VESDA
®
Refrigerated Storage Design Guide
1. Introduction
1.1
About This Design Guide
Vision Systems Ltd has produced this Design Guide as a reference, to be consulted when
designing and specifying VESDA fire protection solutions for freezers, cold storage areas and
loading bays with temperatures ranging from minus 40°C (-40°F) to 18°C (65°F)
[1]
.
Unlike most commonly used passive fire detection devices, VESDA detectors are able to function
in sub-zero climates without losing their very early warning smoke detection capabilities. For this
reason, they have been extensively used in refrigerated storage facilities for many years and are, in
fact, the only Factory Mutual (FM) approved smoke detection and fire suppression activation
system for such facilities.
In this Design Guide we will discuss the relevant design considerations and make
recommendations regarding the most effective way in which to install a VESDA solution in the
particular refrigerated storage facility for which it is being designed.
Important Note:
The information contained in this Design Guide should be used in conjunction
with specific local fire codes and standards. Other regional industry practices, where applicable,
should also be adhered to.
1.2 Quick
Reference
The key design considerations presented in Table 1 are an overview only. They should be used in
conjunction with the remainder of the information presented in this Design Guide and in the
relevant VESDA System Design Guide
[2]
.
Table 1 – Key design considerations for a VESDA system in a refrigerated storage facility.
Component
Key Design Considerations
Detailed Information
Pipe material and insulation
must be suitable for low
temperatures.
Sections 3.1, 3.3 and 3.5
All connections in the pipe
network must be air-tight.
Sections 3.4, 3.5 and 4.4
Sampled air MUST NOT be
subjected to vastly differing
sub-zero temperatures within
the freezer area.
Sections 3.5, 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3
The integrity of the freezer
must be maintained at all
sample pipe entrance points.
Section 3.4
VESDA exhausted air must be
returned to the protected zone.
Section 5.3
VESDA Pipe
Only use water traps where the
external temperature is lower
than within the protected zone.
Sections 4.4 and 5.4
Avoid placing sample holes
close to the freezer entrances.
Sections 3.2 and 4.3
Sample Holes
Avoid sampling directly from
the path of the chiller air
supply.
Section 3.2
1
