Storage Applications
Warehouses, distribution centers, and logistics facilities are getting bigger and taller to store more commodities. As demand increases, vertical warehouses with soaring ceilings and narrower aisles will overtake traditional ones.
Why partner with us?
We offer a range of solutions to meet your fire protection needs now and into the future:
- Maximize commodity storage with the highest storage heights and narrowest aisles in the industry with the ESFR-34
- Increase the maximum coverage area per sprinkler, reducing the overall number of sprinklers with the EC-25
- Extend the life of a system and reduce risk with wet pipe nitrogen inerting
Quell (Vanquish in Australia/NZ) is an FM Approved and UL Listed (with the Ultra K-17 sprinkler) fire sprinkler system for cold storage applications. The system allows commodity storage up to 55 feet (16,8 m) high – 10 feet (3 m) higher than other sprinkler systems.
Why partner with us:
- Maximize storage volumes – taller storage means more square footage for commodity
- Reduce risk, increase flexibility – ceiling-only protection eliminates damage-prone in-rack sprinklers while giving the ability to move storage arrays
- Provide dependability and performance – the system is based on data from 15 full-scale fire tests
- Extend system life and reduce corrosion risk with NG-1 Nitrogen Generators
Other unique cold storage solutions are available for box-in-box construction to save costs and reduce risks with ceiling-only protection on a wet system using the ESFR-17 Dry-Type sprinkler
Emerging technologies and the storage sector’s fast-paced growth mean that warehouse fire risk is almost constantly evolving. Johnson Controls is at the forefront of developing solutions to meet these needs.
From electronically activated sprinkler systems to custom fire protection schemes, our team of engineering and code experts can partner with you to develop a solution that meets your needs.
Why partner with us?
Here’s how we’ve helped address some of our customers’ biggest challenges:
- We helped a major global retailer implement a cost-effective, repeatable solution to upgrading outdated fire protection systems
- We’ve consulted and collaborated on custom ASRS protection for a global retailer
- We partnered with IKEA to implement an EAS-1 electronically activated sprinkler system to reduce risk with earlier fire detection, as well as less water and smoke damage
- We’ve partnered with Attabotics to provide protection for the Attabotics 3D robotic automation warehousing and fulfillment system with a specialized EAS-1 electronically activated sprinkler system
Racked storage of tires and other high hazard materials requires special fire protection. Non-fluorinated, high-expansion foam systems from Johnson Controls are uniquely suited for suppression of three-dimensional fires that can occur with racked, multi-tier storage of these types of items.
Why partner with us:
- Johnson Controls offers a broad portfolio of UL listed, FM approved high-expansion foam systems.
- As a manufacturer of both foam concentrate and hardware, our high-expansion systems are designed for reliable, fully integrated and 3rd-party listed system performance.
- With the experience of more than a thousand installed high-expansion foam systems around the world, our technical service team is knowledgeable and available to assist with design, installation and commissioning of an optimized, high-expansion system to meet your facility’s special hazard needs.
Mechanical rooms may house parts of the fire suppression system (such as fire sprinkler risers), as well as HVAC equipment, pumps, generators, and similar equipment. Consultation with our team of experienced, technical experts can help you determine the best solutions to effectively protect these spaces and leverage infrastructure of suppression systems in other areas of the building. In addition to providing the industry-leading fire valves that are the heart of a suppression system, Johnson Controls offers additional fire protection products such as bladder tank systems with non-fluorinated Class B firefighting foam for fire protection in mechanical rooms where special hazards like fuels, solvents, oils, greases, and other flammable liquids are present.
SAPPHIRE PLUS is designed to quickly suppress fires in occupied areas without causing harm and where clean-up of other agents may pose a problem. SAPPHIRE® PLUS systems help reduce the footprint, installation cost and service time by offering higher fill densities to reduce the number of containers. The SAPPHIRE PLUS system is UL/ULC listed and carries FM and EN approvals. The system can be designed to meet the requirements of NFPA 2001, EN 15004 and ISO 14520 with components approved to provide top quality fire suppression.
Why partner with us:
- Johnson Controls offers a complete portfolio of UL listed, FM approved bladder tank systems with non-fluorinated foam concentrates for reliable, fully integrated fire protection systems.
- AquaMist water mist systems for machinery spaces includes solutions for both local application and total flood configurations that have undergone extensive full-scale fire testing
- SAPPHIRE PLUS technology expands system flexibility to enable engineers to accommodate the fire suppression system in a less obtrusive way by addressing many of the concerns previously associated with halocarbon systems
As the commodities in a warehouse change, the fire protection system piping doesn’t have to change with it. Johnson Controls offers solutions that can help reduce the cost of a system upgrade.
