Why ceiling height matters for fire detection
Traditional point smoke detectors and heat detectors operate on a straightforward assumption: smoke or heat will rise and reach the detector. In most buildings, this holds. In a high bay warehouse, the physics works against it.
Once ceiling heights move beyond around 10 metres, smoke behaviour becomes increasingly challenging. Cold air can suppress smoke rise, while loading activity, ventilation and climate control create air movement that can affect its path. Exhibition halls and large distribution centres with open volumes present similar challenges.
A fire at floor level in a 25-metre building may not trigger a ceiling-mounted point detector until the fire has grown considerably. For fire detection to be effective in these environments, the technology needs to work differently.
What BS 5839-1 says about high-ceiling buildings
BS 5839-1 sets different maximum ceiling heights for different forms of detection. Point smoke detection is generally limited to 10.5 metres, while optical beam and appropriately configured aspirating smoke detection can extend to 25 metres or, in certain configurations, 40 metres.
Above 40 metres, conventional smoke detection options narrow considerably. Video flame detection works differently and is not subject to the same fixed ceiling-height limits. Ciqurix holds LPCB approval to LPS 1976 for Video Flame Detection and is the only approved Video Fire Detection solution for applications exceeding 40 metres.
How Ciqurix works in high bay environments
Rather than waiting for smoke to reach a ceiling-mounted detector, Ciqurix video flame detection identifies the physical characteristics of a flame directly. Detectors process visual and near-infrared images simultaneously, analysing colour, brightness, shape, flicker and movement over time.
Detection can occur at distances up to 180 metres. In a high bay warehouse, this means detectors can be positioned to observe the risk area directly — where a fire is likely to start — rather than waiting for smoke to travel upward through a large volume of unpredictable air. In environments with complex airflow, large thermal gradients or high operational activity, this approach avoids many of the challenges associated with transporting smoke to ceiling-mounted detection.
Where this applies
Ciqurix is used in high bay warehouses, automated storage and retrieval facilities, aircraft hangars, exhibition centres, university atriums, transport hubs and other buildings where ceiling height and internal volume create challenges for traditional fire detection. If your project exceeds 10.5, 25 or 40 metres and conventional detection options are becoming restricted, our team can review the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what ceiling height does traditional fire detection become less effective?
There is no single height at which traditional detection becomes unsuitable. BS 5839-1 sets different limits according to detector technology, with significant changes to the options available above 10.5, 25 and 40 metres. Point smoke detection is generally limited to 10.5 metres, while optical beam and appropriately configured aspirating smoke detection can extend to 25 metres or, in certain configurations, 40 metres. Video flame detection is not subject to these same fixed ceiling-height limits.
What is the detection range of Ciqurix video flame detection?
Ciqurix CORE detectors can detect flame at distances up to 180 metres, subject to positioning and environmental conditions.
Is Ciqurix approved for fire detection in buildings over 40 metres?
Yes. Ciqurix holds LPCB approval to LPS 1976 and is the only approved Video Fire Detection solution for applications exceeding 40 metres.
Does video flame detection work in warehouses with ventilation or airflow?
Video flame detection identifies the physical characteristics of a flame rather than relying on the movement of smoke or heat toward a detector. Airflow patterns within the building have less influence on detection performance than they would for smoke or heat-based systems. Detector positioning should always be reviewed as part of system design
Can Ciqurix replace traditional detection in a high bay warehouse?
Yes. Ciqurix CORE is a primary fire detector and can provide automatic fire detection as part of a BS 5839-1 compliant system in high-ceiling environments. Unlike smoke-based detection, it detects flame directly and is not dependent on smoke reaching a ceiling-mounted detector. The appropriate configuration depends on the building, fire risk, detector coverage and applicable standards.
Our team can review your project requirements.
