Vds 2109en

VdS
VdS Guidelines for Water Spray Systems

2109en
Planning and Installation
VdS 2109en : 2002-06 (03)

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
Copyright by VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH. All rights reserved.

VdS 2109en : 2002-06 (03) Water Spray Systems
Guidelines for Water Spray Systems
Planning and Installation

Contents
1 General.................................................................................................................7
1.1 Validity ..................................................................................................................7
1.2 Scope of application .............................................................................................7
1.3 Application ............................................................................................................ 7
1.4 Leading installer....................................................................................................9
1.5 Services rendered by third parties........................................................................ 9
1.6 Planning documents to be submitted by installers ............................................... 9
1.7 Installation notice ................................................................................................10
1.8 Installation certificate ..........................................................................................10
1.9 Standard I/O interface for extinguishing systems...............................................11
1.10 Normative references .........................................................................................11
1.11 Terms and definitions .........................................................................................14
2 Rating bases .....................................................................................................16
2.1 Parameters .........................................................................................................16
2.2 Determination of total area of operation ............................................................. 16
3 Water supply .....................................................................................................18
3.1 General requirements .........................................................................................18
3.2 Water sources.....................................................................................................19
3.3 Metering of water ................................................................................................19
3.4 Water mains network ..........................................................................................20
3.5 Pressure tank containing water ..........................................................................21
3.6 Gravity tank.........................................................................................................21
3.7 Pump systems connected to water mains networks, intermediate and
storage tanks and open waters ..........................................................................22
3.8 Intermediate and storage tanks ..........................................................................25
3.9 Open waters .......................................................................................................30
3.10 Disposal of water ................................................................................................32
4 Power supply of pumpsets..............................................................................32
4.1 Choice and assignment of power supply............................................................32
4.2 Power supply through public power supply networks and
private power generators....................................................................................33
4.3 Power supply by diesel engines .........................................................................33
4.4 Power supply by standby generating units.........................................................35
4.5 Cables for electric pump motors.........................................................................36
4.6 Control of pumpsets and other equipment .........................................................37
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Water Spray Systems VdS 2109en : 2002-06 (03)
5 Choice and types of triggering systems ........................................................38

5.1 General ...............................................................................................................38
5.2 Mechanical triggering..........................................................................................39
5.3 Hydraulic triggering.............................................................................................39
5.4 Pneumatic triggering...........................................................................................40
5.5 Electric triggering ................................................................................................40
5.6 Manual release elements ...................................................................................42
5.7 Functional test of the water spray system ..........................................................42
5.8 Electric lines........................................................................................................43
6 Type and arrangement of nozzles...................................................................43
6.1 Choice and types ................................................................................................43
6.2 Nozzle arrangement for the protection of buildings and rooms.......................... 44
6.3 Arrangement for local application protection ......................................................46
7 Pipework............................................................................................................46
7.1 Freely assembled piping.....................................................................................46
7.2 Buried piping.......................................................................................................47
7.3 Pipe joints ...........................................................................................................47
7.4 Piping ..................................................................................................................48
7.5 Pipe supports for steel piping .............................................................................49
7.6 Pipe supports on detector pipes .........................................................................50
7.7 Hangers ..............................................................................................................51
7.8 Design of pipe network .......................................................................................54
8 Compressed air supply ....................................................................................56
9 Alarming ............................................................................................................56
10 Monitoring of water spray systems ................................................................56
10.1 Shut-off devices ..................................................................................................57
10.2 Filling level ..........................................................................................................57
10.3 Pressure .............................................................................................................57
10.4 Power supply ......................................................................................................57
10.5 Lines ...................................................................................................................57
10.6 Detection zones ..................................................................................................58
10.7 Pump...................................................................................................................58
10.8 Water spray system control room.......................................................................58
10.9 Fault indication....................................................................................................58
10.10 Requirements for components of monitoring systems .......................................58
11 Water spray system control room ..................................................................59
11.1 Location, structural separation and quality.........................................................59
11.2 Heating and ventilation .......................................................................................60
11.3 Lighting ...............................................................................................................60
11.4 Control and operation .........................................................................................60
4
12 Water spray systems for buildings and facilities of

special type and occupancy ............................................................................61
12.1 Wood working and processing industry..............................................................61
12.2 Conveyor belts....................................................................................................62
12.3 Cable ducts.........................................................................................................63
12.4 Transformers (oil cooled)....................................................................................64
12.5 Power plants .......................................................................................................65
12.6 Flammable liquids...............................................................................................66
12.7 Dryer hoods of paper machines .........................................................................66
13 Special instructions for installation................................................................67
14 Functional test ..................................................................................................68
15 Water spray systems for overground storage tanks of
flammable liquids .............................................................................................68
15.1 Scope of protection.............................................................................................68
15.2 Shell spraying .....................................................................................................69
15.3 Roof spraying......................................................................................................69
15.4 Rating basis ........................................................................................................69
16 Power supply of monitoring , fire detection and control systems .............. 69
16.1 Power supply through the public mains network ................................................70
16.2 Battery capacity ..................................................................................................70
16.3 Emergency power supply ...................................................................................71
Annex A – Components of water spray systems ........................................................72
A.1 Components subject to approval ........................................................................72
A.2 Components not subject to approval ..................................................................72
Annex B – Sample of an installation notice .................................................................74
Annex C – Documents for hydraulic calculation and design of
the pipework .................................................................................................................... 75
Annex D – How to maintain the system functional and in
good working order ........................................................................................................76
D.1 General ...............................................................................................................76
D.2 Daily visual inspections.......................................................................................76
D.3 Weekly inspections .............................................................................................76
D.4 Monthly inspections ............................................................................................77
D.5 Semi-annual inspections ....................................................................................78
D.6 Annual inspections..............................................................................................78
D.7 Further inspections .............................................................................................79
D.8 Putting the system out of operation ....................................................................79
D.9 Service/maintenance ..........................................................................................79
D.10 Remodelling........................................................................................................80
D.11 Approved installers .............................................................................................80
5
Annex E – Addition of film-forming foaming agents in water spray systems .......... 80

E.1 Putting the system out of operation ....................................................................80
E.2 Foaming agent admixture devices......................................................................80
E.3 Foaming agent pumps ........................................................................................81
E.4 Foaming agents ..................................................................................................81
E.5 Foaming agent tank ............................................................................................82
E.6 Foaming agent pipes and water/foaming agent mix pipes.................................82
E.7 Pressure loss calculation for foaming agent conveying pipes............................ 83
E.8 Disposal ..............................................................................................................85
Annex F – Simple control of fire extinguishing systems ............................................86
F.1 Definition .............................................................................................................86
F.2 Field of application..............................................................................................86
F.3 Requirements .....................................................................................................87
Annex G – Other standards, rules and directives .......................................................88
6
1 General
The provisions of the insurance contract are to be observed where claims are brought
forward for the approval of a fixed water spray system (hereinafter referred to as water
spray system) by the insurer in the framework of a risk assessment. The installation of a
VdS approved water spray system, e.g. according to clause 3610, may be contractually
agreed. The water spray system, in order to be eligible for VdS approval, shall have been
planned by a VdS approved installer according to these Guidelines and shall consist of
VdS approved components – harmonised in terms of functional interaction – and shall
have been installed in compliance with the generally accepted rules of the art and shall
have been accepted by VdS.
Hence from the technical point of view, the water spray system in order to be approved
by VdS shall be planned and installed according to these Guidelines. The same applies
to alterations or extensions of existing systems.
These Guidelines correspond to the present state of the art and provide for minimum
requirements. These Guidelines do not only contain technical specifications for the water
spray system as such but also requirements for the buildings, rooms or facilities to be
protected. Efficient operation of an extinguishing system can be expected only if these
requirements are met.
The absence of express requirements in these Guidelines is no passport to defining other

solutions without the prior consent of VdS.
Legal regulations and duties imposed by the authorities – apart from these Guidelines –
need also be observed for the installation of water spray systems.
1.1 Validity
1.1.1 These Guidelines shall become effective on June 30th, 2002 superseding Issue
VdS 2109 : 1990-08 and the corresponding transitional arrangements SP 1/96,
VdS 2109-S : 1996-02. Applicable to existing water spray systems as well as to systems
ordered up until September 30th, 2002, the former Guidelines shall continue to apply.
1.1.2 Extensions of existing systems shall be made in accordance with these Guidelines.
1.1.3 Amendments and supplements – compared to the former Guidelines – are marked
by a vertical stroke on the margin.
1.2 Scope of application

1.2.1 These Guidelines apply to fixed water spray systems installed in buildings, rooms or
to systems protecting operating equipment and/or systems.
These Guidelines may be applied mutatis mutandis to other water spray systems, e.g. on
board of ships and in underground and opencast mining unless special regulations are to
be observed.
1.3 Application
1.3.1 Water spray systems are installed in buildings, rooms and also in outdoor areas
where rapid spreading of a fire is expected and where water can be used as an
7
extinguishant or cooling agent. A distinction is made between room and local application
systems.
1.3.2 For fields of application and classification, please refer to Table 2.01.
1.3.3 Water spray systems may also be used for cooling purposes of facilities (see Section
15).
1.3.4 For the purposes of the installation of an extinguishing system in form of a water
spray system or any other VdS approved automatic fire extinguishing system for the
protection of a building or for room protection, the areas to be protected shall be
separated from the other areas by spatial separation (minimum 5 m) or by fire resisting
and/or complex partition walls conforming to VdS 2234 "Fire resisting walls and complex
partition walls – data sheet for arrangement and design".
Note: Equivalent in the above sense are sprinkler systems fully conforming to VdS
Guidelines. Inert gas fire extinguishing systems may be considered equivalent if set up
according to VdS Guidelines.
F30-A walls are permitted if protected by a water spray system equipped with its own
separate detector pipework on the unprotected end. Regulations of the building code are
to be observed still.
1.3.5 Use of water as an extinguishant may turn out to be unsuitable
− in the case of flammable liquids of hazard classes A I and A II acc. to VbF(ordinance

on facilities used for the storage, filling and conveyance of flammable liquids on road
and rail) (except for facilities acc. to Section 12.6),
− in the case of radioactive substances,
− in the case of substances upon contact with water releasing hazardous substances
or showing exothermal reactions,
− in silos or vessels containing swelling material,
− in the area of industrial furnaces and industrial firing plants, salt baths, metal smelters
and similar facilities,
− for tilting-type frying pans, deep fat fryers
− and similar equipment where the firewater may contribute to increasing the hazard.
1.3.6. Fine-spray nozzles are generating finest water droplets (also referred to as "water
fog"). The large specific surface of these droplets is well able to store-up heat. The large
total cross sectional area of the droplets discharged by the system results, however, also
in a positive exchange of pulses with the air. Under conditions of a fire, the kinetic energy
of the droplets is not high enough, however, to bridge larger distances between the
nozzle and the seat of the fire (rising flue gases). Due to this physical phenomenon, a
sufficiently high extinguishing effect based on a low volume of firewater may be expected
in the close range up to 3 m only.
The underlying principles of this mode of extinction have not yet been investigated
sufficiently for a general application in extinguishing systems. VdS is able therefore to
advocate the use of fine spray nozzles for those applications only where efficiency has
been sufficiently tested by extinguishing tests.
8
1.4 Leading installer

Technology, manufacture, planning and servicing of fire extinguishing systems and of
their functionally harmonised components including devices required for fire detection
and fire alarming, all results in a complex system in which competence and responsibility
generally are not severable.
A leading installer – responsible for the entire system – shall be appointed in cases
where several approved installers are involved in the installation of a water spray system.
Water spray systems using added film-forming foaming agents shall be installed by
installers approved by VdS both for the installation of water spray systems and foam
extinguishing systems.
In cases where the fire detection system and the extinguishing system are installed by
two different installers, the overall responsibility for the concept of fire extinction including
that part of the fire detection system specific for the extinguishing function lies with the
installer of the extinguishing system. This is why the configuration of the fire detection
system as regards the part specific for fire extinction shall be coordinated with the
installer of the extinguishing system who will have to check from the project specific point
of view whether or not the requirements of the project, based on the scope of services to
be rendered correspond to the object approved.
The technical okay shall be given by the two installers prior to execution and prior to
commissioning in form of a test certificate according to Annex D, VdS 2496, Guidelines
for the triggering of fire extinguishing systems.
Note: The certificate of installation exhibited in Annex F of VdS 2496 is a draft version
intended as a piece of information for installers.
The installer of the extinguishing system is the leading and responsible installer of the
entire system. The responsibility of each installer for his scope of work in the sense of
product liability, warranty and for all other site-specific technical and contractual matters
shall remain unaffected thereby.
1.5 Services rendered by third parties

If due to local regulations, electric installations or connections to the water mains network
cannot be made by the approved installer he is obliged to inform the principal of the
applicable Guidelines.
1.6 Planning documents to be submitted by installers

The companies approved by VdS for the installation of water spray systems are obliged
upon request of VdS to submit documents for each system containing the following
information:
1.6.1 in the planning stage:
− Name of user or principal

− Site address
− Occupancy of areas to be protected (business, type of material stored)
− Type of construction and separation from adjoining areas
− Details of water supply and fire water disposal
9
1.6.2 after placement of order, however, before commencement of installation:
− Number, type and location of deluge valve stations and alarming devices
− Total number of nozzles per deluge valve station
− Height of the hydraulically most unfavourable nozzle per deluge valve station
− Type and number of areas to be protected
− Ceilings, roofs, external walls and walls separating protected areas from unprotected
areas
− Distance of nozzles to built-in components and equipment to the extent to which the
pattern of water distribution by the nozzles is impaired
− Location and nominal width of all auxiliary shutoff valves and drain valves
− Slope of pipes
− Hydraulic calculation with pipe charts
− Type of water supply with details of
− supply piping and pipe connections,
− Nominal widths of piping up to the deluge valve stations,
− Stop and check valves, water metering devices and similar
− Connections to the water supply not used for the supply of the water spray system
− Performance curves of supply pumps – power supply
− Monitoring
− Design calculations for expansion joints and flexible metal tubes
1.7 Installation notice

The date of commencement of installation shall be reported to VdS in form of an
installation notice according to Annex B. This applies also to extensions involving more
than 50 nozzles per deluge valve station. A joint notice of installation may be submitted
where a water spray system is installed in combination with a sprinkler system.
1.8 Installation certificate

After completion of the installation the installer shall issue an installation certificate to be
submitted to VdS without being asked to do so. The following documents are to be
attached to this installation certificate:
− the hydraulic calculation relevant for the rating of the water supply
− a drawing of the intermediate and/or storage tank
− details of the power supply
− certificates of the hydraulic pressure tests (15 bar, 24 h; except for open nozzle
pipework)
− certificate of flushing
− certificate of the pump trial run
− certificate of hand-over to the user
10
− list of companies, institutions or similar responsible for maintaining the system in

operation – in cases where water spray systems are installed in buildings occupied
by several companies
− a certificate of approval of the welding procedure used by the manufacturer of
prefabricated piping according to Section 7.3.1
− for intermediate and storage tanks made of reinforced concrete:
− test certificate for proving the quality of the concrete
− test report and certificate of acceptance of the reinforcement issued by a test
engineer for statics.
1.9 Standard I/O interface for extinguishing systems

Each fire detection system approved for the triggering of extinguishing systems and each
approved deluge valve station approved for triggering by fire detection systems shall be
equipped with a standard I/o interface for extinguishing systems.
No standard I/O interface for extinguishing systems is required for those systems where
the fire detection and fire extinguishing systems have been jointly tested as a system and
have been approved as such and where the installation of this system is performed by an
installer approved accordingly. Triggering of a water spray system may take place,
moreover, according to the criteria outlined in Annex F.
1.10 Normative references

These Guidelines contain dated and undated references to other sets of Guidelines. The
references are made in the corresponding sections of these Guidelines, the titles are
listed up below. Amendments or supplements of dated sets of Guidelines shall be
applicable only if published by an amendment of these Guidelines. As regards undated
sets of Guidelines, always the latest version shall apply.
− DIN 1045 Load bearing structures made of concrete, reinforced concrete and
prestressed concrete
− DIN 1055 Design loads for buildings
− DIN 1072 Road and foot bridges, design loads
− DIN 1988 Technical rules for potable water installations (TRWI)
− DIN 2440 Steel pipes, threaded pipes of average weight
− DIN 2448 Seamless steel pipes; dimensions, mass per unit length
− DIN 2458 Welded steel pipes, dimensions, mass per unit length
− DIN 2460 Steel pipes for water mains
− DIN 2501-1 Flanges, fitting dimensions
− DIN 2614 Cement mortar lining of cast iron pipes, steel pipes and fittings, procedure,
requirements, tests
− DIN 2616 Welding fittings, reducers
− DIN 2633 Welding neck flanges, nominal pressure 16
− DIN 3384 Flexible metal gas tubes made of rustproof steel, Safety requirements,
tests, marking
− DIN 4102 Fire behaviour of construction material and components
11
− DIN 4119-1 Overground cylinder-shaped flat bottom tank structures consisting of

metallic material, principles, design, tests
− DIN 4119-2 Overground cylinder shaped flat-bottom tank structures made of metallic
material, calculation
− DIN 6280 Generating sets
− DIN 14 650-1 Manual call points (fire detectors) A and B for outdoor use, dimensions
and requirements
− DIN 14 652 Manual call points (fire detectors) E for outdoor use
− DIN 14 654 Manual call points (fire detectors) H for outdoor use
− DIN 14 655 Manual call points (fire detectors) G for use in dry rooms
− DIN 14 675 Fire alarm and fire detection systems; Installation and operation
− DIN 14 678 Manual call points (fire detectors) K for use in hazardous workplaces
− DIN 18 800 Steel structures
− DIN 30 675-1 External corrosion protection of buried piping; protective measures and
fields of application of steel piping
− DIN 30 681 Gas bellow expansion joints with bellows made of stainless steel; Safety
requirements, test, marking
− DIN 50 929 Corrosion of metals; probability of corrosion of metallic material exposed
to external corrosion attack
− DIN 57 845 / VDE 0845 VDE-rules for the protection of telecommunications systems
against overvoltage
− DIN EN 545 Ductile cast iron pipes, shaped elements, accessory parts and their
fittings for water mains, Requirements and test methods
− DIN EN 1024 Threaded steel fittings
− DIN EN 1044 Hard soldering, filler additives
− DIN EN 1045 Hard soldering, flux powders for hard soldering; Classification and
technical terms of delivery
− DIN EN 1057 Copper and copper alloys; seamless circular copper pipes for water
and gas mains used for sanitary and heating purposes
− DIN EN 1254 Copper and copper alloys, fittings
− DIN EN 10 025 Hot-rolled products made of high carbon structural steel, Technical
terms of delivery
− DIN EN 10 242 Threaded fittings made of annealed cast iron
− DIN EN 50 265-1 General test methods for testing the behaviour of cables and
insulated lines under fire conditions; Test of the vertical propagation of flames on a
core or cable, Part 1: Test equipment
− DIN EN 50 265-2-1 General test methods for testing the behaviour of cables and
core or a cable; Part 2-1: Test method, 1-kW flame based on a gas-air mixture.
− DIN EN 50 265-2-2 General test methods for testing the behaviour f cables and
core or a cable; Part 2-2: Test methods, luminous flame
12
− DIN EN ISO 12 944-4 Coating material; corrosion protection of steel structures by

coating systems: Part 4: Surface types and surface preparation
− DIN EN ISO 12 944-5 Coating material, corrosion protection of steel structures by
coating systems: Part 5: Coating systems
− DIN ISO 8528-4 Power generators using reciprocating internal combustion engines,
Part 4: Control and switchgear devices
− DIN VDE 0101 Electrical power installations operating at rated voltages of over 1 kV
− DIN VDE 0108 Electrical power installations and supply systems for safety services
in highly frequented buildings
− DIN VDE 0276-603 Power cables; Part 603: Power distribution cables operating at
rated voltages of 0.6/1 kV
− DIN VDE 0276-604 Power cables; Part 604: Power cables for power plants operating
at rated voltages of 0.6/1 kV with improved behaviour under fire conditions
− DIN VDE 0530 Electrical rotating machines
− DIN VDE 0833-1 Alarm units for fire, intrusion and hold-up, General requirements
− DIN VDE 0833-2 Alarm units for fire, intrusion and hold-up; Part 2: Requirements for
fire alarm and fire detection systems
− DVGW GW 9 Assessment of the corrosive effects of soils on buried piping and tanks
made of unalloyed and low-alloy ferrous material
− E DIN EN 54-11 Components of automatic fire alarm and fire detection systems;
Manual call points
− EN 10 204 Metallic products; Types of test certificates
− ISO 3046 Reciprocating internal combustion engines
− VbF Ordinance on facilities used for the storage, filling and conveyance of flammable
liquids on road and rail
− VdS 2092 Guidelines for sprinkler systems; Planning and installation
− VdS 2093 Guidelines for CO2-fire extinguishing systems; Planning and installation
− VdS 2095 Guidelines for automatic fire alarm and fire detection systems; Planning
and installation
− VdS 2100 Guidelines for water extinguishing systems; Requirements and test
methods for components
− VdS 2106 Guidelines for spark detection, spark ejection and spark suppression
systems; Planning and installation
− VdS 2108 Guidelines for foam extinguishing systems; Planning and installation
− VdS 2212 Operating manual for water extinguishing systems
− VdS 2234 Fire resisting walls and complex partition walls; Data sheet for
arrangement and design
− VdS 2304 Local application protection of electric and electronic systems; Guidelines
for planning and installation
− VdS 2496 Guidelines for the triggering of fire extinguishing systems
− VdS 2815 Interaction of water extinguishing systems and heat and smoke vents;
Data sheet on fire protection
− VdS CEA 4001 Guidelines for sprinkler systems; Planning and installation
− TRbF Technical Guidelines for flammable liquids
13
1.11 Terms and definitions

