Hong Kong data-centre fire requirements: design and project coordination

Circular 2/2025 adds data centres to the FSI Code from 1 August 2025 for specified new-building and major-alteration plan submissions. Whether planning a small server room or a whole data centre, ask the design team to confirm the classification from the use and scope of work.

The amendment covers several fire systems and arrangements for areas where water is undesirable. Ask the design team to show the required equipment for each zone on the plans and explain the choice of protection and connections between systems.

For an initial review, prepare rack, battery-room, plant-room, raised-floor and ceiling layouts with expansion plans. Identify unresolved density or configuration assumptions so the team knows what still needs confirmation.

Fire signals may involve ventilation, power, access control and monitoring equipment. Agree with each supplier who will connect and test them. The operations team should explain early which services must stay available so work and outages can be scheduled.

Include fire-equipment tests, documents and authority procedures in the project schedule alongside the planned opening date. If the facility has backup systems or will open in phases, ask the team to identify the fire-protection work needed at each stage.

When comparing quotes, check whether night work, phased tests, specialist equipment and documents are included. For an operating facility, agree outage times with the operations team and who will confirm that equipment has returned to normal afterwards.