VdS CEA 4001en_2010

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VdS CEA 4001en : 2010-11 (04)

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Publisher and publishing house: VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH Amsterdamer Str. 172-174

50735 Köln, Germany

Phone: +49 221 77 66 0; Fax: +49 221 77 66 341

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VdS CEA Guidelines for Sprinkler Systems

Planning and Installation

0 Foreword

These VdS CEA Guidelines for automatic sprinkler systems – Planning and installation are based on CEA 4001 (DE), edition September 1995.

The CEA Specifications have been developed by the GEI 4 expert group of the fire protection section of CEA (Comité Européen des Assurances) in line with the experts of EUROFEU (European Committee of the Manufacturers of Fire Protection and Safety Equipment and Fire Fighting Vehicles).

The CEA Member Associations will publish these Guidelines as European guidelines in the respective countries.

0.1 Application of the VdS CEA Guidelines

These Guidelines supersede the edition VdS CEA 4001 : 2008-11 (03) and shall be applicable with any systems applied for as from 01.04.2011.

Requirements missing from these Guidelines do not entitle the operator to determine any provisions without prior agreement with VdS.

The installation of sprinkler systems shall be subject to these Guidelines and to the applicable legal and official regulations.

Any modifications of edition VdS CEA 4001:2008-11 (03) are marked by a vertical line in the margin:

Example: combustible

Designation for the combustibility of building materials and materials, characteristics of the classification in accordance with Annex R.

0.2 Classification system for sprinkler systems

By publishing these Guidelines in Germany, a classification system for the protective value of sprinkler systems is established. Three classes of availability are distinguished. Class 1 includes systems with very high availability corresponding to the protective value of the former VdS Guidelines, Class 2 includes systems with high availability corresponding to the protective value of the CEA Specifications, and Class 3 includes systems with limited availability corresponding to the protective value of extinguishing support systems. The main difference between sprinkler systems of Class 1 and Class 2 is the availability and reliability of the water supply.

In the planning phase of the sprinkler system an analysis should be carried out in cooperation with the competent bodies to determine the appropriate protection target. Due to this classification the operator has a choice – within certain limits and depending on the protection target – between systems of different availability and the appropriate advantages, such as an assessment and approval by VdS.

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Sprinkler systems Extinguishing support systems

Class 1 2 3

Application Full protection Full protection Partial protection / preparation for Class 1 or 2 1) Maximum surface [m²]

of protected area unlimited 50,000

2)_5,0002)

Limitation from

unprotected area Limitation of fire compartment Limitation of fire compartment Stage of extension 1 none Stage of extension

2 ≥ F 30 Stage of extension

3 ≥ F 90 Protective value for

persons and property very high high limited, graduated according to stage of extension 3)

1) If a building regulation requires sprinkler protection, systems of Class 3 generally will not fulfil the life safety requirements.

2) Systems installed in larger areas have a lower protective value.

3) As extinguishing support systems are designed only for bridging the time between an alarm and the beginning of fire fighting operations, these systems do not fulfil the requirements that are generally set to water extinguishing systems (e.g. sprinkler systems).

Table 0.01: Classification of sprinkler systems

0.3 Contents of these Guidelines

Every clause of these Guidelines covers all requirements for sprinkler systems of Classes 1 and 2 and their components as well as all requirements for the buildings, rooms or equipment to be protected.

The requirements for extinguishing support systems are specified in an Annex and based on the requirements for sprinkler systems of Classes 1 and 2.

The requirements to be fulfilled by a sprinkler system of Class 1 are highlighted accordingly. These requirements refer to measures increasing the reliability of sprinkler systems.

Example:

Additional requirements to be fulfilled by sprinkler systems of Class 1.

In certain cases the CEA Specifications refer to national regulations. Such requirements apply to sprinkler systems of Classes 1 and 2 and have been added to these Guidelines accordingly. If alternative requirements of the CEA Specifications are replaced by national regulations, it will be noted accordingly.

On certain issues the CEA Specifications require amendments in order to ensure a precise technical realisation. These amendments have been added to these Guidelines accordingly.

Furthermore, amendments have been added for alternative protection concepts, the efficiency and reliability of which have been evidenced by fire tests, secure statistical data resp. system-analytical safety engineering methods.

Any of the added amendments comply with the existing requirements of VdS 2092, the sprinkler guidelines for planning and installation.

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1 General

1.1 Scope

These Guidelines specify requirements and give recommendations for the design, installation and maintenance of fixed sprinkler systems in buildings and industrial plants, and particular requirements for sprinkler systems which are integral to measures for the protection of life.

The requirements and recommendations of these Guidelines are also applicable to any addition, extension, repair, maintenance or other modification to a sprinkler system. It covers the classification of hazards, provision of water supplies, components to be used, installation and testing of the system, maintenance, and the extension of existing systems, and identifies construction details of buildings which are necessary for satisfactory performance of sprinkler systems complying with these Guidelines.

The requirements concerning water supplies may be applicable as guidance, to be used with experienced judgement for other fixed, fire fighting systems where no other VdS Guidelines or CEA Specifications exist.

These Guidelines do not deal with water spray systems.

These Guidelines are intended only for fixed sprinkler systems in buildings and other premises on land. Although the general principles may well apply to other uses (e.g. maritime use), for these other uses additional considerations will almost certainly have to be taken into account.

The requirements are not valid for automatic sprinkler systems on ships, in aircraft, on vehicles and mobile fire appliances or for below ground systems in the mining industry. These Guidelines are intended for use by those concerned with selling, designing, installing, testing, inspecting, approving, operating and maintaining automatic sprinkler systems, in order that such equipment will function as intended throughout its life.

1.2 Aims

An automatic sprinkler system is designed to detect a fire and extinguish it with water in its early stages or hold the fire in check so that extinguishment can be completed by other means.

The sprinkler system is intended to extend throughout the premises with only limited exceptions.