Admixture: Continuous adding of foaming agent at defined concentration to the
firewater.
Admixture at balanced pressure: Admixture of the foaming agent at a pressure, which

corresponds to the water pressure at the point of inlet of the water into the admixture
device.
AFFF: Aqueous Film Forming Foam based on fluorosurfactants.
AFFF/AR: Alcohol resistant aqueous and polymer film forming foam based on
fluorosurfactants in combination with polysaccharides.
Alarm device: Device raising an audible or visual alarm signal.
Alarming device: Aggregate of all alarm devices supplied through line systems by
sources of energy.
Area of coverage: Maximum area for which a nozzle may be used.
Building protection: System concept for the protection of the entire building.
Delivery flow: Useful volume flow (l/min, m3 /h) delivered by the sprinkler pump through
its outlet.
Design delivery rate: Pump delivery rate according to the conditions of Section 2.6 of
the Guidelines for Sprinkler Systems – Requirements and test methods for sprinkler
pumps (VdS 2100).
Extinguishing part: Part of a fire extinguishing system consisting of control, alarming

and extinguishing facility.
Film forming foaming agents: Film forming synthetic foaming agents consist of a
combination of fluorsurfactants and hydrocarbon surfactants and other additives. A
distinction is made between aqueous film forming foaming agents (AFFF) and alcohol
resistant foaming agents (AFFF/AR).
Note: Film forming synthetic foaming agents are classified as substances hazardous to
water and are to be handled in accordance with the legal regulations.
Flow rate: Volume of water per unit of time passing through a nozzle (l/min).
Foam: Stable condition of small bubbles of a density lower than that of flammable liquids
or water. Foams produced by film-forming foaming agents build-up a barrier between the
combustibles and the air and/or the oxygen and develop a film on the surface of most
hydrocarbon containing combustibles that is capable of suppressing the development of
fuel vapours and the supply of further oxygen to the fire.
Local application protection: System concept for the in-room or outdoor protection of
individual pieces of equipment.
Manual release element: Device for manually releasing an extinguishing system.
Object protection: see Local application protection
14
Operating time: Minimum time during which the water spray system must be supplied
with firewater.
Pump set: Aggregate of pumps for the delivery of the required water rate.
Rate of extinguishant: The rate of extinguishant is the water rate increased by the
required proportion of foaming agent.
Release signal: Control signal transmitted by the control device to the release device.
Release device: Device initiating the direct discharge of the extinguishant.
Room protection: System concept for the protection of the entire contents of a room.
Separation of complexes (structural/spatial): Separation for fire protection purposes

according to the technical data sheet on the arrangement and design of fire resisting
walls and complex separation walls, VdS 2234.
Stacking height: Distance between floor level and upper edge of stored material.
Standard I/O interface for extinguishing systems: Technical device allowing a

standardised connection of fire alarm and fire detection systems and of fire extinguishing
systems.
Test piping: Water metering device consisting of flow meter, tranquilliser sections,
regulating valve and pressure gauge for testing of the water rate.
Total water quantity: Product of water rate and operating time.
Total area of operation: One or several areas of operation of a zone that can be
simultaneously supplied with firewater.
Triggering device: Device for triggering the control devices and/or release devices.
Water density of discharge: Theoretical water rate required per time unit and area
(mm/min).
Water rate: Product of zone and/or total area of operation and water density of discharge
based on a hydraulically conditioned irregularity factor (l/min).
Water/foaming agent mixture: Mixture of water and foaming agents.
Water supply: Aggregate of all facilities and units supplying the necessary amounts of
firewater over the required operating time.
Zone-area of operation: Area that can be simultaneously supplied with firewater by a

deluge valve station.
15
2 Rating bases
2.1 Parameters
The key parameters for water spray systems are:
− Water density of discharge

− Zone- area of operation
− Total area of operation
− Operating time
See also Table 2.01.
2.2 Determination of total area of operation

2.2.1 The zone-areas of operation shall be minimum 100 m2 in size, except for rooms of
less than 200 m2.
2.2.2 The total area of operation of rooms larger than 200 m2, that are subdivided into
zone-areas of operation, is formed at least by the two zone-areas of operation of the
highest water demand.
2.2.3 For defining the total area of operation, the fire shall be assumed to break out at the
interface between the zone-areas of operation. In this case all zone areas of operation
within a radius of 7 m from the most unfavourable point feasible for the outbreak of the
fire shall be supplied with water simultaneously.
2.2.4 In cases where individual rooms comprising always one zone within a building are
separated by F90-A elements, the water reserve quantity shall be determined by the
mathematically calculated highest water rate of the individual zone.
16
2.2.5 The design of the water supply shall be based on the total area of operation.
Object to be protected ≤ Water Operating Zone-area Monitoring Secured

density of time in min of power
discharge operation supply
in mm/min in m2
Platforms ≤ 10 m 5.0 10 – – –
Platforms > 10 m 7.5 10 – – –
Chip silos 5.0 30 – – –
Waste Dumping height ≤ 2 m 5.0 30 – –
bunker Dumping height > 2m 7.5 30 100 - 400 – –
≤3m 12.5 30 – –
Dumping height > 3m 20.0 30 – –
≤5m
Dumping height > 5m
Foamed Stacking height ≤ 2 m 10.0 30 150 – –
material Stacking height > 2m ≤ 15.0 45 150 – –
storages 3 m 22.5 60 200 X X
Stacking height > 3m ≤ 30.0 60 200 X X
4m
Stacking height > 5m ≤
5m
Aircraft hangar* – – – X X
Transformers** – – – – –
Cable ducts** – – – – –
Roll stands* – – – – X
Fireworks and ammunition – – – – –
factories*
Collodium-wool (without drum 7.5 30 – – –
storage)
Tank farms** – – – – –
Power plants** – – – – –
Hydraulic rooms** – – – – X
Recycling plants for plastic – – – –
packaging material *
* to be inquired with VdS
** see Section 12
X = mandatory
Table 2.01: Parameters
17
3 Water supply
3.1 General requirements

3.1.1 The water supply system shall be reliable. The installation of a filter downstream of
the water meter in the feeder of the public water mains involves the risk of clogging which
would result in that the required water rate is no longer made available. Proper function
shall therefore be ensured by the corresponding inspections and by service and
maintenance.
Note: A potential impairment of the system by a filter may be avoided by a bypass, a tap-
off to the water spray system upstream of the filter or by a complete reserve quantity.
3.1.2 The water supply shall not be impaired by frost.
3.1.3 The water shall be free from contamination, which may cause clogging of the water
spray system.
3.1.4 All permanently water-conveying components of the system in the standby state
shall be filled with fresh water. Ingress of salt water or briny water into the pipework is
permissible upon response of the system only.
Use of salt or briny water is not allowed in water spray systems equipped with fine spray
nozzles.
3.1.5 The water sources shall be capable of delivering the water rate (water quantity per
time unit) at the required pressure as determined in the framework of the hydraulic
calculation. Ways and means shall be provided for priming of the quantity of water
withdrawn within 36 hours after a release of the water spray system.
3.1.6 A supply of the water spray systems by the fire brigade is generally not possible.
The water demand of the system shall be observed, if provision is made for feed points.
For the purposes of preventing the withdrawal of water from the water spray system,
provision shall be made for a check valve in the feeder line.
3.1.7 A connection of hydrant systems to the water supply of the water spray systems is
permitted provided the following additional water rates are foreseen at a minimum for the
operation of the hydrant systems:
− 1200 l/min per hydrant for outdoor hydrants equipped with two B-connections each,
however, not more than 3600 l/min
− 200 l/min per hydrant for indoor hydrants equipped with one C-connection each,
however, not more than 600 l/min
− 100 l/min per hydrant for indoor hydrants equipped with one D-connection each and a
dimensionally stable hose, however, not more than 300 l/min
3.1.8 In cases where both outdoor and indoor hydrants are available, the individual
hydrants shall be considered as described above. The additional water rate need not
exceed a total of 3600 l/min, however. Hydrants connected on the premises of the user to
the feeder of the water spray system shall also be considered as described above.
The operating time of the hydrants – irrespective of the water spray system – shall be 60
minutes. An additional water rate of only 1.600 l/min need be considered for water spray
systems of an operating time of maximum 10 minutes.
18
3.1.9 where an in-house ring main supplies the water spray system, provision shall be
made for shut-off fittings (stop valves) for a partial isolation of individual pipework
sections. These stop valves shall be installed so as to ensure that the water supply of
water spray system as far as possible will not be impaired by an interruption in the ring
main. The stop valves shall be provided with status indicating devices and shall be
protected against unauthorised operation.
3.1.10 Use of open waters as a water reserve is not allowed for water spray systems
equipped with fine spray nozzles.
3.1.11 Stop valves of buried pipework
− shall be equipped with an overground indicator device or

− shall be equipped with an indicator device in the water pipework valve box on road
surface level; the stop valves shall be permanently monitored for their operating
position according to Section 10 and the corresponding electrical components in the
water pipework valve box on road surface level shall correspond to protection class
IP 56 or
− shall be equipped with an indicator device and be installed in a readily accessible
underground manhole.
3.2 Water sources

3.2.1 Sources from which firewater can be drawn are:
− Water mains network

− Pressure tanks containing water
− Gravity tanks
− Pump sets in combination with water mains networks, break tanks and open waters
− Connection to the inexhaustible supply of water of sprinkler systems, considering,
however, the Guidelines for Sprinkler Systems, VdS 2092/VdS CEA 4001
3.3 Metering of water

3.3.1 Provision shall be made for VdS approved water metering devices for controlling
the water rate delivered by the existing water sources (see also Section 3.2.1).
No water metering devices are required for pressure tanks containing water, provided a
test run with pressure measurement of the water spray system is possible at any time.
3.3.2 In the case of a direct connection to the water mains networks, the test pipe shall
be installed closest possible to the deluge valve station(s).
As regards pump sets, the test pipe shall be connected to the delivery pipe of the pump
upstream of the check valve. A joint test pipe may be used for several pumps.
3.3.3 The test pipe shall be dimensioned for the conveyance of the water rate in water
mains networks and gravity tanks or for 1.2 times the water rate of pump systems. The
maximum flow rate shall not exceed 12 m/s, however. Exempt from this rule is the
measuring zone including the tranquillising sections where the rate may not be higher
than 6 m/s.
19
A stop device shall for the regulation of the water flow shall be installed downstream of
the measuring section. No stop valves shall be used for the restriction of the delivery
flow.
The effect of cavitation produced by downward running water shall be prevented by

suitable measures e.g. by pipe narrowing. The flow velocity in the shut-off fitting shall not
exceed 12 m/s, however.
Provision shall be made on the supply line upstream of the test pipe for a pressure gauge
to be read-off from the same place as the flow meter.
3.3.4 Upstream of the metering device, provision shall be made for a straight
tranquillising section of minimum 10 times the pipe diameter in length, followed by a
section of minimum 5 times the pipe diameter in length. The pipe diameter of the
tranquillising section shall correspond to the nominal width of the metering device.
Ways and means shall be provided for warranting safe draining of the water that has
accumulated during metering.
3.3.5 Provision shall be made for each water spray system – except for water spray
systems using a pressure tank containing water as a source of supply for water – for a
flow meter allowing measurement of the flow rate at any time.
3.4 Water mains network

3.4.1 The capacity of the public water mains network shall correspond at least to the
volume of water, which results
− from the water rate in the case of a direct connection to the public water mains
network,
− from the required water priming volume of the tank in the case of pump systems
using break tanks,
based always on double the operating time of the water spray system. In the case of a
direct connection to the water mains network, the pressure level required for the
operation of the water spray system shall be always available.
The direct connection to the water mains network is subject to the consent of the utility
company. A VdS-approved safety device with DVGW mark of conformity shall be used.
3.4.2 The capacity of in-house water mains networks shall meet the requirements of
Section 3.4.1 and shall be proved in individual cases. Ground water wells may be
connected only if water is drawn regularly from these wells.
3.4.3 The feeders from the water mains networks to the water spray system shall be
dimensioned so as to ensure that the supply of the water spray system will not be
impaired if water is drawn for other consumers. A DN 40 connection with a feeder of DN
150 and a DN 25 connection with a feeder of DN 100 need not be considered. Shut-off
fittings shall be installed in the immediate proximity of the branch point – except for
hydrants.
3.4.4 If water spray systems are connected directly to the water mains network, a shut-off
fitting secured in open position and controllable by the user, a check valve and a strainer
shall be installed in the feeders. A pressure gauge to be installed always at the inlet and
outlet of the strainer shall be provided for control of the strainer.
20
3.5 Pressure tank containing water

3.5.1 Pressure tanks containing water may be used exclusively for the supply of firewater
for the water spray system. Tapping for other consumers is not allowed. The tanks shall
be protected against mechanical damage.
3.5.2 The volume of water in the pressure tank containing water shall at least correspond
to 1.1 times the total water volume required. Air and water shall be primed automatically.
Compressed air shall be primed as a function of the top-most water level.
3.5.3 Both the water priming line and the air feeder shall be equipped each with a stop
valve and a check valve, both installed closest possible to the tank. The water priming
line shall be DN 40, the air feeder minimum DN 20. The delivery rate of the water priming
line shall be 6 m3/h as a minimum. The delivery flow may drop by maximum 20% once
the operating pressure has been reached. A pressure gauge shall be installed in the
water priming delivery pipe.
3.5.5 Pressure tanks containing water shall be equipped with two pressure gauges as
well as with a water gauge with a marking. The water gauge shall be protected against
mechanical damage from the outside and shall consist of a shatterproof material or be
provided with a fixed anti-splinter protection allowing reading of the water level and
excluding physical injury.
3.5.6 Pressure tanks containing water shall be protected against corrosion. The internal
protection shall last for at least 2 years.
3.5.7 The percentage of air in the pressure tank containing water shall not be less than
one third of the water volume. The minimum air pressure to be maintained within the tank
depends on:
− the percentage of air in the tank

