The Essential PSB Good Practice Guide

Car Park Ventilation

Contents
Introduction
1 What is Impulse Ventilation?
2 Components of the Impulse
Systems
2.1 Component Function
2.2 Main Extract Fans
2.3 Impulse Fans
2.4 CO Monitoring
2.5 Multi-criteria Smoke &
Heat
Detectors
2.6 Extract Dampers
2.7 Main Control Panel

3 System Design
3.1 Current Regulations on Car
Park Ventilation
3.2 Design Considerations
3.3 Extract Systems
3.4 Fresh Air Make Up
3.5 Design Fire Load
3.6 Means of Escape
3.7 Fire Fighting
3.8 Airflow Rate
3.9 Control of Smoke
3.10 Activation of Impulse Fans
4 Sprinklers
5 The Option of Impulse Fans &
Induction Fans
5.1 Performance of a Jet Fan
5.2 Relative Benefits of the Two
Types

The Essential PSB Good Practice Guide

6 Computerised Fluid Dynamics

Modelling
7 A Proven Track Record
8 Car Stacker Systems
8.1 Fire Risk
8.2 Risk of Gas Build up
Frequently asked questions

The Essential PSB Good Practice Guide

Introduction
Impulse ventilation is designed to achieve two principle objectives:
Remove the need for space and energy consuming ducting and
provide smoke control in the event of fire
Impulse ventilation is still treated as very new technology within the United
Kingdom even though it has been extensively used throughout mainland Europe
for over 15 years.
Since PSB introduced the Impulse Ventilation System into the UK in 2001 it has been
met with much interest resulting in many questions about this unique and
innovative technology. The Good Practice Guide aims to answer these questions
and to provide a background to Impulse Ventilation and its efficient and effective
application. It will also highlight the key design criteria and point out some of the
major pitfalls of poor design practice.

The Essential PSB Good Practice Guide

The Essential PSB Good Practice Guide

1. What is Impulse Ventilation?

An Impulse Ventilation System is intended to provide effective ventilation of
enclosed and basement car parks without using ducting. This system is also suitable
for use in loading bays and service roads, although slightly different design criteria
may be required.(See figure 1)
Impulse ventilation differs from the conventional ventilation system in three
principle ways:
Impulse fans replace ducting and provide control of the airflow
within the car park.
Smoke management and control are key features of the impulse
system, a technique not usually possible with a ducted system.
In larger car parks, the system engineering is based on a design fire
size rather than the simple air exchange rates that are referred to in
the current building regulations.

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Figure 1

Ventilation Techniques

The Essential PSB Good Practice Guide

2 Components of the Impulse System

The components of a PSB Impulse Ventilation System include:

Main extract fans

Impulse fans
Extract shaft or riser
CO detection system
Fully addressable multi-criteria smoke/heat detection system
Extract dampers & actuators
Main control panel
Fire service override switch
Option of remote monitoring/indication

Figure 2

System Components

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2.1 Component
Function

The basic principle of the system is that the main extract fans provide the air
change rate within the car park whilst the impulse fans control the air flow direction.
The environmental conditions are constantly monitored by the use of CO and
smoke detection systems. This environmental data is then fed into the main control
panel which will adjust the rate of ventilation accordingly.

2.2 Main
Extract Fans

A minimum of two main variable speed, parallel mounted exhaust fans are used
for effective air flow control. These extract fans are rated at 50% of the maximum
airflow rate.

Figure 3

A Main Extract Fan

The main extract fans must be suitably rated for operation within a smoke extract
environment and it is therefore vitally important to ensure that they have been
tested in accordance with the latest European standard EN I 2 I 0 I -3 to verify their
suitability. Current building regulations specify that they must be suitable for
withstanding a temperature of 300C for a period of not less than one hour.

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2.3 Impulse Fans

Definition of an
Impulse Fan

An impulse fan is designed to create the movement of a large volume of air via
the development of thrust. This is achieved by the creation of a concentrated high
velocity jet stream, which induces air movement and is based on a physical law
first established by Bernouilli.
The impulse fans are used to control the direction of the airflow within the car park,
ensuring there are no stagnant areas under day to day ventilation conditions. In the
event of a fire, selective operation of the fans makes it possible to control the flow
of smoke, achieved by use of the air entrainment characteristic of the impulse fan.

