Sprinkler Installation in Cold Storage Facilities: Challenges and Solutions

Why Cold Storage Facilities Challenge Sprinkler Systems

Cold storage and freezer facilities operating at temperatures from +2°C down to -40°C present unique challenges for fire protection systems. A standard wet system with water-filled pipework simply cannot function below freezing — the water would freeze, damaging pipes and rendering the system useless.

Despite low temperatures, fire risk in cold storage is very real — insulation materials (particularly polyurethane foam), electrical installations, and refrigeration systems can all be ignition sources.

Technical Solutions for Cold Storage

Dry Pipe Systems

The most common solution in cold storage. Pipework is filled with compressed air or nitrogen instead of water.

• Operating principle: When a sprinkler activates, air pressure drops, opening the dry valve and allowing water to flow
• Delay: Water reaches the sprinkler with a 30-60 second delay — important in design calculations
• Application: Temperatures from -40°C to +4°C
• EN 12845 requirement: Maximum 500 sprinklers per dry valve

Dry Pre-Action Systems

Combining dry pipe with detection — additional protection against accidental activation.

• Requires dual threat confirmation
• Particularly useful in freezers where even minor water leaks cause rapid ice formation

Anti-Freeze Systems

In certain cases, anti-freeze solutions are used in pipework:

• Water mixed with propylene glycol or other approved agents
• Limited application — maximum pipe capacity per the standard
• Requires regular concentration monitoring
• Not used in large systems due to cost and limitations

Cold Storage-Specific Installation Challenges

Working in Extreme Temperatures

• Special cold-protection clothing required
• Working time limits in low temperatures must be observed
• Regular breaks in heated areas
• Tools adapted for low-temperature operation

Thermal Boundary Crossings

One of the most technically challenging aspects is where pipework transitions from warm zones to cold zones:

• Thermal insulation of pipes in the transition zone
• Electric heat tracing on sections susceptible to freezing
• Proper sealing of penetrations through insulated walls
• Prevention of condensation and ice build-up

Fixing Pipes to Insulated Structures

• Standard hangers can damage thermal insulation
• Special mounting systems needed to minimise thermal bridges
• Supports must handle additional ice loading

Additional Fire Hazards in Cold Storage

• Polyurethane foam insulation (PUR/PIR) — combustible insulation, especially dangerous during construction
• Refrigerants — some are flammable (ammonia, propane)
• Electrical installations — valve actuators, lighting, control systems
• Maintenance works — welding, cutting during refrigeration system repairs

Standards

• EN 12845 — dry system sections
• FM Global Data Sheets — specific cold storage requirements
• VdS CEA 4001 — cold storage chapters

Conclusion

Cold storage sprinkler installation requires specialist technical knowledge and installation experience. Planning cold storage fire protection? Contact Oskar Sprinkler — we have experience installing sprinkler systems in low-temperature facilities across Europe.