G.3.1 Design density – minimum design discharge
The minimum design discharge (in l/min) at each sprinkler within the area of operation is determined by:
− the required minimum pressure at the sprinkler;
− the product of the effective area per sprinkler and the required design density in accordance with Cl. 6. Alternatively, the area per sprinkler can be the mean of a square group of 4 sprinklers (see Fig. H03-H.06).
Additional sprinklers installed to balance obstructions by fixtures such as ventilation ducts, smaller platforms, foreman’s offices etc. shall be taken into account as follows when calculating flow rate and head:
− If an area of operation ≥ 144 m² contains more than five additional sprinklers, the sixth and any further sprinkler shall be considered in the hydraulic calculation.
− If an area of operation < 144 m² contains more than two additional sprinklers, the third and any further sprinkler shall be considered in the hydraulic calculation.
In the case of ribbed ceilings or similar partly open ceilings in which ceiling sprinklers represent obstructions, the additional sprinklers shall be relevant for the hydraulic calculation.
Throttle sections may be installed to limit the water rate of the hydraulically most favourable area of operation. In these sections the velocity shall not exceed 20 m/s. The throttle section shall be at least 1m long. The nominal diameter of the throttle section shall not be reduced by more than three pipe diameter levels relating to the original pipe.
Throttle sections shall not have any branch pipes, if the velocity exceeds 10 m/s. The following nominal diameters shall not be fallen below in throttle sections:
Hazard Density of discharge Nominal diameter
LH 2,25 mm/min DN 32
OH / HHP / HHS up to 10,0 mm/min DN 50 more than 10,0 mm/min DN 65
The area covered by each sprinkler shall be defined by the centre lines drawn midway between adjacent sprinklers at right angles to the line joining the sprinklers and by the boundary of the area covered (see Figure H.02).
Where in-rack sprinklers are installed, the calculation shall be carried out taking into account the simultaneous flow and pressure requirement for roof or ceiling sprinklers and the intermediate level sprinklers.
G.3.2 Locations of the area of operation G.3.2.1 Hydraulically most unfavourable location
Variations in sprinkler spacing, layout, elevation, range centres, sprinkler orifice size and pipe sizes, as well as all possible locations, whether on the distribution pipes or between distribution pipes where these are connected by branch pipes, shall be considered when determining the hydraulically most unfavourable location of the area of operation (see Figures H.03, H.05 and H.06.
Note: Proof of the correct position of the hydraulically most unfavourable area of operation in the case of gridded installations entails displacing the area of operation by one sprinkler pitch in each direction along branches, and in the case of looped installations by one sprinkler pitch along distribution pipes.
G.3.2.2 Hydraulically most favourable location
All possible locations, whether on the distribution pipes, or between distribution pipes where these are connected by branch pipes, shall be considered when determining the hydraulically most favourable location of the area of operation (see Figures H.04 to H.06).
G.3.3 Shape of the area of operation
G.3.3.1 Hydraulically most unfavourable location
The area of operation shall be as near as possible rectangular, even if this means that an adjacent area is only partly loaded. The type of roof, e.g. shed or saddle roof, and the type of storage are not relevant.
The area of operation limitation shall be at walls or structural separations or centrally between sprinklers.
The following shall be considered:
a) in the case of terminal and looped configurations, the far side of the area shall be defined by the branch, or pair of branches where there is an end-centre layout.
Sprinklers not constituting a full branch or pair of branches shall be grouped as close as possible to the distribution pipe on the next up-stream branch row to the rectangular area (see Figures H.03 and H.06);
b) in the case of gridded configurations where branches run parallel to the ridge of a roof having a slope greater than 6°, or along bays formed by beams greater than 1,0 m deep, the far side of the area shall have a length L parallel to the branches, such that L is greater than or equal to two times the square root of the area of operation;
The area of operation shall be as far as possible symmetrical with respect to the sprinkler layout (see Figure H.05).