Figure 4

An Impulse Fan

The impulse fans are two speed units operating at I400 and 2800rpm. The lower
speed (I400rpm) enables airflow to be directed to all parts of the car park and
create turbulence which facilitates the mixing and dilution of the contaminant
gases with fresh air. The higher speed of 2900rpm is used only under fire conditions.
The impulse fans must also be rated to withstand the high temperatures associated
with smoke extract fans, indeed, they are more likely to experience the higher
temperatures than the main extract fans.
Therefore, it is vitally important to ensure that they have also been tested in
accordance with the latest European standard EN I 2 I 0 I -3 to confirm their
suitability. Again, current building regulations specify that they must be suitable for
withstanding a temperature of 300C for a period of not less than one hour.

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2.4 CO Monitoring

Current building regulations require an airflow rate of 6 air changes per hour
(Approved Document F). The arbitrary application of this requirement can result in
considerable waste of energy, and resultant increase in operating costs. For 80% of
the time, most car parks have little traffic movement, consequently very little vehicular
exhaust pollution is present during that time, therefore a lower rate of ventilation can
be employed without compromising the optimal environmental conditions.

Figure 5

CO & LPG Monitor

A variation in airflow rate is permitted within the relevant Approved Document,

providing the level of pollution within the space is monitored and controlled within
the specified limits. By varying the rate of ventilation according to traffic
movement, the Impulse Ventilation System requires lower rates of ventilation
overall, resulting in reduced operational costs. The usual ventilation rate is between
3 and 6 air changes per hour dependent on the level of traffic movement and the
consequential level of exhaust emissions.

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2.5 Multi-Criteria
Smoke & Heat
Detectors

Multi-criteria fire detector heads are used for two reasons:

To reduce the chance of false alarm.
To provide for early detection of a developing fire.
The location and distribution of the fire detectors and their programming is
extremely important to ensure the correct mode of operation of the system. This is
particularly the case in ramp or void areas.
The most commonly used type of detector incorporates both thermal and smoke
detection within one head (see figure 6). Whilst multi-criteria heads will sense both
smoke and vapours emitted from the early stages of a developing fire,
conventional fire detection systems will only operate in the detection of heat
delaying detection

Figure 6

The Multi criteria

Smoke Detector

This feature is extremely important as a car fire is often confined to the passenger
compartment of a vehicle, and consequently sufficient heat will not be released
from the fire at detector level for some considerable time from initial ignition. This is
time that is lost for the evacuation of the building and for alerting the fire service.

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2.6 Extract Dampers

12

Under normal circumstances in multi-level car parks the extract dampers remain
open to provide the required ventilation on each level. In the event of fire, the
dampers on the fire floor will remain open, but those on the non-fire floors will close
automatically. This method of operation means that all the air extracted is drawn
though the fire floor and no smoke contamination will occur on the non-fire floors
(see figure I 2).

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2.7 Main Control

Panel

The main control panel is the heart of the Impulse Ventilation System which
includes a PLC (programmed for effective system operation) and all the
switchgear necessary to control the system operation. The main control panel
continually receives signals from the CO and smoke detection monitors enabling
the system to respond to the conditions prevailing within the car park and provide
the appropriate rate of ventilation and airflow direction.
Obviously, fires within car parks can involve more than one vehicle therefore it is
important to consider the impact of a multi-vehicle fire at the same location on the
performance of the ventilation system.
Figure 7 shows a fire test, undertaken by PSB, involving three vehicles. It can be
seen from the illustration that, even though three cars are involved in the fire, a
clear approach to the vehicles is maintained for the fire-fighters, who are then
able to tackle the fire efficiently and reduce further damage caused by the fire.
Due to the ability of the Impulse Ventilation Systems control system to manipulate
the activation of the impulse fans, much greater control can be achieved, thereby
focusing the bulk of the airflow through the fire zone.

Figure 7

Fire Test at the Villa Arena

Car Park, Amsterdam

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3 System Design
3.1 Current
Regulations
on Car Park
Ventilation

Current building regulations do not consider a car park ventilation system as a

system of life safety due to the usually sparsely populated nature of car parks and
the limited or precise fire risk associated with them.
However, the new breed of vehicles emerging as the norm for domestic motoring,
including people carriers and 4 x 4s, carry a much greater fire load than the
vehicles on which the regulations were originally based. The fire load for these
larger vehicles can be at least twice as high as the assessment on which the
current building regulations are based, up to five times as high in some instances,
largely due to the increasing use of plastics in the construction of modern vehicles.
The materials used in the production of the car upholstery have long been
outlawed for use in domestic and commercial furniture, further increasing the real
fire potential.

