Fire safety of IT infrastructure is becoming a critical priority for data center operators. Higher equipment density, greater heat loads, and the integration of lithium-ion batteries directly into server racks create conditions where even a small ignition can escalate rapidly. At the same time, the pressure to maintain uptime continues to grow — any interruption can lead to significant financial losses and operational downtime.
It is therefore not surprising that the global market for fire detection and suppression solutions in data centers already exceeds USD 1.4 billion and is expected to double within the next decade. This raises an essential question: How can operators ensure reliable fire safety of IT infrastructure without causing unnecessary damage to sensitive equipment?
Breakthrough certification: Water mist VID FIREKILL for HC-2 and HC-3 spaces
One of the most important milestones in fire protection for IT environments arrived in 2025. FM Approvals certified the VID FIREKILL water mist system for use in hazard categories HC-2 and HC-3 according to VdS standards — the sections of buildings classified as medium- and high-hazard occupancies.
Until now, water mist technology could only be used in low-hazard areas, significantly limiting its application in data centers. This new certification changes everything:
water mist can now be used throughout the entire data center, including high-density white space,
it becomes a full alternative to traditional sprinklers,
operators gain a modern solution for protecting mission-critical IT infrastructure even in more challenging conditions.
For today’s data centers — designed for maximum efficiency and capacity — this represents a major shift in available fire protection options.
Benefits of water mist for fire safety of IT infrastructure
Water mist systems are increasingly preferred due to their unique combination of effectiveness and minimal impact on sensitive technology.
Minimal water damage
Compared with traditional sprinklers, water mist uses significantly less water. This greatly reduces the risk of damaging servers, cabling, and other IT equipment — which is often more costly than the fire itself.
High efficiency against lithium-ion battery fires
Li-ion batteries can enter thermal runaway and generate extreme heat. VID FIREKILL water mist is highly effective at rapid cooling and early suppression, reducing the likelihood of fire propagation.
Safety and operational continuity
In environments where uptime is mission-critical, fast detection and effective suppression are essential. Water mist reacts immediately and minimizes operational disruption.
Environmentally efficient solution
Water mist systems use less water, require less energy, and have a lower environmental footprint than many traditional suppression systems.
A new technological standard — and 3MON is part of the progress
The extension of water mist certification to hazard categories HC-2 and HC-3 according to VdS standards opens important possibilities for designers, investors, and operators of data centers. It enables comprehensive fire protection without compromising technological safety or operational continuity.
The market is also moving toward hybrid systems that combine water mist with inert gases, offering new options for complex or high-risk environments.
At 3MON, we closely follow these developments. As specialists in fire protection and certified system integrators of VID FIREKILL water mist technology in Slovakia, we support customers in designing and implementing fire protection systems that meet the highest standards of safety for modern IT environments.