− the minimum pressure of the hydraulically most unfavourably positioned nozzles
when all water has left the tank
3.5.8 The level of pressure to be maintained in the tank shall be determined as

follows:
PüB= (1+ PüHy) Vtotal/ Vair – 0.5
3.6 Gravity tank

3.6.1 A gravity tanks is defined as a closed water tank connected with the water spray
system by a separate feeder, the geodetic height of which is at any time warranty for
delivering the operating pressure PüE required for the water spray system. The required
operating pressure shall be hydraulically calculated based on the relation of PüE = PüHy .
21
Fig. 3.01: Pressure tank containing water
3.6.2 Gravity tanks shall be able to take up over the entire operating time the water
volume required by the water spray system.
3.6.3 If water is drawn from the gravity tank for purposes other than for the water spray
system, measures shall be taken to ensure that the volumes required for the water spray
system are always available.
3.6.4 For gravity tanks, provision shall be made for vent pipe of a minimum cross
sectional area of 78 cm2 (10 cm in dia.) to be installed at a point above the highest
possible water level. The vent pipe shall be protected against contamination and
clogging. No daylight shall penetrate through the vent pipe into the tank. The formation of
excessive amounts of condensation water in tanks installed in rooms shall be prevented
by corresponding ventilation and/or heating.
3.6.5 Gravity tanks shall be equipped with a water level indicator. The tanks shall be
protected against corrosion.
3.7 Pump systems connected to water mains networks,

intermediate and storage tanks and open waters
3.7.1 Where several sources of water are available, ways and means shall be provided to
supply pump systems – unless spatially separated from each other – at option from each
single water reservoir. If one of the tanks for the supply of pumps operating under suction
lift conditions and capable of drawing water from two tanks via a H-pattern of connection,
is closed by a valve, provision shall be made to ensure that during operation of the pump
assigned to the vacant tank no air can be sucked-in via the priming tank of the pump
presently not in operation.
22
3.7.2 The pumps shall be direct drive pumps. Electric motors of pumps shall be selected
so as to comply with the requirements of DIN VDE 0530.
The automatic triggering of each pump shall be based on two pressure switches switched
in parallel that act on all water sources. The nominal diameter of the pipes to the
pressure switches shall be minimum 1/2". A maximum of two pressure switches shall be
connected to this pipe.
Testing of single pressure switches shall be possible. The electrical lines of the pressure
switches shall be coupled not before reaching the control panel.
3.7.3 Pumps are to be chosen so as to warrant a water rate of ≤ 100 % of the design
delivery rate of the pump.
Where as a result of a direct connection to the water mains network or due to the
geodetic height of the intermediate and/or storage tank, a working overpressure of more
than 0.5 bar builds-up at the inlet pipe connection of the pump, the rated output of the
motor shall be increased by a factor of 1.2. As regards pumps showing a provable
summit in their characteristic performance curve, a factor of 1.05 of the peak value shall
be applied for the determination of the motor output. If several pumps are used in a
system, pumps with mating characteristic curves shall be chosen.
Note: The instructions and notes of the VdS certificate on the approval of the pump shall
be observed.
3.7.4 A low pressure of maximum 0.4 bar shall be in the suction intake pipe at lowest
water level and during delivery of the water rate.
3.7.5 The water temperature shall not exceed 40°C. As regards submersible motor-driven
pumps, a water temperature of 25°C shall not be exceeded, unless suitability of the motor
up to a temperature of 40°C is demonstrated to VdS.
3.7.6 The pumps shall be installed so as to ensure that the entire cross sectional area of
the pump suction intake pipe and the suction and/or feed pipe are positioned below the
lowest tank water level "X" (see Fig. 3.03).
3.7.7 If the lowest water level "X" (acc. to Fig. 3.03) is not reached when drawing the
water volume as determined by hydraulic calculation, the calculated lowest water level
may be considered for the design of the pump.
In cases where the full cross sectional areas of pump suction intake pipe or the suction
and/or feed line are not below the lowest water level "X" of the tank, provision shall be
made for a foot valve and an automatic priming arrangement.
The position of the inlet point/foot valve shall agree with the dimensions indicated in
columns 2 and 3 of Table 3.01.
3.7.8 The priming device shall consist of a water tank sitting at a point above the pump,
which is to be automatically kept in filled condition. The water tank shall be connected to
the pump delivery line by a pipe equipped with a check valve installed closest possible to
the pump. The water tank shall permanently keep both the pump housing and the suction
pump filled with water. A float valve of minimum DN 25 shall initiate automatic priming of
the priming tank. The filling volume of the priming tank shall amount to minimum 0.5 m³.
3.7.9 Each pump shall be equipped with a pipe for operation under emergency
conditions. Where an intermediate and/or storage tank is available, the water shall be
returned to this tank.
23
Dimensioning of the emergency pipe shall be based on a hydraulic calculation of the

volume of water required for emergency operation as indicated by the manufacturer on
the sheet with the characteristic performance curve. In cases where more than 2% of the
rated delivery rate are drawn, this volume of water shall be considered in the design of
the system.
3.7.10 Where firewater is directly drawn from the water mains network, the pump shall be
provided with a bypass pipe equipped with stop valve and a check valve. During delivery
of the water rate the pressure in the water mains network shall not drop below 0.5 bar.
3.7.11 Each pump shall be equipped with its own suction and/or feed (delivery) pipe, no
other consumers shall be connected to these pipes.
The suction and/or feed line shall be short in length and shall be run without any
directional variation. There shall be no air inclusions. Eccentric reducers with straight
continuous pipe crests and minimum lengths according to DIN 2616 shall be used.
Suction pumps of a length of maximum 10 times the diameter of the suction intake pipe
and with maximum one directional variation may be designed taking the suction intake
pipe diameter as a basis. The intake shall be enlarged to 1.5 times the diameter by way
of concentric transition adapters, e.g. according to DIN 2616.
In cases where the suction line is not designed according to Section 3.7.11, chapters 2
and 3, the flow velocity during delivery of the water rate shall not exceed 2.5 m/s.
Straight pipe sections of a length of minimum 2.5 times the corresponding diameter of the
pump connection pipe shall be used on the suction intake and delivery pipes. Provision
shall be made for a measuring point at a distance of minimum half the diameter of the
suction intake pipe from the suction intake pipe. A further measuring point shall be
provided at a distance from the delivery pipe that corresponds at least to the diameter of
the delivery pipe. The measuring points shall be provided with a borehole of 6 mm in
diameter and with a welded sleeve for the connection of the pressure gauge.
The pump shall not be used as a fixing point for the pipework. The pipes shall be
supported by hangers directly before and after the pump and shall be connected without
subjecting the pipes to stress. The instructions for installation of compensators
(expansion fittings) shall be observed in particular.
Shut-off fittings of minimum PN 10 shall be installed in the pump suction and delivery
pipes. A shut-off fitting in the pump suction pipe is not required when the pump is
installed at a place above maximum water level of the tank.
3.7.12 The pump suction and delivery pipes shall be equipped with stopcock, viscous
damping type pressure gauges with a suitable display range.
3.7.13 Flow rate, pressure on the suction and delivery end, current consumption of
electric motors and speed of diesel engines shall be recorded in an acceptance protocol
based on a test run of the pump at 120% of the maximum water rate determined by
hydraulic calculation.
At a point between 0.5 Qzul and 1.0 Qzul, minimum 120 % of the maximum water rate
determined by hydraulic calculation, the pressure differential shall be determined
between suction and delivery end and shall be compared with the characteristic curve as
approved (Zulassungskennlinie) - after correction by the manometric difference in head
as necessary.
24
Also the friction losses between pump and pressure gauges as well as the difference in
flow speed at the inlet and outlet of the pump shall be considered if the resulting pressure
variations exceed an order of magnitude of 0.05 bar.
The variation of the determined delivery heads shall not exceed a value of more than
+ 5 m (which corresponds to a pressure variation of + 0.5 bar) in the range of a delivery
flow between 0.5 Qzul and 1.0 Qzul, including all tolerances.
Note: The dimensioning of the test pipe should be based on the capacity of the pump in
order to be able to conduct the required test run of the pump in the case of potential
future extensions of the system.
3.8 Intermediate and storage tanks

3.8.1 Intermediate and storage tanks for water spray systems are artificially constructed
underground or overground firewater tanks consisting of concrete or steel. For systems
with secured power supply based on two pumps, the intermediate and/or storage tanks
shall be subdivided into two chambers of equal size.
3.8.2 The storage tanks contain the total water volume required by a water spray system.
The size of the tank is defined by the water rate determined by hydraulic calculation and
the minimum operating time.
3.8.3 The break tanks contain only part of the total water volume. An operating time of the
pump set of minimum 5 minutes shall be warranted by the useful contents of the break
tank. As regards water spray systems with an operating time of > 30 min, the useful water
volume of the break tank shall allow an operating time of the pump set of minimum 10
minutes.
3.8.4 Priming of break tanks with water shall be automatic and shall be controlled by
minimum two regulating valves. Except for water pressure in the feed line the function of
these regulating valves shall not depend on any other power supply. The required
priming volume shall be rendered by the aggregate of the regulating valves. Both a stop
valves and a strainer shall be incorporated in the feed line in flow direction. Always one
pressure gauge shall be arranged at the inlet and outlet for the purpose of checking the
strainer. Upstream of each feed regulating valve Provision shall be made for a stop valve
upstream of each feed regulating valve.
Filling of the storage tanks may also take place manually. A feed regulating valve will do,
if priming takes place automatically.
3.8.5 The water feed pipe and the pump test pipe of intermediate and storage tanks shall
be arranged so as to prevent air from being entrained by the in-flowing water into the
suction pipe and so as to ensure that the float switches of the feed regulating valves are
located in a tranquillised zone. This can be achieved by arranging the water feed line and
the test pipe so as to end up in a tranquillising chamber on the end opposite to the point
of connection of the suction pipe as shown by Fig. 3.02.
25
Nominal width of Dimension „A“ Dimension „B“ Dimensions

suction pipe in mm in mm anti-vortex plate
in mm
DN 65 250 80 200x200
DN 80 310 80 200x200
DN 100 370 100 400x400
DN 150 500 100 600x600
DN 200 620 150 800x800
DN 250 750 150 1000x1000
DN 300 900 200 1200x1200
DN 400 1050 200 1200x1200
DN 500 1200 200 1200x1200
Table 3.01: Dimensions for suction pipe arrangement
Fig. 3.02: Break tank
26
3.8.6 The tanks shall be equipped with a readily readable filling level indicator; the
standard water filling rate shall be marked. Marking is not required for open, easily
accessible tanks where water filling levels can be controlled by visual inspection. Each
tank shall be equipped with an overflow according to DIN 1988-4 to ensure that the
maximum accumulating water volume can be discharged.
3.8.7 Provision shall be made for a drain valve for test and cleaning purposes. This drain
valve shall be dimensioned so as to ensure that a minimum quantity of 15 m3/h of water
can be drained or that the water level within 3 h can be lowered up to 50 cm below the
pressure relieved float valves and/or the corresponding feed regulating valves. The drain
valve shall be equipped with a secured stop valve. Where a pump is used for draining,
the check valve in the fire brigade feed line may be bypassed by a pipe of maximum DN
50, provided with a stop valve, which shall be secured, by strap and lock.
3.8.8 Provision shall be made for underground tanks above the highest possible water
level for a vent pipe of a minimum cross sectional area of 78 cm2 .The vent pipe shall
consist of corrosion resistant material and shall be protected against contamination and
clogging. The incidence of light through the vent pipe into the tank shall be prevented.
Tanks installed in rooms shall be protected against excessive formation of condensation
water by ventilation and/or heating. The temperature of the water shall be in the range of
5 °C and 40 °C.
3.8.9 Relevant for dimensioning purposes of the intermediate or storage tanks are the
normal water level and water level "X" (see Fig. 30.3). "X" is the water level assumed at a
distance "A" above the inlet of the suction pipe. Value "A" is indicated in Column 2 of
Table 3.01. The water level shall not be less than "X" since due to the vortex effect of the
water, air may be sucked-in by the pump otherwise.
3.8.10 The suction pipe in the tanks shall be connected as indicated in Table 3.01 and
shown in Fig. 3.03.
Provision shall be made between the tank bottom and the lower edge of the suction pipe
for a gap, which should not be less than dimension "B" in Column 3 of Table 3.01.
Dimension "A“ may be reduced to 100 mm, provided an anti-vortex plate of the minimum
dimensions indicated in Table 3.01 is used.
In cases where the suction pipe is routed-off in downward direction, the clearance
between the anti-vortex plate and the suction pipe shall be minimum half the size of their
pipe diameter (Fig. 3.03, Example C). The manufacturer's instructions for installation shall
be observed for the installation of submersible pumps (pump sump, covering level of
water).
3.8.11 The material shall be water and weatherproof or be provided with a coat of
corrosion protection lasting for at least five years. All applicable DIN standards and legal
requirements – always in latest editions – shall be observed (e.g. DIN 1988 – Potable
water pipework on premises).
3.8.12 The firewater reserve quantity shall remain ice-free at all times. Covering of
underground tanks by an 80 cm thick layer of soil (including tank cover) shall be
considered a sufficiently good protection. If heating is required in special cases, details
shall be coordinated with VdS. Use of anti-freeze agents is not allowed.
3.8.13 Welded sheet steel tanks shall consist of St 37-2 (DIN EN 10 025) material,
lateral walls shall have a minimum sheet steel thickness of 3 mm, the tank bottom a
thickness of 5 mm. For the purposes of a calculation of the wall thickness of lateral wall
27
and tank bottom, the 1.2 fold water pressure acting on the tank bottom of the fully filled
tanks shall be assumed. Reinforcing elements may be provided on the internal walls of
the tank only if continuously welded to the tank. DIN 4119-1 and –2 shall apply for the
design of overground cylinder-shaped tank structures.
3.8.14 The internal wall of the tank shall be treated with an abrasive blasting method
yielding a particle cleanliness of SA 2 1/2 (DIN EN ISO 12 944-4) prior to the first internal
anti-corrosive coating.
The internal coating shall be made by a system according to DIN EN ISO 12944-5
suitable for underwater exposure and alternating stress due to water changes. The
external walls of the tank and the tank underbody shall be at least primered.
3.8.15 Closed containers shall be provided with a manhole of a clear width of minimum
600 mm. The manholes shall be designed so as to prevent the ingress of contamination
and rainwater etc. into the tank. Manholes of underground tanks in green zones and
other not practicable areas shall project at least 250 mm beyond ground level. Provision
shall be made for fixed devices for accessing the tank, e.g. ladders. As regards tanks
sitting in buildings, a clearance of minimum 400 mm shall be provided between the tank
wall and the room walls and a clearance of minimum 500 mm towards the ceiling.
28
Fig. 3.03: Suction pipe arrangement
29
3.8.16 Underground reinforced concrete tanks below traffic areas shall be designed at
least for a traffic load of "LKW 12 to/Trucks of 12 tonnes“ according to DIN 1072 or for a
forklift load according to DIN 1055.
The tanks shall be dimensioned according to DIN 1045 and shall consist of a minimum
quality of concrete of B 25 wu and a minimum thickness of 20 cm of the components. A
different quality of concrete may be chosen provided an equivalent sealing system is
used in addition. The quality of concrete shall be selected in any case so as to suit the
ambient condition.
Concrete spacer elements shall be used exclusively for securing the concrete cover
layer. A reduction of the cutting sizes of the filling pressure by means of the active soil
pressure is not allowable. The allowable crack width Wcal shall be 0.2 mm at a maximum.
Sealing systems permitting angular variations of the pipe shall be used for pipe
penetrations through the tank wall.
3.8.17 Each tank shall be marked with the following information:
− name of manufacturer
− year of construction
− useful volume available to the fire extinguishing system
− type of internal lining
− date of repeat lining/coating
The marking shall be permanent, undeletable incombustible and well readable.
3.9 Open waters

3.9.1 Open waters such as lakes, rivers and canals may be used as a water reserve for
water spray systems, provided the required volume of water can be drawn at any point of
time. The water drawing point shall be kept permanently free from ice.
Pools shall offer a volume of water, which corresponds to at least 3 times the water
volume required by the water spray system. An assumed layer of ice of 50 cm in
thickness shall be deducted from this volume of water offered by the pool.
30
Fig. 3.04: Intake construction
3.9.2 For drawing of water, provision shall be made for an intake construction equipped
with a bar screen, a settling chamber, a twin filter and a suction chamber.
In the case of flowing waters, the angle between the axis of the direction of flow and the
intake construction (seen always in direction of flow) shall be < 60°. For the minimum
dimensions of the intake construction please see Fig. 3.04. The flow speed in the intake
construction shall not exceed 0.2 m/s .The free flow area of the bar screen and of the
twin filter shall be large enough to prevent that a maximum flow speed of 0.07 m/s is
exceeded in the case of a low water level.
3.9.3 The bar screen shall project beyond the maximum expected water level. It shall
consist of vertical steel rods or equivalent material of 25 mm in diameter and a c-to-c
distance of 75 mm.
Provision shall be made for a twin filter (mesh size maximum 8 x 8 mm) to be installed
between the settling and suction chamber.
3.9.4 Shut-off of the intake construction towards the open waters shall be possible for
cleaning purposes. It is quite sufficient replace the bar screen by a timber walling.
31
Separate suction chambers shall be provided where several pumps are supplied by the
intake construction.
3.9.5 In cases where the intake construction is connected to the open water by a piping,
the minimum diameter of the pipe shall be:
D1 = 21.68 x Q0.357
where
D1 = inside diameter of intake pipe in mm
Q = flow rate in l/min (see also Table 3.02)
DN 200 250 300 350 400 500 600
D in mm 209 263 312 344 398 499 597
Q in l/min 571 1080 1754 2305 3468 6535 10799
Table 3.02: Examples for pipes acc. to DIN 2458
The pipe shall be installed in direction of the intake construction so as to provide for a
slope of 1 : 125 and the pipe inlet shall be covered by a water level which corresponds to
at least a pipe diameter.
The bar screen need not be provided if the inlet pipe has a filter the clear effective area of
flow of which corresponds to minimum 5 times the cross sectional area of the inlet pipe.
The mesh size shall be in the range of 25 mm and 50 mm.
3.10 Disposal of water

Wastewater escaping from the water spray system – in order to avoid damage caused by
water – shall be discharged within the shortest time and shortest way possible. The
corresponding regulations (VbF – TRbF – Ordinance on facilities used for the storage,
filling and conveyance of flammable liquids on road and rail/ Technical Guidelines for
flammable liquids) applicable to water spray systems installed close to flammable liquids
(see Sections 12.6 and 15) shall be observed.
4 Power supply of pumpsets
4.1 Choice and assignment of power supply

4.1.1 Power supply sources for pump systems are:
− public power networks

− private power generators
− diesel engines
− standby power generators (to be used as a secured power supply only)
4.1.2 The power supply chosen shall be capable of providing the necessary power for the
water spray system over the required operating time. As regards the public electric
networks and private power generators, power shall be permanently available. Diesel
engines and standby generators shall be available at any point of time.
32
4.1.3 Pump sets for specific risks (see Table 2.01) shall be provided with a secured
power supply.
4.2 Power supply through public power supply networks and

private power generators
4.2.1 As regards the public electric networks and private power generators, the operating
voltage of the pump system operating at nominal value shall not drop by more than 5%
below the nominal voltage of the engine.
4.2.2 In cases where the water spray system is supplied by two electrical networks, these
networks shall be coupled together not before a voltage level of >110 kV has been
reached.
4.2.3 The feeder leading to the control cabinet of the water spray system shall be fused in
the low voltage main distribution board. No more than one fuse up to the feed point on
the low voltage end may be installed upstream of this fuse. No RCCB shall be
incorporated in the circuit.
4.2.4 The power supply of the water spray system shall be interruptible exclusively by a
separate load break switch in the low voltage distribution board and not by a main switch.
The load break switch shall be secured against unintentional switching and shall be
marked as such.
4.3 Power supply by diesel engines
4.3.1 The rating of the diesel engine shall match the pump capacity and correspond to
rating class ICN (ISO 3046).
The diesel engine shall be capable within 30s to the response of the automatic start-up
device to reach its nominal output.
4.3.2 The diesel engine shall operate with mechanical direct injection. Start-up of the
engine shall still be possible at an ambient temperature of + 5°C without any support
such as heater plugs, glow filaments. The power supply of the starter motor shall be
designed for a minimum of ten start-up attempts. These start-up attempts shall be
repeatable after one hour.
The speed governor shall be able to keep the speed constant within a range of variation
of + 5 % between zero and full load of the pump, at rated load the speed shall vary by
only 1.5% from the rated speed.
The diesel engine shall be directly coupled to the pump.
Electromagnetic disconnection of the diesel engine shall be effected by an electromagnet

cutting off when energised (stop magnet).
4.3.3 When cooled by a water-cooled heat exchanger, the cooling water shall be drawn
from the pipework directly downstream of the pump, passing through the heat exchanger
– if necessary through a pressure reducer valve – to an open outlet. The cross sectional
area of the outlet shall be minimum double the cross sectional area of the inlet. The outlet
shall be arranged minimum 15 cm above the heat exchanger.
33
The cooling water in the closed circuit cooling system of the engine shall be conveyed
through a cooling water pump driven by the engine. If the cooling water is drawn from the
water spray system, this amount of cooling water shall be considered in the design of the
pump supplying the system, provided 2% of the design delivery rate of the firewater pump
are exceeded.
4.3.4 In the case of an air-cooled heat exchanger, the cooling water in the closed loop
cooling system of the diesel engine is conveyed by an engine-driven cooling water pump
through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger shall be cooled by a fan, driven by the
diesel engine.
4.3.5 In the case of direct air-cooling, the engine is cooled by a fan that is directly driven
by the diesel engine.
4.3.6 The detector system shall be equipped with an exhaust silencer and shall lead into
the open. The counterpressure in the exhaust system shall correspond to the pressure
indicated by the engine manufacturer. If the exhaust system is arranged at a level higher
than that of the diesel engine, provision shall be made at the lowest point for a draining
device of condensation water.
4.3.7 A fuel quantity shall be available for diesel engines sufficient for 3 times the
operating time of the extinguishing system. Additional fuel shall be kept in reserve for test
runs.
4.3.8 A sheet steel fuel tank shall be installed for each diesel engine upstream of the fuel
pump of the diesel engine.
The connection line between tank and engine shall consist of steel or copper, pipe joints
shall neither be welded nor soldered. The connection to the diesel engine shall consist of
a hose. Provision shall be made in this line – as close as possible to the tank – for a stop
valve that can be secured in open position. The tank outlet shall be at a level of minimum
2 cm above the bottom of the tank. The tank shall be equipped with a drain valve for
complete draining, a filling level indicator, a vent pipe and an inspection/cleaning hole. A
fuel filter shall be installed upstream of the fuel pump.
4.3.9 Provision shall be made on the diesel engine for measured value loggers for the
following indicating devices:
− Oil pressure gauge

