HVLS Warehouse Fan Safety is a Hot Topic
Let’s face it, we all worry about the impact threats such as weather, theft and even fire can have not only on our homes and personal possessions but also at the workplace. Which is why most people carry some form of insurance on their valuables, but here’s a little assurance from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for your fans and a little peace of mind.
Based on extensive testing recently conducted by the NFPA’s Research Foundation, guidelines for the installation and use of High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) Fans in facilities with Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) automatic sprinklers have been established. With a vote of confidence, tests concluded that HVLS warehouse fans, without additional fire, smoke or heat detecting equipment did not prevent sprinkler systems from meeting the “pass criteria” established for the tests and approval process
The pass criteria were determined after the two-part study analyzing the impact HVLS warehouse fans had on automatic sprinkler systems in terms of protecting stored commodities. The study was sponsored and conducted by an oversight committee of HVLS fan industry experts, facility consultants, risk management companies and members of the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA).
These tests are great news for HVLS fan users and potential users and the safety of their warehouse and overhead loading dock doors. But what about more stringent local fire marshals and the fire codes? What if they mandate the HVLS fans automatically shut down when sprinklers are activated from a fire alarm? Is there an automated system to control HVLS warehouse fans shut down from a central location?
Of course there is a solution, and Serco® has taken its almost 60 years of experience as the leader in the movement of materials over to advancing the efficient movement of air with iFAN™. iFAN may not be able to help prevent fires but it can certainly assist fire suppression and fire code compliance. iFAN’s intelligent software controls all fans from a single, centralized location and even has the ability to interconnect with fire suppression systems to immediately shut fans down when a fire alarm is triggered.
This integrated connection design allows power to the fans to be immediately interrupting the signal to the iFan which will shut the fans within 90 seconds. In addition to sprinkler activation, iFAN can integrate with smoke detection devices and heat detection devices to achieve automatic fan shutdown.
If you’re looking for the peace of mind and assurance afforded by iFAN for your HVLS warehouse fans, please visit the Serco HVLS warehouse fan website. iFAN, it’s a winning combination of fan safety and fan efficiency.