Superstores are large-format retail environments that combine extensive sales floors with backroom storage, refrigeration plant, loading bays and, in many cases, in-store bakeries, delicatessens and other food preparation areas. They typically operate long trading hours, hold significant stock value and see high footfall from both customers and staff throughout the day.
Effective fire detection is essential in this type of environment. A fire that goes undetected for even a short period can put shoppers and staff at risk, damage stock and refrigeration infrastructure, and lead to extended trading disruption. Given the scale and layout complexity of a typical superstore, reliable early warning detection across sales floors, storage areas and back-of-house plant rooms is a key part of an effective fire strategy.
Risks
Superstores face a number of fire risks linked to their scale, stock and operational activity, including:
- Electrical and Refrigeration Equipment
- Chiller cabinets, freezers, checkout systems and back-of-house plant can develop electrical faults or overheat, creating potential ignition sources.
- Stock and Packaging Materials
- Large volumes of packaged goods, cardboard and plastic packaging can contribute significantly to fire load and rapid fire spread if ignited.
- Food Preparation Areas
- In-store bakeries, delicatessens and hot food counters introduce cooking equipment and associated ignition risks within the wider retail space.
- Loading Bay and Warehouse Activity
- Delivery vehicles, forklift trucks and battery charging equipment in goods-in areas can present additional fire hazards.
- High Occupancy
- Superstores can see substantial numbers of customers and staff on site at any one time, increasing the importance of early detection to support safe evacuation.
Challenges
Providing reliable fire detection across a superstore environment presents several challenges, including:
- Large Open Sales Floors
- Expansive retail areas can make it difficult to achieve consistent, reliable smoke detection using conventional point detectors alone.
- High Racking and Storage Areas
- Backroom storage and high-bay racking can create concealed pockets where smoke behaviour is harder to predict.
- HVAC and Refrigeration Air Movement
- Ventilation and refrigeration systems can dilute or redirect smoke, potentially delaying detection by conventional devices.
- Continuous Trading Hours
- Many superstores operate for extended hours with limited downtime, making minimal disruption during installation and maintenance a priority.
- Dust and Airborne Contaminants
- Loading bays, storage areas and general retail activity can introduce dust and particulates that may affect detector performance if not properly managed.
VESDA-E Aspirating Smoke Detection
VESDA-E aspirating smoke detection systems provide very early warning fire detection by continuously drawing air samples through a network of sampling pipes. The sampled air is analysed by highly sensitive laser detection technology capable of identifying smoke particles long before traditional point detectors activate.
The VESDA-E range delivers enhanced sensitivity, improved detection stability and advanced networking capabilities compared to previous generations of aspirating smoke detection systems. These characteristics make VESDA-E well suited to superstore environments, where business continuity, occupant safety and protection of stock are all important considerations.
By detecting fire in its earliest stages, VESDA-E systems help reduce the risk of trading disruption, minimise potential damage to stock and infrastructure, and provide valuable time for investigation and response before a fire develops further.
VESDA-E VEP Aspirating Smoke Detector
The VESDA-E VEP is a high-performance aspirating smoke detector designed for very early warning fire detection applications. Available in one-pipe and four-pipe variants, the VEP offers flexible coverage options suitable for a wide range of superstore layouts, from single sales floors to larger sites with multiple zones.
Utilising Flair™ detection technology, the VEP provides exceptional sensitivity and reliable performance across a broad range of environmental conditions. The detector continuously monitors airflow, contamination levels and smoke concentrations to help ensure accurate and dependable operation.
The VEP can support extensive pipe networks, making it suitable for sales floors, storage areas, loading bays and other critical zones within a superstore. Advanced filtering and intelligent signal processing help to reduce unwanted alarms while maintaining strong detection performance.
Approvals
Design Considerations
Control Panel Placement
The VESDA-E VEP detector should be installed in an accessible location that allows convenient viewing of status indicators, alarm information and maintenance data. Typical locations include plant rooms, electrical rooms or dedicated service areas away from the main sales floor.
The detector location should minimise pipe run complexity while maintaining easy access for routine inspection, testing and servicing. For larger superstores, four-pipe VEP models can provide efficient coverage of multiple zones from a single detector location.
ASD Pipe Placement
Correct pipe network design is critical to achieving optimal performance across a superstore. Sampling pipes should be installed to provide uniform air sampling coverage throughout sales floors, storage areas and other protected zones, taking into account airflow patterns created by ventilation and refrigeration systems.