− Thermometer for indicating the temperature of cooling water and cylinders
− rpm counter
− Hours meter
4.3.10 Provision shall be made for the start-up of the diesel engine and for the power
supply during standby for two sets of batteries of a nominal voltage of 12 and/or 24 Volt.
Drawing of reduced voltages is not permissible. The batteries shall be additionally
recharged – except by the recharging units of the control cabinet – by the electric
generator during operation of the diesel engine.
Exclusively lead-acid batteries with positive Planté plates or positive ironclad plates as
well as nickel-cadmium batteries shall be used. Also batteries the plates of which are
equivalent in terms of longevity to the above may be used. Automotive detector batteries
are not allowed.
34
The batteries shall be rated so as to ensure that based on floating operation at an

ambient temperature of +5°C of the battery the start-up and control capability of the unit
is warranted. At completion of the automatic start-up operation comprising six start-up
attempts, the voltage shall not drop by more than 45% of the control voltage. See also
Guidelines for Sprinkler Systems, Requirements and test methods for control cabinets of
diesel engines, VdS 2100.
4.3.11 As regards servicing and operation of the diesel engine, the operating instructions
of the manufacturer shall apply.
4.4 Power supply by standby generating units

4.4.1 Standby generating units shall conform to DIN 6280 and DIN VDE 0108
requirements and shall be driven by diesel engines. The first variant "Alarm" (not to be
disabled/silenced) shall be chosen according to DIN ISO 8528-4, Section 7.3 once the
operating parameters to be monitored are exceeded or undershot.
4.4.2 Power supplied by the standby generating unit shall be supplied to the pump motor
not before the generating unit has reached its nominal operating data. The operating
voltage with the pump system running at nominal value shall not be less than 5% of the
rated engine voltage.
4.4.3 As for the design of the standby generating units, consideration shall also be given
to the specifics of the start-up of the pumps (starting current characteristics).
4.4.4 Standby generating units designed for the supply of the water spray system and
other consumers in cases of a power failure shall be able to start up regardless of the
operating state of the water spray system. In the event of a fire and a power failure, they
shall be able to start up from the control cabinet, moreover.
Standby generating units supplying exclusively the water spray system shall start up at
the control cabinet only in the event of a power failure and a response of the water spray
system.
If upon voltage recovery in form of the first power source the system is automatically
switched back, the standby generating units shall continue running for a further 10
minutes.
4.4.5 The control panels of the automatic standby generating units and of the transfer
control devices shall be equipped at a minimum as follows:
− for network operation in combination with a voltage monitoring device (three phase)
− for operation by generator with
− a voltmeter
− an ammeter for each outer conductor
− a selector switch with the following switch positions
− "Automatic“
− "Test“ (without connection of the consumers, however with automatic load
transfer in the case of a network power failure)
− "Generator“ (manual load transfer for testing)
− "Locked“ (key switch blocks start-up)
− a signal lamp "Mains power supply - ON“
35
− a signal lamp "Generator - ON“
4.4.6 For service and maintenance as well as for the operation of the standby generating
unit the manufacturer's instructions shall be observed.
4.5 Cables for electric pump motors

4.5.1 The cables shall be routed to the terminal board of the engine or to the submersible
pumps in one piece of length. No other connection points outside the control cabinet for
the water spray system and the low voltage distribution board are allowed. A terminal box
shall be installed in the immediate proximity of the pump motor in cases where two
sources of electric power are used and the cables are hence separately routed outside
the deluge control board and the soil from the control cabinets to the pump motor.
No more than one control cabinet, device or consumer shall be connected to a cable.
4.5.2 The cables shall be flame retardant and of a burning behaviour acc. to DIN EN 50 265-
1 /-2-1 /-2-2, test category B or C, e.g. cables of type NYY (DIN VDE 0276-603), zero
halogen cables with improved behaviour under fire conditions acc. to DIN VDE 0276-604.
The cross sectional area of the conductors shall be at least 2.5 mm2 Cu.
4.5.3 Cables required for the operation of the water spray system shall be selected and
routed so as to ensure proper function even under fire conditions.
Cables conforming to the requirements of Section 4.5.2 (e.g. NYY) may be used without
having to comply with any other additional requirements, provided cables are laid as
follows:
a) underground, covered by a layer of soil of 70 cm in thickness

b) in floors and walls consisting of non-combustible material, covered by a layer of
sufficient thickness e.g. concrete covered by y layer of 10 cm in thickness
c) in water spray system control rooms according to Section 11
otherwise, cables shall be layed as follows:
d) in "Cable systems with structural enclosures and busbar trunking systems" according
to DIN 4102-12 (e.g. fire protection enclosures) where the active parts – e.g. the
structural enclosure – are protected against water
− of Class E 30 in rooms protected by automatic fire extinguishing systems.
− of Class E 90 in rooms not protected by automatic fire extinguishing systems.
or the following is used
e) Cables with integrated functional endurance of Class E 90 with to an additional VdS

test certificate verifying proper function under the effect of water and with a protection
against mechanical damage- installed as follows:
− in closed shafts and ducts made of non-combustible material

− in wiring ducts and raceways according to DIN 4102-11
− directly under bare ceilings
− in false floors
− on cable trays covered by non-combustible material over the entire length
36
4.5.4 Where water spray systems are supplied by two power sources, the cables leading
to the control cabinets and to the motors shall be spaced minimum 3 m apart from each
other, unless the control cabinet and the pumpset are installed in the deluge control room
and/or cables are installed underground.
4.6 Control of pumpsets and other equipment

4.6.1 The measures designed as a protection against overvoltage outlined in
DIN 57 845/VDE 0845 shall be observed for the electric control facilities of water spray
systems.
4.6.2 The electric facilities for the control of water spray systems shall be designed so as
to ensure that not more than one deluge valve station fails or maximum one false
triggering of a deluge valve station occurs due to defects or functional deficiencies of a
component (e.g. failure of a central signal processing device of a software controlled fire
detection control and indicating equipment) or a fault of a primary line (open or short
circuit).
Note: This means in practice that for fulfilling this requirement e.g..
− a non-redundant central signal processing unit may be responsible for fire detection
and control for one deluge valve station only,
− a redundant or several autonomous signal processing units shall be used for fire
detection purposes and the control of several deluge valve stations,
− the control devices of one deluge valve station only shall be triggered via the control
modules based on multi-functional primary lines of fire detection systems.
4.6.3 The pump sets required for the supply of the water spray systems shall start-up
automatically. The pump shall be able to deliver the required water rate within 30
seconds to start-up. The pump sets shall be designed exclusively for manual shut-off
during operation, even after response of a motor monitoring device.
4.6.4 If the water rate is delivered by several pumps, provision shall be made for a
separate control cabinet for each pump.
4.6.5 Electric motors of pumps shall be connected directly and not via a start-up device
(star delta starting). Where automatic start-up devices are used, these devices shall be
designed for a minimum of ten start-up operations with maximum one minute of break in
between. These operations shall be repeatable after one hour.
4.6.6 Exclusively equipment required for the function of the water spray system shall be
supplied via the control cabinet. Included are:
− Firewater pumps,
− Tank priming pumps,
− Compressed air generators,
− Low capacity heating elements and/or heater bands (max. 3 kW) used for keeping
the pump control panel or small sections of the pipework free from frost.
− motor valves,
− Disposal of water pump up to a connected load of 2 kW,
− Lighting of the pump control panel,
− Ventilation of the deluge control room.
37
5 Choice and types of triggering systems
5.1 General
Triggering of the water spray system should be automatic and manual depending on the
zone involved.
Note: Compared to systems with automatic and manual triggering mechanisms, systems
equipped with exclusively manual triggering are rated lower from the underwriting point of
view. .
Automatic triggering may be based on mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical

systems and/or a combination of the above via a deluge valve station.
All components of the automatic triggering system shall be covered by the corresponding
system approvals.
When choosing the fire detection elements for building, room and local application
protection systems, consideration shall be given to factors such as the potential
development of a fire, room height, ambient conditions as well as sources of potential
faults.
Water shall be discharged from the nozzles 40 seconds at the latest after the triggering
command has been given. Triggering of one deluge valve station shall not impair the
control mechanism of other deluge valve stations.
The electrical devices for triggering shall be designed so as to ensure that not more than
one deluge valve station fails or a false triggering of maximum one deluge valve station
occurs due to defects or functional deficiencies of a component (e.g. failure of a central
signal processing device of a software controlled fire detection control and indicating
equipment) or due to a fault in a primary line (open or short circuit).
The measures for a protection against overvoltage outlined in DIN 57 845/VDE 0845
shall be observed for electrical devices for the triggering of water spray systems.
The extinction process in an activated water spray system shall not be automatically
aborted or cut-off. This applies also in the case of a failure of the power required for
control purposes.
In the case of a disconnection of the automatic fire detection elements, triggering of the
water spray system via manual triggering elements shall be possible.
5.1.1 If the water spray system is triggered by a control device (e.g. via a series
connected CIE), equipped with a front door as a protection against unauthorised
operation, the triggering device to be able to transmit the release command to the release
device, shall be automatically disabled by a door contact upon opening of this front door.
If the control device has been triggered already, the door contact of the control device
shall not have any effect on the function of the extinguishing part. The same applies
mutatis mutandis also to control devices the operation of which – instead of by a front
door – is released by another type of control element (e.g. key switch).
The operation of the door contact shall be visually indicated.
38
5.1.2 The water spray system shall be designed so was to permit functional tests to be
carried out at any time. If certain pieces of equipment that are triggered by the water
spray system cannot be disconnected during working hours for operational reasons, the
water spray systems shall be provided with a control element (preferably key switch), by
which automatic disconnection of such pieces of equipment, e.g. EDP systems or
ventilation systems, can be put out of function. This mode shall be clearly indicated by a
separate optical indicator on the control device and additionally at a permanently manned
place operation
Exclusively authorised staff shall be allowed to disconnect.
5.1.3 The following modes of operation of the water spray system shall be audibly and
visually indicated at a permanently manned place within the plant:
− Release and/or triggering of the water spray system (designed at least as a general
indication, colour red, per water spray system)
− Fault of water spray system/ water spray system monitoring equipment (designed at
least as a general indication, colour yellow, per water spray system)
5.1.4 A control device shall be resettable on the control device itself or by ancillary control
elements specifically provided for this purpose.
5.2 Mechanical triggering

Triggering is effected by Bowden wire with thermo-isolator elements as detectors. The
area to be monitored per thermo-isolator element shall not exceed 20 m² in rooms and 9
m2 for equipment and in outdoor areas.
The distance of a thermo-isolator element to the ceiling shall not be more than 250 mm
and not more than 15 m to floor level. The thermo-isolator elements shall be spaced in
buildings and rooms not more than 4.5 m apart from each other and not more than 3 m in
outdoor areas. The distance to walls or other enclosures shall not exceed 2.25 m in
rooms and buildings and 1.5 m in outdoor areas.
Exceptions are subject to the approval of VdS.
5.3 Hydraulic triggering

The detectors shall be arranged as specified in Section 5.2.
Hot galvanised steel pipes of minimum DN 15 or copper pipes of minimum DN 10 shall

be used for the water filled detector pipes and their connection lines. The detector
pipework shall be installed so as to prevent damage by external factors of influence. The
pressure in the detector pipework shall not exceed PÜ = 10 bar. The static height of the
detector pipework, moreover, shall not impede opening of the deluge valve.
Provisions shall be made at the remotest point of the detector network for a stop valve
and a pressure gauge. Use of hydraulic triggering devices in areas exposed to frost is not
allowed.
39
5.4 Pneumatic triggering

The detectors shall be arranged as outlined in Section 5.2.
The detector pipes shall be of DN 8 and shall consist of copper or hot galvanised steel
pipe.
The pressure in the detector pipework shall not exceed 6 bar. A pressure drop in the
detector network shall be indicated by a signal to be transmitted to a permanently
manned place. Compressed air shall be primed automatically.
Provision shall be made at the remotest point of the detector pipework for a stop valve
and a pressure gauge installed in a readily accessible place.
When installed in areas exposed to frost, measures shall be taken to prevent an

accumulation of water in the detector pipework.
5.5 Electric triggering

The fire detection system shall be set up in compliance with the currently applicable VdS
Guidelines (VdS 2095) - considering DIN VDE 0833-1 and -2 as well as DIN 14 675.
Electrically functioning fire detection elements such as rod-type temperature probes may
be used, provided these components are mentioned in the system approval of the fire
detection system. Smoke detectors shall be operated in the two detector or two zone
coincidence mode. When installed outdoors, exclusively detectors able to withstand the
effects of environmental factors shall be used.
5.5.1 For the purposes of avoiding false alarms and the associated false triggering, it
may turn out to be useful to rely for the release of the water spray system not only on the
alarms raised by two fire detectors detecting one and the same fire characteristic (e.g.
smoke) but additionally on two different fire characteristics (e.g. smoke and heat).
Provision may be made for a staggered pattern of protection. A first sensitive fire detector
zone providing for an early fire detection by way of a previous information (internal optical
and audible indication e.g. at a permanently manned place – no alarm) and serving for
pre-conditioning of the equipment (e.g. disconnection of ventilators, closing of fire
resistant closures). Not before a second alarm is received (e.g. from a heat detector) is
the water spray system released. Local pre-information/pre-warning shall be clearly
distinct from an alarm.
As an organisational measure designed for avoiding false alarms, provision shall be

made for the corresponding signposts in these areas (e.g. no smoking signs). The staff
shall be instructed accordingly.
5.5.2 Smoke and flame detectors shall be switched in the two detector or two zone
coincidence mode. Two-zone coincidence shall be the preferred mode. Different viewing
angles shall be assigned to flame detectors, moreover.
Heat detector may be switched in the two detector or two-zone coincidence mode.
For the purposes of increasing the triggering reliability of a water spray system provision
shall be made for at least two fire detectors and/or fire detection elements. In the case of
a two-detector coincidence provision shall be made for at least three detectors, in the
case of a two-zone coincidence for at least four detectors per zone.
40
The number of fire detection elements (fire detectors) shall be doubled for a two detector
or two-zone coincidence (reduction of the area to be monitored by 50%) when one and
the same fire characteristic (e.g. smoke) is detected by the detectors. The areas to be
monitored by each individual detector specified by the Guidelines for Fire Detection
Systems, VdS 2095 shall apply to detectors detecting different fire characteristics (e.g.
smoke and heat). This results also in a more dense arrangement of the detectors.
5.5.3 Component parts of the connection and area of operation of the control device are
all elements and devices performing primary and secondary functions for the water spray
system.
a) Primary functions
Components and devices performing primary functions besides actuating, adjusting and
release elements for the required control of the extinguishing part are in particular the
alarming, monitoring and inspection devices (revision devices).
b) Secondary functions
The secondary functions include the controls required for considering the structural
conditions of the equipment, air conditioning systems, room enclosures etc.
5.5.4 The basic functions of a water spray system consist in fire detection, alarming and
extinction – certain individual functions may be delegated to a fire detection system,
however.
Functions that may be delegated when connected through a standard I/O interface are:
− Fire alarming (automatic and non-automatic) with extinction and/or detection area
related command for extinction
− Automatic fire alarm as a pre-alarm of the pre-action fire detection system (see
Section 5.5.1).
− Indication of faults and other operating modes of the extinguishing part recorded by a
monitoring function of the extinguishing part.
− The execution of the secondary control functions shall take place from the control
devices of the extinguishing part. Secondary control functions may be performed
from the CIE on an additional basis only.
Functions that may be delegated when connected without a standard I/O interface are:
− Fire alarm (automatic and non-automatic)
− Audible alarming by a secured electric alarming device
− Triggering of release devices (solenoid valves)
− Recording and indication of faults and other operating states of the water spray
system
− all electrically feasible secondary functions
41
5.6 Manual release elements

The manual release elements in the case of a fire shall be actuated from a safe place
closest possible, however, outside of the area to be protected. The manual release
elements shall be clearly marked as such and shall be adequately secured against
unauthorised operation.
Manual call points according to E DIN EN 54-11, DIN 14 650-1, DIN 14 652 to DIN
14 655 or DIN 14 678 shall be used for systems according to Section 5.5.
5.6.1 Manual release elements such as manual releases shall be arranged so as to

ensure that the distance between the actuation element (pushbutton) and the floor level
is (1400 ± 200) mm. They shall be installed at readily visible and well accessible points in
direct proximity to the emergency exits.
5.6.2 Manual release elements shall be clearly marked as such. They shall be clearly
distinguishable in terms of colour from the red manual call point of a fire detection system
(colour of housing) for signalling the corresponding function by colour. The following
colours and marking shall be used:
− Colour: Yellow (RAL 1021)

− Marking: "Manual release of fire extinguishing system“
5.7 Functional test of the water spray system

In cases where a functional test can be performed by flooding of the deluge valve station
only, a stop valve of equal dimension shall be installed upstream of the station. This does
not apply if test flooding is feasible.
For the nominal temperature rating of fire detection elements equipped with fusible links
and glass bulbs please refer to Table 5.01.
Type of fire detection Nominal temperature Colour

element rating in °C
57 to 77 colourless
80 to 107 white
Fusible link 121 to 149 blue
163 to 191 red
207 to 260 green
57 orange
68 red
79 yellow
Glass bulb 93/100 green
141 blue
182 mauve
260 black
Table 5.01: Nominal temperature rating of fire detection elements
The nominal temperature rating of the fire detection elements shall be chosen so as to
ensure that this temperature is approx. 30° C higher than the maximum ambient
temperature.
42
Detector sprinklers are classified into three categories in terms of response sensitivity.
These categories are reflected in Table 5.02.
Response time index RTI in (m x s)1/2

Standard > 80 ... < 200
Special ≥ 50 ... ≤ 80
Fast < 50
Table 5.02: Response sensitivity of detector sprinklers
5.8 Electric lines