An evaluation of sprinkler protection shall also be based on further aspects, such as combustible insulation or controllers in high rack storage without any additional protection.

In some life safety applications, an authority might specify sprinkler protection only in certain designated areas, and solely to maintain safe conditions for the evacuation of persons.

It should not be assumed that the provision of a sprinkler system entirely obviates the need for other means of fighting fires and it is important to consider the fire precautions in

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Structural fire resistance, escape routes, fire detection and fire alarm systems, particular hazards needing other fire protection methods, provision of extinguishing means, safe working and goods handling methods, management supervision and good housekeeping all need consideration.

It is essential that sprinkler systems should be properly maintained by VdS-approved installers to ensure operation when required. This routine is liable to be overlooked or given insufficient attention by supervisors. It is, however, neglected at peril to the lives of occupants of the premises and at the risk of crippling financial loss. The importance of proper maintenance cannot be too highly emphasised.

When sprinkler systems are out of service extra attention shall be paid to other fire precautions and the appropriate authorities shall be informed of the shutdown.

1.3 Description

A sprinkler system consists of a water supply (or supplies) and one or more sprinkler installations; each installation consists of a set of installation main control valves and a pipe array fitted with sprinkler heads. The sprinkler heads are fitted at specified locations at the roof or ceiling, and where necessary between racks, below shelves, and other specified places. The main elements of a typical installation are shown in Figure 1.01. The sprinklers operate at predetermined temperatures to discharge water over the affected part of the area below. The flow of water through the alarm valve initiates a fire alarm. The operating temperature is generally selected to suit ambient temperature conditions.

Only sprinklers in the vicinity of the fire, i.e. those which become sufficiently heated, operate.

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1.4 Approvals

1.4.1 VdS-approved installers and components

Sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with these Guidelines by VdS-approved installers using VdS-VdS-approved components and VdS-VdS-approved methods for sizing pipework as specified in Annex G. The approved installer shall be approved for each type of system installed by him.

If local requirements make sub-contracting necessary such as installation of electrical supplies or public water mains connections, the approved installer shall inform the sub-contractor of any special requirements for sprinkler installations to satisfy these Guidelines.

If the installation of a system involves more than one approved installer, one of them shall be responsible for the entire installation.

1.4.2 Completion

The approved installer shall send an installation certificate to VdS Schadenverhütung (VdS), Inspection Services, when the system is finally installed. The responsible expert will then carry out the approval inspection. The same procedure will apply to existing systems where alterations have been made.

1.4.3 Periodical inspections

The sprinkler system shall be periodically inspected at least once a year by the authorities’ expert.

The inspection report shall confirm that the system is in accordance with these Guidelines, well maintained and in full working order. Any faults and deficiencies shall be noted in the inspection report and the authorities shall specify the time limits for rectification.

1.4.4 Responsible person

The operator shall appoint a responsible person and a substitute, who after they have been given the necessary instructions by the installer, shall ensure that the system remains in working condition. The name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for the installation, as well as those of his or her substitute, shall be prominently displayed in the sprinkler equipment room.

The operator shall ensure that:

− the installation conforms to these Guidelines at all times; − the installation is in working order at all times;

− the installation is checked, maintained and tested in accordance with the installers' instructions and these Guidelines;

− the installation is inspected, by contract, at least once a year by one of the authorities' experts;

− any faults or deficiencies are corrected within the time limits laid down by the authorities.

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1.5 Normative

references

These Guidelines incorporate dated and undated references to other publications. These references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply only when incorporated by amendment of these Guidelines. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.

− DIN 1045 Concrete, reinforced and prestressed concrete structures − DIN 1055 Design loads for buildings/Actions on structures

− DIN 1072 Road and foot bridges; design loads

− DIN 1988 Technical regulations for drinking water installations (TRWI) − DIN 2460 Steel water pipes

− DIN 2501 Flanges; connecting dimensions

− DIN 2880 Application of cement mortar lining for cast iron pipes, steel pipes and fittings

− DIN 3384 Hose assemblies of stainless steel for gas; safety requirements, testing, marking

− DIN 4102 Fire behaviour of building materials and building components − DIN 6280 Generating sets

− DIN 8061 Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride pipes; general quality requirements − DIN 8075 Polyethylene (PE) pipes

− DIN V 14011 Terms for fire fighting purposes

− DIN 14462 Water conduit for fire extinguishing – Planning and installation of fire hose systems and pillar fire hydrant and underground fire systems

− DIN 17455 General purpose welded circular stainless steel tubes; technical delivery conditions

− DIN 18232 Smoke and heat control systems

− DIN 30675-1 External corrosion protection of buried pipes; corrosion protection systems for steel pipes

− DIN 30681 Compensators for gas installations - Stainless steel expansion joints with bellows units - Safety requirements, testing, marking

− DIN 50929 Corrosion of metals; probability of corrosion of metallic materials when subject to corrosion from the outside

− DIN EN 545 Ductile iron pipes, fittings, accessories and their joints for water pipelines - Requirements and test methods

− DIN EN 671 Parts 1 to 3 Wall hydrants − DIN EN 1044 Brazing - Filler metals

− DIN EN 1045 Brazing - Fluxes for brazing - Classification and technical delivery conditions

− DIN EN 1057 Copper and copper alloys - Seamless, round copper tubes for water and gas in sanitary and heating applications

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− DIN EN 1092-1 Flanges and their joints - Circular flanges for pipes, valves, fittings and accessories - Part 1: Steel flanges, PN designated

− DIN EN 1254 Copper and copper alloys – Plumbing fittings − DIN EN 10241 Steel threaded pipe fittings

− DIN EN 10242 Threaded pipe fittings in malleable cast iron

− DIN EN 10298 Steel tubes and fittings for onshore and offshore pipelines – Internal lining with cement mortar

− DIN EN 12449 Copper and copper alloys - Seamless, round tubes for general purposes