Why partner with us:
- ELO sprinklers are designed to control high challenge fires with relatively low required pressures – and the ELO-231 model is available with ½-inch thread, ideal for a direct replacement
- The EAS-1 Electronically Activated Sprinkler System can replace sprinkler heads on existing piping and its more efficient water usage avoids the need for a fire pump or tank
Once you’ve identified the right fire sprinkler solution, smooth and efficient installation can help keep the project on-time and make installers more productive. Johnson Controls offers unique, quick-install solutions designed to do exactly that.
Our time-saving solutions for storage include:
- Tyco Rapid Install Sprinklers with welded outlet fitting help install sprinklers faster than ever with tool-free hand tightening
- Grinnell One-Bolt couplings provide a fast, consistent install ideal for long runs of pipe in a warehouse
Corrosion in fire sprinkler systems leads to plugging problems, diminished fire sprinkler performance, water leak damage, and reduced service life. All this can translate into significant risks to life safety, structural integrity, and business continuity. Sudden freeze ups in low points or other areas can also mean problematic leaks.
Why partner with us:
- Extend the life of your fire sprinkler system with nitrogen solutions from generators to venting to help reduce corrosion risk
- Expect the unexpected by predicting and preventing issues with a fire sprinkler system – adding connectivity can help better understand a system’s health to predict and prevent freeze ups, leaks, or other issues that can happen
Xaap, a SaaS inspection reporting tool, streamlines the inspection process for your building systems and devices – providing a single, centralized platform for building compliance data. Designed specifically for Building & Facility Managers, Inspectors, Technicians and Service providers, Xaap is real-time access to critical information – at your fingertips.
Not all warehouse/storage facilities have access to high-flow and/or high-pressure firewater supply. In these situations, non-fluorinated, high-expansion foam systems can provide effective, low water demand fire protection solutions for many stored Class A and Class B products.
Why partner with us:
- Johnson Controls offers a broad portfolio of UL listed, FM approved high-expansion foam systems.
- As a manufacturer of both foam concentrate and hardware, our high-expansion systems are designed for reliable, fully integrated and 3rd-party listed system performance.
- With the experience of more than a thousand installed high-expansion foam systems around the world, our knowledgeable technical service team is available to assist with design, installation and commissioning of a high-expansion foam system optimized to meet your facility’s special hazard needs.
Not every fire protection challenge has an easy or straightforward solution. With world-class engineering, manufacturing, and logistics expertise, the JCI team is uniquely positioned to serve as a partner in helping address fire protection’s toughest challenges.
Johnson Controls partnered with one of the world’s largest global retailers to create custom fire protection solutions for its stores. With thousands of locations across the world, the retailer needed a cost-effective retrofit solution economically deployed across its varied facility sizes and layouts.
The solution also required flexibility to address:
- Complex storage/shelving/rack arrangements
- Utilizing existing fire sprinkler system infrastructure
- Operation at existing water pressure levels
- Minimal impact to store operations with very little downtime
The JCI team evaluated and developed multiple solutions that fit within existing water supply parameters. Due to the store layouts of this retailer’s facilities, three separate fire sprinkler protection solutions were required per location. In certain situations, a fourth solution was also necessary.
A significant number of fire tests were required to determine variables and two existing Tyco sprinklers were identified for two of the store areas. For the remaining areas, Johnson Controls relied on its depth of knowledge in fire sprinkler design and innovation to deliver two new UL verified fire sprinklers in less than three months, a process which can often take much longer.
SAPPHIRE PLUS technology expands system flexibility to enable engineers to accommodate the fire suppression system in a less obtrusive way by addressing many of the concerns previously associated with halocarbon systems
Talk to your Johnson Controls representative about your unique challenges and how we can help.
Built to fit most wall-mounted storage cabinets, our handheld portable fire extinguishers are ideal for a wide range of applications, including warehousing, material handling, shop areas and more.
Why partner with us:
- Compact and lightweight, SENTRY extinguishers are made to rigorous ANSUL standards of quality and craftsmanship
- Simple operation and maintenance
- All SENTRY models are UL Listed with aluminum models also ULC Listed
- SENTRY extinguishers come with a six-year limited warranty from date of delivery and are sold and serviced through an international network of independent distributors in every state and most foreign countries.
Off-gases/toxic vapors indicate when there is a malfunction within the battery cell, allowing action to be taken to help prevent thermal runway from occurring. Thermal runaway can cause the failure of a single cell to propagate, creating a domino effect into adjacent cells, resulting in a catastrophic event.
