Warehouses are buildings that are used for storing goods. They are used by manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, transportation companies, customs and many other types of businesses. Warehouses are usually large, plain-looking buildings located in industrial parks or on the outskirts of cities, towns or villages.
Warehouses are used to store a variety of different items from raw materials, packing materials and spare parts to components and finished goods. Warehouses are considered industrial buildings and come in all shapes and sizes. They are most commonly categorised as storage warehouses, distribution centres, retail warehouses, cold storage warehouses and flex space.
Larger warehouses use a variety of systems and equipment to ensure their smooth operation. This can include vast arrays of warehouse racking; forklift trucks; automation equipment such as cranes, conveyors and automated storage and retrieval systems; and computer systems that control it all.
These buildings are responsible for the safe storage of valuable goods, materials and equipment. They can also have thousands of workers and visitors pass through every single day and contain millions of pounds worth of equipment. Therefore, it is imperative that a suitable and reliable fire detection system is in place to protect human life and the assets that are stored in the building.
What are the Risks and Challenges?
There are a variety of fire risks and detection challenges in warehouse applications. Some of the most common include:
- Machinery
- Warehouses operate a wide variety of different machinery and electrical equipment. If not maintained properly this equipment can overheat, develop electrical faults or hotspots and set nearby materials alight. Machinery can also cause obstructions and interfere with the behaviour of smoke, making it difficult to detect.
- Vast Open Spaces
- With large open spaces comes high and unpredictable airflow that can cause smoke to behave erratically or become diluted making it extremely difficult for traditional types of smoke detectors to identify.
- Flammable Materials
- Flammable materials such as packaging, chemicals and other stored items can cause a fire to spread very rapidly throughout the facility. Therefore, it is essential that any fires are detected very quickly before they spread too far and cause irreparable damage.
- High Ceilings Warehouses usually have very high ceilings. This can not only cause delays in any smoke reaching ceiling-mounted detectors but can also cause smoke stratification, preventing the smoke from reaching detectors altogether.
Handpicked Products for Warehouses
VESDA aspirating smoke detectors can provide the most reliable and effective detection solution for warehouse applications. VESDA uses powerful aspirators to actively draw smoke from the protected area. This means that they are unaffected by airflow, high ceilings and obstructions and can provide very fast and reliable detection in even the most difficult areas.
Sampling pipes can be installed in the areas that require protection. Air is then drawn through the pipe network and into the detection chamber by the detector’s aspirating system. A series of filters remove any contaminants from the sampled air to reduce false alarms and preserve the integrity of the detection elements.
VESDA detectors can be installed outside of the area that is protected allowing easy access for maintenance.
VESDA is simple to install and maintain and is very fast and reliable making it more than suitable for warehouse environments.
Aspirating Smoke Detectors
VESDA-E VEP Aspirating Smoke Detector
VESDA VEP Detectors use advanced flair technology to provide a very early warning of fire with reduced false alarms. The VEP range offers absolute calibration, optical protection and a smart on-board dust filter.
VESDA-E VES Aspirating Smoke Detector
VESDA VES detectors are based on VESDA-E VEP detectors, but also include a special valve mechanism that enables addressability across pipes or sectors. This means a single zone can be divided into four separate subzones.
Power Supply Units
VESDA-E STX power supplies are designed to complement the looks and style of VESDA-E detectors. They are technically matched to provide sufficient current and battery charging capacity to meet EN54-4 requirements and are also VdS approved.
VESDA-E STX PSU 0.5A 14AH, Black
This is the shallowest of the two power supplies with its depth and width matching the VESDA-E detectors. The power supply itself is EN54-4 approved and is rated to deliver a 0.5A continuous 24VDC supply while simultaneously charging a 7, 12 or 14 amp/hr battery arrangement.
VESDA-E STX PSU 2A 24AH, Black
This unit is the deeper of the two and is designed for installation with VESDA-E detectors running at fan speeds up to 10. The integrated charger is EN54-4 approved and rated to provide a 2 amp continuous 24VDC supply. The enclosure can accommodate up to 2 12V 24 amp/hr batteries.
ASD Pipe & Fittings
VESDA Red ABS 25mm Pipe
Our 25mm red ABS pipe is designed specifically for the aspirating smoke detection industry.
VESDA Red ABS 25mm Socket
Sockets are used to connect 2 lengths of pipe and are fixed using ABS solvent cement.
VESDA Red ABS 25mm 90° Tee
The 90° tee allows the pipe run to be split or branched.
VESDA Red ABS 25mm Removable Union
The removable union is used to break sections of pipe for maintenance purposes.
VESDA Red ABS 25mm 90° Sweeping Bend
The 90° sweeping bends are used to divert pipework around obstructions and reduce air loss.
VESDA Red ABS 25mm Air Sampling Test Point
Air sampling test points allow for functional smoke testing of aspirating smoke detection systems and are typically located at the end of a sampling pipe network.
VESDA Red ABS 25mm x 3/4″ Pipe Clip
This pipe clip has been designed to secure air-sampling pipe using a quick clamp action without the need for additional fixings. Additional fixing nuts and side rod connectors complement the pipe clip for greater installation flexibility.
In-line Filters and Maintenance Equipment
VESDA In-line Filter
VESDA in-line filters provide a simple and cost-effective solution for addressing a variety of harsh environments with high levels of airborne contaminants. They improve detector longevity, reduce maintenance frequency and provide superior performance compared to other in-line filtration solutions.
The Blazer – Automatic Aspirating Maintenance System
This automatic aspiration maintenance system is highly effective in blowing the network of pipes clean. The system is installed right above the detector in the piping network and briefly blows pressurised air into the pipe in order to remove any accumulated dirt.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre is a complete system supplier and has been a major Xtralis technical wholesaler since 2007. This means we can offer expert advice and supply all aspects of fire detection including aspirating smoke detection systems, conventional and addressable fire alarm control panels and linear heat detection.
- Pipework Design
- Eurofyre can also provide assistance with aspirating pipe network design to ensure optimum network performance and installation quality.
- Demonstration and Training
- We have a sophisticated training facility where we offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including VESDA VLF aspirating smoke detection systems.
- After-Sales Support
- Eurofyre prides itself on providing after-sales care and support that is second to none. We offer both on-site and telephone assistance to help you ensure that your system is fully operational and working at its best.
For more information about VESDA aspirating smoke 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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