this, the ductwork should be enclosed within a
fire-resisting construction in accordance with the methods given in BS 5588-9:1999.
5.2.6 Construction enclosing electronic equipment areas should have the minimum number of openings to
other parts of the building, particularly where the construction provides separation from an occupancy of
high fire load, for example a storage area. Any openings should be fitted with fire- and smoke-resisting
doors, shutters or hatches with the same fire resistance as the structure in which they are fitted.
Where fire-resisting shutters or fire doors are normally controlled by an electromagnetic release
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mechanism, these should be released on the raising of an alarm within the electronic equipment area
and/or an adjacent area. A smoke detector should be sited on the ceiling on each side of the wall opening to
trigger the release mechanism.
5.3 Construction materials and linings
Linings to walls, partitions, soffits, ceilings and voids should be made of materials which are of limited
combustibility.
5.4 Raised floors within an electronic equipment area
Where raised floors within an electronic equipment area are constructed of combustible materials, the floor
should be faced on the underside with non-combustible material.
Where modular raised floors are installed, appropriate lifters should be provided that are easy to locate and
readily accessible.
5.5 Suspended ceilings within an electronic equipment area
Suspended ceilings within an electronic equipment area should be made of materials that are of limited
combustibility. They should not give rise to the production of decomposition particles, nor of corrosive or
toxic fumes, in the event of a fire.
Non-combustible mineral fibre or glass fibre filling inserted above ceiling tiles (e.g. for acoustic or air
balancing reasons) should either be sealed in non-combustible bags or chosen with minimum fire
propagating properties.
In the exceptional case of a suspended ceiling being classed as the fire-protecting type, i.e. designed to give
fire protection to the structure above, the ceiling should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions; it should not include potential points of weakness, for example recessed plastics light fittings,
which were not present in the construction intended by the manufacturer.
5.6 Walls and partitions within an electronic equipment area
5.6.1 Due to the high property value and potential for interruption to operations, additional subdivision of
electronic equipment areas can be beneficial. In particular, suitably designed lightweight partitions can
limit the spread of smoke during the early stages of a fire, so reducing the extent of damage both in terms
of the area affected and the severity of damage to equipment. It is essential that partitions are installed
from floor to soffit and all penetrations sealed in order to form effective smoke barriers.
NOTE If an area is protected by a gaseous extinguishing system, it is important that the protected space extends from structural
floor to ceiling in order to maintain room integrity.
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BS 6266:2002
5.6.2 Ancillary accommodation within an electronic equipment area or processes with a higher fire risk, for
example IT staff offices, printer rooms and data-storage and other media storage, should be separated from
the rest of the electronic equipment area by a suitably rated fire-resisting partition that is sealed against
smoke penetration. Appropriate separation between ancillary areas and the main electronic area would
comprise the following measures:
a) 30 min fire- and smoke-resisting construction for small offices with limited fire load and areas having
similar fire risk, for example partitions between the main server room and the communications room, or
between processing and data-storage equipment.
b) 60 min fire- and smoke-resisting construction for data preparation areas, tape data-storage media
rooms, service rooms and working stationery stores. These areas typically have a higher fire load than
the electronic equipment area and contain a normal or higher than normal level of ordinary combustible
materials, for example paper, some wooden furniture and also plastics in the form of data-storage media.
5.7 Cable and service penetrations
All penetrations created for the passage of cables, etc. should be fire stopped to maintain the fire and smoke
resistance of the room enclosing the electronic equipment.
Consideration should be given to the future need to install additional cables while maintaining the
integrity of the fire stopping.
NOTE Proprietary fire-stopping systems are available that facilitate ready modification to accommodate new cables.
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5.8 Smoke extraction
Special provision to extract smoke from an electronic equipment area is not always necessary. In many
cases, it is intended that smoke control is achieved by limiting fire size rather than by removing smoke from
a fire. However, in critical risk installations and windowless accommodation, such systems are beneficial
in reducing damage and allowing safe access for fire-fighting personnel.
NOTE Where gaseous and similar suppression systems are used, extraction systems might also be necessary to remove the agent
after release and remove combustion products after a fire to allow the safe return of personnel to the area (see Clause 9).
Smoke control systems include one or more of the following functions.
a) Smoke and/or heat removal to minimize damage to equipment.
b) Smoke removal to assist fire-fighting.
c) Smoke clearance to aid clean-up, recovery and the removal of gaseous extinguishing agents where
used. In such cases low-level extract points could be required in addition to high-level extract points used
for smoke extraction.
5.9 Storage
5.9.1 Storage of combustible material
Storage facilities for combustible material not required for immediate use and waste material should be
provided outside the electronic equipment area. Metal or non-combustible bins with self-closing lids for
paper waste, etc. should be provided within the electronic equipment area itself.
5.9.2 Storage of recorded data
The quantity of data-storage media held within the electronic equipment area should be kept to the
minimum required for efficient operations. This is intended to minimize exposure of the electronic
equipment to fire in the storage media and to protect data in the event of a fire elsewhere in the room.
Where there is a need to protect data from exposure to fire, then it should be stored in a fire-rated container,
cabinet or data room conforming to BS EN 1047.

9
BS 6266:2002
The best protection against loss of data is the use of a well-designed system of properly protected backups
(see 11.2) and a tested recovery plan (see 11.3). However, it is necessary to protect the electronic equipment
itself against fire originating in data stores by instigating the following precautions.
a) Stored data, particularly when stored on media held in combustible cases, for example magnetic tapes,
cassettes and compact disks, should be stored in an area separated from the main electronic equipment
area by fire- and smoke-resisting construction (see 5.6.2) so that it does not present a fire or smoke risk
to the electronic equipment area.
b) Where the fire load of the stored data is particularly large (i.e. greater than the equivalent of 30 min
fire resistance), then the data store area should be considered an additional hazard area and additional
fire protection provided. Protection can be provided by additional fire resistance and/or by a fixed
fire suppression system, depending on the hazard and on what the fire protection is intended to achieve,
i.e. protection of the data or protection of the building and adjacent areas.
c) Automatic storage and retrieval carousels used for storage of media, for example tapes, compact disks
and cartridges, should be provided with smoke detection within the carousel. A fixed fire suppression
system should also be installed if protection of the data, the building or adjacent areas is required.
5.10 Furniture and furnishings
5.10.1 Combustible furniture and fittings should be kept to a minimum.
5.10.2 Upholstered furniture should either be in accordance with the medium hazard resistance to ignition
classification given in Table 1 of BS 7176:1995 or resist ignition by ignition sources 0, 1 and 5 when tested
in accordance with Section 5 of BS 5852:1990.
5.10.3 Fabrics and fabric assemblies used for curtains, drapes and window blinds should be made of
materials which are classified as type C in accordance with BS 5867-2:1980.
5.10.4 Textile floor coverings should be made of materials which have a low radius of effects of ignition in
accordance with BS 5287.
6 Building engineering services for dedicated electronic equipment areas

