New York City Approves the Polar Cap 2 Retractable Roof
In a Buildings Bulletin dated October 19, 2016, NYC Buildings Department establishes acceptance criteria for retractable-type horizontal cold aisle containment systems installed in information technology equipment areas.
The installation of a retractable-type horizontal cold aisle containment system installed in information technology equipment areas (horizontal cold aisle containment system) is used to minimize the consumption of energy by providing an overhead thermal containment barrier used to create a cold aisle. However, the overhead containment barrier may obstruct the performance of code-required fire suppression systems (BC Chapter 9). This bulletin establishes acceptance criteria for horizontal cold aisle containment compliance with the NYC Construction Codes.
The Subzero Polar Cap 2 is a fully electric roof system that retracts into a metal housing when the fire suppression system is alarmed. Having a pre-action system that reacts to a smoke detector will ensure that the containment roof is fully retracted long before the fire suppression system is discharged. Additionally, the roof material meets the stringent flame and smoke requirements of ASTM E-84 Class A Rating. The Polar Cap 2 can also be manually opened and closed when maintenance is required above the containment space.