G.3.3.2 Hydraulically most favourable location
The area of operation shall be as near as possible square. The following shall be considered:
a) in the case of terminal and looped configurations, the area shall where possible include sprinklers on one distribution pipe only. The number of sprinklers calculated to be operating on branches, or pairs of branches in end-centre installations, shall be located on each branch or pair of branches at the hydraulically most favourable location.
Sprinklers not forming a full branch or pair of branches shall be located on the next branch row at the hydraulically closest locations (see Figures H.04 and H.06);
b) in the case of gridded configurations, the area shall be located on branches at the hydraulically most favourable location. Sprinklers not forming a full branch length shall be located on the next branch row at the hydraulically closest locations (see Figure H.05).
G.3.4 Minimum sprinkler discharge pressure
The pressure at the hydraulically most unfavourably situated sprinkler when all the sprinklers in the area of operation are open, shall be not less than that required by G.3.1 or the following in table G.05, whichever is the higher.
Hazard class K factor minimum Minimum pressure bar
LH 57 0,7
OH 80 0,35
HHP/HHS roof or ceiling protection 80 0,5 HHP/HHS roof or ceiling protection 115 0,5 HHP/HHS roof or ceiling protection 160 0,5
In-rack sprinkler 80 21)
In-rack sprinkler 115 11)
1) Rack protection shall be designed in accordance with 11.6 with a minimum pressure of 0,5 bar for rack sprinklers.
Table G15: Minimum pressure
G.3.5 Minimum pipe diameters
The minimum allowable pipe diameter is 20 mm for LH and 25 mm for OH, HHP and HHS.
The water supply of an individual sprinkler may be designed in DN 20 with LH, OH and HH hazards, galvanised or by means of a VdS-approved flexible hose, provided that the connection to the branch or distribution pipe spur runs laterally or upwards (see example in Figure G.01).
distribution pipe DN 20
sprinkler distribution pipe DN 20
sprinkler
Pipe diameters on the installation side of the alarm valve station may decrease only in the direction of water flow, except in the case of grid and loop configurations.
Note: This excludes throttle sections used with great non-uniformities and designed and calculated such that cavitation is excluded.
The length of branch pipes fed from one end is limited to 30 m. 20 sprinklers max. may be fitted.
The length of branch pipes fed from both ends is limited to 60 m. 40 sprinklers max. may be fitted.
Upright sprinklers may not be directly connected to any pipe ≥ DN 65. Pendent sprinklers may not be directly connected to any pipe > DN 80. For larger diameters an arm pipe shall be fitted so that the minimum distance from the sprinkler deflector to the edge of the main pipe is 1,5 times the diameter of this pipe.
Annex H
Figures with examples (informative)
Figure H.01: Typical pump curve
The hydraulics of any systems shall be fully calculated.
Figure H.02: Determination of area covered per sprinkler (see G.3.1)
Figure H.03: Most unfavourable areas of operation in comb and double-comb sprinkler layouts (see G.3.2)
Note: The areas of operation shall be arranged as square as possible. Only if special fire developments are to be expected (e.g. due to a certain arrangement of fire loads), the area of operation should be “longish”!
Figure H.04: Most favourable areas of operation in one-sided and two-sided sprinkler layouts (see G.3.2)
Figure H.05: Most favourable and unfavourable areas of operation in a gridded pipe layout (see G.3.2)
Figure H.06: Most favourable and unfavourable areas of operation in a looped pipe layout (see G.3.2)
Annex I
Approved components
The following components are subject to approval by the authorities:
a) sprinklers;
b) wet alarm valve assemblies;
c) dry alarm valve assemblies
− dry alarm valve stations without accelerator and exhauster;
− dry alarm valve stations with accelerator and exhauster;
− subsidiary valve stations without accelerator and exhauster;
− subsidiary valve stations with accelerator and exhauster;
d) alarm motors and gongs;
e) water flow alarm switches;
f) pipe couplings
− elastic pipe couplings;
− pipe joints;
g) pipe hangers
− pipe hangers and accessories (type test only if not in compliance with requirements of these Guidelines);
h) pressure switches;
i) sprinkler pump sets;
j) pre-action alarm valve assemblies Type A;
k) pre-action alarm valve assemblies Types B;
l) monitoring systems, control and indicating systems for sprinkler monitoring;
Note: If fault signals of the sprinkler system are indicated at control and indicating equipment, this shall also be approved as monitoring panel.