5.8.1 As regards the installation of control and detection lines, the applicable rules of the
art shall be observed.
Electric lines shall be installed as far as possible within the protected areas. The lines
shall be sufficiently protected against foreseeable damage (e.g. by embedded wiring or
installation in a cable conduit).
5.8.2 Lines, in particular those for triggering of control and alarming devices shall be
designed e.g. according to building law regulations, for a functional endurance of 30
minutes,
− if routed through rooms not monitored by automatic fire detectors or

− if routed through rooms of a low fire load only (< 25 MJ/m2) or
− if routed through rooms not protected by automatic fire extinguishing systems or
− if routed through rooms not protected by other measures of fire protection.
6 Type and arrangement of nozzles
6.1 Choice and types

6.1.1 The geometrical and structural conditions of a room, the pressure conditions in the
pipework and the required density of discharge shall be considered for the selection of
nozzles. The nozzles shall consist of temperature and corrosion resistant material.
The nozzles shall have a clear width of minimum 8 mm at each point. Nozzles of a clear
width of 6-8 mm may be used, provided a dirt trap of a mesh size of approx. 3 mm and of
at least 3 times the effective cross sectional area (related to the feeder) is used. Fine
spray nozzles shall be equipped with a fine screen.
Where fine spray nozzles are used, provision shall be made for a VdS approved strainer
with fine screen downstream of each deluge valve station.
6.1.2 Relevant for the choice of nozzles are the pressure conditions in the pipework, the
water density of discharge and the area to be protected by each nozzle. The rate of
discharge is calculated by the equation Q = k. PÜ0.5. There is a choice between k-factors
from 17 to 115. Preference should be given to the following values, however: 20, 28, 40,
57, 80, 115.
43
Types of application of nozzles:
− Nozzles for room protection

This nozzle is used as an upright and pendent nozzle for the protection of production
and warehoused goods in rooms. Conventional, spray and sidewall sprinklers without
release element and sealing element are used generally.
− Local application protection nozzle (nozzle for object protection)
This nozzle is used for the protection of equipment.
− Surface nozzles
This type of nozzle is largely independent of the plane of mounting since it is able to
spray vertical or horizontal surfaces from below. The normally cone-shaped spray
pattern can be achieved by swirl equipment or by the deflector plate.
− Fine spray nozzles for cable ducts
These nozzles distribute the water in fine droplets laterally into the cable
arrangement.
− Nozzles for cable racks
These nozzles distribute the discharged water so as to cover the individual cable
racks with a volume of water sufficient for extinction.
− Tank shell nozzles
These nozzles distribute the water in a flat jet to part of the outer shell of the tank.
The water flowing down the shell serves for tank cooling.
6.2 Nozzle arrangement for the protection of buildings and rooms

6.2.1 The maximum spacing is defined as a function of the area to be protected and the
distribution of the nozzles and is specified in Table 6.01.
6.2.2 The nozzles shall be arranged so as to ensure that spraying is not impeded by any
obstacles.
The vertical distance below the level of the deflector and the stored goods shall at no
point be less than 0.5 m.
6.2.3 As regards roof and stairway pitches, the deflectors shall be arranged in parallel to
the pitches.
6.2.4 Shafts shall at least be equipped with nozzles at the highest point. According to
shaft height, additional nozzles may be provided. Each shaft level in the case of
intermediate levels shall also be protected.
6.2.5 In cases where the effect of the ceiling nozzles is compromised by catwalks,
platforms, air conditioning ducts, several conveyor lines arranged in parallel or individual
broad conveyor lines and similar, additional nozzles shall be installed below these
facilities – insofar as their width exceeds 1 m.
If these facilities up to 1.2 m in width are located somewhere midway between two rows
of nozzles at ceiling level and can a largely uniform wetting of the floor area be expected,
there is no need for the installation of such additional nozzles below these facilities.
6.2.6 Where ceiling joists, beams or air conditioning ducts running along the ceiling are to
be considered, the minimum distances between these elements and the nozzles
indicated in Fig. 6.01 shall be observed. Exempt from this rule are sidewall nozzles,
which anyway may be installed on plain ceilings only.
44
Type of Nominal K-factor Maximum area of coverage in m² at a Maximum Maximum Minimum

nozzle size water density of discharge of spacing distance distance
between to wall to wall
nozzles
5 7.5 10 12.5 15 17.5 in m in m in m
Conven- 15 80 9 9 9 9 - - 3.75 1.9 0.3

tional
nozzles 20 115 - - 9 9 9 9
Spray 10 57 12 9 9 9 - - 4.0 (12 m²)

nozzles
15 80 12 9 9 9 - - 3.75 (9 m²) 2.0 0.3
20 115 - 9 9 9 9 9
Sidewall 15 80 9 9 9 9 - - 3.4 1)2) 0.3 3)

nozzles
1)
The maximum allowable distance of the sidewall nozzle of a row of nozzles is calculated from the maximum area to be
protected per nozzle, divided by half the distance between the rows of nozzles and/or the room width if one row of
nozzles is installed only. The values of the above table shall not be exceeded, however.
2)
In rooms of less than 3 m in width, only one row of nozzles – with sidewall nozzles arranged in parallel to the two
longitudinal walls – need be installed. The nozzles shall be arranged in a staggered pattern. In rooms of a width of more
than 6 m, additional nozzles shall be installed.
3)
opposite to the spray direction of the nozzle
Table 6.01: Arrangement of nozzles
45
Fig. 6.01: Arrangement of nozzles in relation to ceiling joists or other components
6.3 Arrangement for local application protection

Local application protection requires a uniform water density of discharge upon the
surface and – as necessary – upon the interior of the equipment to be protected. For the
arrangement of medium velocity nozzles and flat spray nozzles please refer to Section 12.
The correct arrangement and choice of nozzles shall be determined by a spray test, as
necessary.
7 Pipework
7.1 Freely assembled piping

7.1.1 Steel pipes to be connected by screwed unions shall at least correspond to DIN
2440. Where pipes of higher quality are used, wall thickness shall be at least according to
DIN 2440.
7.1.2 Steel pipes to be welded, flanged or coupled together shall meet at least DIN 2448
and/or DIN 2458 requirements and shall have a standard wall thickness.
7.1.3 Copper pipes shall meet DIN EN 1057 requirements and shall be used for detector
pipework > DN 8 only. Copper pipes shall be marked with the quality mark of the
Gütegemeinschaft Kupferrohr e.V. and the DVGW- mark of conformity.
46
7.1.4 Steel pipes downstream of valve stations shall be hot galvanised pipes. Piping of
higher quality may be required for areas exposed to the hazard of corrosion.
7.2 Buried piping

7.2.1 Permanently water-filled pipes up to the deluge valve stations, shall consist
exclusively of:
− ductile cast iron pipes acc. to DIN EN 545

− steel pipes meeting DIN 2460 requirements acc. to Section 7.2.2
7.2.2 Steel pipes according to DIN 2460 shall be joined by use of butt welded joints or
muff joints or snap-on joints. The steel pipes shall have been provided by a factory
cement mortar lining according to DIN 2614. Provision shall be made for an external
protection of the pipes against corrosion. The individual types of soil are to be classified
into categories according to DVGW-Technical Data Sheet GW 9 and/or DIN 50 929 to be
able to specify the type of coating to be applied.
The joints shall be provided subsequently with a protection against corrosion as indicated
by the pipe manufacturer.
The quality of the pipes, the lining and the coating shall be documented in a works
inspection certificate 2.2 according to EN 10 204.
7.3 Pipe joints

7.3.1 Pipe joining by welding is not allowable for pipes or pipe fittings (e.g. bends) of
≤ DN 50, unless the welded joints are made and tested in the workshops of the installers,
whose welding processes and welding equipment have been specifically approved by
VdS for these purposes.
The welded pipes shall be marked in a distance of 100 mm from each pipe end with the
name or the initials of the installer. These marks on the pipe ends shall be readily visible
and permanently embossed on two opposite points of the pipe circumference. The facility
for pipe marking shall be combined with the welding equipment.
7.3.2 Welding and flame cutting as well as soldering with an open flame is not allowed
during work on the water spray system in occupied areas.
7.3.3 Copper pipes shall be joined by brazing by use of solder fittings according to
DIN EN 1254. The fittings shall be provided with the mark of the manufacturer.
CP 105 or CP 203 hard solders according to DIN EN 1044 shall be used for soldered
joints of copper to copper. Use of flux powders is not required.
For soldering of copper-zinc alloys (brass) or copper-tin alloys (gunmetal) or for soldering
of these alloys to copper, use of AG 304 or AG 306 hard solders according to DIN EN
1044 plus FH10 flux powder according to DIN EN 1045 is required.
Exclusively solders and flux powders shall be used bearing the mark of conformity for
hard solders and hard solder flux powders of Gütegemeinschaft Kupferrohr e.V.
47
7.3.4 The transition area from steel to copper shall be made in form of a flanged
connection, whereby the steel pipe is provided with a steel flange PN 16 according to DIN
2633 and the copper pipe with a soldered flange according to DIN 2501-1 made of
gunmetal. Stainless steel bolts shall be made for connection.
Up to a diameter of DN 50 (copper pipe 54 mm x 2 mm) screwed unions in form of

screwed pipe connections with twin nipples or similar made of gunmetal are acceptable.
7.3.5 Hard soldered joints shall be made by specifically trained staff only, whose
qualification shall be proven to VdS by submittal of a certificate (not older than 2 years) to
be acquired from a VdS approved institution.
7.3.6 Welding sleeves shall meet the requirements of DIN EN 1024. The holes for
welding sleeves shall correspond at least to the outside diameter of thread and may be 2
mm smaller than the outside diameter of the welding sleeve at a maximum. The inside of
the hole shall be deburred.
The process of welding sleeves to pipes of ≤ DN 50 shall be VdS approved according to

Section 7.3.1.
7.3.7 In cases where the installation of bellow expansion joints is required, e.g. due to
expansion joints of buildings, steel bellow expansion joints according to DIN 30 681
PN 16 shall be used. They shall bear the DIN-DVGW-mark and the registration number.
No reaction forces shall be transmitted onto the pipe hangers and the building. The
bellow expansion joints shall be incorporated at points where they are protected against
external mechanical factors of influence.
7.3.8 The connection of the pipework to moving equipment such as mobile racks or
machines, shall be made in form of pipe swivel fittings or flexible stainless steel tubes
according to DIN 3384 PN 16. The flexible metal tubes shall bear the DIN-DVGW-mark
and the registration number. These tubes shall be incorporated at all points where they
are protected against external mechanical factors of influence.
7.3.9 For pipes of > DN 80 equipped with upright nozzles, a minimum spacing of 1.5
times the pipe diameter from the upper edge of the pipe to the deflector plate shall be
observed.
7.4 Piping
7.4.1 Pipes – except for copper, stainless steel and galvanised steel pipes – shall be
provided with an anti-corrosion coating. Special extra anti-corrosion measures may be
needed for unusually aggressive atmospheric conditions.
7.4.2 Piping for the protection of buildings including the water supply mains shall be
routed through buildings and rooms protected by extinguishing systems if
− not installed underground,

− not segregated (including hangers) by components of a fire resistance duration of 90
minutes according to DIN 4102.
The piping installed shall be visible, otherwise this piping shall be installed so as to
ensure that it can be exposed without great effort at any time. Exempt from this rule are
underground pipes including brackets of a fire resistance duration of 90 minutes
segregated according to DIN 4102.
48
7.4.3 Pipes shall not be installed at points where damage may be sustained by external
factors of influence, e.g. transport vehicles; protective devices shall be fitted as
necessary. Copper pipes – by the way – have a lower mechanical strength than steel
pipes.
7.4.4 The pipes shall be installed downstream of the deluge valve station with a slope so
as to ensure that they can be completely drained. Pipework in areas exposed to the
hazard of frost shall drain automatically. Range pipes shall be installed with a slope of
minimum 0.4 %, and distribution pipes with a slope of minimum 0.2%. Alterations in
length due to temperature variations shall be considered for the installation of the
pipework. Unnecessary rigid clamping may jeopardise both the pipe and the pipe
connections and are hence not allowable.
7.4.5 The nominal width of the piping, except for detector pipes, shall be minimum DN 20.
For loop lines provision shall be made for a nominal diameter of minimum DN 50 and for
range pipes fed from both ends, for a diameter of minimum DN 25.
7.4.6 All pipework shall be checked for inside cleanliness prior to installation. The entire
pipework shall be flushed after completion of the installation. Permanently water-
conveying pipes, moreover, shall be subjected to a hydraulic pressure test for 24 hours at
a pressure of 15 bar.
7.4.7 Insulation of pipes against heat and cold and use of anti-freeze agents are not
allowed.
A pipe trace is acceptable in exceptional case where no other technical solution is

feasible. The pipe in such as case shall be provided with a non-combustible insulation
(DIN 4102 Class A).
The pipe trace shall cover twice the entire length of the pipe. A minimum temperature of
5°C shall be warranted even in the event of a failure of one of the two heat conductors.
Each heat conductor shall be triggered by a separate temperature sensor.
The following warning signals shall transmitted to a permanently manned place and shall
be indicated both visually and audibly:
− Power failure
− Low temperature
− Failure of temperature sensor
Design of and power supply for the fault signals shall comply with the requirements of
Section 10.
7.5 Pipe supports for steel piping

7.5.1 Pipe supports, brackets and hangers shall be dimensioned so as not to interfere
with the function of the water spray system under extreme conditions of exposure e.g.
dropping objects hitting the pipework.
This condition is deemed fulfilled if supports, brackets and hangers are calculated and
designed according to DIN 18 800 and the specified reference standards – assuming the
HZ load case for the load capacity specified in Table 7.01.
Note: Load case HZ according to DIN 18 800 means that the loads acting on the load
bearing structure are classified into main and additional loads.
49
Nominal pipe Load capacity Minimum cross section Minimum length of

diameter of supports anchor bolt
in N in mm2 in mm
< DN 50 2000 30 (M 8) 30
> DN 50 < DN 100 3500 50 (M 10) 40
> DN 100 < DN 150 5000 70 (M 12) 40
> DN 150 < DN 200 8500 125 (M 16) 50
> DN 200 < DN 250 10000 150 (M 18) 60
> DN 250 < DN 300 12500 180 (M 20) 80
Table 7.01: Calculation and design of supports
Upon heating from +20 °C to +200 °C the strength of the material used shall not
deteriorate by more than 25%. Combustible material shall not be used.
7.5.2 The minimum cross sections of supports are specified in Table 7.01. As regards
pipe supports designed so that the loads are proportionately taken up by several
individual cross sections, the aggregate of the individual cross sections acting in parallel
shall be minimum 1.5 times the corresponding minimum cross section.
Each individual cross section shall not be less than 30 mm2 in size. Bore holes for bolts
and rivets need not be considered when assessing whether or not pipe supports do have
several individual cross sections acting in parallel. Pipe clamps and other elements taking
up the pipe shall enclose the pipe fully and shall be closed.
7.5.3 Pipe supports of a cross section not conforming to the requirements specified in
Section 7.5.2 shall be subject to type testing and approval by VdS (see VdS 2100) before
installation into water spray systems.
7.5.4 Pipe support material shall have a thickness of minimum 3 mm, 2.5 mm are
sufficient for galvanised elements. Exempt from this rule are pipe loops made of hot
galvanised material which may have the minimum dimensions of 25 mm x 1.5 mm (12
mm x 1.5 mm for type testing).
7.5.5 Threaded rods of pipe support systems screwed into pocket holes e.g. inserts, shall
be equipped on the other end of the threaded rod with an appropriate means for
adjustment that permits turning the threaded rod out of the thread by at least 2 cm.
Extension sleeves on threaded rods of pipe supports shall be secured e.g. by a locknut.
Threaded rods used for fixing of supports made of trapezoidal sheeting on trapezoidal
sheeting shall be secured, e.g. by a locknut.
7.5.6 Support clamps on pipes up to DN 65 shall be fixed to support elements only the
bearing surfaces of which do not deviate by more than 10° from the horizontal plane. The
clamps shall be exposed to vertical tension only. The clamping bolts shall act upon the
oblique surface of the support.
All support clamps deviating from the above shall be VdS approved.
7.6 Pipe supports on detector pipes

7.6.1 Supports shall generally be spaced no more than 5 m apart from each other on
steel pipes of > DN 15 and 2.5 m apart on steel pipes of < DN 15. The maximum spacing
of supports on copper pipes is given in Table 7.02.
50
Pipe diameter in mm 8 10 12 18
Spacing of supports in m (max.) 1.00 1.10 1.20 1.40
Table 7.02: Spacing of supports on copper pipes
7.6.2 Supports on copper pipes – for the purpose of avoiding any possible contact
corrosion with areas in touch with the copper pipe – shall be provided with a lining with
sufficient electrical resistance.
Suitable are e.g. powder-saponified ethylene-vinylacetal copolymers applied by fluidized

bed sintering or a PTFE lining of the clamps. Fitness for use shall be proven for all other
material.
7.7 Hangers
7.7.1 Pipe hangers are expected to firmly connect the piping with the building or with the
equipment and shall not be used as hangers for other purposes. The components of a
building on which hangers are fixed shall have a sufficiently high strength. Additional
connections to load bearing elements shall be provided, otherwise.
7.7.2 In exceptional cases only may the piping be fixed to operating equipment or
equipment of a building. For the purposes of a calculation of the load to which the fixing
material will be exposed, minimum twice the main load of the operating equipment and of
the equipment of the building plus the load capacity indicated under Section 7.5.1 for the
pipe shall be assumed.
7.7.3 Each pipe section of a length of 2 m and more shall be supported. The pipe
hangers shall be connected mutually independent with the building.
Hangers may be installed in irregular distances from each other provided there is no
possibility for fixing available on structural components or rack systems.
Provision shall be made for hangers spaced > 6 m apart from each other, for two
mutually independent supports firmly connected to the building. The maximum spacing of
these supports is given in Table 7.03.
Pipe diameter Maximum spacing in m

≤ DN 50 4
DN 65 6
> DN 80 ≤ DN 100 7
> DN 125 ≤ DN 300 8
Table 7.03: Spacing of supports
In the event of a failure of one of these supports, provision shall have been made to
warrant that
− no other support will be functionally impaired and

