Data Centers | Design Guidelines | Informative | Telecommunication Spaces Minimum Fire Rating Requirements for Data Center Spaces Fire protection is a vital part of data center design, safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring operational continuity. A well-defined fire rating strategy helps prevent the spread of fire between rooms and floors, enhancing the overall safety and compliance of the facility. Standard Fire Rating: 1 Hour Slab-to-Slab The following key areas within a data center must maintain a minimum 1-hour fire rating slab-to-slab to contain fire and allow safe response time: Information Technology Equipment (ITE) Spaces: Computer Room, Entrance Room, Dedicated Distributor Spaces (MDA, IDA, HDA) and Telecommunications Room (TR) Electrical Room Command Center / Network Operations Center (NOC) Loading Dock Printer Room & Printer Supply Storage Battery Room Staging & General Storage Rooms Enhanced Fire Rating: 2 Hour Slab-to-Slab For areas storing highly sensitive data or irreplaceable assets, a 2-hour fire rating is required: Critical Media Storage Rooms Why Fire Ratings Matter Asset Protection: Limits fire spread and protects IT infrastructure. Compliance: Meets building and fire safety codes. Compartmentalization: Supports effective containment and evacuation. Design Efficiency: Guides proper material selection for walls, ceilings, and fireproofing systems. Northern Link emphasizes fire safety as a core pillar of data center reliability. Whether designing a new facility or upgrading an existing one, following these fire rating standards is essential for protecting equipment, data, and people.