Garage (fire) safety

Hi, I live in a newly built apartment building with an underground garage with about 14 parking spaces (7 slots with an elevator to create two spaces, not that that matters). My car lives in my space and there is no other area in the actual garage where I am comfortable leaving the VFR (the garage is small and someone could easily bump into it, even in the corners).

There are two narrow rooms at the end of the with heavy self-closing doors. One contains the internet connections and electricity meters, the other contains gas meters. Otherwise they are empty and the perfect size to hide the VFR.

Should I have any safety concerns parking the VFR inside one of these rooms? They are basically part of the garage so any fire suppression systems cover those rooms. Do VFRs ever catch fire for no reason? :wink:

 

If those are breaker panels on the right wall of top photos, you can not have anything within 3' of the front of the panels, National Electrical Code. I doubt your apt management would permit you to use these rooms, or block access to meters and breakers. I have seen lifts that raise the bike so you can park hood below it.

 

Hi Mark,

Those rooms are restricted common areas. Over here they can't be used for any other purpose and must be kept clean and free of all obstructions.

So, do you have a space with an elevator? In other words, can you put the bike on the elevator, raise it and leave it up, then keep your car under the elevator? Is there a safety pin or bar to keep the elevator up in case of a loss of hydraulic pressure?

Cheers,
Glenn

 

I think from reading the original post, the space above is already filled with another elevated car, 14 car spots in 7 spaces

 

So does the car that is elevated belong to the same owner as the one underneath? If not, how does that work? Missed that in my first post.

 

Brings up many interesting scenarios, talk about neighbourhood disputes

 

Hi Glenn,

Each space belongs to one of the 14 apartments. If you get there your car is not online to come out, you turn a key which raises or lowers the elevator.

Yes, I know these rooms are technically not for use by tenants, but I probably can get away with it. Things in Europe tend to be a bit different, especially when it comes to bikes (parked on the sidewalk, etc).

My main concern is whether this is a fire hazard...

 

Hi Mark,

No, I can't see it being a fire hazard. They don't spontaneously combust. Just make sure it was/is properly maintained, no frayed or damaged wiring, 3 yellow wire fix done (to eliminate the heat at the original plug) and all non-factory circuits (12v outlet, heated clothing connections, auxiliary lights, battery tender, etc.) are fused.

I would suggest using the Electrical Room and NOT the Gas Meter Room. In the event you someday drop it while positioning due to wet feet or any other reason, it'll be in contact with the strong conduit protecting the wiring rather than a gas pipe or valve that could crack or loosen - and with a hot engine. Just be sure access to the meters and circuit breakers is not impeded.

Cheers,
Glenn