3.2 Design
Considerations

There are six main considerations which should be taken into account in the design
of an Impulse Ventilation System
Points at which contaminated air can be extracted
Fresh air intake facilities
Design fire load
Means of escape
Fire fighting
Car park geometry

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3.3 Extract System

One or more extract points will be situated at the most suitable and practical
locations, normally on the perimeter of the car park and, ideally, at the opposite
end to the fresh air intake. Each extract point will have at least two extract fans
operating in parallel. Extract shafts can be either builders work shafts or of steel
construction. This ensures an even and efficient airflow through the car park.

3.4 Fresh Air

Make Up

A facility must be made for fresh air to be drawn into the car park. For single level
car parks it is most frequently the ramps that are used as the route for fresh air
intake. This also allows for efficient ventilation of the ramps, which are often subject
to the highest level of pollution due to standing traffic.
Alternative methods of drawing in fresh air may have to be considered for car
parks greater than two levels. This may involve lightwells, voids in the outer walls or
the use of fresh air supply fans.
In larger car parks, where more than one extract point is used, it may not be
necessary to use all the extract points in the event of a fire. In such cases the
unused extract points may be used for fresh air supply by reversing the fans thereby
gaining further improvement in smoke control.

3.5 Design Fire Load

Consideration of the fire load is an important factor in the design of a realistic and
reliable ventilation rate for a car park. There are a number of sources of
information available to the design engineer, and a variety of opinions within the
industry as to the level of fire load that should be adopted.
It is generally accepted that the peak fire output of a domestic saloon vehicle will
be in the order of 3MW. However, as explained earlier, some vehicles have a much
greater output. It is reasonable to base the design on the spread of fire to two
additional vehicles as well as the vehicle of origin.

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The Essential PSB Good Practice Guide

It can also be assumed that the two additional vehicles involved in the fire will
peak in fire output simultaneously, albeit unlikely, whilst the original source of fire
dies down. This scenario would result in a fire size as follows:
(2 x 3MW) + 2MW = 8MW.

3.6 Means of
Escape

The location of the escape and fire-fighter access routes must be taken into
account at the design stage. In the event of a fire smoke flow is managed, as far
as is practical, in order to avoid contamination of escape routes and ensuring
access to them is not compromised.

Figure 8

The results of
a fire in
Maastricht.

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The illustration demonstrates how, in a real fire situation, the flow of smoke was
controlled to avoid contamination of the means of escape and maintain clear
air for the greater part of the car park.
This is one of the major differences between a ducted and an impulse system. A
ducted system will extract the smoky gases through each of the extract grilles at
both high and low level as illustrated in figure 9. An impulse system, through the
intelligence of the system, enables greater control of the smoke flow through the
selective activation of impulse fans
Figure 9

A Ducted
Smoke
Dispersal
System.

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3.7 Fire Fighting

A key function of any car park ventilation system is to facilitate rapid access by
the fire services to the building and fire. The impulse system is designed to ensure
that at least one side of the vehicle is kept clear of smoke, thereby aiding visibility
and the approach of the fire service personnel.
The traditional means of providing ventilation employing a ducted or smoke
dispersal system induces smoke to all areas of the car park causing visibility to be
restricted, thereby impeding escape and hampering the approach to the fire by
the fire service. By adopting an engineered approach to the system design,
rather than applying an arbitrary I 0 air changes per hour, irrespective of car park
size, the impulse system is able to control the flow of smoke by the selective
operation of the impulse fans. This will improve both access to the means of
escape by members of the public, and approach to the fire by the fire service.

3.8 Airflow Rate

The main fans are designed to remove the necessary quantity of air according to
the level of pollution created by traffic movement within the car park. Under
normal ventilation conditions, the airflow rate will be in the order of three air
changes per hour, or trickle ventilation during off peak periods, when there is
little traffic movement. The system will vary the rate of ventilation, and control the
number of impulse fans operating according to the level of pollution.
On detection of heat or smoke, the airflow to the fire floor will be increased. This
is done by the main extract fans increasing in speed and selected impulse fans
within the fire zone automatically switching to high speed (2900rpm). All the air
extracted from the car park will pass through the fire zone, controlled by the
selective operation of the impulse fans and the closure of the extract dampers to
the non-fire floors, (see figures 9 & I I).
Closure of the dampers will ensure that the extract is concentrated to the fire
floor and smoke will not migrate to the remaining, otherwise unaffected, floors.

