Case Study: Wells Fargo Center achieves reliable early smoke detection and low‑maintenance fire protection with Xtralis VESDA

VESDA Protects 56-story Office Building From the Threat of Fire

The Wells Fargo Center, a 56‑story office tower in Minneapolis undergoing a full Notifier fire system upgrade, needed a reliable smoke-detection solution for its return air grills. Building maintenance and engineering teams required detection that would not interfere with routine filter and fan maintenance, be easy to service, and provide timely, code‑compliant alarm initiation.

Low Voltage Contractors proposed VESDA VLC parallel‑pipe aspirating detection, which allowed sampling ahead of the fan filters, flexible piping that avoided the filter racks, and early‑warning detection without disrupting maintenance. A custom clamping and union system ensured easy disassembly (which triggers a trouble signal if opened) and correct reinstallation. The project installed 79 VESDA detectors (21 in plenum wall space and 58 sampling in front of filters), delivering improved coverage, low maintenance and a strong expected return on investment.

Wells Fargo Center

Bob Sherwood

Engineering Manager