Parking garages are one of the most challenging places in terms of fire detection: exhaust gas, dust, moisture and strong airflow drive classic smoke detectors into false alarm. The right solution is to construct CO/LPG monitoring together with line-type detection resistant to the conditions of the environment.
Fire risks in this environment
- Rapid growth of vehicle fire and its spread to neighboring vehicles
- Deactivation → of the false alarm system caused by exhaust/dust
- Carbon monoxide accumulation (enclosed volume)
- Risk of gas settling on the ground in vehicles with LPG
- Rapid dissipation of heat in concrete structure
Regulations and standards
Within the scope of BYKHY, fire detection and mechanical smoke evacuation/jet fan systems are required in indoor parking lots. CO monitoring is used for automatic control of ventilation. Design should be made according to TS CEN/TS 54-14 manual.
Recommended technologies
Enclosed Car Park Fire Safety — the right solution combination and the reasons behind it.
Linear Heat Detection Cable (LHD)
It is not affected by dust, exhaust and moisture; it detects vehicle fire along the line. It is the backbone solution of the parking lot.
Related products →Optical Smoke Detector
Complementary detection in clean areas such as confined space, stairs and elevator front.
Related products →CO / LPG Gas Detection
Monitors CO accumulation, automatically triggers jet fan and ventilation; ground level detection for LPG.
Related products →Sprinkler (Water Extinguishing)
Sprinklers are required in the parking garage within the scope of BYKHY. The vehicle fire spreads to neighboring vehicles within minutes; the sprinkler limits the fire in its parking lot.
Related products →Typical system architecture
The LHD cable is laid on the ceiling along the parking lanes and vehicle parking lanes; the control unit (SCU) is connected to the addressed loop via the monitoring module with the relay output. CO detectors are connected to the gas panel and the panel is connected to the jet fan/vent control. Addressable optical smoke detector is used in front of escape routes and stairs.
Common field mistakes
- Installing a standard optical smoke detector in the parking lot is a → constant false alarm
- Pulling the LHD cable out of the parking lane
- Installing the CO detector on the ceiling (CO mixes with air; respiratory level is essential)
- Putting the LPG detector on the ceiling (LPG is heavier than air, it should be close to the floor)
- Failure to integrate the jet fan scenario with the fire panel
Frequently Asked Questions
Which detector should be used in the parking garage?
The main solution is the linear heat sensing cable (LHD); it is not affected by exhaust, dust and moisture. The optical smoke detector is used as a complement in clean places such as in front of stairs/elevators.
Is a CO detector mandatory in the parking lot?
CO detection is used to monitor carbon monoxide accumulation in indoor car parks and to automatically operate ventilation; it is an integral part of mechanical smoke evacuation and ventilation design.
What changes in the parking lot with electric vehicle charging area?
Battery fires behave differently; thermal monitoring and separate scenario setup are recommended in addition to LHD in the charging zone. Detail: Our EV charging areas page.
Enclosed Car Park Fire Safety — request a quote for your project
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