Warehouses, regardless of their business profile, require special attention in terms of fire safety. Storing large amounts of products, often flammable or flammable, makes such facilities vulnerable to fires. The design of a fire alarm system (SPS) must take into account not only the requirements of regulations, but also the actual operating conditions.

Features of warehouse facilities

Designing an ATP in a warehouse requires an individual approach. Highlights:

• The nature and quantity of the product. In the presence of LVL, plastic, paper and other highly flammable materials, detectors with high sensitivity and resistance to interference are needed.
• Architecture and height of the room. High ceilings limit the use of standard spot detectors. Instead, linear smoke detectors are often used, capable of monitoring large volumes of air.
• Division into control zones. Zoning makes it easier to determine the trigger location and speeds up the response of personnel and control systems.
• Automation and interfacing. Modern ATP systems work in conjunction with automatic warning, extinguishing, ventilation control and emergency power outage systems. The project should provide for compatibility.

The sequence of project work

• Object analysis. It includes the collection of initial data, the analysis of potential risks and the definition of categories of premises.
• Formation of requirements. Together with the customer, a technical specification is being developed based on the standards and characteristics of the warehouse.
• Equipment selection. Based on the type of warehouse and the specifics of the stored materials, types of sensors, control devices, communication lines, and power sources are selected.
• Designing. Plans, wiring diagrams, cable routes, equipment specifications, and explanatory documents are being developed.
• Agreement. The documentation is submitted to the regulatory authorities for verification, if required.
• Installation and commissioning. After approval, the project enters the installation and commissioning stage.

Recommendations for choosing solutions

When choosing the type of alarm system, it is important to take into account not only the regulatory requirements, but also the logistics of the warehouse, the intensity of operation, and storage conditions. In some cases, it is advisable to install combined systems, such as smoke and heat detectors at the same time. Backup power and false alarm protection should also be provided.

 

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Automatic fire extinguishing systems are selected taking into account the specifics of the protected object, the types of possible fires, the availability of people and equipment. Three types are most widely used: water, gas and powder installations. The following is an analysis of their advantages and limitations with practical recommendations for use.

Water fire extinguishing systems

Water systems operate by supplying water through sprinklers or drain sprinklers. They are activated when the temperature rises or by a signal from an automatic fire alarm system.

Advantages:

• high fire extinguishing efficiency of classes A (solid combustible materials) and partly B (liquids);
• availability of water as a fire extinguishing agent;
• automation and ease of maintenance;
• reliability and long service life of the equipment.

Disadvantages:

• inability to use when extinguishing electrical appliances under voltage (Class E fires);
• risk of water damage to appliances, furniture, and finishes;
• They are ineffective in rooms with low temperatures — pipes may freeze.

Recommended use: sales halls, warehouses with combustible materials, administrative buildings, garages. They are not suitable for server rooms, archives, or libraries.

Gas fire extinguishing systems

Gas installations use inert gases or chemically active compounds that extinguish a fire by displacing oxygen or cooling the ignition source. Examples: carbon dioxide (CO₂), FM-200, Novec 1230.

Advantages:

• no damage to property (no traces remain after activation);
• suitable for extinguishing electrical equipment and flammable liquids;
• fast and uniform filling of the protected volume;
• they can work indoors without people.

Disadvantages:

• high cost of equipment and refueling;
• the need to seal rooms;
• carbon dioxide can be dangerous to humans at high concentrations.

Recommended use: server rooms, data centers, storage facilities, museums, archives, telecommunication hubs.

Powder fire extinguishing systems

Powder installations use finely dispersed powders that block oxygen access to the gorenje. They are effective against most classes of fires, including electric ones.

Advantages:

• versatility — extinguishing fires of classes A, B, C and E;
• quick effect in case of local fires;
• resistance to subzero temperatures;
• the possibility of modular placement.

Disadvantages:

• contamination of premises and equipment with powder;
• the need for complete cleaning of the protected space after operation;
• there may be breathing problems for people in the area of operation.

Recommended use: industrial premises, workshops, transformer substations, motor transport.

 

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The installation of a fire alarm system in apartment buildings is an important step in ensuring the safety of residents. Properly installed equipment allows you to quickly detect a fire and prevent its spread. Let’s look at the step-by-step process of installing a fire alarm system in a residential building.

Preparing for installation

Prior to installation, it is necessary to carry out preliminary preparations, which include an analysis of the facility, selection of equipment, and design of the system.

1. Evaluation of the object. An inspection of the building is being carried out, and places of increased risk of fire are being identified: electric utility rooms, kitchens, basements, and attics. Escape routes and alarm placement points are analyzed.
2. System selection. Depending on the type of building, addressable or non-addressable fire alarms are installed. Addressable systems allow you to accurately determine the location of the sensor, while non–addressable systems record the fact of a fire in the general circuit.
3. Project development. A diagram of the location of sensors, cable routes, control panels and warning devices is being drawn up. The project is approved in accordance with fire safety standards.

Installation of equipment

After the preparation, the installation of the fire alarm system begins.

1. Laying of cable lines. Cables are laid on walls, ceilings or inside cable boxes. When using wireless systems, transceivers are mounted.
2. Installation of detectors. Smoke, heat or combined sensors are placed in accordance with the design documentation. They are installed on the ceiling in rooms, corridors, stairwells.
3. Installation of the control panel. The central unit is located in a convenient location for maintenance, usually in the concierge room, control room or on the ground floor of the building.
4. Connection of the notification system. Sirens, light displays and other devices are being installed to notify residents of a fire.
5. Connection to the power supply system and backup sources. The PS is connected to the main network and rechargeable batteries, which ensure operation during a power outage.

Testing and launch

After installation, the system is configured and checked.

1. Hardware programming. The central panel is configured, and addresses are assigned to sensors (for address systems).
2. Health check. Sensors, a control unit, sirens, and backup power are being tested. Simulating smoke or heating allows you to verify the correct operation of the system.
3. Instructing residents. Responsible persons get acquainted with the principles of the PS operation, the procedure for dealing with a fire and the rules of equipment maintenance.

Maintenance and operation

After commissioning, it is important to carry out regular maintenance of the system.

• Sensors, control panel and sound signals are checked monthly.
• The performance of the entire system is tested quarterly.
• A complete diagnosis and replacement of faulty components is carried out annually.

Proper installation of a fire alarm system in a residential building allows timely detection of fire sources and prevention of serious consequences.

 

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