6.1 General
The electronic equipment environment should be designed in accordance with BS 7083.
6.2 Air-conditioning
6.2.1 Design
The following features should be incorporated in the design of the air-conditioning system.
a) A separate air-handling plant for the electronic equipment area.
b) Positive air pressure within the electronic equipment area with respect to adjacent areas.
c) An intake for the air-handling system for the electronic equipment area situated in an area where it
is unlikely to draw in smoke or other contaminants from fires and/or damaging fumes from nearby
processes. Where this cannot be ensured, smoke detection should be installed in the make-up
air-handling unit and interlocked to shutdown the air intake.
d) A remote emergency stop switch to shut down the air-handling system serving the area at a suitable
location outside the room where it can be safely reached in a fire emergency. The function of the switch
should be clearly identified.
e) Air-conditioning system filters with combustion properties in accordance with BS 5588-9:1999, 6.5.4.
f) Avoidance of combustible material for ductwork. Short flexible connections between the main metal
ductwork and input diffusers may be used provided the flexible connections are in accordance with the
guidance given in BS 5588-9:1999, 6.5.3.
Careful consideration should be given to the inter-relationship between the ventilation and fire detection
systems. Where the tolerance of the electronic equipment is such that it is possible to power down
ventilation for some considerable time without significant ill-effects, it is appropriate to do so on the first
operation of a detection system. This enables more effective subsequent fire detection and earlier operation
of suppression systems where installed.
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BS 6266:2002
Where ventilation is essential for the correct functioning of the electronic equipment, as is likely to be the
case with Category D and Category E electronic equipment installations, shutting down ventilation at an
early stage following operation of fire detection in the electronic equipment area might be undesirable. In
these cases, ventilation shut-down should only be initiated following confirmation of the fire, for example
by coincidence connection. If maintaining a supply of clean, fresh air throughout an incident and removing
air that has been contaminated with the by-products of combustion is important, ventilation should be
continued. If it is necessary to continue ventilation during a fire, the system should be configured so that
following fire detection, recirculation is curtailed and smoke is extracted to the atmosphere.
Where the air-conditioning plant is external to the electronic equipment area, arrangements should be
made for detection of products of combustion from the air-conditioning plant; fire dampers, operated by this
detection, should be provided, to prevent the spread of smoke into the electronic equipment area.
6.2.2 Fire dampers
The design of ductwork and fire dampers in fire rated partitions should take into account the overall risk
engineering objectives for the electronic equipment area, and the need to maintain ventilation to electronic
equipment during a small-scale fire incident as discussed in 6.2.1. The following recommendations apply.
a) Fire-resisting dampers should be selected and installed in accordance with BS 5588-9.
b) Dampers should be arranged for easy resetting after operation. Controls should be clearly labelled and
easily accessible either within the area or at a remote point.
c) Dampers held in the open position by means of an electromagnetic or pneumatic device should close
automatically on failure of the power or air supply.
6.2.3 Air-conditioning plant rooms
To avoid smoke and fire infiltrating the electronic equipment area, plant rooms serving electronic
equipment areas should not contain fire hazards, for example oil-filled equipment such as transformers and
switchgear should be avoided. The plant room should be fitted with automatic fire detection and be
enclosed by 60 min fire-resisting construction.
6.2.4 Insulation of ductwork
Thermal or acoustic insulation for ductwork, whether located internally or externally, should be in
accordance with BS 5588-9:1999, 6.5.2 and should not give rise to the production of decomposition
particles, or corrosive or toxic fumes in the event of a fire.
6.2.5 Supplementary heating
Local supplementary heating should be provided by flameless, black heating, properly fixed and guarded
elements.
6.2.6 Self-contained air-conditioning units within an electronic equipment area
Apart from fresh air make-up, self-contained air-conditioning units eliminate the need for ductwork and
dampers at the electronic equipment area boundary, but can present an additional fire hazard within the
electronic equipment area. They should be designed and installed to minimize the risk of fire and smoke
and have the following features:
a) non-combustible construction, fittings, acoustic and thermal insulation;
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b) filters whose combustion properties are in accordance with the guidance given in
BS 5588-9:1999, 6.5.4;
c) black heating units;
d) thermal cut-outs requiring a manual reset, that operate if components overheat, for example in the
event of fan failure.
6.3 Electrical installation
6.3.1 General
6.3.1.1 The electrical installation should be in accordance with BS 7671 (IEE Wiring Regulations).
6.3.1.2 Wherever practicable, facilities should be provided for a phased shutdown and emergency power
down of equipment by authorized personnel and/or by emergency services.

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BS 6266:2002
6.3.2 Circuit integrity for risk Category D and Category E installations

Where continuity of service from the electronic equipment is required for life safety reasons or to prevent
unacceptable interruption to operations, additional precautions might be necessary to ensure that power
and data cables are not unduly susceptible to damage by fire. Power cables should therefore be of a
fire-resistant type, and conform to Category CWZ of BS 6387:1994.
In some circumstances it might also be necessary to protect data cables against the effects of fire wherever
they run within the building. Although this could be met by using cables with inherent fire resistance
(as described above), such cables are not currently readily available. Accordingly, when such cables are not
available and protection is required, cables should be protected by enclosure in a fire-resisting construction,
for example a fire-resisting duct.
6.4 Cable selection (reaction to fire)
In most electronic equipment installations the single greatest concentration of combustible material is
likely to be the insulation used for data and power cables. It is therefore important to select the cable that
is most appropriate to the risk category of the installation, with a balance between physical characteristics
of the cables, material and installation cost and the value of the electronic equipment installation.
Power and data cables should not propagate fire readily, nor produce large quantities of smoke or corrosive
gases.
For Category D and Category E installations, non-conduit cables conforming to UL 910 or
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BS EN 50289-4-11 are preferred for use in floor and ceiling voids of electronic equipment areas.
NOTE A cable fire testing and classification scheme (based on a modified version of BS EN 50266) to enable cables to meet the
Construction Products Directive of the European Union is in preparation. It is expected that cables rated for use in air-handling
plenums under such a scheme will have acceptable performance as an alternative to cables approved in accordance with UL 910 or
BS EN 50289-4-11.
Alternatively, where cables that have not been tested and approved in accordance with UL 910 or
BS EN 50289-4-11 are used for Category D and Category E installations, one of the following methods
should be adopted:
a) sub-compartmentation with suitable cable penetration sealing to limit fire propagation. No dimension
within the void should exceed 10 m;
b) a suitable fire suppression system (see 8.2);
c) enclosure of the cable by fire-resisting materials;
d) protection of the void by installation of a high sensitivity smoke detection system or monitoring the
return air from the void.
7 Fire detection and alarm in dedicated electronic equipment areas