− DIN EN 13501 Fire classification of construction products and building elements according to their fire behaviour

− DIN EN 1363 Fire resistance tests

− DIN EN 1364 Fire resistance tests for non-load-bearing elements − DIN EN 1365 Fire resistance tests for load-bearing elements − DIN EN 1366 Fire resistance tests for installations

− DIN EN 1634 Fire resistance tests for doors and closures

− DIN EN 60332-3 Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions – Part 3-21: Test for vertical flame spread of vertically mounted bunched wires or cables – Category A F/R

− DIN EN ISO 12944-4 Paints and varnishes - Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems - Part 4: Types of surface and surface preparation

− DIN ISO 8528-4 Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven alternating current generating sets – Part 4: Control and switchgear

− DIN VDE 0108 Power installations and safety power supply in communal facilities − DIN VDE 0276-603 Power cables - Part 603: Distribution cables of rated voltage

U0/U 0,6/1 kV

− DIN VDE 0276-604 Power cables - Part 604: Power cables of nominal voltages U0/U 0,6/1 kV with special fire performance for use in power stations

− DVGW GW 9 Evaluation of soils regarding their corrosion behaviour on buried pipes and containers of non-alloy and low-alloyed ferrous materials

− EN 54 Fire detection and fire alarm systems

− EN 287-1 Qualification test of welders – Fusion welding – Part 1: Steels − EN 10 204 Metallic products – Types of inspection documents

− EN 12 259-1+A1 Fixed firefighting systems – Components for sprinkler and water spray systems – Part 1: Sprinklers

− FM Global DS 2-0 Installation guidelines for automatic sprinklers

− DIN EN 60623 Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes - Vented nickel-cadmium prismatic rechargeable single cells

− IEC 60947 Low voltage switchgear and control gear

− ISO 3046-1 : 1986 Reciprocating internal combustion engines - Performance – Part 1: Declarations of power, fuel and lubricating oil consumptions

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− R 1.1.1 Pressure pipes made of PVC-U with quality mark of “Gütegemeinschaft Kunststoffrohre e.V.”

− R 14.3.1 Pressure pipes made of PE 80 and PE 100 in general, with quality mark of “Gütegemeinschaft Kunststoffrohre e.V.”

− VDA 4500 KLT (tote box) system

− VdS 2095 Guidelines for automatic fire detection and fire alarm systems; planning and installation

− VdS 2106 Guidelines for spark detection, spark separation and spark extinguishing systems; planning and installation

− VdS 2109 Guidelines for water spray extinguishing systems; planning and installation − VdS 2132 Guidelines for the approval of installers for fire extinguishing systems − VdS 2212 Log book for water extinguishing systems

− VdS 2234 Fire break walls and complex separation walls; leaflet for arrangement and design

− VdS 2373 Sprinkler systems - Leaflet for anti-freeze protection − VdS 2496 Guidelines for the triggering of fire extinguishing systems

2 Definitions

For the purposes of these Guidelines, the following definitions apply.

'A' gauge

A pressure gauge connected to the public water mains, between the supply pipe shut-off valve and the check valve.

accelerator

A device that reduces the delay in operation of a dry alarm valve, or alternate alarm valve in dry mode, by early detection of the drop in air or inert gas pressure on sprinkler operation.

AFFF (aqueous film forming foam)

Aqueous film forming foam concentrate based on fluorine surfactants.

AFFF/AR (alcohol resistant)

Alcohol resistant aqueous and polymeric film forming foam concentrate based on fluorine surfactants with polysaccharides.

alarm test valve

A valve through which water may be drawn to test the operation of the water motor fire alarm and/or of any associated electric fire alarm.

alarm valve

A check valve, of the wet, dry or alternate type that also initiates the water motor fire alarm when the sprinkler installation operates.

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alarm valve, alternate

An alarm valve suitable for a wet, dry or alternate installation.

alarm valve, dry

An alarm valve suitable for a dry installation; and/or in association with a wet alarm valve for an alternate installation.

alarm valve, pre-action

An alarm valve suitable for a pre-action installation.

alarm valve station

An assembly comprising an alarm valve, a stop valve and all the associated valves and accessories for the control of one sprinkler group.

alarm valve, wet

An alarm valve suitable for a wet installation.

area of operation

The maximum area over which it is assumed, for design purposes, that sprinklers will operate in a fire.

area of operation, hydraulically most favourable

The location in a sprinkler array of an area of operation of specified shape at which the water flow is the maximum for a specific pressure.

area of operation, hydraulically most unfavourable

The location in a sprinkler array of an area of operation of specified shape at which the water supply pressure is the maximum needed to give the specified design density.

arm pipe

A pipe less than 0,3 m long, other than the last section of a branch pipe, feeding a single sprinkler.

authorities

Public authorities, e.g. fire and building control authorities, local water authorities or other appropriate public authorities, or else fire insurers or VdS Schadenverhütung (VdS), responsible for approving sprinkler systems, components and procedures.

'B' gauge

A pressure gauge connected to and on the same level as an alarm valve, indicating the pressure on the upstream side of the valve.

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balanced pressure proportioning

Proportioning of the foam concentrate with a pressure identical to the water pressure prevailing at the inlet to the proportioning unit.

booster pump

An automatic pump supplying water to a sprinkler system from a gravity tank or the public water mains.

branch pipe

A pipe feeding sprinklers either directly or via arm pipes.

