Data Centre Fire Protection

Modern hyperscale data centres demand a level of fire protection that goes far beyond standard building practice. Facilities exceeding 40–60MW IT load combine extreme electrical density, continuous operation, phased commissioning and strict regulatory oversight within a single asset. In these environments, passive fire protection is not a finishing activity, but a design-critical and audit-driven discipline that directly affects compliance, inspection approval and operational continuity.

Novio Firestop provides engineered passive fire-protection solutions for hyperscale and mission-critical data centres across Europe. We support Tier-1 contractors, engineering firms and QA/QC teams with compliant fire-stopping systems that integrate seamlessly into complex data-centre projects.

Fire protection challenges in hyperscale data centres

Hyperscale data centres present unique fire-protection risks that require specialist knowledge and coordination.

Key challenges include:

High density of electrical and mechanical penetrations through fire-rated walls and slabs
Raised floors, ceiling voids, risers and roof gantries with limited accessibility
Structural steel requiring certified fire resistance
Multi-phase construction with overlapping trades and live areas
Continuous inspection, audit and authority oversight

In this context, a single undocumented penetration or non-compliant seal can compromise compartmentation, trigger NCRs and delay commissioning.

Passive fire protection as a design-critical system

In hyperscale data centres, passive fire protection must be treated as an engineered system rather than isolated installations.

Novio Firestop supports projects with:

Fire-stopping design development aligned with the fire strategy
Selection of tested systems per penetration type, substrate and annular space
Coordination with MEP, CSA and structural disciplines
Integration into BIM and Common Data Environments
Execution under defined inspection and hold-point regimes

All fire-stopping solutions are based on tested and certified systems compliant with European standards and project-specific requirements.

Typical failure points we help prevent

Many fire-stopping issues in data centres are not caused by materials, but by process failures.

Common risks include:

Uncoordinated penetrations sealed without approved systems
Assumed compliance instead of tested configurations
Missing or incomplete penetration logs and labels
Damage to installed fire stopping by following trades
Late engagement of fire-protection specialists

Novio Firestop integrates early into the project to prevent these issues before they appear during inspections.

Inspection, QA/QC and authority readiness

Hyperscale data centres are subject to continuous QA/QC pressure. Fire-stopping works are inspected incrementally and audited against approved benchmarks, Inspection and Test Plans and project specifications.

Our scope typically includes:

Fire-stopping logs per penetration
Labelling with reference, installer and installation date
Photographic evidence linked to drawings
Continuous updates in BIM360 or equivalent platforms
Support during third-party and authority inspections

This structured approach reduces NCRs, rework and late-stage delays.

Our data centre fire protection services

Novio Firestop provides specialist services for hyperscale and mission-critical data centres, including:

Fire stopping of cable, pipe and duct penetrations
Fire-rated joints and movement gaps
Structural steel fire protection
Fire protection coordination across disciplines
QA/QC support, inspections and documentation
As-built records and handover documentation

We operate as a technical partner within Tier-1 project teams, aligning with engineering, construction and compliance requirements.

Pan-European expertise

Data-centre fire-protection requirements vary across Europe, with differences in standards, authorities and enforcement practices. Novio Firestop supports projects across the Benelux, Germany and Spain, combining international experience with local regulatory understanding.

Whether supporting a multi-phase hyperscale campus or upgrading an operational data centre, we deliver compliant, auditable and defensible fire-protection solutions.

Work with Novio Firestop

If you are an engineering firm, QA/QC manager, werkvoorbereider or Tier-1 contractor working on a hyperscale or mission-critical data-centre project, Novio Firestop provides the technical certainty required to meet compliance, inspection and commissioning demands.