How does using a gas-based fire suppression system (e.g., FM-200) affect electronic equipment compared to a water-based system during a fire incident?

Using a gas-based fire suppression system, such as FM-200, generally causes significantly less damage to electronic equipment during a fire incident compared to a water-based system. Gas-based systems extinguish fires by rapidly reducing the oxygen level in the protected area or by interfering with the chemical reaction of the fire, without leaving any residue or causing corrosion. FM-200, for instance, is a clean agent that is electrically non-conductive and evaporates quickly after discharge, minimizing the risk of short circuits and corrosion to sensitive electronic components. Water-based systems, on the other hand, extinguish fires by cooling the burning materials and depriving them of oxygen. However, water is conductive and can cause immediate short circuits and irreversible damage to electronic equipment. Water can also lead to long-term corrosion and degradation of electronic components, even if they are not directly exposed to the fire. The use of water-based systems often results in extensive equipment damage and prolonged downtime for data centers. While gas-based systems may not completely eliminate the risk of damage, they significantly reduce the extent of damage compared to water-based systems, allowing for a faster recovery and minimizing downtime.