The pipes of a VESDA smoke detection system are installed at the air intake of the air conditioner inside the computer room. Is this a good practice…

For optimal early smoke detection in a data center, it is crucial that the Very Early Smoke Detection

Apparatus (VESDA) system be installed at locations where smoke will be detected as soon as it

appears. Positioning the VESDA pipes at the air intake of the air conditioner inside the computer

room is not ideal. This placement could result in a delayed detection response and the potential for

bypass airflow to occur, which would impede the system’s ability to detect smoke effectively.

Detailed Explanation:

When VESDA pipes are installed at the air intake, the detection system relies on the smoke to be

drawn into the air conditioning unit before detection can occur. This setup increases the reaction

time as the smoke has to travel through the intake and get processed by the air conditioner.

Furthermore, bypass airflow—a phenomenon where not all the air containing smoke particles passes

through the VESDA pipes—could also delay or even prevent the system from detecting smoke early.

Ideally, VESDA pipes should be positioned where smoke is likely to accumulate first, such as near the

ceiling or in the return airflow path to detect smoke at the earliest possible stage. This ensures that

the detection system can quickly trigger alarms, providing more time to address potential fire

hazards.

EPI Data Center Specialist Reference:

EPI Data Center Specialist training highlights that smoke detection should prioritize early response

capabilities to maximize safety. The preferred installation for VESDA pipes is generally at points

where smoke would naturally accumulate, rather than relying on air conditioning intakes where

airflow can vary and delay detection. In their course materials, EPI emphasizes minimizing reaction

time and reducing the impact of airflow dynamics on smoke detection efficiency.