What Is the Quell™ Fire Sprinkler System—and When Should You Use It?
Designing fire protection for cold storage and freezer facilities comes with a unique set of challenges—low temperatures, stacked pallets, tight spaces, and the ever-present risk of accidental sprinkler damage from forklifts or racking changes. Enter the Quell™ Fire Sprinkler System: a smart solution for cold environments where traditional in-rack systems don’t cut it—or don’t belong.
Let’s break down what Quell™ is, when it’s the right fit, and why it’s gaining traction in the world of cold storage fire protection.
What Is the Quell™ System?
At its core, Quell™ is a specialized fire sprinkler system built for cold storage environments—particularly freezers and unheated facilities where maintaining system integrity in sub-zero temperatures is a major concern.
Technically speaking, Quell™ design methodology uses a double interlock pre-action system. But here’s what that means in plain terms:
- It uses a “surround and drown” method to suppress fires quickly and effectively, blanketing the targeted area with water from above.
- The system won’t release water until these events happen: heat and smoke is detected (by a heat sensor) and a sprinkler head opens—reducing the risk of false activation.
- It’s designed to protect high-piled storage up to 48 feet high—without the need for in-rack sprinklers.
That last point is huge. In cold storage facilities, in-rack systems are prone to damage during loading and unloading. One accidental bump from a forklift can cause a major mess—and major downtime. Quell™ eliminates that risk by keeping the protection overhead.
When Is Quell™ the Right Solution?
We typically recommend Quell™ for:
- Freezers and refrigerated warehouses storing palletized goods.
- Unheated buildings where pipes are exposed to sub-freezing temps.
- Facilities storing food products where traditional ceiling-only systems fall short.
- Operations with high-rack storage—especially where in-rack sprinklers would interfere with inventory movement.
- Facilities with building height up to 55’ maximum.
In many cases, FM Global requirements point you toward in-rack systems. But if you’re working in cold conditions, Quell™ may be approved as an alternate design—saving you time, materials, and future headaches. Learn more in our blog about Key NFPA 13 & FM Global 8-29 Requirements for Cold Storage Facilities.
Why Choose Quell™?
1. Avoid In-Rack Sprinkler Headaches
No in-rack piping means no worries about damage from forklifts or pallet shifting—and no risk of a rogue discharge drenching your goods or shutting down operations.
2. Built for Freezers
Standard wet or dry systems struggle in freezing temps. Quell™ is engineered to prevent freezing, maintain pressure, and deliver water fast when it’s needed.
3. High-Storage Capability
Quell™ protects high-piled storage in buildings up to 48 feet tall without needing racks plumbed with sprinklers. That’s a big win for warehouse flexibility and throughput.
4. Clean Design with Lower Maintenance Risk
By eliminating in-rack hardware, Quell™ helps reduce system complexity and ongoing maintenance costs—while still meeting tough protection standards.
How Century Fire Protection Can Help
If you're evaluating fire protection options for a cold storage facility, we’ll help you determine whether Quell™ is the right fit—and we’ll make sure it’s designed and installed for full compliance from day one.
Here’s what we bring to the table:
- Cold storage fire protection expertise
- License, trained Quell™ installers
- Upfront water demand and flow calculation
- Designs that meet both NFPA 13 and FM Global 8-29
- On-site coordination with GC and AHJs
- No last-minute surprises or redesigns
Ready to Explore Quell™?
Not every cold storage project needs a Quell™ system—but when it fits, it can simplify your fire protection plan, reduce risks, and help avoid costly disruptions.
Century Fire Protection is a Licensed Quell™ System Installer. Want to talk it through with our team? Let’s connect.
And if you're planning or quoting a project, download our Cold Storage Fire Protection Cheat Sheet—a free resource to help you start off right.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Every fire protection system is unique, with specific inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements determined by system type, manufacturer specifications, building use, and local regulations. Consult a qualified fire protection professional or your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure compliance with applicable standards. Century Fire Protection assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.