− spacing of supports of 8 m will not be exceeded.
The spacing of supports on DN 50 pipes may be increased from 4 m to 5 m provided pipe

supports of a nominal load bearing capacity of 3,500 N (M10) are used. A distance of
supports of 10 m shall not be exceeded, however, in the case of a failure of one of the
supports.
51
Risers of over 1 m in length shall be supported additionally. The distance of the supports
to the upright nozzle shall be 150 mm at a minimum.
The distance of the supports from the terminal nozzle shall be maximum 0.9 m on
< DN 25 pipes and 1.2 m on > DN 25 pipes.
In cases where pipes are coupled by flexible pipe couplings, these couplings shall not be
farther away than 1 m - on pipes of < DN 50 not farther away than 1.5 m – from the
support. Consideration shall be given to alterations in length due to temperature
variations when installing the pipework. Unnecessary rigid clamping may cause damage
to the pipe and to the pipe joints and are hence not allowable.
7.7.4 The risers and the main distribution pipework shall have a suitable number of fixed
points to take account of axial forces, however, no more than one fixed point shall be
provided between two pipe bends.
7.7.5 The required length of the anchor insert depends on the type of insert and the
nature of the material taking up the insert. The inserts shall consist of non-combustible
material. The connection made by the insert shall be capable at any time of taking up
twice the load capacity called for in Table 7.01. The minimum anchoring depth of inserts
is indicated in Table 7.01.
7.7.6 Exclusively pipes of < DN 50 may be fitted to trapezoidal steel sheets, gas concrete
or pumice stone concrete slabs. The structure is subject to the approval of VdS. Care
shall be taken to fit the pipe supports maximum 12 m apart from each other to the load
bearing structure and to space the terminal nozzle at a distance of not more than 6 m
from such a support.
The additional support to the load bearing structure need not be provided in cases where
no operational equipment is located above the pipe, provided a point load of 1,000 N can
be taken up by the ceiling structure.
Inserts used in gas/pumice concrete slabs shall be spaced minimum 150 mm away from
the edge of the slab.
7.7.7 In cases in which trapezoidal steel sheets, gas concrete or pumice stone slabs are
not capable of taking up twice the load capacity called for in Table 7.01, this requirement
may be reduced to a single load capacity provided the spacing of the supports is reduced
in the same ratio as the load.
7.7.8 No extra support is required for gas concrete or pumice stone slabs where the fixing
element is stuck through the slab and is welded to or secured by screwing with a steel
plate.
7.7.9 Pipes routed through sleeves and cut-outs into a building – resting on this bearing
areas – shall be secured by pipe supports spaced always 25 m apart from each other.
The distance of the bearing points shall not exceed 6 m. The pipe support shall not be
designed as a fixed point.
Where branch pipes are routed through sleeves, the free pipe end shall be additionally
supported. The sleeves for branch pipes may have a maximum diameter of 30 mm.
7.7.10 The minimum values for single supports given in Table 7.04 shall be observed for
the fixing of supports for pipes on wooden beams:
52
Nominal diameter Number of bolts of a Number of wood

diameter in mm screws of a
diameter in mm
≤ DN 50 1x6 2x6
> DN 50 ≤ DN 100 1x8 2x8
> DN 100 ≤ DN 150 1 x 10 2 x 10
>DN 150 ≤ DN 200 1 x 12 2 x 12
Table 7.04: Fixing of supports on wooden beams
Depending on the type of support, the number of wood screws and/or bolts shall be
increased for twin supports as shown by Fig. 7.01.
Single support Twin support

Spacing ≤ 5 m Spacing > 5 m < 8 m
2 wood screws 4 wood screws
1 bolt 2 bolts
1 through bolt
Fig. 7.01: Support for fixing to wooden beams
53
Studs shall be provided with washers on both sides unless the pipe support has the same
bearing area. Wood beams shall be minimum 10 cm thick. The studs shall be fitted at a
distance from the lower edge of the beam that corresponds at least to 3 times their
diameter.
Wood screws shall have a thread reach that corresponds at least to 8 times their
diameter and shall be fitted laterally to the wood beam. The distance between the screws
and the lower edge of the beam correspond at least to 5 times their diameter.
7.8 Design of pipe network

7.8.1 Pipe diameters shall be determined by hydraulic calculation. A form sheet
according to Annex C or a similarly structured calculation sheet shall be used for
calculation. The irregularity factor should not be more than 1.4.
7.8.2 The pressure losses in the pipework shall be calculated according to the Hazen-
Williams-equation as follows:
Δ
p = 6.05 x 105 x Q1.85 x C-1.85 x d-4.87 x I
where:
Δ
p = Pressure loss in bar
Q = Flow rate in l/min

C = Pipe parameter:
100 for cast iron pipes
120 for steel pipes (also galvanised)
130 for pipes with cement lining
d = inside pipe diameter in mm
I = Length of the pipework section to be calculated in m.

This pipe length consists of the length of the straight pipes and the equivalent
pipe lengths for valves and fittings.
54
7.8.3 For the equivalent pipe lengths please refer to Table 7.05. The equivalent pipe
lengths mentioned in the VdS approval certificate apply to valves subject to approval.
Nominal pipe diameter Angle Bend T-piece and Valve Reduction for
double pump suction
in mm in inches
T-piece, line2)
directional
variation1)
3
20 /4 0.6 0.6 1.2 - -
25 1 0.6 0.6 1.5 - -
32 11/4 0.9 0.6 1.8 - -
40 11/2 1.2 0.6 2.4 - -
50 2 1.5 0.9 3.0 0.3 3.3
65 21/2 1.8 1.2 3.6 0.3 5.0
80 3 2.1 1.5 4.5 0.3 5.0
100 4 3.0 1.8 6.0 0.6 7.0
125 5 3.7 2.4 7.6 0.6 9.0
150 6 4.2 2.4 9.0 0.9 11.0
200 8 5.4 2.4 10.5 1.2 15.0
250 10 6.8 3.0 13.0 1.8 19.0
1)
Pressure losses may be neglected where water passes without directional variation through a T-piece or a
double T-piece.
2)
The indicated equivalent lengths apply to the reduction by one nominal diameter. For a reduction by two
nominal diameters, these lengths shall be multiplied by a factor of 3.5 and for a reduction by three nominal
diameters by a factor of 9.5.
Table 7.05: Equivalent pipe lengths in metres for steel pipes
7.8.4 A minimum pressure at the nozzle of 0.5 bar and a maximum pressure of 5 bar (see
also Section 12) shall be assumed for the purposes of a hydraulic calculation.
7.8.5 A water flow rate of 10 m/s in deluge valve stations and up to the nozzles and 5 m/s
in valves shall not be exceeded.
7.8.6 The pressure in the pipework and in the deluge valve station shall not exceed
12.5 bar .
7.8.7 The following formula may be used for an estimate of the flow rate:
Q = A x WB x Y
A = Zone area of operation or total area of operation in m2
WB = Water density of discharge in mm/min
Y = Irregularity factor
Q = Water rate in l/min
7.8.8 The borderline of the zone area of operation shall be at the structural enclosure or
midway between the rows of nozzles.
55
8 Compressed air supply

8.1.1 For priming of the pressure tank containing water with compressed air, a maximum
total priming time of 8 hours, for detector pipework of 0.5 hours shall be observed. Both
air compressors or compressed air networks may be used. The effective volume of
compressed air delivered in the course of priming to the pressure tanks containing water
shall be minimum 18 m³/h.
8.1.2 The air in a detector pipework shall be primed automatically, however, the priming
volume shall be limited so as to ensure that no substantial delay in release will occur.
Automatic priming of pressure tanks containing water shall take place as a function of the
water level.
8.1.3 Each compressed air line feeding a pressure tank containing water or a detector
pipework shall be equipped with a steam trap, a pressure gauge, a stop valve with series
connected check valve, a safety valve and a pressure reducing valve as applicable. The
valves shall be readily accessible. No steam trap is necessary if the compressor is
equipped with an automatic pressure relief valve.
9 Alarming
9.1.1 Each deluge valve station shall be assigned to an alarming device that is activated
upon automatic and manual release. Provision shall be made that everybody at any point
of time hears the raised alarm. Besides the audible alarm, the fire alarm shall also be
transmitted to a permanently manned location. A general alarm may be raised if alarms
are transmitted directly to the fire brigade.
9.1.2 For water motor alarming devices (e.g. gongs) provision shall be made to ensure
that these water motor alarming devices operate correctly at the calculated minimum
pressure of the water supply.
The pipework between the deluge valve stations and the alarming devices shall consist of
galvanised material of minimum DN 20 and shall be installed with a slope towards the
valve station.
The piping shall be equipped with an automatic drain valve with a drain that can be seen.
Also the water drain from the mechanical alarm gong shall be visible. A minimum
pressure of 0.5 bar is required for the operation of the gong.
9.1.3 The electrical lines for the transmission of the fire alarms shall be electrically
monitored according to DIN VDE 0833 from a permanently manned location.
10 Monitoring of water spray systems

The water spray systems marked in Table 2.01 shall be automatically electrically
monitored for availability/readiness for service.
This requirement may be demanded also for other water spray systems in particular in
cases where higher requirements in terms of life safety are to be fulfilled.
56
10.1 Shut-off devices

System components, failure or wrong service condition of which may result in an
interruption of the flow of firewater, in raising of an alarm or in preventing the automatic
start-up of the delivery equipment (e.g. pumps), shall be permanently monitored for
availability/readiness for service.
To be monitored are the correct positions of
− the shut-off devices in the firewater flow such as stop valves in the main water pipe,
stop valves for feed regulating fittings,
− the shut-off devices that are not directly located in the firewater flow but may
contribute to decreasing the firewater flow such as stop valves in the test pipe,
− the shut-off devices upstream of pressure switches, upstream of the alarming
devices, in fuel lines, in filling level monitoring devices, monitoring lines and in pipes
of the pump priming tank.
10.2 Filling level

The availability of sufficient reserve quantities of firewater and of fuel shall be monitored.
To be included in the monitoring program is e.g. the filling level of
− reserve tanks such as intermediate, underground and gravity tanks,

− pressure tanks containing water,
− fuel tanks,
− pump priming tanks.
Testing of the monitoring devices shall be easy.
10.3 Pressure
Trunk water mains, pressure tanks containing water as well as all hydraulic and
pneumatic detector systems shall be monitored for proper operating pressure.
10.4 Power supply

10.4.1 The power supply of the water spray system shall be monitored for power failure,
disconnection of the pump switchgear cabinet and for faults of the diesel engine and
standby generating control systems.
10.4.2 The primary end of the charging units and the control voltage of diesel engines
and standby generators shall be monitored.
10.5 Lines
10.5.1 Switchgear and control lines for the transmission of switch commands shall be
automatically monitored for interruption and short circuit if the operation of the water
spray system is expected to be impaired by these faults. Exempt from this rule are
circuits run exclusively in the transmitter and receiver system.
10.5.2 Lines serving for a pick-up and transmission of fault signals shall be monitored for
interruption and short circuit.
57
10.6 Detection zones

Where single zone LEDs are provided, a maximum of 60 fault indicators may be
combined to form one detection area. A maximum of 15 fault indicators within one
detection zone is allowable otherwise.
10.7 Pump
In standby condition of the water spray system, operation of the extinguishing pump shall
be indicated as a fault
10.8 Water spray system control room

The water spray system control room shall be monitored for the proper minimum
temperature and for flooding (if necessary due to local conditions).
10.9 Fault indication

10.9.1 Faults of the water spray system shall be indicated both visually and audibly at a
permanently manned location. Silencing of the audible signal shall be possible; the visual
indicator, however, shall be extinguished not before elimination of the trouble. If no
permanently manned location is available, the fault warning shall be transmitted
automatically to the staff (e.g. by telephone).
10.9.2 Faults of the water spray system and faults of the monitoring system shall be
indicated separately. As long as a fire alarm from the water spray system is pending, no
fault warnings shall be indicated on the central monitoring panel or on the monitoring
module of the control and indicating equipment.
10.10 Requirements for components of monitoring systems

10.10.1 The devices of the monitoring system shall meet at least the requirements of
protection class IP 54.
10.10.2 Fault warnings of stop valves shall be raised as a function of the total travel of the
fittings to be monitored. The total travel is the travel distance from the still just closed
condition to the fully open condition of the fitting.
10.10.3 In the case of all permanently open shut-off devices integrated in the firewater
flow and all permanently shut-off devices that are open in standby condition of the water
spray system, a fault shall be indicated upon closure of the fitting as soon as 20% of the
total travel – viewed from standby position of the fitting- are reached.
10.10.4 In the case of shut-off devices not integrated directly in the firewater flow and
closed in the standby condition of the water spray system, a fault shall be indicated prior
to the inflow of water – latest upon reaching 10% of the total travel – viewed from standby
position of the fitting.
10.10.5 In the case of shut-off devices of alarming facilities and pressure switches, a fault
warning shall be given as early as intermediate positions of the fitting have been reached.
10.10.6 In the case of tank filling level indicators, the fault warning shall be given as soon
as the nominal filling level drops by more than 10%. Overcharging of the tank by more
than 10% shall also be indicated for pressure tanks containing water. As regards fuel
tanks, a reduction of the nominal filling level by more than 25% shall be indicated.
58
10.10.7 As regards the pressure monitoring equipment of water spray systems connected
directly to the public water mains network, a fault warning shall be given as soon as the
static pressure falls below the minimum pressure level obtained by hydraulic calculation.
10.10.8 Where break tanks are fed from public water mains networks, a fault warning
shall be given once their pressure level drops 1 bar below the pressure in the water
mains network.
10.10.9 A low deviation of more than 10% of the operating pressure shall result in a fault
warning in the case of pressure tanks containing water.
10.10.10 A low deviation of more than 20% of the operating pressure in the detector pipe
network shall result in a fault warning.
11 Water spray system control room

All equipment component parts of the system such as storage tanks and admixture
devices for foaming agents, pumps for water and foaming agent as well as check valves
for water, foaming agent and water/foaming agent mixtures shall be installed in the
central deluge control room or shall be installed in a room meeting the same
requirements.
In cases where the fire control and indicating equipment is installed in a room other than
the central deluge control room, this room shall conform to the requirements for the
installation of a CIE as outlined in DIN 14 675.
11.1 Location, structural separation and quality

11.1.1 Access to the central deluge control room shall be direct and possible without any
hazard, also in the case of a fire. This is achieved for central deluge control rooms by a
door in the external wall of the building leading into the open. If installed on basement
level, the central deluge control room shall be closest possible to a stairway. The door of
the central deluge control room shall be marked by a readily visible and permanent
inscription. In spacious large buildings the way to the central deluge control room shall be
marked accordingly.
11.1.2 The central deluge control room shall not be used for storage and production
purposes and
− shall be installed in a room segregated by at least F30 elements within an area or

part of the building protected by an extinguishing system,
− shall be installed in a room segregated by at least F90-A elements within an area or
part of the building not protected by an extinguishing system,
− shall be installed in a detached building consisting of non-combustible material that is
exclusively used for central control of the water spray system.
Where standby generators or diesel engines are used as drives for the pump sets, the
central deluge control room shall be protected by an extinguishing system.
11.1.3 The central deluge control room shall be designed so as to facilitate all inspections
and servicing activities of the component parts of the system.
11.1.4 No gas transfer stations and no devices fed with flammable gases shall be
installed in this central control room.
59
11.1.5 Deluge valve stations at decentralised places shall be installed close to a wall of
the building, maximum 10 m away from the next emergency exit.
In hazardous production areas the deluge valve stations shall be protected against
unauthorised operation (e.g. by a wire grating). They shall be installed so as to provide
sufficient space for operation and shall also be accessible under fire conditions. In
storage risks they shall be installed in a room segregated by F30-A elements.
Provision shall be made for a clear space of a size that corresponds to the stacking
height; otherwise the room shall be segregated by F90-A elements. If the main shut-off
device can be actuated from outdoors (through the wall of the building), a segregation of
the type to be provided for production risks will be sufficient.
11.2 Heating and ventilation

The central deluge control rooms shall be sufficiently ventilated. At no time shall be room
temperature drop below or exceed +5 °C or +40 °C. Where diesel engines are used as
drives for the standby generators, the room temperature shall not drop below + 15°C at
any point of time.
The ventilation system for rooms with diesel engines shall be dimensioned so as to
ensure that the air volumes required by the engine for combustion and for cooling air are
available. If the ventilation system is not directly driven by the diesel engine, provision
shall be made to ensure power supply.
A possibly required heating shall be stationary.
11.3 Lighting
The central deluge control room shall be sufficiently electrically lighted. If no emergency
lighting is in place, provision shall be made for an additional self-contained hand lamp of
a nominal operating duration of > 3 h.
11.4 Control and operation

11.4.1 Detailed operating instructions including a flow chart showing vital functional
groups of the water spray system shall be sign-posted at a readily visible place.
11.4.2 The individual deluge valve stations together with their vital control elements shall
be marked differently. A survey ground plan of the building showing the areas protected
by the individual deluge valve stations shall be sign-posted in the central deluge control
room. The differently marked deluge valve stations shall appear from this survey plan.
Several floor ground plans shall be sign-posted if this is necessary due to the size of the
building.
11.4.3 A nameplate showing the name of the installer, the date (month/year) of
installation of the system as well as the address and telephone number of the person in
charge of service and maintenance shall be provided at a readily visible place in the
central deluge control room.
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The following documents shall be available:
− Operating instructions containing all data relevant for a safe operation of the system
such as
− Operation
− Shutdown
− Recommissioning
− Response to release
− Response to shutdown
− Inspection by specialists and experts
− Maintenance (inspection, servicing and repair)
− Response to faults
− Operating manual acc. to VdS model form VdS 2212
Note: The installation of a telephone system in the central control room is recommended.
12 Water spray systems for buildings and

facilities of special type and occupancy
Special requirements shall be taken into account for buildings and equipment of specific
type and occupancy. They are subject to the following supplementary regulations.
12.1 Wood working and processing industry

12.1.1 The following parameters shall apply for the rating of local application protection
systems:
- Operating time 30 min
- Water density of discharge 5 mm/min
- max. area of coverage per detector and/or extinguishing nozzle 9 m2
- for detector nozzles in bunkers 16 m2
- maximum spacing of detector nozzles and/or nozzles in

relation to each other 3.75 m
- for detector nozzles in bunkers 4.6 m
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12.1.2 In the woodworking and processing industry the following equipment shall be
protected by water spray systems
− Chip dryers
The manufacturer of the dryer shall prove that suitable devices for fire protection
have been integrated in the dryer. These fire protection devices shall be fed from the
in-house or public water mains network.
− Conveyors
The entire conveyor system in the case of mechanical conveyance (e.g. drag link
conveyor boxes) shall be protected. Pneumatic conveyor equipment shall be
protected by spark suppression systems (see VdS 2106).
− Cyclones
Where the equipment series connected to a cyclone is protected, the cyclone shall
also be included in the protection.
− Dust bins
Silos for the storage of dusts.
− Re-crushing operations
Hammer mills, cross hammer mills, impact crushers, disk refiners, circular knife
cutters and other regrinding operations shall be protected at inlets and outlets.
− Sifters, filter and air sifting
Pocket, fabric and hose filters etc. as well as the area of air sifting shall be included in
the protection.
12.1.3 As regards local application protection in particleboard manufacture, the scope of

protection provided by the water spray system for operating areas I (chip processing) and
II (sanding machines) shall extend to the equipment specified under Section 12.1.2.
Operating area I is to be understood as the area form the inlet of the dryer down to the
gluing machine and operating area II as the area of all machines and equipment series
connected to the sanding machine (such as filters, bunker, cyclones etc.).
For the purposes of a better assessment of the processes performed in the above-
mentioned operating areas, a block diagram ("block diagram") shall be submitted to VdS
prior to acceptance of the water spray system.
12.2 Conveyor belts

12.2.1 As regards conveyor belts, the drive, tail pulley, the material conveyed, the area
between the belts and the return belt shall be protected by nozzles. The conveyor belt
shall be automatically stopped upon release of the extinguishing system.
12.2.2 The nozzles – in the case of a ceiling protection – shall be spaced maximum 4 m
apart from each other, based on an area of coverage of 12 m2 per nozzle. The spacing
of the nozzles for the protection of the idlers shall not exceed 2.5 m.
12.2.3 If the water spray system is subdivided into zones, these zones shall not reach
beyond an actuator. In the case of an automatic release of the system, the next zone in
conveying direction shall be released as well.
12.2.4 The water density of discharge shall be 5 mm/min. The calculation of the water
supply shall be based at least on the two largest zones. The operating time shall be 30
minutes.
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12.3 Cable ducts

