Fire Alarm System Design for Warehouses: Requirements, Stages, and Key Considerations

Warehouses are classified as fire-hazardous facilities due to the frequent presence of flammable materials, packaging, textiles, flammable and combustible liquids, and operating electrical equipment. A reliable fire alarm system (FAS) enables early fire detection and minimizes damage. Designing such a system requires strict compliance with regulatory and technical standards.

Regulatory Framework

Fire alarm system design in Russia is regulated by the following documents:

• Federal Law No. 123-FZ “Technical Regulations on Fire Safety Requirements”;
• SP 484.1311500.2020 “Fire Protection Systems. Fire Alarm Systems. Design Standards and Rules”;
• SP 5.13130.2009 — general requirements for fire protection systems;
• GOST R 53325-2012 — fire alarm equipment and technical means.

These documents define requirements for detector types, placement, room classifications, power sources, and system operating algorithms.

Key Design Considerations for Warehouses

Designing a fire alarm system for a warehouse requires accounting for several factors:

1. Type of stored materials. For storage of flammable and combustible liquids, explosion-proof detectors and specific operation modes are required. Paper storage demands increased smoke sensitivity.
2. Ceiling height. Warehouses often have tall ceilings, making linear beam smoke detectors or addressable-analog systems more suitable for effective coverage.
3. Zoning. The warehouse space is divided into fire detection zones to localize the source of activation. Each zone may include shelving areas, technical rooms, ramps, and pits.
4. Detection speed. High detector sensitivity is crucial for early fire detection, which enables faster alerting and automatic fire suppression.
5. System integration. The fire alarm system must interface with other building systems—notification, ventilation, access control, and fire suppression—for seamless emergency response.

Design Stages

1. Site inspection. Gathering data on room usage, hazard classification, evacuation routes, and environmental conditions.
2. Technical specifications development. Coordinated with the client, fire department, and facility management.
3. Equipment selection. Choosing detectors, control panels, communication lines, power supplies, and alert devices.
4. Project documentation. Includes wiring diagrams, specifications, and explanatory notes. Prepared in accordance with Russian Government Decree No. 87 of February 16, 2008.
5. Approval process. May require fire safety expert review by the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) or regulatory authorities.
6. Handover for installation. Once approved, the project moves into the construction and installation phase.

Conclusion

A well-designed fire alarm system is essential to warehouse safety. Mistakes during the design phase can result in delayed fire detection and substantial losses. All work must be performed by certified professionals with SRO (self-regulatory organization) admission and experience in fire protection systems. Compliance with current fire safety regulations must be maintained at every stage.

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