A car park is an area or building where vehicles can be parked temporarily. It may be outdoors, consisting of marked spaces on a flat surface, or indoors, such as a multi-storey facility with designated parking levels. Car parks are often found near businesses, shopping centres and public areas, allowing people to leave their vehicles safely while they go about other activities. Depending on the location, car parks may be free or require payment, either upon entry or for a specified duration. Some may also have facilities for disabled parking and electric vehicle charging.
Risks
In car parks, both fire and gas pose significant safety risks. Harmful gases are often emitted from vehicle exhausts, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, while fire hazards can arise from a variety of factors, including vehicle malfunctions or fuel leaks. Some of these risks include:
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Emitted by vehicle exhausts, especially dangerous in poorly ventilated areas.
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- A toxic gas from vehicle emissions that can cause respiratory problems.
- Fire from vehicle malfunctions
- Overheated engines or electrical faults can ignite fires in vehicles.
- Fuel leaks
- Spilled petrol or diesel can ignite, posing a serious fire hazard.
- Explosions
- Fuel tanks or gas canisters can explode if exposed to extreme heat or fire, leading to major fires.
Challenges
Detecting fire and harmful gases in car parks can be challenging due to several factors. Some key challenges include:
- Poor ventilation
- Enclosed or underground car parks may have insufficient airflow, making it harder to detect and disperse harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
- The size and layout of car parks can cause delays in detecting smoke, fire, or gas, especially in distant or hidden areas.
- Multiple heat sources
- Vehicles naturally generate heat, which can confuse fire detection systems and lead to false alarms.
- High vehicle traffic
- Constant movement of cars can disperse gases unevenly, making detection inconsistent and less reliable.
- Varied environmental conditions
- Changes in temperature, humidity, and airflow can affect the sensitivity and accuracy of fire and gas detection systems.
These challenges highlight the need for advanced monitoring technologies and well-designed ventilation systems in car parks. Combining detection technologies, such as Oggioni PARK-4 and FyreLine Linear Heat Detection, can provide a reliable solution.
Oggioni PARK-4
Oggioni PARK-4 is an advanced gas detection system designed specifically for monitoring harmful gases in enclosed spaces like car parks. It detects common vehicle emissions, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ensuring air quality and safety. The system provides real-time monitoring and alerts when gas levels exceed safe limits, triggering ventilation systems or alarms as needed. PARK-4 is designed to integrate seamlessly into larger building management systems, offering reliable and efficient gas detection in areas with high vehicle traffic.
Approvals
The Oggioni PARK-4 Car Park Gas Detection system is compliant with the stringent European standard BS EN 50545-1:2011+A1:2016 for gas detection equipment in car parks and tunnels. This certification guarantees product quality, safety, and environmental protection. Additionally, the Oggioni PARK-4 range carries the CE mark, signifying compliance with essential health, safety, and environmental protection requirements, including Construction Products Regulation (CPR), Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), and Low Voltage Directive (LVD).
Fyreline EN54 Fixed
FyreLine EN54 Fixed is a linear heat detection system designed for early fire detection in a wide range of environments, including car parks. It uses heat-sensitive cables that provide continuous temperature monitoring along their entire length. When the temperature exceeds the cable’s temperature threshold, the system triggers an alarm. The EN54 Fixed model complies with EN54 fire safety standards, making it a reliable solution for detecting heat from potential fire sources. It is ideal for large or hard-to-access areas, offering accurate and consistent monitoring with minimal false alarms.
Approvals
Design Considerations
Controller Placement
The FyreLine EN54 Controller should be installed in an accessible, central location within the car park for easy monitoring and maintenance, ensuring quick response to any heat detection alerts.
The Oggioni PARK-4 Controller should also be placed in an accessible area of the car park, ideally near ventilation systems, to ensure optimal monitoring and quick response to harmful gas levels.
Cable/Gas Detector Placement
For optimal results, LHD cables should be placed in high-risk areas, such as near electrical installations, vehicle charging stations, or fuel storage zones. They are often mounted along ceilings or walls, ensuring even coverage and reliable monitoring across the entire car park.
PARK-4 detectors should be placed in areas with limited ventilation, such as corners or lower sections of the car park, where gases tend to accumulate. Proper spacing and strategic placement ensure accurate readings and effective air quality control throughout the space.
Mounting Clips
FyreLine J clips are ideal for mounting on flat surfaces and secure the cable at a suitable distance from the mounting surface. They are durable and corrosion resistant making them perfect for long-term use.
P-clips are commonly used for securing gas detection cables in car parks due to their robust design and ease of installation. Made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials, they provide a secure grip without damaging the cables.
External Functional Alarm & Fault Testing
The FyreLine EN54 Fixed End of Line is used to terminate up to two zones of EN54 Fixed Linear Heat Detection cable. Its secure weatherproof enclosure has built in switches to simulate fault or alarm conditions for testing.
Typical Wiring Diagram
Up to two zones of heat sensing cable per controller can be used to protect the car park from fire. Heat sensing is run from the controller and is secured to the walls and ceilings to provide sufficient cover in every parking bay before terminating at the FyreLine EN54 Fixed End of Line.
Oggioni PARK-4 detectors can be installed in a daisy-chain using Oggioni PARK-4 Junction Boxes to wire each detector into the loop.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre supplies all aspects of fire detection and associated safety products and can provide expert advice and consultation.
- Demonstration and Training
- We offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including the Oggioni Park 4 and FyreLine Linear Heat Detection, in our very own sophisticated training facility.
- After-Sales Support
- Eurofyre offers both on-site and telephone support to assist you in ensuring that your system is fully functional and operating at maximum efficiency. Our after-sales care and support are second-to-none.
For more information about Oggioni Park 4 or FyreLine Linear Heat Detection, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre have to offer, please feel free to get in touch either by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email to [email protected] or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
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