Assess smoke stratification
Large or high spaces may need more than one sampling level. Vertical positions must follow the thermal environment, smoke behaviour and project fire-engineering assessment.
Application · Logistics and warehouses
ASD design considerations for logistics and warehouses
Warehouse ASD design is not simply a matter of placing pipe at roof level. Clear height, smoke stratification, rack obstruction, future stock changes, dust, ventilation and maintenance routes all affect the design. Large or high spaces may require sampling at more than one level, confirmed by smoke analysis, functional testing and PipeFlow.
Risk conditions that
change the design
The sampling network must respond to the real environment and operating modes.
- 01Smoke stratification in large or high spaces
- 02Changing racks and stock profiles
- 03Dust, vehicle emissions and contamination
- 04Working-at-height and operational shutdown costs
Design priorities
Resolve these conditions before model and network confirmation.
Protect pipework from logistics activity
Keep pipes, supports and capillaries away from forklifts, conveyors, automated equipment and projecting stock.
Manage dust at source
Define filtration, blow-through provisions, alarm strategy and maintenance intervals. Do not rely only on reducing sensitivity.
Allow for future rack changes
Document the permitted rack height, aisles and commodity changes so future layouts do not obstruct the approved sampling positions.
Protection layers
Each layer should have a defined detection and response purpose.
Roof or ceiling sampling
Suitable where smoke will reach the upper layer. Pitched roofs, beams, roof lights, ventilation and stratification can change hole positions and zoning.
Rack-level sampling
High stock can obstruct smoke movement. Multi-level networks must account for rack changes, sprinklers, forklifts and impact protection.
Local high-risk sampling
Battery charging, conveyors, electrical cabinets and automated machinery can receive local sampling without automatically replacing whole-space protection.
Accessible service zone
Place detectors, filters, test points and blow-through access where routine work does not require unnecessary working at height or operational closure.
Inputs required before design
These inputs turn an application concept into an auditable technical decision.
| Parameter | Why it matters | Design output |
|---|---|---|
| Clear height, roof and beam geometry | Controls smoke rise, accumulation, obstruction and stratification. | Vertical sampling levels and pipe elevation |
| Rack height, aisles and future stock changes | Changes smoke paths and physical pipe protection. | Rack sampling and impact boundary |
| Commodity and packaging fire characteristics | Affects fire growth, smoke and the required response. | Sensitivity, alarm and test objective |
| Dust, vehicles and temperature | Controls filtration, blow-through and maintenance. | Environmental treatment |
| Ventilation, roof vents and seasonal modes | Can dilute, displace or stratify smoke. | Sampling position and test conditions |
| Automation and maintenance windows | Controls collision risk, shutdown and safe access. | Installation protection and service plan |
Candidate models
A candidate remains provisional until project inputs and approval scope are reviewed.
Questions to resolve
Use these in the first project workshop.
- 01What are the clear height, maximum rack height and roof geometry?
- 02How do dust, temperature and vehicle emissions change seasonally?
- 03Can the system be tested and maintained during normal operations?
Common questions
Is roof-level ASD sampling enough for a high-bay warehouse?
Not always. High racks, beams, ventilation and thermal stratification can prevent early smoke from reaching the roof. Rack-level or multi-height sampling may be required and should be verified through fire engineering and functional testing.
Does warehouse dust cause ASD false alarms?
Dust affects background levels and maintenance demand, but lowering sensitivity alone is not a complete response. Identify the source and particle characteristics, then define filtration, blow-through, alarm thresholds and maintenance intervals.
Should a large warehouse use ASD 535-3 or ASD 535-4?
Use ASD 535-3 when one independent channel and its PipeFlow model meet the protection requirement. Evaluate ASD 535-4 when two areas need separate sampling, indication or control, or when two independent networks are required.
Source and review record
Manufacturer facts: SECURITON SecuriSmoke ASD Product Brochure V2.0 EN and current manufacturer design documentation. Application sequence and candidate-model guidance are PEIEN engineering recommendations.
Last reviewed: 27 July 2026. Project values remain assumptions until reviewed by a suitably qualified fire professional or experienced ASD practitioner.
Apply the guidance to your project.
Submit the destination country, application, area, environment, drawings and project stage for a first selection review.