The ANSUL® Lithium-Ion Risk Prevention System integrates with AUTOPULSE Detection and Control Panel and an INERGEN® or SAPPHIRE® Fire Suppression System to create a comprehensive detection, alarm and suppression solution. This integrated system will be capable of communicating with the Battery Management System (BMS) to shut down the failing batteries, can activate the Fire Suppression System to mitigate off-gas ignition, and activate local and remote alarms to inform personnel and emergency response teams.
Johnson Controls offers a range of fire protection solutions ideal for completing your fire protection needs, including water mist and fire sprinkler system solutions, as well as portable extinguisher offerings.
Water-based Suppression Solutions:
With over 130 years in the fire sprinkler industry, Johnson Controls is uniquely qualified to deliver dependable, cost-effective solutions.
Why partner with us:
- Our commitment to excellence is backed by an industry-leading warranty
- Our world-class technical support is committed to helping address challenges throughout the lifecycle of your system
- Johnson Controls offers both fully engineered water mist systems, as well as a full suite of sprinkler system solutions, from fire sprinklers and valves to fire grooved, corrosion solutions and more
Portable Extinguisher Solutions:
Built to fit most wall-mounted storage cabinets, our handheld portable fire extinguishers are ideal for a wide range of applications, including warehousing, material handling, shop areas and more.
Why partner with us:
SENTRY CO2 Extinguishers
- Compact and lightweight, SENTRY extinguishers are made to rigorous ANSUL standards of quality and craftsmanship
- Simple operation and maintenance
- All SENTRY models are UL Listed with aluminum models also ULC Listed
- SENTRY extinguishers come with a six-year limited warranty from date of delivery and are sold and serviced through an international network of independent distributors in every state and most foreign countries.
CLEANGUARD+ Extinguishers
- CLEANGUARD+ Extinguishers – Protection of facilities that typically contain sensitive or irreplaceable equipment and materials that could be damaged or destroyed by water, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide, need a clean agent fire extinguisher. Offering superior performance, CLEANGUARD+ extinguishers are electrically nonconductive, environmentally friendly, and extremely low in toxicity. Rated for Class A, B, and C fires, the extinguisher agent leaves no residue, requires no cleanup after discharge, and will not cause collateral damage to materials, equipment, and facilities.
Johnson Controls has the expertise to help you determine the right solution to protect your server room in a cost-effective manner that respects the mission-critical nature of the space. As a manufacturer of both water-based and gaseous systems, JCI can help weigh the benefits of various solutions.
Why partner with us:
- SAPPHIRE PLUS is designed to quickly suppress fires in occupied areas without causing harm and where clean-up of other agents may pose a problem. SAPPHIRE® PLUS systems help reduce the footprint, installation cost and service time by offering higher fill densities to reduce the number of containers. The SAPPHIRE PLUS system is UL/ULC listed and carries FM and EN approvals. The system can be designed to meet the requirements of NFPA 2001, EN 15004 and ISO 14520 with components approved to provide top quality fire suppression.
- The ANSUL® Acoustic Nozzle – in combination with the SAPPHIRE PLUS Fire Suppression Systems, is suitable for suppressing fires in hazard areas where sound levels may affect sensitive electronic equipment. Typical applications for the acoustic nozzle include server rooms and data centers.
- AquaMist ULF is a low-pressure, preaction water mist system that uses less water than a traditional sprinkler system and provides effective suppression while protecting sensitive equipment and reducing clean-up. The system can also be supplied by potable water or water storage tanks, enabling it to work from the same supply and pump as your fire sprinkler system.
- CLEANGUARD+ Extinguishers – Protection of facilities that typically contain sensitive or irreplaceable equipment and materials that could be damaged or destroyed by water, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide, need a clean agent fire extinguisher. Offering superior performance, CLEANGUARD+ extinguishers are electrically nonconductive, environmentally friendly, and extremely low in toxicity. Rated for Class A, B, and C fires, the extinguisher agent leaves no residue, requires no cleanup after discharge, and will not cause collateral damage to materials, equipment, and facilities.
Warehouses and other large, horizontal structures present unique logistical challenges for firefighters. A Firefighter Air Replenishment System (FARS) is a dedicated standpipe that allows firefighters to easily connect to ready-to-use air and refill their tanks in just minutes.
- Dedicated fill stations help firefighters replenish air more quickly and return to fighting the fire
- Helps firefighters avoid running low or running out of air while deep in a structure