7.1 Consideration of the need for automatic fire detection and fire suppression
7.1.1 The need for automatic fire detection depends upon the conditions of operation and vulnerability to
fire damage, and is particularly related to the level of attendance and the time required for competent
action to begin once the alarm is raised. Typically, risk Category A installations would not require an
automatic fire detection system.
7.1.2 If the installation is continuously manned, any outbreak of fire can be observed by personnel,
consequently automatic detection might not be necessary. However, for risk Category B to E installations,
if the installation is not attended at all times, an automatic fire detection system should be installed. The
vulnerability of electronic equipment rooms to fire damage, necessitates very early and effective action to
suppress the fire. In these circumstances, sole reliance on the early arrival of the fire service might not be
satisfactory. Therefore, operation of fire extinguishing systems by the detection system might be applicable
(see BS 7273-1), particularly for risk Category D and Category E installations.
7.1.3 The sensitivity of fire detection systems covers a wide range. A highly sensitive system can detect an
incipient fire condition when, for example, PVC cable has just begun to overheat. If action is taken at this
stage, to extinguish the fire or to prevent further overheating (by powering down for example), damage to
the electronic equipment is minimal. Normal sensitivity systems are likely only to detect a fire when it has
reached a sustained smouldering or flaming stage producing appreciable products of combustion, when fire
and smoke might already have caused some damage to sensitive equipment. At this stage, if the fire is not
extinguished in a relatively short time, it can grow rapidly to spread to the whole room or area.
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BS 6266:2002
Three factors should be considered when determining the required sensitivity of the detection system:
a) susceptibility of the equipment to non-thermal damage;
b) the speed of response when an alarm is raised;
c) the nature and effectiveness of that response, i.e. manual fire-fighting means or automatic
fire suppression systems.
Even when a facility is manned continuously, in the case of risk Category C to E installations, there can be
value in installing a higher-sensitivity detection system, as this can give an indication of a potential fire
before it is discovered.
7.1.4 There should be a clearly defined and well practised response by staff to any alarm of fire. This might
involve a structured response to an alarm (see 10.4). It has been assumed when arriving at the fire
protection strategies put forward in this clause that staff will be fully trained in accordance with 10.5.
7.1.5 Areas adjoining risk Category C to E installations should generally be protected by automatic fire
detection in accordance with BS 5839-1. For risk Category E installations, protection of adjacent areas with
a fixed fire suppression system might also be appropriate.
7.2 Fire detection systems
7.2.1 General
This clause gives recommendations for the design of fire detection systems for electronic equipment areas
and is complementary to the recommendations for general applications given in BS 5839-1. The choice of
suitable fire detectors, and their positioning within the electronic equipment area, bearing in mind the
airflows within the area, are the most important factors influencing the prompt detection of fire and the
avoidance of false alarms.
Each electronic equipment area should be considered individually, and the detailed design and testing of
the fire detection system should be carried out by competent persons.
7.2.2 Design considerations
7.2.2.1 The automatic fire alarm system should operate alarms within the electronic equipment area and
in other areas where action is to be taken. Where a staged alarm is adopted, it is important that appropriate
audible and/or visual warnings are provided to indicate inside a protected space the stage that the alarm
has reached.
7.2.2.2 Information regarding the location of a fire should be provided in an appropriate position for those
responding to a fire signal. In the case of concealed detectors, for example in voids, there should be an
accurate means of identifying the location of the detector that has operated. This can be achieved, for
example, by the use of remote indicators, an illuminated mimic at the entrance to the area, or the use of an
addressable system in conjunction with a plan of detector locations.
It should be recognized that localization of the source of smoke is not always possible with aspirating
systems.
7.2.2.3 If alarms are monitored at a continuously manned location, summoning of the fire service by staff
is sufficient. If not, a reliable method of automatically transmitting alarms to the fire service should be
used, for example via an alarm receiving centre.
7.2.2.4 Detection systems can be used additionally for the following purposes:
a) to isolate the power supply or initiate programmed shut-down of the electronic equipment (early action
can prevent fire from starting);
b) to shut down air-conditioning, including closing of dampers in ductwork (if appropriate);
c) to initiate the release of fire suppression media.
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13
BS 6266:2002
Where any of these actions could result in disruption of operations or other serious inconvenience, careful
consideration should be given to steps that are necessary to reduce the possibility of false operation. This
might include the use of coincidence connection and the initiation of different actions at different stages of
alarm. For example, a high-sensitivity fire detection system with different output levels depending on the
level of smoke detected could be configured so that:
1) early indication of an incipient fire initiates a staff alarm, requiring that the cause of the alarm be
investigated;
2) when a higher level of alarm (full fire) is reached, equipment is powered down, ventilation is shut down
and an evacuation signal sounded;
3) when the higher level signal is confirmed by coincidence connection using a second detection system
utilizing standard (normal sensitivity) point detectors, an automatic fire suppression system is released.
The fire detection system installers should discuss the response required in the electronic equipment area
with all stakeholders to ensure that the detection system design is appropriate.
7.2.2.5 The release of fire suppressants such as extinguishing gas should be dependent on additional fire
detection in the form of coincidence connection in accordance with BS 7273-1.
7.2.2.6 Fires can originate in the electronic equipment, in associated equipment such as the air-handling
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plant, within the room or voids, or in another part of the building. The fire detection and alarm system
should be designed to take into account all these possibilities. Greatest sensitivity can be achieved by siting
detectors (or aspirating sampling points) to protect both equipment cabinets (equipment protection) and
the general room area (room protection). Cabinet detection is essential if automatic cabinet fire suppression
(see 8.2.2) is to be used.
Detectors within floor and ceiling voids should be easily accessible and located in accordance
with BS 5839-1 and Annex A. They should be so positioned or orientated that floor dust cannot fall into the
detecting chamber.
The fire detection system should provide protection against damage by smoke from fires originating within
the air-conditioning equipment. This might require, for example, a detector on each side of the filter.
7.2.2.7 Warning should be given in the electronic equipment area, and other areas deemed appropriate, of
fire from outside the electronic equipment area, by, for example, the use of the building fire alarm system
and the provision of detectors in adjacent areas.
7.2.3 Detector type
7.2.3.1 Point-type smoke (and multi-sensor) detectors
Smoke detection is often the most appropriate form of detection for electronic equipment areas as this
ensures the earliest time to detection. Where point-type smoke detectors are used, they should conform to
BS EN 54-7. Both ionization chamber and optical types of smoke detector (see BS 5839-1) give good
responses in the early stages of fire and are therefore suitable for use in electronic equipment areas.
Ionization chamber detectors are most sensitive to flaming fires, whilst optical types respond best to some
types of smouldering fire. Therefore a mixture with equal numbers of each type is recommended.
Multi-sensor detectors can offer properties that could be used instead of one or both types of single sensor
detector, for example an optical detector with heat sensor to replicate the properties of ionization detectors,
or devices with both types of sensing element. However, the local environment can be adverse to some
multi-sensor detectors. Examples include the effect of air movement upon the heat sensing properties of
combined optical smoke/heat detectors.
7.2.3.2 Optical beam-type smoke detectors
Optical beam-type smoke detectors are suitable for use on smouldering fires (for example overheating
electrical components) and should conform to EN 54-12. Because of its measuring principle (smoke
accumulation in the beam), the optical beam smoke detector performs well where there is rapid dispersal
of smoke, and complements point-type ionization smoke detectors.
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BS 6266:2002
7.2.3.3 Point-type heat detectors

Point-type heat detectors (unless part of a multi-sensor detector) are considered unsuitable as primary
detectors within electrical equipment areas because their response is considerably slower than that of
smoke detectors.
Linear heat-detecting cable can give early warning of a problem when used as an over-temperature
detector and installed in close proximity to selected risks, for example, cable ways, fan motors and power
supply equipment.
7.2.3.4 Aspirating-type smoke detectors
Aspirating smoke detection systems are particularly suitable for use in electronic equipment areas. They
frequently use a detector of inherently greater sensitivity than is available in point detectors and, as well
as providing room protection in a similar way to point detectors, can also be arranged to monitor either the
return airflow from the room or individual items of electronic equipment.
High sensitivity aspirating systems can detect small amounts of smoke that emanate in the early stages of
a fire in a cabinet without installation of sampling points in the cabinets themselves, for example by
monitoring return air.
Aspirating smoke detectors should be installed in accordance with the BFPSA Code of Practice for
Category 1 Aspirating Detection Systems.
7.2.3.5 Flame detectors
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The earliest stages of a fire in electronic equipment are unlikely to involve flame. Therefore detectors
responding to radiation from flames should not be used in electronic equipment areas.
7.2.3.6 Carbon monoxide detectors
Experience of using carbon monoxide detectors in electronic areas is limited. It should be noted that the
typical fire types expected, and the effects of increased air movement, would normally preclude the use of
this form of detection in electronic equipment areas.
7.2.4 Factors affecting detection sensitivity
The overriding factor affecting the overall sensitivity of a fire detection system within an electronic
equipment area is that of high airflows necessary as part of the air-conditioning used to cool equipment.
Such airflows might be in the region of 10 to 100 air changes per hour at velocities greater than 1 m/s, and
sometimes run counter-directionally to airflows produced by natural buoyancy (for example where air is
extracted at low level with inlets at high level). These airflows are also complicated by localized high heat
output equipment generating its own convection currents. These factors can result in reduction in the
speed of response of fire detectors, both because the high airflows dilute the smoke and because smoke
might not reach ceiling-mounted detectors.
NOTE It is important that there is coordination between all parties involved in the design of the electronic equipment area to ensure
that relevant information relating to anticipated airflows is available to the designer of the fire detection system.
7.2.5 Detector choice

7.2.5.1 For risk Category D and Category E installations, a high sensitivity smoke detection system,
capable of satisfying the tests detailed in the BFPSA Code of Practice for Category 1 Aspirating Detection
Systems, should be provided. This system might comprise the sole means of fire detection in the monitored
area or, as is more commonly the case, it might be used to supplement the standard sensitivity system
described in 7.2.5.3. In the latter case, the high sensitivity system can be used to monitor the return air to
the air-conditioning system, provided that this arrangement is capable of satisfying the relevant test given
in the BFPSA Code of Practice for Category 1 Aspirating Detection Systems.
A high sensitivity system used solely to monitor return air to the air-conditioning system should only be
used as a supplementary detection to the standard fire detection within the area, as it cannot function
adequately if the air-conditioning is shut down.
7.2.5.2 For risk Category C installations, the protection described in 7.2.5.1 can be appropriate if the local
environment is likely to adversely affect the operation of standard sensitivity systems, for example where
airflows are counter-directional to the airflows produced by natural buoyancy.