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3.9 Control of Smoke

Due to the selective operation of the impulse fans on the fire floor, smoke will be
contained and channelled through an air corridor, created by the jetstream of the
impulse fans and guided towards the extract point. The air movement outside the
smoke corridor will be induced into the corridor, trapping the smoke.
The impulse fans that operate under fire conditions will depend on the zone in
which the fire occurs. The information provided via the fire detection system, will
determine which fans should operate to control the smoke flow.
Activation of all, or too many, impulse fans will result in excessive, uncontrolled
movement of air which, in turn, will cause an aerodynamic overloading of the
main extract fans with resultant smoke logging of a large proportion of, or even all
of the car park. The system is based on overlapping zones which permits very
accurate control of the smoke. This principle is illustrated in figure I 0.
The air velocity within the corridor is designed to be sufficient to overcome the
buoyancy effect of a design fire load, normally 8MW. Due to all the air extracted
from the car park being concentrated into the smoke corridor, there will also be a
significant cooling effect on the smoky gases, thereby limiting the hazard of fire
spread and further structural damage.
The width of the smoke corridor will depend on a number of factors,
including floor to soffit height, number and depth of beams, size of car park and
car park geometry.
On the basis of the known design smoke corridor width, the floor to soffit height
and the known velocity needed to control the flow of a specific fire load, the air
volume that needs to be extracted from the car park under fire conditions can be
calculated (see figure I I ).

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Figure 10

Impulse Fan Arrangement & Overlapping Zones

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Figure 11

Controlling Smoke Flow

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Figure 12

Isolation of the Non-fire Floor

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3.10 Activation of
Impulse Fans

Failure to activate the impulse fans in a fire situation may well result in the fire being
unventilated, the results of which are well known. Due to the lack of air there will
be an increase in smoke generation and higher smoke temperatures with the
consequential increase in damage to structure and property. Whilst the precise
location of the impulse fans is to some extent flexible, the selection and distribution
of them is obviously crucial to the performance of the ventilation system.
There are a number of key criteria necessary to consider during the design process
to ensure reliable operation of the system. These criteria include:

Slab to soffit height

Fan thrust
Spacing of fans
Number of fans in operation
Main fan extract rate
Smoke travel distance
Soffit contour

The thrust of the impulse fan will induce air movement equivalent to up to eight
times the amount of air passing through the impulse fan itself. Consequently,
activation of too many fans will disrupt the operation of the system as explained in
paragraph 3.9. Activation of too few fans will result in the systems inability to
adequately control the airflow.
Similarly, the contour of the soffit will influence the aerodynamic performance of
the impulse fans, which will have to be taken into account when determining the
spacing and number of fans to be installed and activated.

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4 Sprinklers
Impulse Ventilation Systems, when properly designed and installed, effectively remove the
need for sprinklers within a car park. Designed for smoke control, the system will channel
all the air through the fire zone, providing significant cooling to the smoky gases
discharged by the fire and limiting the risk for fire spread.
With the early detection of a fire via the multi-criteria smoke and heat detection system
and the resultant early alarm to occupants enabling prompt evacuation and the control
of smoke flow, the practical need for sprinklers no longer exists.
If (for whatever reason) sprinklers are still installed in the car park, there will be no impact
on the efficiency of the impulse system.

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5. The Option of Impulse Fans & Induction Fans

A more recent development in car park ventilation fan is the centrifugal type
induction fan which now compliments the axial Impulse fans. Collectively, these fans
are both commonly referred to as Jet Fans. As with impulse ventilation systems
generally, with the further option of fan types without a full understanding of their
application, there are many pitfalls with potentially significant consequences that
await the system design engineer.
These two ranges of fans are basically designed to provide the same functions and
these are:
Influence the direction of airflow within the car park to ensure that all areas are
efficiently ventilated
Induce air turbulence during daily ventilation to ensure efficient mixing and
dilution of pollutant gases with fresh air
Manage the flow of hot smoky gases in the event of fire

5.1 Performance
of a Jet Fan

The performance of both the impulse and induction fans are measured in terms of
thrust, usually expressed in Newtons. The level of thrust will determine the amount
of air that the fan is capable of moving, not only the air passing through the fan,
but the amount of air induced into the jetstream created at the fan outlet.