m) controllers
− for electrical motors of sprinkler pumps;
− for diesel engines of sprinkler pumps;
n) feed valves;
o) stone traps;
p) flow measuring devices;
q) check valves;
r) relief valves;
s) valves and slide valves;
t) plastic sprinkler escutcheons;
u) reduced capacity tanks < 20 m³ (VdS can also carry out a detail test during approval);
v) pipe swivel joints;
w) steel bellow expansion joints (excluding expansion joints acc. DIN 30681 PN 16 with DIN-DVGW quality mark);
x) corrosion protection agents;
y) foam proportioners;
z) foam pumps;
aa) foam concentrate membrane tanks;
bb) cables acc. DIN 4102-12, class E 90 (if additional function test with water is required).
Components for which no approval is required:
− pipe hangers and accessories (if in compliance with requirements of 15.2.2 of these Guidelines);
− compressors, tank filling pumps and pressure tanks;
− strainers;
− diesel engines;
− pressure tanks;
− electrical motors;
− gauges acc. DIN;
− pipe joints with flanges acc. DIN, capillary solder fittings acc. DIN EN 1254, malleable cast iron fittings acc. DIN EN 10242 (incl. sealing material);
− safety valves (type examination tested);
− water storage tanks;
− air filling devices;
− emergency power supplies;
− water level indicators;
− pipe trace heating.
Marking
Sprinkler valve stations shall bear the mark of the approved installer. This obligation applies to every second and further licence holder of a product resp. to each first licence holder and all further if the manufacturer is the installer.
Annex J
New technology (Informative)
These Guidelines cover only the types of sprinklers specified in Table 12.01. During the years preceding the preparation of these Guidelines new technologies were being developed for special applications, including in particular the following:
− large drop sprinklers;
− residential sprinklers;
− special in-rack sprinklers.
Note: For early suppression fast response sprinklers (ESFR) see Annex L.
These sprinklers should only be used in accordance with the results of large scale fire test data and where the design criteria are fully acceptable to the authorities involved.
It is intended that they will be included in future editions of these Guidelines.
Annex K
Protection of Special Hazards
National requirements shall be taken into consideration. The following hazards need special consideration.
K.1 Aerosols
Protection for aerosol storages shall be in accordance with table K.01.
Precautions shall be taken to avoid projection of aerosol containers, e.g. storage in pallet cages.
The maximum area of aerosol storage and any containment shall be considered and the authorities shall be consulted.
Maximum storage height alcohol based hydrocarbon
based
Maximum vertical height between sprinkler rows alcohol based hydrocarbon
based
levels ≤ 1,8 - 115/160 1) 115/80 2)
12,5 plus
in-rack sprinklers3) 260 ST4
in-rack sprinklers3) 260 1) ceiling sprinklers for areas of operation and min. density for ceiling protection
2) intermediate level sprinklers
3) the intermediate level sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with Category III or IV layout but at the maximum vertical height separations between sprinkler rows given in columns 2 and 3.
Table K.01: Protection criteria for aerosol storage
K.2 Clothes in multiple garment hanging storage
K.2.1 GeneralThis clause describes special provisions for the protection of intensive hanging garment stores having multiple row or garment racks at two or more levels. They may have automatic or semi-automatic garment delivery, picking or transportation systems. Access to elevated garment storage levels within a warehouse is usually by walkways and ramps. A common feature of hanging garment storage is that there is no fire-resistive
significant obstruction to ceiling level sprinkler protection. Protection of hanging garments stored in carousels or vertical blocks without aisles is beyond the scope of this annex.