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BS 6266:2002
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7.2.5.3 For risk Category A and Category B installations, smoke detectors conforming to BS EN 54-7
or EN 54-12 are sufficient.
7.2.6 Detector spacing and location
Detector spacing and location should be in accordance with Annex A.
7.2.7 Detector zoning
Detector zones in electronic equipment areas should be in accordance with BS 5839-1. There might be
circumstances where the zoning arrangement is amended, for example, by separately zoning voids in larger
installations (typically room areas greater than 100 m2) to assist in the rapid identification of the location
of a detector responding to a fire.
Similarly, special equipment or areas can benefit by being separately zoned.
8 Fire suppression
8.1 Portable fire-fighting equipment
8.1.1 Portable fire extinguishers of the carbon dioxide (CO2) or other clean agent type conforming
to BS EN 3 should be provided near the electronic and associated equipment. In dedicated electronic
equipment areas (i.e. risk Category D and Category E installations) a greater provision of extinguishers
than that recommended for normal workplaces in BS 5306-8 should be provided to facilitate rapid control
of an incipient fire. The recommended numbers of fire extinguishers per floor area in dedicated electronic
equipment areas are given in Table 1. The travel distance from any point to the nearest of these
extinguishers should not exceed 15 m. For Category C installations judgement should be made based on
the risk assessment. In risk Category A and Category B installations, extinguishers should be provided in
accordance with BS 5306-8.
8.1.2 Dry powder fire extinguishers should not be provided for use near sensitive electronic equipment as
the powder can cause equipment damage.
8.1.3 Guidance on the suitability of using various kinds of hand extinguishers as means of extinction, and
the precautions to be taken in their use are given in BS 5306-8. The weight of extinguishers in relation to
the physical capabilities of staff should be taken into account.
8.1.4 CO2 extinguishers are relatively heavy in relation to their extinguishing capability and have little
capability in extinguishing Class A fires (see BS 5306-8:2000) involving combustible solid materials, for
example paper. Unless there are no combustible materials present that could lead to a Class A fire, AFFF
or water fire extinguishers/hose reels should also be provided immediately outside the electronic
equipment room.
8.1.5 Staff working in the electronic equipment area should be trained in the safe use of all available
fire-fighting equipment (see 10.5).
Table 1 — Recommended numbers of portable CO2 and/or clean agent extinguishers per floor
area for dedicated electronic equipment areas
Area Number of extinguishers Remarks
1 to 50 m 2 2a Based on 2 kg CO2 (21B) or

2 2 equivalent clean agent
51 to 100 m
extinguisher
101 to 151 m 2 3
Over 150 m 2 3 plus 1 for each additional
100 m2, or part thereof, over 150 m2
a This should be 1 if another extinguisher is easily accessible on the same floor.
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BS 6266:2002
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8.2 Fixed fire suppression systems

8.2.1 General
In the case of risk Category C to E installations, consideration should be given to the need for a fixed fire
suppression system. The need will be determined by the value of the electronic equipment and the potential
for business interruption in the event of fire. This should therefore be based on the risk assessment
(see Clause 4).
In the case of risk Category A and Category B installations, the fire risk in electronic equipment areas can
be controlled by other measures, so that the installation of a fixed fire suppression system is not necessary.
If a fixed fire suppression system is to be installed, the system should be designed to minimize hazards to
staff and equipment as well as to satisfy the fire suppression needs. The following options are available and
further guidance on selection is given in BS 5306-0.
a) Flooding systems. If it is determined that a fixed fire suppression system is warranted, protection
should extend throughout the equipment area and any floor and ceiling voids in that area. Exceptionally,
protection may be restricted to, for example, the floor void, or omitted from the ceiling void, but only if
this is justified on the basis of the risk. Particularly in the case of gaseous extinguishing systems, care
should be taken in such partial protection, as there are no engineering standards at present on which
partial protection can be based. Moreover, partial protection might not be sufficient to address the
exposure to risk.
b) Cabinet systems. A suitable fire suppression agent is used for injection directly into a cabinet(s),
providing suitable engineering safeguards are undertaken (see 8.2.2.3). Cabinet suppression coupled
with cabinet detection (see 7.2.2.6) can provide a higher level of protection that can not only respond
earlier, but can be limited to the specific cabinet on fire and thus minimize disruption to the electronic
equipment facility. Equally, there are certain limitations with this arrangement when used as the sole
form of fixed fire suppression. For example, this arrangement presupposes that the major hazard to the
equipment is a fire within the equipment itself, as opposed to a fire within the surrounding area.
It might be appropriate to protect areas adjoining risk Category E installations with automatic
fire suppresion systems.
8.2.2 Fire suppression systems using gaseous extinguishing agents
8.2.2.1 Gaseous systems are the most commonly employed fire suppression systems for electronic
equipment rooms. These systems should be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with
BS ISO 14520 for halocarbon and inert gas systems or BS 5306-4 for CO2 systems. Further guidance
relating to gaseous extinguishing systems is given in LPR 16 [1].
Release mechanisms of gas systems should be in accordance with BS 7273-1.
8.2.2.2 Where gas is used as an extinguishing agent the following factors should be taken into account.
a) As a gas, the agent is fast acting and can penetrate rapidly so as to reach any fire.
b) Gases used for fire-fighting are not normally damaging to electronic equipment and hence, in the event
of an accidental discharge, it is possible to reinstate equipment as soon as the electronic area has been
ventilated. In the event of a fire, with most gases damage is confined to that produced by the fire and
associated combustion products.
c) Sufficient integrity to contain the extinguishant discharge is required in the protected enclosure.
d) A life and health risk to staff can exist with a gas extinguishing system. If correctly designed, installed
and properly operated, this is reduced to an acceptable level. Carbon dioxide is particularly hazardous
as, at the normal extinguishing concentration, it is fatal to occupants within a short time.
e) The force of the discharge of gas extinguishing systems can be damaging to particularly sensitive
equipment in some instances. Furthermore, there can be a rapid temperature reduction at the nozzle of
extinguishing systems for some gases.
f) A means of venting the gas to a safe place after discharge is needed. Guidance is given in
AG 17/2002 [2].
g) Overpressure (and possibly underpressure) relief for the enclosure might be necessary.
h) The amount of space required for gas bottle storage might be significant.

17
BS 6266:2002
Therefore, nozzles of gas extinguishing systems should be selected to reduce the physical impact of the gas
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stream. Also, protected occupied areas should be evacuated and entrance doors closed, before the release
of any gaseous system, and stringent precautions should be taken before, during and after discharge. For
this reason the automatic release function of gaseous extinguishing systems in occupied areas is sometimes
disabled while the area is occupied; this is always necessary in the case of total flooding carbon dioxide
systems. Alternatively, for agents other than carbon dioxide, if the automatic release function is not
disabled there should be adequate warning of discharge and the means for occupants within the protected
space to delay the discharge (“hold switches”). Further information is given in BS 7273-1 and
BS ISO 14520-1.
8.2.2.3 With cabinet gas systems, additional factors should be taken into account. Close attention should
be given to their methods of operation, control and shut down, electrical interference arising from the
insertion of pipework into the cabinet, and to the effects of chilling in the cabinets. Compensation for
leakage of extinguishing agent might be necessary in the design calculations for the system. Extinguishing
equipment within cabinets should be engineered to ensure, as far as is practical, that discharge gases do
not impinge on sensitive components. If carbon dioxide is used as the extinguishing gas discharged into
cabinets, the system designer should either prove by calculation that the final concentration of carbon
dioxide that can be generated within any adjacent occupied area does not exceed 2 % by volume, or if this
value would be exceeded, apply full safety features in accordance with BS 5306-4.
Where cabinet protection is automatically operated, care should be taken to ensure that leakage of the gas
from the protected cabinet does not cause unwanted operation of further gaseous extinguishing systems.
8.2.3 Water mist fire suppression systems
Because water mist systems use limited quantities of water, they can be suitable for the protection of
electronic equipment. They can also be used in occupied spaces. However, water mists cannot penetrate
cabinets in the same way as a gas. There is also some concern regarding the use of water on sensitive
electronic equipment, but where water mist is used to protect floor and ceiling voids, problems associated
with the effect of water on electronic equipment are less critical.
NOTE Where water mist systems are used to protect electrical equipment, de-ionized water is sometimes advocated.
8.2.4 Automatic sprinklers