'C' gauge

A pressure gauge connected to and on the same level as an alarm valve, indicating the pressure on the downstream side of the valve.

combustible

Designation for the combustibility of building materials and materials, characteristics of the classification in accordance with Annex R.

composite pipe system

System for the construction of piping, the wall of which consists of several materials in a permanent non-detachable compound, e.g. plastics and aluminium.

design density

The minimum density of discharge, in mm/min of water, for which a sprinkler installation is designed, determined from the discharge of a specified group of sprinklers, in litres per minute, divided by the area covered, in square metres.

design temperature

The design temperature is the temperature of a pipe which shall be used as basis for calculating the strength and linear extension.

detector sprinkler

A sealed sprinkler mounted on a pressurised pipeline used to control a deluge valve. Operation of the detector sprinkler causes loss of pressure to open the valve.

distribution pipe

A pipe feeding either a branch pipe directly or a single sprinkler on a non-terminal branch pipe more than 300 mm long.

distribution pipe spur

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double tree arrangement

Pipe arrangement with branch pipes on both sides of a distribution pipe.

drop

A vertical distribution pipe feeding a distribution or branch pipe below.

escutcheon plate

A plate covering the gap between the shank or body of a sprinkler projecting through a suspended ceiling, and the ceiling.

exhauster

A device to exhaust the air or inert gas from a dry or alternate installation to atmosphere on sprinkler operation to give more rapid operation of the alarm valve.

film forming foam concentrates

Film-forming synthetic foam concentrates consist of combinations of fluorine surfactants and hydrocarbon tensides as well as further additives. Aqueous film forming foam concentrates (AFFF) and alcohol resistant film forming foam concentrates (AFFF/AR) can be distinguished.

Note: They are classified as hazardous to water and shall be handled in accordance with legal regulations.

fire compartment

A separated volume in accordance with VdS 2234 (fire compartment separation) capable of maintaining its fire integrity for a minimum specified time.

fire-resistant

Designation for the fire resistance class of components, characteristics of the classification in accordance with Annex R.

fire-retardant

foam

Steady state of small bubbles of lower density than that of flammable liquids or water. Foam generated by film forming foam concentrates form a barrier between fire load and air resp. oxygen. On the surface of most hydrocarbonated fuels these concentrates form a film that is able to suppress both fuel steams and oxygen intrusion.

fully calculated

A term applied to an installation in which all the pipework is sized by hydraulic calculation by the approved installer.

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gridded configuration

A pipe array in which water flows to each sprinkler by more than one route.

hanger

An assembly for suspending pipework from elements of building structure.

HHP

High fire risk, production risks (High Hazard Production)

HHS

High fire risk, storage risks (High Hazard Storage)

highly fire-retardant

highly flammable

high rise system

A sprinkler system in which the highest sprinkler is more than 45 m above the lowest sprinkler or above the sprinkler pumps, whichever is the lower.

installation, alternate

An installation in which the pipework is selectively charged with either water or air/inert gas according to ambient temperature conditions.

installation, dry (pipe)

An installation in which the pipework is charged with air or inert gas under pressure.

installation, pre-action

One of two types of dry, or alternate in dry mode, installation in which the alarm valve can be opened by a fire detection system.

installation, wet (pipe)

An installation in which the pipework is always charged with water.

jockey pump

A small pump used to replenish minor water loss, to avoid starting an automatic sprinkler or booster pump unnecessarily.

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LH

Light Hazard. life safety

A term applied to sprinkler systems forming an integral part of measures required for the protection of life.

looped configuration

A pipe array in which there is more than one distribution pipe route along which water may flow to a branch pipe.

main distribution pipe

A pipe feeding a distribution pipe.

maximum flow demand (Qmax)

The volumetric flow at the point of intersection of the pressure/flow demand characteristic of the most favourable area of operation and the water supply pressure-flow demand characteristic with the water source under normal conditions.

mechanical pipe joint

A pipe fitting other than threaded tubulars, screwed fittings, spigots and socket and flanged joint, used to connect pipes and components.

multiple control

A valve, normally held closed by a temperature sensitive element, suitable for use in a water spray installation or for the operation of a pressure switch.

multi-storey buildings

Buildings comprising two or more storeys, above and/or below ground.

node

A point in pipework at which pressure and flow(s) are calculated; each node is a datum point for the purpose of hydraulic calculations in the installation.

non-combustible

normal operation

According to these Guidelines, normal operation of a building or system means uninterrupted operation without interference of the sprinkler system being necessary.

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of low flammability

Designation for the combustibility of building materials and materials, characteristics of the classification in accordance with Annex R.

OH

Ordinary Hazard. operating pressure

The pressure prevailing in the sprinkler system.

pipe array

The pipes feeding a group of sprinklers. Pipe arrays may be looped, gridded or branched.

plastic pipe system

System for the construction of piping, the wall of which is made exclusively of plastic material, except for the transition pieces.

pre-calculated

A term applied to an installation in which the pipes down-stream of the design points have been previously sized by hydraulic calculation. Tables of diameters are given.

premix

A water-foam concentrate mixture mixed prior to extinguishing operations, constantly available inside the wet pipe installation or a tank.

press fitting system

System for the construction of piping. The connection between pipe and fitting is by a form-fit modification using a press tool.

proportioning

Continuous addition of foam concentrate of a specific concentration to the water flow.

riser

A vertical distribution pipe feeding a distribution or branch pipe above.

smoke-proof and self-closing

Doors with smoke protection function in accordance with DIN 18095 and Annex R.

spreading coefficient

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sprinkler, (automatic)

A nozzle with a thermally sensitive sealing device which opens to discharge water for fire fighting.

sprinkler, flush ceiling pattern

A pendent sprinkler for fitting partly above but with the temperature sensitive element below, the lower plane of the ceiling.

sprinkler, concealed

A recessed sprinkler with a cover plate that disengages when heat is applied.

sprinkler, conventional pattern

A sprinkler that gives a spherical pattern of water discharge.

sprinkler, dry pendent pattern

A unit comprising a sprinkler and a dry drop pipe unit with a valve, at the head of the pipe, held closed by a device maintained in position by the sprinkler head valve.

sprinkler, dry upright pattern

A unit comprising a sprinkler and dry rise pipe unit with a valve, at the base of the pipe, held closed by a device maintained in position by the sprinkler head valve.

sprinkler, flat spray

A sprinkler with a downward, particularly flat, paraboloid pattern discharge for a certain protection area. Part of the water may be discharged towards the ceiling.

sprinkler, fusible link

A sprinkler which opens when a component provided for the purpose melts.

sprinkler, glass bulb

A sprinkler which opens when a liquid-filled glass bulb bursts.

sprinkler, horizontal

A sprinkler in which the nozzle directs water horizontally against the deflector.

sprinkler, pendent

A sprinkler in which the nozzle directs water downwards.

sprinkler, recessed

A sprinkler in which all or part of the heat sensing element is above the lower plane of the ceiling.