Each garment rack shall be limited to two rows of hanging garments and a storage height of 3,5m between intermediate levels of sprinklers.
K.2.2 Categorisation
This clause applies to all types of garments, irrespective of their storage category.
K.2.3 Sprinkler protection
Each garment rack shall be limited to two rows of hanging garments and a storage height of 3,5 m between intermediate levels of sprinklers. Each rack shall be separated by an aisle of at least 0,8 m width. The garment racks shall be protected by a single row of sprinklers. The spacing between the sprinkler rows shall not exceed 3,0 m.
The sprinklers installed directly above the garment racks shall be stagger spaced in the vertical plane, at horizontal intervals of not more than 2,8 m along the length of the rack.
There shall be a sprinkler not more than 1,4 m from the rack end. The clearance between the top of the garments and the sprinkler deflector shall be at least 0,15 m (see Figure K.01).
Each sprinkler row (in each level) protecting garment storage racks should be capped by a continuous solid horizontal baffle of at least the length and width of the garment row.
The baffle should preferably be of a non-combustible material.
The upper level of sprinkler rack protection and baffle may be omitted providing the clearance between the top of the garments and the deflectors of the ceiling sprinklers does not exceed 3 m height.
Sprinklers shall be installed below all obstructions such as access ramps, main aisles, walkways and transportation routes, with the exception of aisles, not exceeding 1,2 m wide, between sprinkler protected garment storage rows.
K.2.4 Sprinklers in operation
The hydraulic calculation shall be based on the following:
Rows: 3
Levels: ≤ 3
Sprinklers per row: 3
Where there are more than 3 levels of sprinkler protection, 3 rows of 3 sprinklers on 3 protected levels shall be assumed to operate. Where there are 3 levels or less, 3 rows of 3 sprinklers should be assumed to operate on all protected levels.
K.2.5 Ceiling sprinklers
Ceiling sprinklers shall be designed for a density of 7,5 mm/min over an area of operation of 260 m², providing the uppermost level of racks is capped and protected by rack sprinklers.
If the uppermost level or the barrier is omitted, the ceiling sprinklers shall be designed on the basis at least of Category III goods. The stack height shall be measured from above the uppermost intermediate level sprinklers.
K.2.6 Automatic shutdown
Operation of the sprinkler system shall automatically stop all automatic distribution systems within a warehouse.
K.2.7 Type of system
All installations shall be of the wet pipe type.
ceiling
3 m
0,8 m 3,5 m min. 0,15 m
3 m
aisle
capping
rackend
1,4 m
2,8 m ceiling
3 m
0,8 m 3,5 m min. 0,15 m
3 m
aisle
capping
rackend
1,4 m
2,8 m
Figure K.01: Typical sprinkler protection for hanging garments
K.3 Flammable liquid storage
The maximum area of flammable liquid storage and any containment shall be in accordance with legal regulations.
The use of a film forming foam and wetting agent is recommended.
Film forming foam shall be used with flammable liquids that have a flash point below 55°C.
Flammable liquids shall be classified into four classes according to their flash point (FP), as shown in Tables K.02 and K.03. Tables K.02 and K.03 shall be used for flammable liquids stored in non-pressurised metal drums with a capacity greater than 20 l but not greater than 208 l. Table K.04 shall be used for flammable liquids stored in non-pressurised metal drums with a capacity less than 20 l.
Ceiling sprinklers
mm/min Area of operation m2
Table K.02: Flammable liquids in metal drums with a capacity > 20 l and ≤ 208 l in free-standing storage or block storage (ST1)
Ceiling sprinklers
configuration Density
m/min Area of operation m2
1) Horizontal distance between sprinklers shall not exceed 1,9 m.
