Case Study: Vocus Communications achieves very early smoke detection and 24/7 protection for over 250 racks at its Melbourne data centre with Xtralis VESDA

Vesda Protects Over 250 Racks at Vocus Melbourne Data Centre

Vocus Communications, a leading telecommunications and data centre provider in Australia and New Zealand, opened a premium Melbourne CBD facility designed for 250 racks at up to 30 kW per rack using hot-aisle containment. The high power density, strong airflow and multi-tenant environment made very early smoke detection difficult but essential to protect mission-critical equipment and maintain uninterrupted service for customers.

Vocus deployed VESDA very-early-warning systems (VLC, VLF and VLS) with sampling in hot aisles and ceilings to meet AS1670.1 and Xtralis guidelines, using VLS zone addressability for individual data pods. Integrated with the dry-pipe suppression system and programmable multi-level alarms, the solution detects incipient smoke for timely intervention, reduces unnecessary suppression releases, and now protects all Vocus facilities across Australia, ensuring continued service reliability.

Vocus Communications

Adam Gardner

General Manager of Data Centres