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sprinkler, sidewall pattern

A sprinkler that gives an outward half-paraboloid pattern discharge.

sprinkler, spray pattern

A sprinkler that gives a downward paraboloid pattern discharge.

sprinkler, upright

A sprinkler in which the nozzle directs water upwards.

sprinkler group

A sub-division of an installation fitted with an alarm valve station and the appropriate pipes and sprinklers.

sprinkler system

The entire means of providing sprinkler protection in the premises comprising one or more sprinkler installations, the pipework to the installations and the water supplies.

sprinkler yoke (arms)

The part of a sprinkler that retains the heat sensitive element in load bearing contact with the sprinkler head valve.

staggered (sprinkler) layout

An off-set layout with the sprinklers displaced one-half pitch along the branch pipe relative to the next range or branches.

standard (sprinkler) layout

A layout with sprinkler on adjacent branch pipes forming a rectangle.

subsidiary alternate (wet and dry pipe) extension

A part of a wet installation that is selectively charged with water or air/inert gas according to ambient temperature conditions and which is controlled by a subsidiary dry or alternate alarm valve.

subsidiary dry extension

A part of a wet or alternate installation that is charged permanently with air or inert gas under pressure.

supply pipe

A pipe connecting a water supply to a trunk main or the alarm valve stations; or a pipe supplying water to a private reservoir or storage tank.

suspended open cell ceiling

A ceiling of regular open cell construction through which water from sprinklers can be discharged freely.

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tree arrangement

A pipe arrangement with branch pipes on only one side of a distribution pipe.

trunk main

A pipe connecting two or more water supply pipes to the alarm valve stations.

unpolluted atmosphere

According to these Guidelines an atmosphere is considered unpolluted if the concentrations for aggressive or corrosive chemicals are not reached. The manufacturer shall specify which chemicals have these characteristics in which concentrations.

water flow

Product of area of operation and design density with non-uniformity factor due to hydraulics (l/min).

water-foam concentrate mixture

A mixture consisting of water and proportions of foam concentrate.

water supply datum point

A point on the installation pipework at which the water supply pressure and flow rate are specified and measured.

zone

A sub-division of an installation with a specific flow alarm or alarm valve and fitted with a monitored slide valve.

3 Contract planning and documentation

3.1 General

Installation, extensions, modifications and repairs of sprinkler systems shall be carried out by VdS-approved installers using VdS-approved components (see Annex I).

Note: Even in the case of modifications and extensions of systems the documentation should be revised according to the below-mentioned details.

The information specified in 3.3 and 3.4 shall be available to the operator. All drawings and information documents shall carry the following information:

a) the name of the operator and the owner; b) the address and location of premises; c) the occupancy of each building; d) the name of the installer;

e) the name of the person responsible for checking the design, who shall not also be the designer;

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3.2 Initial

considerations

Consideration shall be given to any benefits that might be gained by changes in building design, work procedures etc., when preparing the outline design.

Although an automatic sprinkler system usually extends throughout a building or plant, it should not be assumed that this entirely obviates the need for other means of fire protection and it is important to consider the fire precautions of the premises as a whole. Account shall be taken of possible interaction between sprinkler systems and other fire protection measures.

Where a sprinkler system or an extension or alteration to a sprinkler system is being considered for new or existing buildings and industrial plants the relevant authorities shall be consulted at an early stage.

3.3 Preliminary or estimating stage

The information provided shall include the following: a) a general specification of the system; and

b) a block plan of the premises showing:

1) the types of sprinkler groups and the hazard classes and storage categories in the various buildings;

2) the extent of the system with details of any unprotected areas;

3) the construction and occupancy of the main building and any communicating and/or neighbouring buildings;

4) a cross-section of the full height of the building(s) showing the height of the highest sprinkler above a stated datum level;

c) particulars of the water supplies, which in the case of public water mains shall include pressure flow data, with the date and time of test, and a plan of the test site; and

d) a statement that the installation will comply fully with these Guidelines or giving details of any deviations from their requirements and the reasons therefor.

3.4 Design

stage

3.4.1 General

The information provided shall include a notification of installation (see 3.4.2), complete working drawings of the sprinkler groups (see 3.4.3) and details of the water supplies (see 3.4.4).

3.4.2 Notification of installation

The notification of installation shall give the following information: a) the name of project;

b) all drawing or document reference numbers; c) all drawing or document issue numbers; d) all dates of issue of drawings or documents; e) all drawing or document titles;

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f) the types of sprinkler groups and the nominal diameter of each alarm valve station; g) the number or references of each alarm valve station in the system;

h) the number of sprinklers on each alarm valve station; i) the piping volume in the case of dry or alternate installations; j) the height of the highest sprinkler on each alarm valve station;

k) a statement that the installation will comply fully with these Guidelines or giving details of any deviations from their requirements and the reasons therefor;

l) a list of approved components included in the system, each identified by manufacturer's name and model/reference number.