2) Drums shall be stored at a height of one drum per tier. Storage layouts with two or more drums per row cannot be protected in accordance with this concept.
Table K.03: Flammable liquids in metal drums (ST4) with a capacity >20 l and ≤ 208 l
Table K.04: Flammable liquids in metal drums with a capacity of ≤ 20 l in free-standing storage resp. block storage (ST1) or storage with solid or slatted shelves (ST5, ST6)
K.4 Pallets - idle
Idle pallets stored in solid piles or on pallets shall be protected with ceiling sprinklers according to Table K.05.
Idle pallets stored in racks shall be protected with ceiling and in-rack sprinklers according to Table K.06.
mm/min Area of operation m2
Design in accordance with K7
All other Table K.05: Protection of solid piled or palletised pallets (ST1)
Type of pallets In-rack sprinklers Ceiling sprinklers Wood and
cellulose material pallets
Category IV As for Category IV, with sprinkler rated at 93°C or 100°C see Table
6.03 All plastics Category IV including one level of
sprinklers above top level of storage, sprinklers K=115 and minimum
operating pressure 3 bar
Density 25 mm/min Area of operation 300 m2
Table K.06: Protection of rack storage of idle pallets (ST4)
K.5 Spirituous liquors in wooden barrels
Barrels may be stored to a height not exceeding 4,6 m with ceiling sprinklers only. For greater storage heights intermediate sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with Category III/IV requirements. In both cases the ceiling sprinklers shall be installed with a density of 15 mm/min over an area of operation of 360 m².
Note 1: Drainage or boundaries should be provided to limit the spread of liquid spills.
Note 2: For the purposes of these Guidelines, spirituous liquor is defined as that containing more than 20% alcohol.
K.6 Non-woven synthetic fabric
K.6.1 Free standing storageCeiling sprinklers shall be installed using the criteria shown in table K.07.
Storage
methods Maximum storage height1)
1) The vertical distance from the floor to the sprinkler deflectors, minus 1 m, or the highest value shown in the table, whichever is the lower.
2) Dry and alternate installations should be avoided.
Table K.07: Non-woven synthetic fabric: design criteria with roof or ceiling protection only
K.6.2 Rack storage
In-rack sprinklers should be used in accordance with Category IV requirements. Ceiling sprinklers should have a minimum design density of 12,5 mm/min over 260 m².
K.7 Risks with storage of plastics – Storage with containers of unexpanded polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) or stored PP/PE/PS materials and plastics with similar fire behaviour
K7.1 to K7.4 specify different concepts for the storage of the a.m. materials.
K7.1 Palletised racks – ST4
K7.2 One-row or multiple-row post pallet storage ST2 and ST3 and free-standing storage ST1 up to 3 m storage height
K7.3 Free-standing storage ST1 up to 4,6 m storage height
K7.4 Storage in production areas (One-row or multiple-row post pallet storage ST2 and ST3 and free-standing storage ST1)
K.7.1 Palletised racks – ST4
Single-wall storage containers permeable to water made of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) for rack storage shall be classified as Category III (HHS3). All other storage risks with storage containers made of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) shall be classified as storage risks with high fire hazard Category IV (HHS4).
Note: Storage containers are classified as permeable to water if a density of 20 mm/min causes a water level of not more than 10 mm in a container filled with actual storage goods. This aim of permeability may generally be achieved by providing the container bottom with 50 evenly spread bores of 5 mm diameter per m² container base area. The water permeability of the container shall not be considerably affected by stored goods or layers. A container with a base area of 600 mm x 400 mm will have a permeability in accordance with the a.m. requirements if 12 bores of 5 mm diameter are evenly spread over the container bottom.
The sprinkler system shall be designed in accordance with Tables K.7-1 and K.7-2.
The sprinkler system shall be designed in accordance with Tables K.7-1 and K.7-2.