Automated Fire & Alarm Control for Multi-Level Water Mist System in a Data Center
About the Client
The client is an ISO 9001:2015 certified firm specializing in Fire and Safety Management. With in-house expertise in design, engineering, procurement and execution, the company handles medium to large-scale projects. Its services include detailed engineering, turnkey execution, fire audits, third-party reviews, AMC and specialty material supply.
About the End User
The end user is one of India’s largest digital service providers and a global telecom leader,
with a nationwide 4G/5G network.
The company operates critical infrastructure including data centers, enterprise networks and smart infrastructure,
with a continued focus on innovation and future technologies.
Requirements
The project required a reliable, scalable and fully automated fire and alarm control system for a multi-level Water Mist firefighting installation at a critical data center.
The system needed to provide precise fire detection, zone-wise suppression control and seamless integration with the existing Building Management System (BMS). Key Requirements:
- PLC-based fire and alarm control
- Distributed system architecture
- Local and centralized visualization
- Modbus TCP/IP communication with the BMS
- Ring-based Ethernet/IP networking
- Compliance with fire safety and operational standards
- A PLC-based fire and alarm system was required instead of conventional fire panels
- The system needed seamless Modbus TCP/IP integration with the existing BMS.
- Multi-floor deployment required local HMIs while maintaining centralized control logic
- The system had to be fail-safe and highly reliable for critical data center operations.
- Panel designs had to be customized to address site space constraints.
- The project had to be completed within tight timelines while meeting required safety standards.
The Challenge
The project presented several specific requirements:
The Solution
MIPL supplied a PLC-based fire and alarm control system using Rockwell CompactLogix and POINT I/O.
The solution included:
- Distributed I/O panels deployed across five levels and the terrace for zone-wise control
- 16 local 10-inch HMI panels for on-site monitoring, override and diagnostics
- Ladder logic for fire detection, suppression control and alarm sequencing
- Modbus TCP/IP communication between the PLC system and the existing BMS
- Compact floor- and wall-mounted panels customized to site requirements
- Ring-based Ethernet/IP networking for high system availability
- System development using licensed Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk View engineering tools
MIPL also carried out on-site installation, loop testing, logic validation and complete system commissioning followed by as-built documentation and operator training.
Key Outcomes
Reliable Fire Control
PLC-based suppression control provided reliable and automated fire control for the multi-level Water Mist system.
Stable Network
The ring-topology network supported high uptime and reliable communication across the system.
Seamless BMS Integration
Real-time alarm and status information was integrated with the existing BMS through Modbus TCP/IP.
Space-Efficient Panels
Customized panel designs accommodated the site's specific space constraints.
Easy Floor-Level Access
Local HMIs provided quick access to monitoring, control and diagnostics at individual floor levels.
Timely Delivery
The project was delivered within the required timeline, along with the necessary compliance documentation and system handover.
Why the Client Chose MIPL
Proven Expertise
30+ Years of experience in automation and control systems with a successful track record.
Quality & Innovation
Commitment to high standards, safety compliance, and use of advanced technologies.
Tailored Solutions
We provide customized automation strategies to meet unique client needs.