3.4.3 Installation layout drawings

3.4.3.1 General

The scale shall be not less than 1:200. Layout drawings shall include the following information:

a) north point indication;

b) fire hazard classes including storage categories and design storage heights;

c) constructional details of floors, ceilings, roofs, exterior walls of sprinklered areas and walls separating sprinklered and non-sprinklered areas;

d) sectional elevations of each floor of each building showing the distance of sprinklers from ceilings, structural features, etc. which may affect the sprinkler layout or the water distribution from the sprinklers;

e) the location and size of concealed roof or ceiling voids, offices and other enclosures sealed at a level lower than the roof or ceiling proper;

f) indication of trunking, stagings, platforms, machinery, light fittings, heaters, suspended open cell ceilings etc. which may adversely affect the sprinkler distribution;

g) the sprinkler types and temperature ratings;

h) the type and approximate location of pipe hangers;

i) the location and type of alarm valve stations and location of water motor alarms; j) the location and details of any water flow, and air or water pressure alarm switches; k) the location and size of any subsidiary valves, subsidiary stop valves and drain valves; l) the drainage slope of the pipework;

m) a schedule listing the number of sprinklers for each area of protection; n) the location of all test valves;

o) the location and details of any alarm panel;

p) the location and details of any fire department supply connections; q) a key to the symbols used.

Note: Details of other services should not appear on sprinkler drawings except insofar as they are necessary for the correct installation of the sprinkler system.

3.4.3.2 Pre-calculated pipework

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3.4.3.3 Fully calculated pipework

For fully calculated pipework, the following shall be given, with detailed calculations, either on purposely designed work sheets or as a computer print-out:

a) the program name and version number, if applicable; b) the date of the worksheet or print-out;

c) the actual internal diameters of all pipes used in the calculation; d) for each design area of operation:

1) the area identification; 2) the hazard class;

3) the specified design density in millimetres per minute; 4) the assumed maximum area of operation in square metres; 5) the number of sprinklers in the area of operation;

6) the sprinkler nominal orifice size in millimetres;

7) the maximum area covered per sprinkler in square metres;

8) detailed and dimensioned working drawings showing the following:

− the node or pipe reference scheme used to identify pipes, junctions, sprinkler heads and fittings which need hydraulic consideration;

− the position of the hydraulically most unfavourable area of operation; − the position of the hydraulically most favourable area of operation; − the four sprinklers upon which the design density is based; − the height above datum point of each identified pressure value; e) for each sprinkler in the area of operation:

1) the sprinkler node or reference number; 2) the K factor;

3) the flow through the sprinkler in litres per minute;

4) the pressure to the sprinkler or sprinkler assembly in bar; f) for each hydraulically significant pipe:

1) pipe node or other reference; 2) nominal bore in millimetres;

3) the pipe constant for type and condition (see G1.1 according to C value); 4) flow in litres per minute;

5) velocity in metres per second; 6) length in metres;

7) numbers, types and equivalent lengths of fittings; 8) static head change in metres;

9) pressures at inlet and outlet in bar; 10) friction loss in bar;

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3.4.4 Water supply

3.4.4.1 Water supply drawings

The drawings shall show water supplies and pipework therefrom up to the installation alarm valves. The drawings shall be on an indicated scale of not less than 1:100. A key to the symbols shall be included. The position and type of stop and check valves and any pressure reducing valve, water meter, water lock and any connection supplying water for other services, shall be indicated.

3.4.4.2 Hydraulic calculation

An hydraulic calculation (with relevant flow details) shall show that each trunk main together with any branch main, from each water supply to a water supply test and drain valve, alarm valve station and control valve 'C' gauge (i.e. including control valves of sprinkler groups) is capable of providing the required pressure and flow at the test and drain valve of the alarm valve.

3.4.4.3 Public water mains

Where a public water mains forms one or both of the supplies or provides infill to a reduced capacity storage tank, the following details shall be given:

a) the nominal diameter of the mains;

b) whether the mains is double-end fed or dead-end; if dead-end, the location of the nearest double-end fed mains connected to it;

c) the pressure/flow characteristic of the public water mains determined by a test at a period of peak demand. At least three test points shall be shown. The graph shall be corrected for friction losses and static head difference between the test location and either the control valve 'C' gauge or the suction tank infill valve, as appropriate;

d) the date and time of the public water mains test;

e) the location of the public water mains test point relative to the alarm valve;

f) a pressure/flow characteristic indicating the available pressure at any flow up to the maximum flow demand;

g) the demand pressure/flow characteristic for each sprinkler group for the hydraulically most unfavourable (and if required the most favourable) area of operation with pressure taken as at the alarm valve 'C' pressure gauge.

3.4.4.4 Automatic pump set

Where automatic pump sets form one or more of the water supplies the following details of each automatic pump set shall be provided:

a) a pump characteristic curve for low water level 'X' (see Figures 8.02 and 8.03), showing the estimated performance of the pump or pumps under installed conditions at the alarm valve 'C' gauge;

b) the pump manufacturer's data sheet showing the following: 1) the generated head graph;

2) the power absorption graph;

3) the net positive suction head (NPSH) graph;

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level 'X' (see Figures 8.02 and 8.03), and at the pump outlet pressure gauge for normal water level;

d) the height difference between the alarm valve 'C' gauge and the pump delivery pressure gauge;

e) the sprinkler group number and the hazard classifications; f) the available and the specified NPSH at maximum required flow; g) the minimum depth of water cover in the case of submersible pumps;

h) the demand pressure/flow characteristic for the hydraulically most unfavourable and most favourable area of operation calculated at the alarm valve 'C' gauge.

3.4.4.5 Pressure tank

The following details shall be provided: a) the location;

b) the total volume;

c) the volume of stored water; d) the air pressure;

e) the height of the highest sprinkler above the bottom of the tank; f) details of the means of replenishment.