Automatic sprinklers provide fire control in the event of a large fire. However, the delay in activation, when
compared to a gaseous fire suppression system activated by smoke detection, can result in significant
thermal and non-thermal damage. While most fires are controlled by one to three sprinkler heads, a
considerable amount of water can be released into the area, requiring extensive drying, clean-up and
restoration of equipment.
Correctly designed, installed and maintained sprinkler systems in the electronic equipment area provide
a reliable secondary line of defence against fire. They are particularly appropriate if the rest of the building
is to be, or is already, protected by a sprinkler system. In particular, if sprinklers are installed in areas
adjoining the electronic equipment area, it is possible to reduce the degree of fire separation of the
electronic equipment area (see 5.2). Automatic sprinklers installed in electronic equipment areas provide
protection to the building structure and prevent a fire spreading to adjacent equipment.
Where sprinklers are installed in the electronic equipment area, quick response heads with a low
temperature rating of 57 °C should be used. They should be designed, installed and maintained in
accordance with BS 5306-2.
Very occasionally sprinklers can leak or be set off accidentally by damage to the heads or pipework.
However, if proper precautions are taken in accordance with BS 5306-2, the risk of this happening can be
minimized. In addition, if water damage is perceived to be of concern, BS 5306-2 includes information on a
type of pre-action system that allows the release of water into the pipework only after operation of a
detection system, and only then allows release of water into the protected area following activation of a
sprinkler head. However, the additional complexity involved with these systems reduces the inherent
reliability of the system to operate on demand. Further information is given in BS 7273-3.
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BS 6266:2002
Other factors that affect the reliability of the automatic sprinkler system are as follows.
a) Water is unlikely to reach a fire inside an equipment cabinet.
b) Impurities contained in water could induce corrosion of circuit boards and electromechanical contacts.
Any electronic equipment that has been exposed to water requires prompt, specialist attention to arrest
corrosion, dry and restore the equipment.
8.2.5 Aerosol dry powder (particulate aerosol) systems
The fine nature of these aerosols means that they behave in a gas-like manner and hence can protect
enclosed equipment in a similar way to gaseous extinguishing systems. However, secondary damage from
the agent can preclude the use of such systems for protection of sensitive electronic equipment.
8.2.6 Foam systems
High expansion type foam systems can be installed for the protection of electronic areas, particularly floor
voids. However, such systems are not normally appropriate for the protection of electronic equipment
rooms or ceiling voids, and electronic equipment contaminated with foam requires cleaning and drying.
Foam systems should be installed in accordance with BS 5306-6.2 and the manufacturer’s guidance.
9 Choosing the appropriate fire detection and disaster recovery strategy

The application of fire detection and fire suppression systems is dependent upon the risk category as
identified in Clause 4. Similarly, the fire protection strategy should be formulated after determination of,
or in conjunction with, the choice of disaster recovery plan.
Typically, the higher the risk category, the greater the need for fire detection and suppression. Whereas a
risk Category A installation might be suitably protected by a manual fire alarm system and the availability
of portable fire extinguishers, a risk Category E installation often requires an extensive and sophisticated
fire detection system with automatic fire suppression. The level of detection and suppression for the
intermediate risk categories can be between the two, although this need not always be the case.
The final choice is dependent on a number of key factors that include:
a) the findings of the Risk Assessment (see Clause 4);
b) the type and layout of the building in which the electronic equipment areas are located;
c) the effects of the environment and processes on the efficacy of detection and suppression systems in
and around the electronic equipment areas;
d) Fire Brigade attendance time;
e) practical and commercial restrictions on detection and suppression system choice;
f) the type and scale of occupancy;
g) the availability of persons who would be able to provide the necessary manual actions, where manual
intervention is part of the strategy.
Typical features of fire detection and suppression systems that might be found for each of the risk
categories are given in Annex B.
10 General precautions for dedicated electronic equipment areas

10.1 Fire safety management
A senior member of staff should be made responsible for the operation of fire precautions affecting the
electronic equipment and any dedicated electronic equipment area, and for liaison with the fire service. For
further information, reference should be made to the relevant parts of BS 5588.
10.2 Prevention of fire
10.2.1 General
Controls and procedures should be put in place to prevent fires. Guidance regarding areas of particular
concern is given in 10.2.2, 10.2.3, 10.2.4, 10.2.5, 10.2.6 and 10.2.7.
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BS 6266:2002
10.2.2 Electrical faults

The fixed installation should be inspected by a competent person at least every three years in Category C
to E installations and at least every five years in Category A and Category B installations. Portable
appliances should be inspected annually in Category C to E installations and a minimum of every three
years in Category A and Category B installations.
10.2.3 Smoking
While this activity might be permitted in Category A and Category B installations, it should be prohibited
in dedicated electronic equipment areas in Category C to E installations. Where smoking is permitted in
adjacent areas, “No smoking” signs in accordance with BS 5499-5 should be exhibited prominently at the
entrance to the electronic equipment area. If smoking is allowed in adjacent areas then suitable
receptacles, for example ash trays or sand bins, should be provided immediately outside the prohibited zone
and in designated smoking areas.
10.2.4 Arson
Regard should be taken for the need to minimize arson risks. Particular attention should be given to site
security and housekeeping, including security and housekeeping of adjacent yards.
10.2.5 Hot work
Hot work, for example welding, should be avoided within the electronic equipment areas wherever possible.
Where such work is needed, it should be controlled by a permit to work system.
10.2.6 Cooking and heating equipment
Portable cooking and heating appliances should not be brought into dedicated electronic equipment areas.
10.2.7 Action before staff leave premises
Where facilities only operate for part of the day, clear instructions should be provided regarding the action
to be taken by designated staff before leaving the premises. A suitable check-list might contain the
following instructions.
a) Ensure that all doors and hatches between rooms are closed.
b) Ensure that all waste paper has been removed.
c) Ensure that the automatic fire suppression system (if installed) is on automatic control.
10.3 Final inspection
10.3.1 Where it is not possible to ensure that the electronic equipment area is visited later by a patrol, a
final inspection by a member of the maintenance or operating staff should be carried out after other staff
have left the premises. In particular, any areas where workmen have been carrying out building,
engineering or maintenance operations should be made safe and vacated.
10.3.2 If a building housing electronic equipment is monitored using a closed-circuit television system or
patrolled continuously outside normal working hours, periodic checks of the electronic equipment area
should be carried out unless high sensitivity smoke detection is provided linked to an alarm at a constantly
attended location.
10.4 Action in case of fire within electronic equipment areas
A clearly defined procedure compatible with the general fire plan for the building should be established for
action in case of fire in the electronic equipment area.
Such a procedure should include the following points:
a) raising the alarm and calling the fire service;
b) evacuating the area;
c) operation of fire suppression systems (where provided);
d) use of portable fire extinguishers;
e) notifying key personnel;
f) shutdown and isolation of equipment;
g) operation of air-conditioning, ventilation and smoke control systems;
h) ability of emergency team personnel to gain access to all parts of the electronic equipment areas.
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BS 6266:2002
WARNING. Entry to the protected area after a fire or the operation of a gas extinguishing system should
not be permitted before the area has been made safe and declared safe by a responsible authority.
Where a fire detection system including a pre-alarm facility is installed (see BS 5839-1), staff should be
appointed to immediately investigate the pre-alarm condition.
10.5 Training
10.5.1 All staff should be instructed on the relevant parts of the fire protection strategy. This should include
the exact location of manual call points, fire extinguishers and escape routes, and they should be informed
of the appropriate emergency telephone numbers. Staff should also receive instruction and training in the
use of portable fire extinguishers.
10.5.2 Adequate numbers of trained staff should be instructed in the location of, and the sequence of actions
necessary to operate, the systems incorporated in the protection of the electronic equipment area, including
fire suppression systems, isolation switches for electricity, and control switches for ventilation,
air-conditioning and smoke extraction systems. Where applicable, staff should be instructed in the means
for controlled shutdown of equipment in the event of fire.
10.5.3 Where the fire protection strategy adopted is based on manual response (see Clause 9), staff who
would respond should receive additional training, including training in the practical use of portable
extinguishers and the operation of any manually initiated fire suppression systems. Where a detection
system that includes a pre-alarm facility is installed, staff should be made aware that this could mean that
an incipient fire is present even though there is no apparent sign of fire and that it is necessary to initiate
search procedures.
10.5.4 Fire safety training covering the essentials of 10.5.1, 10.5.2 and 10.5.3 should be included in
induction training.
10.6 Managing change
10.6.1 Any alterations in the electronic equipment area layout or equipment siting should be planned, and
discussed with all stakeholders. These might include fire engineers, the fire and building control
authorities, corporate risk management, the insurer, equipment suppliers and installers.
10.6.2 All work in and around sensitive electronic equipment should be covered by a permit to work system.
Contractors should be made aware of fire procedures and instructed not to introduce uncontrolled fire
hazards into an electronic equipment area.
10.6.3 Fire detection and suppression systems should be subject to a permit to work system ensuring the
following.
a) The system is only isolated when necessary.
b) The system is returned to service in the shortest possible time.
c) All stakeholders who wish to be kept informed are advised of planned impairments to fire protection
systems in advance.
NOTE Some insurance companies might wish to be advised when recommended protection is to be taken out of service.
d) Any valves or control panels on fire detection or suppression systems that are closed, isolated or
otherwise impaired are tagged with a notice to highlight the impairment, and additional precautions to
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be taken while the impairment continues.

