Large-scale fire system installed at Warrington logistics site

Siemens has reported that a collaborative project with EDSB has led to the installation of a fire detection and air sampling system at a warehouse facility in Warrington, operated by a major UK retailer.

The warehouse spans 81,570 square metres and includes multiple mezzanine levels, offices and storage areas for items such as aerosols and batteries.

The scale and complexity of the site required a multi-technology approach tailored to the building’s layout and environmental conditions.

Over 1,000 devices were installed across the facility.

EDSB’s design team developed a BS:5839 Part 1 system aligned to Category L1/P1 standards.

This included low-level test points, pipe runs of over 200 metres, infrared linear beam detectors and triple infrared flame detectors.

Addressing false alarms and ceiling height detection

A key consideration was preventing false alarms, which could lead to costly four-hour halts in operations.

Siemens and EDSB designed a hybrid fire detection system capable of distinguishing between dust, smoke and exhaust fumes, reducing the risk of unnecessary shutdowns.

High ceilings reaching up to 43 metres presented detection challenges due to stratification.

This was addressed using Siemens’ aspirating smoke detection (ASD) technology.

Pipework and air sampling units were strategically placed at height, with installation beginning once the roof structure was completed.

The system was tested and calibrated following installation to ensure it functioned effectively across the varied conditions within the warehouse.

Project planning integrated with construction schedule

The fire safety installation ran concurrently with the construction of the warehouse.

Siemens and EDSB coordinated with construction managers to align installation with building phases.

Planning meetings were held to evaluate access, space limitations and scheduling.

Geoff Wain, Senior Project Manager at EDSB, said: “This project has been a coordinated effort from the design stage through to installation and commissioning, primarily utilising in-house engineers.

“A dedicated site project engineer handled daily communication with our client to ensure that the phased works were completed on time, delivering the project to the end client.”

Alistair Lyon, Install Leader at EDSB, said: “I believe what we have achieved is something that should be celebrated.

“This has been a long, challenging and complex installation and we have delivered an end product that we can all look back on and say we are proud to have been a part of.”

Centralised system management and integration

The warehouse features a Desigo CC building management head end that integrates fire detection data with HVAC and maintenance systems.

This allows operators to view all building systems through a single interface.

Desigo CC enables the centralised monitoring of fire safety and building operations.

It is connected with the on-site computerised maintenance management system (CMMS), using its open architecture for full integration.

John Fennah from Siemens said: “At Siemens we always strive to work closely with our partners and this application is an excellent example of how such an approach can achieve the best solution.

“By understanding and addressing the specific challenges presented by this warehouse, EDSB were able to match the appropriate technology with the different requirements, arriving at an integrated system which optimises fire safety while effectively managing the HVAC.”

The fire system includes nine networked Siemens fire panels, 34 Siemens aspirator panels and over 30 high-level Siemens beam detectors.

Around 200 interfaces support third-party shutdown controls across the facility.

Custom fire safety system implemented in major UK warehouse by Siemens and EDSB: Summary

Siemens and EDSB have completed a fire detection system installation at a logistics warehouse in Warrington.

The facility covers 81,570 square metres and includes multiple types of storage and work areas.

Over 1,000 detection devices were installed.

EDSB’s system design followed BS:5839 Part 1 and Category L1/P1 standards.

The solution includes infrared beam detectors, aspirating smoke detection and flame detectors.

A hybrid system was implemented to reduce false alarms caused by dust and fumes.

High ceilings were addressed with air sampling systems placed at height.

Installation was coordinated with construction schedules.

Desigo CC was used as the building management system, integrating HVAC, fire safety and maintenance platforms.

Siemens fire panels, beam detectors and aspirator panels were networked throughout the facility.

Around 200 interfaces allow third-party system shutdowns.

The system was tested and calibrated post-installation.