3.4.4.6 Water storage tank

The following details shall be provided: a) the location;

b) the total volume;

c) the volume and resulting operating time; d) inflow for reduced capacity tanks;

e) vertical distance between the pump centre line and the tank low water level 'X'; f) structural details of the tank and roof;

g) anticipated frequency of schedule repairs requiring emptying of the tank. 3.4.5 Electrical installation for electrically driven pumps The following details shall be provided:

a) protection of the cables against mechanical damage; b) protection of the cables against fire;

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3.5 Commencement of installation works

Before the commencement of any works for new installations and/or extensions or modifications of existing installations, the approved installer shall send a written notification (‘Notification of installation’) to VdS Schadenverhütung (VdS).

A notification shall be submitted for each new installation, independently of its size, and for all extensions of more than 100 sprinklers as well as for modifications of the main distribution network or of the sprinkler equipment room of existing installations. Notifications are also required for all substantial renewals or modifications of the pipework, e.g. after inspections of old installations (see Requirement Notification of installation VdS 2132).

Note: Details in accordance with Annex Z shall be provided.

4 Extent of sprinkler protection

4.1 Scope of protection and exceptions

All areas of a building as well as of the communicating buildings shall be sprinkler protected, except in the cases indicated in Cl. 4.1.1.

Any openings communicating between a sprinklered and an unsprinklered building or section shall be closed automatically in the event of fire to provide a fire resistance which is at least equivalent to the required fire resistance of the section to be separated.

4.1.1 Permitted exceptions within a building

On principle, sprinkler protection shall be considered in the following cases, but may be omitted after due consideration of the fire load in the following cases:

a) washrooms and toilets (but excluding cloakrooms) which are made of non-combustible materials and which are not used to store combustible materials. The closures of door openings between protected and unprotected areas are not subject to any requirements as far as the permitted exceptions of this subclause are concerned;

b) staircases and escape routes with fire-resistant and non-combustible separation from the protected area, containing no combustible material. Door openings between protected and unprotected areas shall have at least smoke-proof and self-closing or fire-retardant closures;

c) vertical shafts (e.g. lifts) with fire-resistant and non-combustible separation from the protection area, containing no combustible material. Door openings between sprinklered and unsprinklered areas shall have at least fire-resistant closures;

d) rooms protected by other automatic extinguishing systems, (e.g. gas, powder extinguishing systems), designed and installed in accordance with VdS Guidelines; e) ceiling areas above the wet end of paper machines. Any levels underneath and adjacent

areas with cable trays, hydraulic pumps and other technical equipment are not considered as wet end and shall be included in the technical fire protection. Consultation with VdS is required;

f) cloakrooms which are made of non-combustible materials, in which clothes are kept in metal sheet lockers only and which are not used to store combustible materials. The closures of door openings between protected and unprotected areas are not subject to any requirements as far as the permitted exceptions of this subclause are concerned;

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g) rooms with a surface area of up to 20 m², solely containing telecommunication equipment;

h) rooms with fire-resistant and non-combustible separation from the protected area, in which wet process works are carried out, however, only by agreement with VdS Inspection Services. Door openings between sprinklered and unsprinklered areas shall have at least fire-resistant closures;

i) technical operating rooms with fire-resistant and non-combustible separation from the protected area (e.g. ventilation control room, heating room, refrigerating machinery room, lift machinery room, distribution station for water and steam, fuel oil storage room) with a surface area of up to 150 m². Door openings between protected and unprotected areas shall have at least fire-retardant closures;

j) 1. cold areas ≤ 20 m²:

The structural separation of cold areas with temperatures below 0°C from the protected area are not subject to any requirements for fire resistance and combustibility of the separation materials, as far as the permitted exceptions of this subclause are concerned, provided that the surface area does not exceed 20 m². 2. cold areas > 20 m² and ≤ 60 m²:

The structural separation of cold areas with temperatures below 0°C and a surface area above 20 m² but not exceeding 60 m² shall have fire-resistant and non-combustible separation from the protected area. The door openings between sprinklered and non-sprinklered areas shall have at least fire-retardant closures; k) offices and dwellings with a surface area of up to 150 m² with fire-resistant and

non-combustible separation from the protected area; door openings between protected and unprotected areas shall have at least fire-resistant closures;

l) crawl spaces without any combustible contents, separated from the protected area by non-combustible materials;

m) ramps, canopies and roofings made of non-combustible building materials at fire break walls (see VdS 2234), door/gate openings between protected and unprotected areas shall have at least fire-resistant closures;

n) false ceiling spaces and false floor spaces < 0,8 m (see Cl. 5.4) which are not separated by non-combustible materials and in which the false ceilings and floors themselves are made of non-combustible materials; provided that in these areas no materials of high flammability are available, and the fire load of materials of low flammability (e.g. cables, insulating material) does not exceed 12,6 MJ/m² (3,5 kWh/m²); in areas of high cable concentration the fire load per 4 m x 4 m shall not exceed 335 MJ (93,1kWh). It is important to ensure that the fastening of the false ceiling construction is resistant enough, and that any penetrations to (vertical) cable ducts are sealed with non-combustible materials. The same applies to false ceiling spaces such as described above, however with a false ceiling made of combustible materials, provided that this ceiling is separated from the intermediate space at least by a highly fire-retardant separation. If false ceiling and false floor spaces less than 300 mm high do not comply with the a.m. conditions, they shall be divided into fields of less than 100 m² by means of fire-retardant components made of non-combustible materials.

Note: The fire load of cables shall be calculated in accordance with Annex S.

o) electrical operating rooms (e.g. low voltage and high voltage cabling, transformer cells, battery room, backup power generator room, relay room for telephone switchboard) with a surface area of up to 60 m² and fire-resistant and non-combustible separation from the protected area. Door openings between protected and unprotected areas shall have at least fire-retardant closures. The backup power generator of the emergency power supply of the sprinkler system may be positioned in the electrical operating room.

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Note: The permitted exceptions from sprinkler protection are subject to the fact that it may be sensible to sprinkler protect these rooms for risk minimisation purposes. Especially if these rooms are of prime importance for operating procedures (see e.g. i) and o)), appropriate protection measures should be taken.

