Selective Automatic Extinguisher for Computer Cabinets Class A, B, or C with Notification (SAFECOMP)

Abstract

Abstract : The objective of this effort was to design, construct, test, and evaluate a capsulized device capable of selective, unsupervised extinguishment of Class A, B, or C combustibles in electronic/computer cabinets with automatic activation of a fire department notification system. Total flooding halon and water sprinkler fire suppression systems are in general use for the protection of buildings and critical electronic equipment. Although these systems provide ample fire protection against total loss and large-scale damage, they are expensive to install and maintain. It is desirable to detect and suppress fires at the incipient stage without the release of a large quantity of expensive or potentially damaging agents and without damage from heat and smoke. For this reason, a small economical extinguisher system that can be easily installed for local detection and fire suppression has a large potential application.