12.3.1 Horizontal cable ducts shall consist of non-combustible material of class e A (DIN
4102) and shall be subdivided by section forming walls and ceilings consisting of
minimum F 30 elements. This applies in particular to crossings and branches. The
maximum length of a section should not exceed 60 m. In cases where a water spray
system is subdivided into zones, these zones shall not extend beyond section limiting
walls. Cable floors with the same arrangement of cable racks may be protected mutatis
mutandis to this section.
12.3.2 Cable ducts are expected to be designed as follows:
− minimum vertical spacing of the individual cable racks in relation to each other and to
the ceiling and/or spray obstructions such as ventilation ducts etc. - 200 mm
− maximum depth of cable racks – 600 mm
− Aisle width between two cable racks – 700 to 900 mm
− maximum height of cables installed on racks – 60 mm
The cables shall rest on breadboards or similar material with a minimum of 30% of the
bearing area being an open structure. Cable floors of similar arrangement may be
protected mutatis mutandis.
When fine spray nozzles are used, both the vertical and horizontal spacing of the nozzles
in relation to each other shall not be more than 2.5 m. Cable distribution rooms (cable
floors) of up to 5 m in height and of a similar arrangement may be protected mutatis
mutandis.
12.3.3 The following parameters shall apply for the rating of water spray systems for
cable ducts:
W=LxH
where
2
W = area of operation in m
L = length of the cable racks per zone in m
H = distance from the lower edge of the lowest cable rack to upper edge of top most
cable rack in m. If this distance amounts to 1.5 to 2.5 m, the value for H is 2 m. H
as a real value may be applied to cable racks of lower height, protected by
suitable nozzles.
Minimum water density of discharge 10 mm/min
Operating time 30 min
Minimum pressure at the nozzle 2 bar
The following applies to fine spray nozzles:
Minimum water density of discharge 5 mm/min
pressure on the nozzle 4 to 12.5 bar
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12.3.4 The manufacturer's instructions for installation of the nozzles shall be observed.
These instructions shall contain information on:
A = vertical spacing of the first row of nozzles from the upper edge of the top-most
cable rack in mm.
D = vertical spacing of the second row of nozzles from the upper edge of the top-
most cable rack in mm
HA = horizontal spacing of the nozzles in relation to each other within a row of

nozzles in mm
HS = lateral spacing of the nozzle form the cable rack (this distance should be in the
range of 700 and 900 mm) in mm
WH = Super elevation angle of the nozzle in degrees
WS = lateral angle of horizontal swing of the nozzle in degrees
H = height protectable by the arrangement of nozzles in mm
Where fine spray nozzles are used, the horizontal spacing HA of the nozzles in relation to
each other within one level of nozzles shall not exceed 2,500 mm.
In the case of an arrangement of the nozzles at opposite ends in an aisle between two
cable racks, the nozzles shall be staggered by always half of the horizontal spacing HA in
longitudinal direction of the cable rack.
12.3.5 The water spray system shall be triggered by smoke detectors in a two detector or
two-zone coincidence according to Section 5.5. A mixture of optical beam and ionisation
smoke detectors is recommended. If various zones are located within one and the same
fire compartment, the triggering areas of the zones shall overlap. Self-closing doors shall
be provided. If self-closing doors are to be kept open for operational reasons, the doors
shall be equipped with restrainers designed so as to warrant automatic closing of the
door also upon release of the water spray system.
12.3.6 The water supply of the water spray system shall be dimensioned for one fire
compartment or for the three largest zones.
12.4 Transformers (oil cooled)

The water spray system is expected to not only extinguishing a fire within the transformer
system but also to prevent spreading of the fire to other neighbouring areas.
12.4.1 The entire surface of the transformer shall be protected, including transformer
cover, penetrations, barriers, oil compensators, oil cooler, cooling fins and bottom of the
transformer. If transformers are not spatially or by F90 walls separated minimum 5 m
from each other, they shall be combined to form one extinguishing area.
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12.4.2 The following parameters shall apply for the rating of water spray systems for
transformers.
− The water density of discharge depends on the size and the geometrical conditions of
the transformer. It should be in the range of 15 and 30 mm/min.
− Minimum initial pressure at the most unfavourable extinguishing nozzle: 3 bar
− Minimum final pressure at the most unfavourable extinguishing nozzle: 1 bar
− Spacing of extinguishing nozzles: max. 1.5 m
− Operating time: 5 min
12.4.3 The nozzles shall be arranged around the transformer so as to ensure that
complete wetting of the surface of the transformer is warranted.
This requires in general two rings of nozzles connected with each other by the
corresponding risers. An additional row of nozzles shall be installed if the upper ring of
nozzles achieves no complete wetting of the transformer cover. Barriers and
compensators shall be considered in the arrangement of the nozzles in particular. If the
barrier is filled with oil up to the top, the top will have to be wetted additionally. The two
face ends the bottom side of compensators shall be sprayed with water.
12.4.4 The fire detection elements shall be arranged both above and below the
transformer and of the compensator. Electric triggering according to Section 5.5 is
allowable for transformers installed outdoors by suitable heat detectors. The water spray
system may also be triggered by the Buchholz protector.
12.4.5 The minimum distances according to DIN VDE 0101 to live components shall be
observed. The pipework of the water spray system including supports shall be grounded
and/or included in the equipotential bonding.
Moving of the transformer shall be made possible by providing connections that are
detachable from parts of the pipework. Provision shall be made for at least one flushing
connection for each transformer on the initial part of the nozzle pipework.
12.5 Power plants

For water spray systems installed in power plants the following marginal conditions shall
be observed.
12.5.1 Transformers, see Section 12.4
12.5.2 Cable ducts, see Section 12.3
12.5.3 Coal conveyor belts, see Section 12.2
12.5.4 Coal bunkers:
Water density of discharge 7.5 mm/min

max. area of coverage per detector and/or extinguishing nozzle 9 m2
12.5.5 Steam turbine oil regeneration rooms, rooms for oil tanks and lines:
Water density of discharge 10 mm/min

65
Where additional equipment is protected in these rooms, their surface shall be

considered in the calculation of the water density of discharge.
12.5.6 To be protected by local application protection systems are:
− Hydraulically controlled valves in steam lines such as fast closing, control, bypass
and drain valves including all neighbouring pressure lines if operated by flammable
hydraulic oil
− Turbine and generator bearings
− Steam turbine driven lube-oil pumps
− Oil fed pumpsets
− Steam driven pumps and blowers
Rating bases:
Water density of discharge 10 mm/min
12.6 Flammable liquids

Water spray systems may be applied for the extinction of fires involving flammable liquids
of hazard classes A I and A II – see Ordinance on facilities used for the storage, filling
and transport of flammable liquids on road and rail (VbF) and Technical rules for
flammable liquids (TRbF) solely with the addition of film-forming foaming agents.
Rating bases:
Admixture according to agent involved 5%
Max. area of coverage per nozzle 9 m2
Water density of discharge 12.5 mm/min
Minimum pressure at the extinguishing nozzle 1.5 bar
K- factor of the nozzle 57 - 80
Forming agent reserve quantity for double the operating time
The Guidelines for foam extinguishing systems – Planning and Installation – VdS 2108
shall be applicable to the design of the foam adding devices, foaming agent pump etc.
The foaming agents are subject to approval according to the "Regulations issued by the
Trading Standards Department" on fire extinguishers and fire extinguishants.
As regards the storage of flammable liquids, the allowable volumes and the allowable
surface for the storage of flammable liquids subject to VbF (ordinance on facilities used
for the storage, filling and transport of flammable liquids on road and rail) shall be
determined according to the requirements of VbF and TRbF (technical rules for
flammable liquids).
The necessary precautions shall be taken for a safe discharge or retention of the
expected largest volumes of flammable liquids and water/foam mixtures.
12.7 Dryer hoods of paper machines

12.7.1 As regards dryer hoods of paper machines, the entire area below the hood,
nozzles shall protect the cylinder bearings and the area of the foundations of the
basement. The foundation area of the basement may be protected also by a sprinkler
system.
66
12.7.2 The nozzles for the protection of the dryer hood shall be spaced maximum 4 m
apart from each other, based on an area of coverage of 12 m2 per nozzle. The nozzles
for the protection of the cylinder bearings shall be spaced maximum 2 m apart from each
other. The spacing of the nozzles and/or sprinklers in the area of the foundations of the
basement shall by maximum 2.5 m.
12.7.3 A minimum of two zone areas of operation shall be assumed for the total area of
operation of the hood. For the calculation of the total water rate, all nozzles on the
longitudinal side of one circumferential catwalk and the area of the basement shall be
considered with an area of 90 m2.
12.7.4 The water density of discharge both for deluge and sprinkler systems is 5 mm/min.
12.7.5 The water spray system may be released by heat detectors (e.g. temperature
sensing rods) or detector sprinklers (RTI < 80 (m x s)1/2). Detectors shall be arranged
above each cylinder bearing in the area below the circumferential catwalks. The area
monitored by the detector is maximum 20 m2 for a one-detector coincidence.
Fig. 12.01: Water density of discharge
13 Special instructions for installation

13.1 Where open nozzles are expected to be exposed to heavy contamination, provision
shall be made for suitable caps (e.g. plastic caps, rubber plugs) as a protection.
13.2 The anticipated ambient conditions of the area to be protected (e.g. potential
corrosive effects) shall be considered for the system.
13.3 Where nozzles or release elements are installed in a separate enclosure on the
equipment to be protected, this enclosure shall be easy to open and components shall be
easy to clean.
67
13.4 Where water spray systems are installed in rooms and buildings where also heat
and smoke vents are in place, efforts shall be made to reach an almost simultaneous
release of the water spray system and of the heat and smoke vents in the event of a fire
(see also VdS 2815). Provision shall be made to ensure that no wrong zone areas of
operation are released and that the function of the water spray system is not impaired. A
survey of the various options for combination is given in Table 13.01.
Smoke venting Spray water
Mechanical smoke venting conditionally possible, triggering via deluge valve station
only
Natural smoke venting, release coupling feasible and reasonable, considering the aspect
by smoke detectors of arrangement and considering a linked (combinational)
triggering
Natural smoke venting, release combination feasible and reasonable considering the
by thermocouples aspect of arrangement
Natural smoke venting, release reasonable combination

by manual call points
Table 13.01: Options for combination
14 Functional test
Test flooding/spraying shall be performed in the framework of the acceptance of local
application protection systems. This test shall be repeated annually. It is quite sufficient,
however, in the case of several areas to be protected to pick out each year just one area
for testing.
In cases where a functional test is feasible only by flooding of the pipework, provision
shall be made downstream of the valve station for a stop valve of the same dimensions,
equipped with an indicator device. This rule does not apply where test flooding is possible
at any time.
15 Water spray systems for overground storage

tanks of flammable liquids
Water spray systems are intended for the cooling of tanks adjacent to an object caught
by a fire. Water spray systems are no extinguishing systems.
15.1 Scope of protection

The scope of protection shall be based on VbF/TRbF.
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15.2 Shell spraying

The arrangement of the nozzles shall be such that the water is distributed uniformly over
the surface of the tank shell. The nozzles of the individual rings of nozzles shall be
arranged in staggered form. The maximum vertical distance of the rings of nozzles shall
not exceed 5 m. The number of nozzle rings depends on the height of the tank. The
distance from floor level to the first nozzle ring shall be maximum 8 m.
For reasons of the effect of wind, the nozzles shall be arranged closest possible to the
wall of the tank. The maximum distance from the shell and its upper edge should not be
more than 350 mm. In the case of horizontally arranged tanks, nozzles may be installed
at a distance of 650 mm. Horizontally arranged tanks and spherical vessels shall be
sprayed from all sides, including supports unless these supports consist of fire resistant
material according to DIN 4102. Pipework and nozzles shall be mounted below the
rupture joint .
15.3 Roof spraying

In the case of fixed roof tanks, the protection shall also cover the roof.
15.4 Rating basis

For the water density of discharge as a function of the diameter of the tank (related to the
surface of the shell) please refer to Fig. 12.01.
The water density of discharge (WB in mm/min) for tank diameters (d in m) of 20 m to
80 m shall be determined according to equation
WB = 1.114 - 0.0057d .
The water density of discharge shall be doubled for substances tending to decompose or
polymerise when exposed to heat.
If a tank is protected by a sprayed collecting tray made of steel, spraying of the tank will
not be necessary up to the height of the tank covered by the collecting tray.
The operating time shall be minimum 120 minutes.
16 Power supply of monitoring , fire detection

and control systems
The following requirements shall apply to the electric power supply of monitoring, fire
detection and control systems, hereinunder referred to as "systems to be supplied".
Two sources of energy are required for power supply. One of these sources shall be the
electricity power supply system operated without interruption. The other source shall be a
battery taking over automatically and without interruption the power supply in the case of
a mains power supply failure. These sources of energy shall be connected to the systems
to be supplied by a non-detachable connection.
Provision shall be made to ensure that failure of one of the power sources – also due to
interruption and short circuit – des not result in failure of the other.
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16.1 Power supply through the public mains network

16.1.1 The power supply from the public mains network shall be dimensioned so as to
ensure that an unrestricted operation of the system to be supplied is warranted. The
power supply from the public mains network shall be able to additionally supply the
charging current for the battery during normal operation of the system.
16.1.2 A separate circuit with separate, specifically marked fusing shall be used for the
power supply from the public mains network. No more than one fuse is allowed upstream
of this fuse protection and up to the feed point of the electrical network on the low voltage
end (electrical power feed point into the building where the system to be supplied is
installed). An interruption -caused by a disconnection of other equipment- of the circuit
feeding the system to be supplied shall be excluded.
16.1.3 The battery re-charging unit shall be dimensioned so as to allow automatic re-
charging of a battery discharged to end-point voltage to 80% of its rated capacity within
24 h at a maximum. The re-charging operation shall be completed after 72 h at the latest.
16.2 Battery capacity

16.2.1 The capacity of a battery for systems with automatic fault warning transmitted to a
not permanently manned location shall be dimensioned so as to warrant a continuous
and unrestricted operation of the system for minimum 72 h in the case of a mains power
failure. After expiry of these 72 h, the required alarming devices shall continue functioning
properly for at least 0.5 h.
16.2.2 The capacity of the battery for systems with automatic fault warning transmitted to
a permanently manned location – in as far as a suitable service for trouble shooting is
permanently available – shall be dimensioned so as to ensure that a continuous and
unrestricted operation of the system for minimum 30 h is warranted in the case of a
mains power failure. After expiry of these 30 h the required alarming devices shall
continue functioning properly for at least 30 min.
16.2.3 The capacity of the battery for systems with automatic fault warning to a
permanently manned location and provided with a private permanently available service
for trouble shooting, shall be dimensioned so as to ensure that a continuous unrestricted
operation of the system is warranted for at least 4 hours in the case of a mains power
failure. After expiry of these 4 h the alarming devices shall continue functioning properly
for at least 0.5 h. Separate facilities for the power supply of the system to be supplied and
for the re-charging unit shall be provided and a standby generating set for the supply of
the recharging devices shall be available for immediate connection. The standby
generating set shall be able to sufficiently supply the system to be supplied for at least 30 h.
16.2.4 No consumers other than for the system shall be connected to the battery.
16.2.5 The batteries shall be kept in sufficiently ventilated, dry and frostproof rooms. They
shall be kept in places where they are protected against foreseeable external factors of
influence causing potential damage and they shall be kept in places where in-situ service
and inspection are possible.
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16.3 Emergency power supply

16.3.1 Exclusively approved batteries shall be used for power supply purposes.
Batteries – unless otherwise indicated in the approval certificate – shall be replaced every
4 years to the date of manufacture at the latest.
Exclusively batteries of the same type (same manufacturer, capacity, voltage, date of
manufacture) shall be switched in parallel or in series.
16.3.2 More than two batteries may be connected in parallel to the re-charging units only
if their individual capacities are minimum 36 Ah or if the batteries are separately
monitored and mutually uncoupled. However, no more than a maximum of three batteries
shall be connected in parallel.
16.3.3 Where batteries are series connected, a maximum of two series circuits may be
switched in parallel. Batteries may be switched in parallel up to a total number of
maximum twelve cells. Series connection of more than twelve cells is permissible
provided a uniform voltage distribution is warranted by suitable measures.
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Annex A – Components of water spray systems
A.1 Components subject to approval

The following components for installation into water spray systems are approved once
the corresponding tests have been performed. Components approved for sprinkler
systems may be used.
A.1.1 Deluge valve stations

A.1.2 Alarm gongs
A.1.3 Pipe hangers and accessories (to be type tested only if not in conformity with the
requirements of Section 7.5 of these Guidelines)
A.1.4 Pressure switches
A.1.5 Monitoring panels, control and indicating equipment for monitoring purposes
A.1.6 Flexible pipe couplings
A.1.7 Pipe joints
A.1.8 Nozzles for the protection of buildings and rooms
A.1.9 Nozzles for local application protection (object protection)
A.1.10 Electric switch gears
A 1.1.11 Electric switch gears for diesel engines
A.1.12 Pumps for water spray systems
A.1.13 Regulation float valves
A.1.14 Flow indicators
A.1.15 Strainers
A.1.16 Flow meters
A.1.17 Check valves
A.1.18 Pipe vents
A.1.19 Valves and stop fittings
A.1.20 Manual release devices
A.1.21 Pipe swivel fittings
A.1.22 Steel bellow expansion joints (except for compensators according to DIN 30 681
PN 16 with DIN-DVGW-mark of conformity)
A.1.23 Flexible metal tubes (except for flexible metal tubes according to DIN 3384)
A.1.24. Foaming agent admixture devices
A.1.25 Foam compound pumps
A.1.26 Cables acc. to DIN 4102-2, Class E 90 (where additional testing for verifying
proper function under the effect of water is required)
A.2 Components not subject to approval

A.2.1 Pipe hangers and accessories (if in conformity with the requirements of Section 7.5
of these Guidelines)
72
A.2.2 Compressors, priming pump and pressure tanks containing water