4.1.2 Necessary exceptions from sprinkler protection

Sprinkler protection shall not be provided in the following areas of a building or plant: a) silos or bins containing substances which expand on contact with water;

b) in the vicinity of industrial furnaces or kilns, salt baths, smelting ladles or similar equipment if the hazard would be increased by the use of water in extinguishing a fire; c) areas, rooms or places where the water discharged from a sprinkler might present a

hazard;

d) in the vicinity of tiltable frying pans, deep fryers and similar equipment, if the hazard would be increased by the use of water in extinguishing a fire.

In these cases, other automatic extinguishing systems (e.g. gas, powder or water spray systems) shall be considered, designed and installed in accordance with VdS Guidelines.

4.2 Compartmentation and separation

Compartmentation and separation between combustible materials stored in the open air and in sprinklered buildings shall be at least in accordance with national regulations. Areas with sprinkler systems or equivalent VdS-approved automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be separated from other areas by spatial (at least 5 m) or structural compartmentation (spatial separation and fire break walls and complex separation walls in accordance with VdS 2234 “Fire break walls and complex separation walls – leaflet for arrangement and design”). Openings in structural compartmentations shall have closures in accordance with VdS 2234.

Note: Equivalent in the a.m. sense are water spray systems that fully comply with the appropriate VdS Guidelines. Inert gas fire extinguishing systems may also be considered equivalent if they are designed in accordance with the appropriate VdS Guidelines.

If sprinkler systems with areas of different design density are not separated at least by fire-retardant and non-combustible materials with fire-retardant closures, two sprinkler rows minimum of higher design density shall extend into the area of lower design density. This does not apply to platforms, operational equipment and offices, in which the systems shall be designed according to the fire hazard.

Horizontal separations (ceilings and roofs) are not considered in this context.

5 Classification of fire hazards

5.1 General

The hazard class to which the sprinkler system is to be designed shall be determined before starting on the design work.

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This classification depends on the occupancy and the fire load and shall be in accordance with Annexes A to C.

5.2 Hazard

classes

Buildings or areas to be protected which contain one or more of the following occupancies and fire hazards shall be classified as belonging to one of the following hazard classes:

5.2.1 Light Hazard (LH)

Hazard class LH covers non-industrial occupancies with low fire loads and combustibility in which no single area, that is not at least enclosed by fire-retardant materials, is greater than 126 m².

5.2.2 Ordinary Hazard (OH)

Hazard class OH covers trading and industrial occupancies where combustible materials with a medium fire load and medium combustibility are processed or manufactured. Ordinary Hazard OH is sub-divided into 4 groups:

− OH1, Ordinary Hazard Group 1; − OH2, Ordinary Hazard Group 2; − OH3, Ordinary Hazard Group 3; − OH4, Ordinary Hazard Group 4.

Materials may be stored in occupancies classified as OH1, 2 and 3 provided that the following conditions are met:

a) the protection throughout the room shall be designed to at least OH3; b) the maximum storage heights shown in Table 5.01 shall not be exceeded;

c) blocks of storage including surrounding aisles shall not exceed 216m² or an area specified by VdS. Blocks of storage shall be separated by aisles all around. The aisles shall be kept free of storage.

When the process area is classified as OH4, storage areas shall be treated as HHS.

Note: Storage means that in the process area goods are stored in an area of more than 2 m² und/or over a height of more than 1,2 m.

Note: For the storage of materials according to category I or II in OH4 hazards the design according to HHS may be based on the actual storage height and not the maximum permitted storage height acc. Table 6.02, provided that the ceiling height does not exceed 12 m.

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Storage category Maximum storage height (m)

Free standing or block

storage (ST1)1) All other cases

Width of aisles (m) I II III IV 4,0 3,0 2,1 1,2 3,5 2,6 1,7 1,2 2,0 2,0 2,0 2,0

Note: For storage heights exceeding these values, see Cl. 5.2.4.

1)_{Also applicable for storage ST4 – ST6 with blocks of up to 50m²}

Table 5.01: Maximum storage heights for OH3

5.2.3 High Hazard, Process (HHP)

Hazard class HHP covers trading and industrial occupancies where the materials concerned have a high fire load and high combustibility and are capable of developing a quickly spreading or intense fire.

Hazard class HHP is sub-divided into 4 groups: − HHP1, High Hazard Process Group 1; − HHP2, High Hazard Process Group 2; − HHP3, High Hazard Process Group 3; − HHP4, High Hazard Process Group 4.

Note: If goods are stored, the storage heights shall be in accordance with the design density (see Table 6.02) and the block sizes shall be adhered to.

5.2.4 High Hazard, Storage (HHS)

Hazard class HHS covers the storage of goods where the height of storage exceeds the limits given in 5.2.2.

Hazard class HHS, is sub-divided into 4 categories: − HHS1, High Hazard Storage Category I;

− HHS2, High Hazard Storage Category II; − HHS3, High Hazard Storage Category III; − HHS4, High Hazard Storage Category IV.

5.3 Storage

5.3.1 General

The overall fire hazard of stored goods is a function of the combustibility of the materials being stored, including their packaging, and of the storage configuration.

To determine the required design criteria for stored goods the procedure shown in Figure 5.01 shall be followed.

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Figure 5.01: Flow chart for determining the class required for storage

5.3.2 Storage Methods

Methods of storing goods are classified as follows: − ST1: free standing or block stacking;

− ST2: post or box pallets in single rows (i.e. with aisles no less than 2,4 m wide); − ST3: post or box pallets in multiple (including double) rows;

− ST4: palletised rack;

− ST5: solid or slatted shelves 1 m or less wide;

− ST6: solid or slatted shelves over lm and not more than 6 m wide. Typical examples of storage methods are given in Figure 5.02.

Note: For each storage method, there are specific limitations to storage heights depending on the type and design of sprinkler systems (see Cl. 6.2).