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5.1.1
System Affects

The quantity of air movement created by the jetstream can be up to 8 times that
passing through an impulse fan developing 50N of thrust. This level of air movement
will depend on the useable thrust which will be affected by the resistance to
airflow created by the obstructions within the car park, such as downstand beams,
containment and ducting. The amount of resistance caused by the obstructions is
taken into account in the design of the system and the selection of the number of
fans.
One further consideration that must be taken in account is the number of jet fans
operating. Obviously, the greater the number of jet fans that are operating, the
greater the volume of air that will be moved, therefore, care must be taken to
ensure that the main extract fans will be of sufficient capacity to extract that
volume of air otherwise the car park, in effect, will become pressurised. In such a
situation for example, in a fire situation, smoke could be forced into escape and
fire fighter access routes. This is particularly important when considering the use of
the larger 100N Centrifugal type of fan.
A further consideration when using the larger of the centrifugal fans is the impact
on sprinklers if they are used. Due to the width of the discharge nozzle of the 100N
centrifugal fans, typically 1200mm, the high velocity discharge, in the order of
25m/s, will have an adverse affect on sprinkler patterns. In such cases, it is much
better to use a larger number of smaller fans since, with the large nozzle size,
spread of the high velocity air will impact on sprinklers even if the fan is located
centrally between sprinkler heads; it must be remembered that the performance
of a jet fan is based on the air induced into the jetstream from the surrounding area
and the induced air will also impact on the sprinkler pattern.

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On the basis of the known design smoke corridor width, the floor to soffit height
and the known velocity needed to control the flow of a specific fire load, the air
volume that needs to be extracted from the car park under fire conditions can be
calculated (see figure I I ).

5.2 Relative
Benefits of the
Two Types

Each of the two types of fan has its relative benefits which are summarised below.
The axial fan is largely superior in terms of system performance and efficiency,
whilst the centrifugal fan provides benefits in terms if space, although this is mainly
restricted to the smaller of the two fans.

5.2.2 The Axial

Impulse Fan
(The Vortax)

The axial fans tend to be more flexible and more efficient than the centrifugal type
of jet fan. This is borne out by the following:
Lower power requirement, 1.1KW as opposed to 1.4KW for the 50N fans and
2.2KW against 2.6KW for the 100N.
Improved directional control for jetstream giving greater control of smoke in fire
conditions
Lower system losses with less jetstream contact with soffit
Quieter in operation

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5.2.3 Centrifugal
Jet Fan
(The Pulsar

These fans tend to give greater benefits when height of car parks is restricted,
particularly in the case of the smaller centrifugal fan.
Saving in height of 180mm on the 50N fan and 120mm on the 100N.
Compact assembly for the smaller 50N fan
The larger motor capacity necessary in the centrifugal fan is not great for individual
fans, though of course this will be more significant for the overall system, but the
loss of efficiency is caused by the compactness of the fans. Due to the restricted
space, there is not a full scroll which normally forms part of the centrifugal fan
construction and this creates much higher dynamic losses within the fan.
Further losses are created at the discharge due to the greater proportion of the
discharge air being in contact with the soffit caused by the coanda effect, and
this will also cause greater losses due to more significant contact with downstand
beams and other obstructions.

Figure 13

PSB Pulsar Induction fan

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6 Computational Fluid Dynamic Modelling

The correct application of CFD modelling can produce particularly useful
information to aid the design process or to demonstrate the systems effectiveness.
CFD is one of many tools used in the design engineers arsenal; however some
installations have highlighted the need for caution in relying too greatly on the results
of CFD models. CFD is no different from any other stand-alone software, in that the
results rely on the accuracy and the interpretation of the resultant information.
Without a full understanding of the system design principles and application, the
final results are totally meaningless and maybe potentially dangerous.

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7 A Proven Track Record

Impulse ventilation has been proven, not only in test conditions, but also in real fire
situations. This can be seen from the results, not only from the fire in Maastricht illustrated
in figure 8, but also a further
example illustrated in figure I 3, where the escape routes were kept clear of smoke as well
as the vast majority of the remaining car park.
Figure 14

Smoke control in the Museumplein Multi-level Car Park

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8.0 Car Stacker Systems

Car stacker systems are becoming increasingly popular with developers in order that they
can gain maximum use of limited basement space. With the use of stacker systems there
are additional considerations that need to be taken into account when considering the
car park ventilation scheme.
The most important considerations are:
The risk of increased fire spread
The consequential increased potential fire size
The risk of build up of hazardous gases and vapours in the pits often associated with
stacker mechanisms
Figure 15

PSB PitPurge stacker pit ventilation system

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8.1 Fire Risk

The potential for fire spread is greatly increased when stacker systems are used
due to the vehicles being parked one above the other in a rack type
arrangement. For this reason, it is
advisable to
consider the use of sprinklers to impede the rate of fire growth
reconsider the design fire size, particularly if sprinklers are not used

8.2 Risk of Gas

Build Up

The build up of gases within the pits associated with the stacker systems is a serious
risk and steps should be taken to provide local ventilation. This can most
efficiently be done using a purge system. An extract system would not be as
efficient and would necessitate the installation of flameproof fans when a purge
system only requires a standard type of fan.
The purge system should be designed to provide continuous ventilation during
normal operation and shut down in the event of fire to avoid the risk of spreading
the fire.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q

What criteria are there for system design?