In open-plan retail areas, sampling points are typically distributed evenly across the ceiling to ensure rapid smoke detection. High racking and storage zones may require additional consideration to ensure smoke is captured effectively despite less predictable airflow.
Low Level Maintenance
Capillary sampling points can be used where direct access to the main pipe network would be difficult or impractical, offering a discreet finish in customer-facing areas of the store. They are particularly useful in suspended ceilings and other spaces where a low-profile installation is preferred.
Sampling points should be positioned to provide representative air sampling throughout the protected area. Locations should consider store layout, stock placement, racking height and ventilation patterns, with flush or conical points selected according to the specific area being protected.
Dedicated test points should be incorporated into the pipe network to simplify routine testing and maintenance procedures, allowing engineers to introduce smoke into the system safely without requiring access to multiple sampling locations. Locating test points at easily accessible positions helps reduce maintenance time and minimise disruption to store operations.
Handpicked Solutions for Office Buildings
Aspirating Smoke Detectors
VESDA VEP detectors use advanced Flair™ technology to give a very early warning of a potential fire while being smart enough to prevent false alarms. For ongoing accuracy and reliability, they are built with absolute calibration, protected internal optics, and an intelligent dust filter.
Power Supplies and Batteries
The Xtralis VPS-220-STX5 is an EN54-4 certified power supply specifically designed for VESDA-E detectors. It delivers a continuous 0.5A 24V DC supply and charges standby batteries up to 14Ah, providing a fully integrated and reliable power source for the entire system.
The Xtralis VPS-250-STX5 is a high-capacity power supply unit, fully certified to EN54-4 and engineered for larger or more demanding VESDA-E systems. It provides a robust, continuous 3A 24V DC output and features an integrated charger for standby batteries up to 24Ah, guaranteeing reliable primary power and extended standby autonomy.
Aspirating Pipe & Fittings
This 25mm red ABS pipe is purpose-built for use in aspirating smoke detection installations.
Use these sockets to connect two lengths of pipe, securing the join with an application of ABS solvent cement.
The 90° tee fitting is used to create a perpendicular branch from a main pipe run.
The 45° elbow fitting is used to create a gradual change in direction, enabling pipework to navigate around obstacles.
Flexible connectors are used in place of standard elbows for awkward angles or tight spaces. Strengthened with an internal steel wire for durability, they can be mounted in any direction without restricting airflow.
This 90° sweeping bend fitting alters the direction of a pipe run while preserving system integrity by minimising air loss.
This pipe clip securely holds air-sampling pipe with a quick-clamp action for simple installation, while optional fixing nuts and side rod connectors provide greater flexibility for more demanding mounting scenarios.
Sampling Point Kits, Sampling Points & Accessories
The Flush Mount Sampling Point is an advanced alternative to standard conical points for Xtralis ASD systems, offering significant improvements in both functionality and appearance.
This flush sampling point connects to a 10mm capillary pipe to provide a discreet finish. For versatile mounting, it can be fastened to a ceiling tile with the included nut or screwed directly into a solid ceiling.
The Red 25mm Flush Capillary Kit provides discreet, low-level sampling points for ASD systems, ensuring accurate airflow and easy maintenance.
These self-adhesive, red air sampling labels are used to clearly mark and identify sampling points, and are supplied on convenient rolls of 100.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Honeywell Diamond Partner
- As a Honeywell Diamond Partner, Eurofyre is recognised for its capacity to deliver tailored solutions for specific regions and industries. This includes comprehensive implementation, advanced customer support, and preferential pricing for Honeywell products.
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre is a complete system supplier with a long-standing partnership as a major Xtralis technical wholesaler, established in 2007. This long-standing expertise allows us to provide specialist advice and supply all aspects of fire detection, from aspirating smoke and linear heat systems to conventional and addressable control panels.
- Pipework Design
- Our services also include professional design support for aspirating pipe networks, helping clients achieve maximum system performance and a quality installation.
- Demonstration and Training
- Eurofyre delivers expert training and system demonstrations from our sophisticated facility, covering a wide range of products including VESDA VEP, VLF, amongst other aspirating smoke detection systems.
- After-Sales Support
- At Eurofyre, we are dedicated to delivering superior after-sales support. You can rely on our on-site and telephone assistance to keep your system fully functional and performing flawlessly.
For more information on VESDA aspirating smoke detection or to explore our full range of products, please contact us by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email at [email protected], or via the enquiry form on our contact page.
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