10.7 Storage of materials
10.7.1 Main stocks of combustible materials should not be stored within a dedicated electronic equipment
area. Where it is necessary to acclimatize paper or magnetic tapes before use, stocks within the area should
be kept to a minimum.
10.7.2 Where flammable liquids are necessary for operations, such as cleaning of tapes or compact disks,
only minimal quantities, sufficient for day-to-day use, should be held in an electronic equipment area. Main
stocks should be held in a store elsewhere. If practical, flammable liquids should be replaced with less
hazardous alternatives.

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BS 6266:2002
10.8 General housekeeping

Waste paper or rubbish should not be allowed to accumulate in an electronic equipment area, so should
either be removed daily or at the end of each shift, whichever is the more frequent, and whenever else it is
necessary to avoid accumulation. Ventilation and other plant rooms should be cleaned regularly and should
not be used as a store for rubbish, waste or contractors’ or maintenance supplies. Floor and ceiling voids
should be inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of combustible material. A monthly
housekeeping or fire safety inspection is recommended.
11 Protection of information, contingency and recovery measures

11.1 General
All operations using information technology equipment should implement a formal system to protect data
and software. The extent of the system should be in proportion to the value of the data and the risk category
of the installation.
The extent of the plans are appropriate to the risks associated with the failure of the system and its impact
on operations. The plans should cover the following:
a) protection of data and software through duplication and backup copies;
b) development of contingency measures involving redundant equipment or ensuring the availability of
replacement equipment;
c) recovery plan describing the process through which the operations can be restarted and containing all
the information required to facilitate that process.
11.2 Protection of data
11.2.1 Data protection through appropriate backup procedures is essential to the continuation of most
operations after an incident involving electronic disruption (of which a fire is only one possible cause).
All information technology systems should have a procedure in place for protecting data and software that
is required for on-going operations, or archive purposes. Procedures covering backup and storage of data
should be prepared prior to, or in conjunction with, the planning of the fire protection strategy.
11.2.2 The amount of data kept within the electronic equipment area should be minimized and where
possible the data media should be kept in metal or fire-resisting cabinets to minimize the fire exposure to
the equipment.
11.2.3 The changing technology associated with data processing and information technology means that
methods of backing-up data are subject to frequent change. Therefore whenever any changes are made to
hardware, processes and procedures should be reviewed. However, the following general advice is given for
installations of specific risk categories.
— Category A installations
Provide a basic system of backing-up data and software. The frequency of backing-up is dependent on the
cost of reconstructing the lost information and the ease of operating the backup system. For Category A
installations a monthly or weekly backup is likely to be adequate for most files.
Non-networked personal computers, laptops and palmtops require local backup devices, for example tape
drives, CD writers, removable hard disk or modem link to another system.
— Category B installations
Provide a basic system of backing-up data and software. Networked PCs can be backed-up centrally by
the Local Area Network server or Main IT computer system. For Category B installations a daily backup
is likely to be needed for frequently changing files, for example customer orders placed via a call centre,
while other files might only require weekly or monthly backup.
Localized backups might still be required for some data stored on individual computers and they should
be treated as Category A installations.
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22British Standards Institution