(I) Net area of the car park, (2) Floor to soffit dimension, (3) Means of
escape, (4) Where air can be supplied, (5) Where air can be extracted

Does the Impulse Ventilation System meet the requirement of 50% high & 50%
low level ventilation ?

Yes, the Impulse Ventilation System provides movement of air from floor to
soffit ensuring thorough ventilation of the entire car park.

Do the ramps need to be ventilated separately?

There are specific requirements within the regulations for areas in which there
can be a particularly high build-up of gases. This may mean that the ramps
need to be separately ventilated but each application has to be considered
individually

Is the cabling fire rated?

Yes. Fire rated cable is used for fans and for detectors. In some cases, the
cable can be located within the slab, which may remove the need for fire
rated cable to be used.

Is a standby electrical supply required?

Yes. To meet the requirements of building regulations, a continuous

electrical supply must be maintained to the car park ventilation system.

Should the impulse fans be tested to withstand the same time/temperature

criteria, set out in Building Regulations for main extract fans?

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Yes the fans must be tested to the European standard EN I 2 I 0 I - 3. PSB fans
are in fact tested to withstand 300C for 2 hours. This exceeds the current
Building Regulations requirements.

How does the Impulse Ventilation System compare to other (ducted) systems?

Taking into account the saving on ducting costs and the cost of standby
generators due to the significant reduction in power requirements, large
savings are likely in most cases. Additionally, in many cases, sprinkler systems
are not needed. An Impulse Ventilation System reacts extremely quickly,
usually within about 2 minutes.

Do you get stagnant areas with the Impulse Ventilation System?

No. Due to the strategic and calculated distribution of the impulse fans and
the monitoring of CO levels, there will be no stagnant areas within the car
park.

Does the PSB Impulse Ventilation System have higher operating costs?

No. Due to the removal of ducting and its associated high pressure drop,
significant reductions in power consumption are make with the
consequential reduction in related operating costs. Additionally, with CO
monitoring there is no need for the system to work continually at full
capacity.

Do you get false smoke alarms?

False alarms are unlikely with the use of multi-criteria fire detectors.

What experience does PSB have in underground car park ventilation?

The Essential PSB Good Practice Guide

PSB has installed over 400 systems into car parks of various sizes throughout
Europe, with vehicle capacities ranging from 17 up to 5000 cars at the
Almada Forum in Portugal.

Why must we use PSB specified products?

PSB has researched and developed the system for a number of years. In this
time, PSB has established strong links with a number of suppliers. The
reliability, performance and quality of the products are of great importance
in such a system and by using specified suppliers and products tested to the
latest European standards, we can ensure that this reliability is passed onto
our customers.

Can the system be tailored to meet specific requirements?

PSB will consider any specific design requests and, if viable, include them in
the system. PSB can also colour code impulse fans to indicate different levels
or zones within the car park so that customers are able to find their vehicle
more quickly.

Concern is expressed that, if the system starts too quickly on detection of fire,
people such as the elderly or infirm may be caught and trapped within a hot
dense smoke corridor.

Due to the use of multi-criteria smoke detection, the Impulse system detects
a fire at a very early stage, long before dense smoke is emitted,
consequently, the situation should not arise. However, where this is a
concern, the system start maybe delayed and alarms activated, allowing
an extended period for escape.are in fact tested to withstand 300C for 2
hours. This exceeds the current Building Regulations requirements.

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Copyright PSB-UK Limited 2007

All rights reserved

The contents of this document remain the property of PSB-UK Limited and must not be copied, stored or
transmitted without prior permission, in writing, from PSB-Uk Limited

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Tel: +44 (0) 1422 378131

Web: www.psbuk.com

Fax: +44 (0) 1422 377321

Email: info@psbuk.com

PSB UK Ltd. Witt House, Brookwoods Industrial Estate, Burrwood Way, Holywell
Green, Halifax, HX4 9BH UK

Car Park Ventilation

A member of the WITT & Sohn Group of Companies