Copyright © BSI 20 December 2002
BS 6266:2002
— Category C installations
Provide a full system of backing-up data and software. Backup software can be operated at the Local
Area Network server level or in a more sophisticated set-up can be controlled from the Main IT System.
The frequency of the backup routine is driven by the nature of the operation and location of data storage,
but should be at least as frequent as that of Category B installations.
— Category D and Category E installations
A full system of data and software backups should be provided with not less than weekly full system
backups being created. Incremental backups might be necessary on a daily or more frequent basis
dependent on the nature of the operations.
11.3 Contingency and recovery planning
11.3.1 General
All users of electronic equipment should make some provision for loss of the equipment through fire or
other disaster. Where interruption to operations is not tolerable or where replacement times for equipment
are beyond an acceptable period of interruption to operations, more thorough contingency and recovery
planning should be implemented.
The extent of planning and the cost of any solutions should be in proportion to the risks associated with the
operations. At its simplest, the contingency/recovery plan can be a copy of equipment specifications,
purchase orders and details of equipment suppliers. Having access to this type of information enables
orders for replacement equipment to be placed quickly after an incident thus reducing delays, and might
be all that is necessary in a Category A installation. In other cases, it might be appropriate to provide
redundant equipment, using the n+1 strategy, where one spare piece of equipment is always available.
Alternatively organizations might separate their operations so that a proportion of the equipment is
located in a separate fire area allowing some or all of their operations to continue running after a fire.
Where replacement of equipment is an issue, contingency arrangements should be made in advance to
obtain replacement equipment from suppliers in the event of an emergency. For example, interruption to
operations can be minimized by using an alternative fully equipped facility or “hot standby” or through the
delivery of mobile recovery centres to the site.
Making advance arrangements with cleaning and equipment recovery specialists can also shorten the
recovery period, by enabling equipment cleaning and recovery specialists to be instructed immediately the
incident occurs rather than after a delay.
Recovery planning is appropriate for all but the least complex installations. The recovery plan should
consider the actions to be taken in the period immediately after the fire occurs. The recovery plan should
include the following information.
a) Details of the action to be taken to minimize damage to equipment from non-thermal damage
associated with the fire and fire suppression agents, including procedures for clearance of smoke,
extinguishing agents and dehumidification.
b) Procedures to ensure that fire protection systems are restored immediately after the fire has been
extinguished.
11.3.2 Levels of contingency and recovery plans
For each risk category the following levels of contingency and recovery planning are recommended.
— Category A installations
No specific plans for equipment replacement are required. However, an inventory of equipment for each
area should be retained with off-site data to enable prompt ordering of replacement equipment so that
work can recommence using backup data and software (see 11.2).
— Category B installations
Outline plans for equipment replacement should be in place, with equipment specifications available as
with Category A installations.
Operations where continuity of the business depends on the electronic equipment, for example call
centres, should have a formal contingency and recovery plan detailing how the operations can be
restored, where they can be restored, and how replacement equipment can be obtained.
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BS 6266:2002
— Category C installations
Recommendations for either Category B or Category D installations should be used, commensurate with
the risk involved.
— Category D installations
A formal contingency plan should be in place and tested.
The plan should be commensurate with the value of the operations and enable the business to be
operational within the time period required by the organization. This period can vary from a few hours
to many weeks depending on the nature of the operations and the dependency of other parts of the
organization on the electronic equipment.
A formal recovery plan should also be produced and include agreements with suppliers and consultants
to facilitate equipment replacement, salvage, restoration and recovery of damaged equipment.
— Category E installations
The nature of Category E operations requires duplicate or parallel equipment or n+1 redundancy to
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enable operations to continue even if one piece of equipment is lost. However, a formal recovery plan
should be in place and include agreements with suppliers and consultants to facilitate equipment
replacement, salvage, restoration and recovery of damaged equipment in a time-scale which does not
expose the business to unacceptable risk.
11.3.3 Documentation
In all cases, contingency and recovery plans should be fully documented, including contact names,
addresses and telephone numbers. Copies of the plan(s) should be kept by the manager responsible for fire
safety in the electronic equipment area, and by a second manager, for example the IT or Facilities Manager.
Any documentation associated with the contingency and recovery plan should be managed as vital records
and duplicate copies held off site.
11.3.4 Testing contingency and recovery plans for Category D and Category E installations only
Although very simple plans do not need testing, more complex contingency and recovery plans appropriate
to Category D and Category E installations are not effective unless tested. There are three levels of testing
to check procedures, vital records and vital business processes:
a) paper exercise;
b) recovery exercise;
c) full recovery and restoration exercise.
A paper or desktop exercise involves a team reviewing the procedures and plans for dealing with an
incident. It might include a workshop or role-play exercise and is designed to familiarize staff with
the Contingency and Recovery Plan and to identify areas where additional planning is required. This is the
most common form of testing, and the frequency at which it is conducted should relate to the criticality of
the electronic equipment. However, staff involved in implementing the contingency and recovery plans
should participate in the exercise at least once a year.
A recovery exercise involves going through the process of recovery without affecting the users of the system.
It might include recovering data from a backup store and loading it onto a system, to identify any potential
bugs in the system, or testing out “hot standby” facilities. Some facilities complete variations of this
exercise on a regular basis, and again the frequency of implementing the exercise should be related to the
criticality of the risk. The exercise should be undertaken every two years.
A full recovery and restoration exercise involves the whole site or part of the site putting the recovery plan
into action and living without their full electronic systems for a specified period of time. This event takes
significant planning and resources and is rarely completed except for major installations or where required
for example by a regulatory authority. However, a full recovery and restoration exercise is the only way of
fully testing a contingency and recovery system to ensure that it works in the event of a major incident.
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BS 6266:2002
12 Business-critical ancillary facilities

This standard is primarily concerned with the risks, and commensurate fire precautions, associated with
a fire in a room or an area housing critical electronic equipment. However, where one objective of the fire
precautions is to minimize potential for business interruption, consideration should also be given to the
exposure to fire of any ancillary facilities on which the functioning of the critical electronic equipment
depends. Such ancillary facilities can include electrical switchgear, transformers and UPS equipment,
real-time communication facilities (including communications circuits within the building) and mechanical
plant (including that associated with air-conditioning and chilled water supplies).
Ancillary facilities supporting Category A and Category B installations are unlikely to require any special
fire precautions, over and above those required by legislation and recognized good practice, to address any
fire hazard associated with the facilities; for example, legislation or good practice might dictate the need
for enclosure of a high fire hazard (e.g. an oil filled transformer).
NOTE This does not preclude a situation in which an ancillary facility is actually the critical electrical equipment facility to which
this standard is applied. This can result if the ancillary facility is a critical electronic installation that is of a higher (more critical)
category than the facility that it supports. For example, the modern electronic office, comprising stand-alone PCs could rely, for
remote communications, on an internal telephone equipment room that is judged to be Category C in terms of its criticality.
Ancillary facilities supporting Category C installations might require special fire precautions of a similar
nature to those provided for protection of the Category C installation. Each major ancillary facility should
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receive separate consideration to determine whether special fire precautions are necessary, taking account
of the nature of the fire hazard, the effect of a fire on the principal critical facilities that are supported, and
the contingency plans for loss of the ancillary facility.
Ancillary facilities supporting Category D and Category E installations are likely to require protection of a
similar nature to the Category D or Category E installations, taking into account the nature of the fire
hazard and the potential effects of a fire on business continuity. Consideration should also be given to
contingency plans for loss of the ancillary facility; for example, although an electrical transformer can
support the functioning of the critical Category D or Category E electronic installation, no special fire
precautions might be needed for the transformer if supplies can be provided by another transformer in a
separate fire compartment without any significant interruption in service.

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BS 6266:2002
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Annex A (normative)
Spacing and location of point smoke detectors and optical beam smoke
detectors
A.1 General
Detectors should be sited in optimum positions and in sufficient numbers to best detect smoke from a fire
whilst in its incipient stages. In the case of electronic equipment installations, the environment and
processes can pose special problems.
Detectors should be sited where the highest density of smoke is to be expected, with the air-conditioning
system units switched on or off. This may be assisted by the use of test fires or smoke pellets.
Installation of detectors in air streams, especially those containing fresh air make-up, should be avoided.
Installation of detectors in still air regions in corners, by ducts, etc., should be avoided.
Detector distribution should be uniform, but some modifications or additions to this might be necessary as
the following recommendations indicate.
a) Air inlets through perforated ceilings
Perforations should be sealed off for a minimum radius of 0.6 m around each detector [see Figure A.1a)].
b) Air inlets producing horizontal airflows
The detectors should be located a minimum of 1.5 m away from the opening and up to 3 m if the flow
prevents smoke reaching the detector. Deflectors should be used to direct the forced airflow away from
detectors where necessary [see Figure A.1b)].
c) Airflow through ceiling fittings
Point detectors (and beam detectors where possible) should be located and sited in the turbulent areas
between fittings [see Figure A.1c) and Figure A.1d)].
d) Air extraction through horizontal grilles
The detectors should be mounted directly in front of the return air grille(s) [see Figure A.1e)].
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BS 6266:2002
Detectors for room monitoring should not

be installed in the path of the fresh air
current from air conditioning and ventilation
systems. Perforated ceilings which
provide ventilation should be sealed around the
detectors
~ 1.2m
Seal off
a) Air inlet through perforated ceilings — sealing a perforated ceiling
CL
3 m min. 1.5 m min
Strong ventilation Weak ventilation

The draught should be regulated
with shutters in order to avoid
incidence on the detector
b) Air inlets producing horizontal air flows
c) Detector positions with point-type fresh air ceiling inlets (diffusers, etc.)
Figure A.1 — Location of detectors in electronic equipment rooms
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27
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BS 6266:2002
d) Detector positions with point-type return air ceiling vents (diffusers, etc.)
e) Detector arrangement with lateral return air

Figure A.1 — Location of detectors in electronic equipment rooms (concluded)
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BS 6266:2002
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A.2 Coverage of point smoke detectors

Suggested area coverages for point smoke detectors are given in Table A.1.
Table A.1 — Floor area coverage per point smoke detector
Application Recommended coverage per detector Remarks and recommendations
Electronic equipment area 2
25 m (see Note) Cabinet detection to supplement
main space detection might be
advantageous where earliest
possible fire warning is required.
False floors, false ceilings: 20 m2 to 30 m2 The lower figure should be taken
without ventilation where false ceilings are
sub-divided by beams.
For deep beams, the area should
be regarded as being sub-divided
so that a detector might be
required in each compartment
created.
Further guidance is given in
BS 5839-1.
False floors, false ceilings: Air velocities of 4 m/s or less: —
with ventilation 15 m2 to 20 m2 (see Note)
Air velocities greater than
4 m/s: 10 m2
Tape stores In accordance with BS 5839-1 In areas with high air flows,
spacing should be reduced to
25 m2 (see Note).
Electrical distribution rooms and In accordance with BS 5839-1 In areas with high air flows,
other plant rooms spacing should be reduced to
25 m2 (see Note).
Cabinet detection to supplement
main space detection might be
advantageous where earliest
possible fire warning is required.
Peripheral rooms: offices, In accordance with BS 5839-1 At least one detector per room.
stores, etc.
Corridors In accordance with BS 5839-1 Where corridors are sub-divided
by doors, at least one detector per
sub-division.
NOTE Where coincidence operation is used to initiate the release of an extinguishing agent (see 7.2.2.5), the recommended
coverage per detector should be reduced to 15 m2 (10 m2 for false floors and false ceilings with air velocities greater than 4 m/s). It
does not apply where coincidence can be achieved from any two addressable detectors within the protected space (as opposed to
detectors on two different zones, for example two circuits on a conventional system within the protected space). It also does not
apply where the air-conditioning is shut down when the first detector operates.
A.3 Coverage of optical beam smoke detectors

Suggested area coverages for optical beam smoke detectors when installed in conjunction with point smoke
detectors (usually ionization type to provide for detection of most smoke types) are given in Table A.2 and
are based upon the number of air changes per hour. In such cases, the recommended location of optical
beam and point ionization smoke detectors is shown in Figure A.2.

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BS 6266:2002
Table A.2 — Floor area covered for room monitoring using a mixture of optical beam and point
ionization chamber smoke detectors
Air changes per hour Maximum recommended Maximum horizontal Maximum spacing between
coverage per point distance between any point parallel beams (XX)
ionization chamber smoke in the protected space and
detector the nearest point on a beam
k10 [see Figure A.2a)] 40 m2 3.15 m 6.3 m
>10 [see Figure A.2b)] 25 m 2 2.5 m 5m
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a) Example of arrangement of detectors for category k10 air changes per hour (plan view)
The ionization detectors are arranged symmetrically throughout the room and the linear beam detectors are arranged around
them, where
X = spacing between parallel beams (up to a maximum of 6.3 m)
room dimension
S = ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
number of rows of ionization detectors
Figure A.2 — Location of optical beam and point ionization smoke detectors in
electronic equipment rooms
30
BS 6266:2002
b) Example of arrangement of detectors for category >10 air changes per hour (plan view)
The ionization and linear beam detectors are arranged symmetrically throughout the room, where
X = spacing between parallel beams (up to a maximum of 5 m)
room dimension
S = ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
number of rows of ionization detectors
Figure A.2 — Location of optical beam and point ionization smoke detectors in
electronic equipment rooms (concluded)
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31
BS 6266:2002
Annex B (informative)
Typical features of fire detection and suppression systems
Table B.1 gives the typical features of fire detection systems and fire suppression systems for each of the
fire risk categories.
Table B.1 — Typical features of fire detection and suppression systems for each risk category
Risk Fire detection system Fire suppression system
category
A A manual system might be adequate, Portable fire extinguishers as first aid
see BS 5839-1:2002, Category M fire-fighting
B A smoke detection system as part of the Portable fire extinguishers as first aid
main building system, see BS 5839-1 fire-fighting
C A smoke detection system as part of the Portable fire extinguishers as first aid
main building system, see BS 5839-1 and fire-fighting
Annex A Automatic fixed fire suppression where early
fire-fighting action is unlikely
D A dedicated smoke detection system Portable fire extinguishers as first aid
interfaced with the main building system, fire-fighting
see BS 5839-1 and Annex A
Aspirating smoke detection to monitor Automatic fixed fire suppression unless there
return air flows is a robust disaster recovery plan
E A dedicated smoke detection system Portable fire extinguishers as first aid
interfaced with the main building system, fire-fighting
see BS 5839-1 and Annex A
Aspirating smoke detection to monitor Automatic fixed fire suppression
return air flows
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32
BS 6266:2002
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BS 5306-0:1986, Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises — Part 0: Guide for the
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BS 7974: 2001, Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of buildings — Code of practice.
BS EN 1364 (all parts), Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements.
BS EN 1365 (all parts), Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements.
BS EN 1366 (all parts), Fire resistance tests for service installations.
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BS EN 50266 (all parts), Common test methods for cables under fire conditions — Test for vertical flame
spread of vertically-mounted bunched wires or cables.
BS EN 50289-4-11:2002, Communication cables — Specifications for test methods —
Part 4-11: Environmental test methods — A horizontal integrated fire test method.
BS EN 60950:2000, Safety of information technology equipment.
PD 6512-3:1987, Use of elements of structural fire protection with particular reference to the
recommendations given in BS 5588 “Fire precautions in the design and construction of buildings —
Part 3: Guide to the fire performance of glass”.
UL 910:1998, Test for flame-propagation and smoke-density values for electrical and optical-fiber cables
used in spaces transporting environmental air.
Other publications
[1] LPR 16:2000, Gaseous fire protection systems. Borehamwood: Loss Prevention Council.2)
[2] AG 17/2002, Fire extinguishing systems — A guide to their integration with other building services.
Bracknell: Building Services Research and Information Association, 2002.3)
2) Available from BRE Certification Limited, Bucknalls Lane, Garston, Watford WD25 9XX
(Tel: 01923 664100 Fax: 01923 664603).
3) Available from BSRIA, Old Bracknell Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7AH (Tel: 01344 426511, Fax: 01344 487575).

33
BS 6266:2002
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BRITISH STANDARD BS 6266:2002

Code of practice for fire

ICS 13.220.20; 35.020

Copyright British Standards Institution

Committees responsible for this

British Fire Protection Systems Association

This British Standard, having

published under the authority

© BSI 20 December 2002

First published August 1982 Amendments issued since publication

The following BSI references

ISBN 0 580 40703 9

Copyright British Standards Institution

© BSI 20 December 2002

This British Standard has been prepared by Subcommittee FSH/12/4 and

© BSI 20 December 2002

2 British Standards Institution

3 Terms and definitions

© BSI 20 December 2002

NOTE The interest may be:

© BSI 20 December 2002

4.5 Risk assessment categories

4.5.2.4 Category D: High

5 Location and construction of dedicated electronic equipment areas

© BSI 20 December 2002

© BSI 20 December 2002

6 Building engineering services for dedicated electronic equipment areas

© BSI 20 December 2002

6.3.2 Circuit integrity for risk Category D and Category E installations

7 Fire detection and alarm in dedicated electronic equipment areas

© BSI 20 December 2002

7.2.3.3 Point-type heat detectors

7.2.5 Detector choice

© BSI 20 December 2002

1 to 50 m 2 2a Based on 2 kg CO2 (21B) or

8.2 Fixed fire suppression systems

© BSI 20 December 2002

8.2.4 Automatic sprinklers

9 Choosing the appropriate fire detection and disaster recovery strategy

10 General precautions for dedicated electronic equipment areas

© BSI 20 December 2002

10.2.2 Electrical faults

be taken while the impairment continues.

© BSI 20 December 2002

10.8 General housekeeping

11 Protection of information, contingency and recovery measures

22British Standards Institution

© BSI 20 December 2002

12 Business-critical ancillary facilities

© BSI 20 December 2002

Detectors for room monitoring should not

a) Air inlet through perforated ceilings — sealing a perforated ceiling

Strong ventilation Weak ventilation

b) Air inlets producing horizontal air flows

© BSI 20 December 2002

e) Detector arrangement with lateral return air

A.2 Coverage of point smoke detectors

A.3 Coverage of optical beam smoke detectors

© BSI 20 December 2002

© BSI 20 December 2002