A.2.3 Diesel engines
A.2.4 Pressure tanks containing water
A.2.5 Electric motors
A.2.6 Pressure gauges acc. to DIN
A.2.7 Pipes joined by flanges according to DIN, soldered fittings according to
DIN EN 1254, malleable pipe fittings according to DIN EN 10 242 (sealing material
included)
A.2.8 Safety valves (prototype tested)
A.2.9 Water storage tanks
A.2.10 Break tanks
A.2.11 Air feeding devices
A.2.12 Standby generating units
A.2.13 Water level indicators
A.2.14 Suction baskets
73
Annex B – Sample of an installation notice
74
Annex C – Documents for hydraulic calculation and

design of the pipework
The hydraulic calculation of the pipework shall be performed using the following form
sheet and submitting the data and documents specified below.
C.1 Schematic drawing of the pipework from the suction line/supply connection to the
zone areas of operation. The pipework shall be presented in isometric form if necessary
and shall reflect all fittings, pipe dimensions and design nodes. Pipe network diagrams (3
as a maximum) containing all relevant data are sufficient for clear-cut systems.
C.2 Zone areas of operation and the calculated pipework shall be marked in colour or
hatched on the pipe network diagrams. No separate pipe network need be submitted if
the entire pipework with dimensions -marked as specified above- is reflected already in
the site plan.
75
Annex D – How to maintain the system functional

and in good working order
D.1 General
Sprinkler-, deluge and foam extinguishing systems are characterised by a high success
rate in the extinction of fires – also in risks exposed to high fire loads. Regular inspection
and servicing is required for maintaining these extinguishing systems functional and in
good working order. This annex describes which action to perform at a minimum and
defines the responsibilities for the implementation of these measures. However, due to
the great variety of system designs and types, not all inspection and service activities can
be specified in detail.
The management shall appoint a person responsible for attending the extinguishing
system and a substitute. Their function consists in warranting both compliance with the
manufacturer's operating and service instructions and compliance with the legal
regulations. These people are responsible for carrying out the inspections described
below, for performing any necessary repairs and for recording all incidents and all
measures taken in an operating manual (VdS 2212).
D.2 Daily visual inspections

Daily inspections shall be performed as a routine on all working days. On Sundays and
holidays the maximum interval between inspections shall not exceed three days.
Systems that are automatically checked for proper working conditions according to
Section 10, need not be checked on a daily basis, however, weekly as a minimum.
The following items shall be checked in detail:
D.2.1 Filling levels of the reserve, break, and gravity tanks as well as of pressure tanks
containing water and foaming agent storage tanks.
D.2.2 Pressure of the pressure tank containing water as well as the pressure upstream of
the valve stations and in the pneumatic detector system.
D.2.3 Proper function of the heating devices (during the heating period) in the central
control room of the extingishing system.
D.3 Weekly inspections

The following checks shall be performed once a week:
D.3.1 Test alarm on each valve station along with an inspection of the mechanical and
electric alarming devices
D.3.2 Visual inspection of valves for verifying proper functional position and safeguarding
of all stop valves.
The stop valves in pipes such as

− upstream and downstream of the pump,
− from the water feeders to the extinguishing systems,
− upstream of valve stations,
76
designed for interrupting the water flow, shall be secured in open position so as to
prevent unauthorised operation.
The stop valves in pipes such as
− proving pipe,
− pipe to the fire brigade feed points,
− drain pipes of tanks,
designed for reducing the water flow, shall be secure din closed position so was to
prevent unauthorised operation.
D.3.3 Inspection of the water levels in the pump priming tanks
D.3.4 Flow pressure check upstream of valve stations of water spray systems fed from
the public water mains network; the drain valve (DN 50) on the valve station shall be fully
opened.
D.3.5 Pressure check in the pneumatic detector system; the air pressure in the pipework
shall not exceed/drop below the maximum/minimum indicated on the pressure gauge or
in the acceptance certificate; the pressure may drop by maximum 0.5 bar within one
week.
D.3.6 Flow pressure check for foam extinguishing systems, fed directly from the plant
water mains network.
D.3.7 Function check of the automatic and manual start-up devices of pumps, except for
foaming agent pumps; a pump test run up to the point where the operating temperature
of the diesel engine is reached may eventually be necessary.
D.4 Monthly inspections

The following checks shall be performed as a monthly routine:
D.4.1 Function test of the pumps and of their drives (except for foaming agent pumps).
Procedure: The test run shall continue until the normal operating parameters of the drive
motor such as current consumption, oil and cooling water temperature have been
reached. It is the current consumption that is measured for electric motor drives and it is
speed, oil pressure and cooling water temperature that are measured in the final phase of
the test run for diesel drives. The same applies to diesel engines of standby generating
units. Also the automatic switchover device shall be checked in cases where an electric
motor is supplied by a standby generator.
D.4.2 Check of batteries keeping in mind that the instructions for maintenance of the
battery manufacturer are to be observed; also functional test of the battery re-charging
units shall be performed.
D.4.3 Check of the minimum quantities of fuel to be kept in reserve for diesel engines.
D.4.4 Check of the oil levels of pumps, compressors and diesel engines.
D.4.5 Visual inspection of the condition of the pipework, nozzles and pipe hangers.
D.4.6 Functional test of the automatic priming and refill devices for break, pump priming
and gravity tanks.
D.4.7 Functional test of the monitoring system
D.4.8 Functional test of the flow indicators
77
D.4.9 Check of the allowable stacking heights; check of minimum spacing between
nozzles and upper edge of material stored
D.4.10 Functional test of the admixture device and the corresponding fittings for water
spray systems with added foaming agents without water and foaming agent.
D.5 Semi-annual inspections

The following checks shall be carried out as a semi-annual routine:
D.5.1 Check for easy movement of all valves
D.5.2 Visual inspection of strainers
D.5.3 For water spray systems with added foaming agents: a functional test of the
foaming agent admixture device with water, however, without use of foaming agent. The
objective of this test consists in checking the proper function of all mechanical and
electrical components of the foaming agent admixture device without the addition of
foaming agent concentrate.
D.5.4 Foaming agent tank and components in permanent touch with the foaming agents
shall be inspected for externally visible signs of defects such as leaks and incrustation on
seals.
D.5.5 Mechanically moving components shall be checked for easy movement.
D.6 Annual inspections

D.6.1 Water spray systems with added foaming agents
For water spray systems with added foaming agents, the quality of the foaming agent
shall be tested by the manufacturer or by a specifically trained specialist according to
data and specifications furnished by the manufacturer. The availability of specified
volumes of ready for use concentrates in foaming agent storage facilities and the volume
of the available reserve quantities should be checked based on the applicable
requirements.
A functional test of the admixture device including the corresponding fittings shall be
conducted via the test pipe. The function of the foaming agent admixture device shall be
tested at a water rate of 500 l/min. The percent by volume admixture of foaming agent
shall corresponding to the values indicated by the foaming agent manufacturer and/or
shall be within the tolerances indicated by the manufacturer. The mixture of water-
foaming agent shall be drained during the test via a test connection into a suitably
dimensioned collecting tray. The user shall be responsible for the disposal of the
water/foaming agent mixture according to legal requirements. A contamination of the
water supply by the foaming agent shall be excluded. A sample of the water/foaming
agent mixture shall be taken from the test pipe directly after expiry of the time within
which the admixture concentration to be used for the system is expected to have built-up.
The time interval within which the foaming agent is added shall not exceed 3 minutes.
The concentration of the foaming agent for application shall be proven by suitable means
(e.g. refractometer, conductivity measuring device). Components conveying foaming
agent that are free from foaming agent in the standby state, shall be flushed with water
after the test.
Components permanently filled with the foaming agent mixture shall be drained and shall
be thoroughly flushed with water prior to refilling the foaming agent and/or mixture of
foaming agent.
78
D.7 Further inspections

An inspection of the pressure tank containing water shall be performed regularly in
accordance with the ordinance on pressurised vessels.
Reserve, break, and gravity tanks as well as pressure vessels containing water shall be
subjected every five years to a test and – if required – to cleaning of the tanks and to a
renewal of the anti-corrosion protection.
An inspection of the entire pipework for damage shall take place after 25 years of service.
Potential clogging shall be remedied.
The characteristics of the detector sprinklers incorporated in the system shall be re-
checked by VdS-Laboratories on a random basis. 10 sprinklers shall be submitted per
detector pipework.
Detector sprinklers shall be picked out in particular from those areas where detector
sprinklers are likely to sustain damage due to ambient conditions such as:
− particularly corrosive ambient environment

− periodically changing heat and cold
− vibration
− radiated heat
A larger number of detector sprinklers will have to be submitted in cases where several
factors of influence within a building need be considered. The number will be fixed by
VdS as a function of the risk involved. A new certificate of installation will have to be
prepared and submitted to VdS.
D.8 Putting the system out of operation

In cases where the extinguishing system is to be temporarily wholly or partly taken out of
operation, the responsible insurer shall be informed by the user at least three days in
advance.
If the system needs be taken out of operation unexpectedly, the insurer shall be informed
without delay.
The obligation to notify includes among other items:
− Power failure for the pump and compressor drives

− Faults of all type on mechanical devices as well as on the pipework and the nozzles
Special measures for fire protection shall be taken during the downtime of the
extinguishing system. These measures are expected to warrant that a fire is detected in
its early stage of development and can be quickly and efficiently suppressed by the
available fire extinguishers.
D.9 Service/maintenance
Service/maintenance comprises all measured designed for maintaining the specified
conditions of the water extinguishing system, in particular those designed for warranting
functionability.
79
It is advisable to have water spray systems serviced at least once a year. Exclusively
VdS approved installers may perform service/maintenance of sprinkler, deluge and foam
extinguishing systems.
D.10 Remodelling
In cases where rooms – protected by water spray systems – are remodelled, e.g.
installation of intermediate walls, intermediate ceilings, new machines or changes in the
arrangement of the equipment – the water spray system shall also be adapted to the
new conditions. System changes may be performed exclusively by a VdS approved
installer.
D.11 Approved installers

Work on water extinguishing systems such as repairs, service and maintenance (Section
D.9) and remodelling (Section D.10) shall be performed by installers only approved for
the type of system involved. These installers are expected to have the corresponding
site-specific spare parts, pipe network diagrams and hydraulic data for the corresponding
system at their disposal.
The VdS approved installers of water extinguishing systems are listed up in the VdS 2490
directory.
Annex E – Addition of film-forming foaming agents

in water spray systems
E.1 Putting the system out of operation
The system shall be designed so as to permit taking the foaming agent supply system out
of operation during a functional test of the alarming devices.
E.2 Foaming agent admixture devices

E.2.1 The principle of an admixture at proportional/balanced pressure should be used for
the admixture of foaming agents. The admixture device shall be designed so as to allow
an admixture at an even as low rate of admixture of extinguishant of ≤ 200 l/min. The
required rated concentration of the foaming agent shall be reached up to an admixture
rate of the extinguishant of ≤ 500 l/min. This value from 500 l/min up to reaching the
maximum extinguishant rate shall be within the allowable limits of tolerance (see E.2.5).
E.2.2 The admixture devices shall be provided with permanently legible nameplates
providing at least the following information:
− flow direction,
− service concentration,
− working range.
E.2.3 Provision shall be made in flow direction downstream of the admixture device for a
test point for verifying the concentration of the foaming agent in the firewater.
Proof of attainment of the required concentration of foaming agent shall be furnished in

detail on occasion of the acceptance of the extinguishing system and shall be
substantiated by suitable measuring equipment. The test shall be conducted at maximum
80
extinguishant rate with water at 500 l/min and additionally by use of foaming agent for
comparison.
E.2.4 The admixture of foaming agents shall be based on the service concentration
specified in the approval certificate of the foaming agent and shall not be less than 3%.
E.2.5 As regards the service concentration, the following limit values shall be observed:
− a minimum value according to the approval certificate of the foaming agent,

considering the material to be extinguished
− a maximum value corresponding to 1.3 times the minimum value, however, not more
than 1% in absolute terms.
E.2.6 The system shall be equipped with a test device, which permits checking of all
mechanical and electrical components of the foaming agent admixture device without
having to add foaming agent concentrate to the firewater during the test. Following the
inspection, the admixture device shall be able to automatically return to the standby state
and be ready for the admixture of foaming agent.
E.3 Foaming agent pumps

E.3.1 Pumps for foaming agents shall be suitable for this purposes (e.g. as regards
resistance to corrosion, leak proofness).
The pump capacity shall be dimensioned for the maximum design requirements to be
fulfilled by the water spray system and for the viscosity of the foaming agent applied. The
maximum pressure of the pump may exceed the allowable nominal pressure of the water
spray system up to the admixture device and shall – for all operating states – be
minimum 2 bar above the water pressure upstream of the admixture device.
E.3.2 Foaming agent pumps shall operate under positive head conditions. Reciprocating
and rotary pumps shall be provided with a suitable device for pressure control.
E.3.3 Pumps, suction and delivery lines up to the admixture device shall be provided with
flushing devices. No water shall flow back into the foaming agent tank during flushing.
E.4 Foaming agents

E.4.1 Foaming agents are subject to approval according to the Ordinance on fire
extinguishing agents and fire extinguishers.
Foaming agents shall be used that are suitable both for the material to be extinguished
and for the equipment and admixture devices applied.
E.4.2 The water shall not contain any substances that are incompatible with the foaming
agents.
E.4.3 The reserve quantity of foaming agent is the product of water rate, admixture time
and service concentration of the foaming agent.
The total reserve quantity of foaming agents shall be sufficient to warrant a continuous
operation of the extinguishing system for 30 minutes.
E.4.4 In cases where an approved private fire brigade - minimum 1 : 8 strong – is

available, the reserve quantity of foaming agent may be reduced by 50%, provided at
least the same quantity is kept once again by the fire brigade and can be connected
within 15 minutes to a stationary foaming agent tank of the water spray system. The
81
fulfilment of these conditions shall be coordinated with VdS as early as in the planning
stage.
E.4.5 The reserve quantity of foaming agent shall be topped up exclusively with the
identical product.
E.5 Foaming agent tank

E.5.1 Storage tanks for foaming agents shall be generally type approved and shall be set
up and equipped according to the applicable regulations.
Depending on the type and quantity of foaming agent, a collecting tray may be required.
The conditions for storage specified by the manufacturer shall be observed.
E.5.2 Conventional pressure vessel

The thermal expansion of the foaming agent shall be considered for rating of the useful
capacity of the tank.
The tank shall be equipped with venting devices, a filling level indicator and a protection
against overcharging.
Manholes shall be provided for the inspection of the interior walls of the tank.
The tank shall be provided with filler and drain connections. The filler pipe shall reach
down to almost the bottom of the tank.
The suction point for the foaming agent shall be arranged above the bottom of the tank.
The volume of foaming agent below the suction point shall remain unconsidered in the
design of the useful capacity.
Where zero-sediment synthetic foaming agents are kept in glass fibre reinforced plastic
tanks or in stainless steel tank, the connection point may be arranged at tank bottom
level.
E.5.3 Pressure tanks

Pressure tanks (membrane tanks) shall be equipped with filling, draining, venting,
cleaning devices and level indicators as well as with devices permitting an inspection of
the interior walls of the tank.
The operating instructions shall be kept close to the tank. The specified sequence of
operations for the vessel shall be absolutely observed.
Pressure tanks as a rule may not be primed during operation of the extinguishing system.
The total reserve quantities of foaming agents may be kept also in several interconnected
tanks.
E.6 Foaming agent pipes and water/foaming agent mix pipes

E.6.1 Components and piping permanently filled with foaming agent shall not contribute
to changing the properties of the foaming agent. They should be made of stainless steel.
82
E.6.2 Foaming agent conducting pipework upstream of the admixture device that cannot
be filled within 10 s shall be permanently filled with foaming agent. The foaming agent
pump and the feed pipe between foaming agent tank and admixture device shall consist
of rustproof steel – if permanently filled with foaming agent.
E.6.3 Pipework and components permanently filled with the water/foaming agent mix
shall meet the requirements of Section 7.1.1. and/or 7.1.2. Galvanised pipes and pipes
with inside lining shall not be used.
E.6.4 Dirt traps/strainers shall be installed in the foaming agent pipework upstream of the
admixture device in flow direction.
The dirt traps shall be arranged so as not to interfere in the operation of the water spray
system even when cleaned (flushed).
Dirt traps are not required where membrane tanks and admixture devices equipped with
diaphragms of a diameter of > 8 mm are used.
E.7 Pressure loss calculation for foaming agent conveying pipes

The foaming agent conveying pipes shall be dimensioned so that the pressure loss
differentials are <10% under the following different operating conditions:
− lowest and/or highest expected water rate
− lowest and/or highest anticipated temperature of the foaming agent concentrate in
the foaming agent conveying pipework
The pressure losses in the foaming agent conveying pipework shall be calculated
according to the DARCY-formula.
L ρ
Δp = λ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ v2 (Darcy − Formel)
d 2
where:
Δp Pressure loss, in N/m2
λ Pipe coefficient of friction
L Pipe length, in m
d Pipe diameter, in m
ρ Fluid density, in kg/m3
v Flow velocity, in m/s
The non-dimensional pipe coefficient of friction λ shall be determined according to the

following equations as a function of the Reynold's number.
The Reynold's number is determined as follows:
v
Re = d ⋅
γ
where:
γ kinematic viscosity, in m2/s
83
The kinematic viscosity of the lowest possible temperature measured at the place of
installation of the foaming agent storage tank shall be used for the calculation of the
Reynold's number.
84
For Re < 2350 (laminar area) the following applies
64
λ=
Re
d
For 2350 < Re < 65 (hydraulically smooth pipes)
k
where:
k Pipe roughness, in mm
(for steel pipes: k = 0.5 mm;
for stainless steel pipes: k = 0.2 mm)
the following applies
−2
⎡ ⎛ λ ⎞⎤
λ = ⎢2 ⋅ lg ⎜⎜ Re ⋅ ⎟⎥
⎢⎣ ⎝ 2,51⎟⎠ ⎥
⎦
d d
For 65 < Re < 1300 the following applies
k k
−2
⎡ ⎛ 2,51 k ⎞⎤
λ = ⎢−2 ⋅ lg⎜⎜ + ⎟⎥
⎟
⎢⎣ ⎝ Re ⋅ λ 3,71 ⋅ d ⎠ ⎥⎦
d
For Re > 1300 (hydraulically rough pipes) the following applies
k
−2
⎡ ⎛ d⎞ ⎤
λ = ⎢2 ⋅ lg ⎜ 3,71 ⋅ ⎟ ⎥
⎣ ⎝ k⎠⎦
E.8 Disposal
The rating of the necessary firewater retention facilities shall be based on the Guidelines
for the Rating of Firewater Retention Facilities for the Storage of Substances hazardous
to Water.
Outdated, contaminated or no longer required foaming agents and/or foaming agent

solutions (Premix) shall be disposed of according to legal regulations (Guidelines for fire
water retention).
85
Annex F – Simple control of fire extinguishing

systems
F.1 Definition
"Simple control" is defined as the direct actuation of the electromagnetic release
mechanism (release magnet, solenoid valve) of a fire extinguishing system via a
triggering device of a system-external control and indicating equipment. Such direct
triggering is characterised by a design that for reasons of simplification deviates from the
requirements of DIN VDE 0833-2 and VdS 2496 in that it comes
− without a standard I/O interface for "extinguishing systems", i.e.

− without interface and control device for the fire extinguishing system and
− without VdS-tested and approved system interface for the control device of a fire
detection system.
F.2 Field of application

Simple control is permitted in exceptional cases and only where the following conditions
are fulfilled:
− Systems for ordinary hazards

Note: For extraordinary hazards as regards property and consequential losses,
consideration of the standard I/O interface also as a "liability interface" is
recommended in the case of an external triggering.
− Fire extinguishing systems requiring no more than a uniform triggering signal for
release
− Fire extinguishing systems without extinguishant volume or time control and without
monitoring system
− Single area extinguishing systems
− Small scale extinguishing systems
− Systems involving no personal hazard (without any evacuation alarm and other
specific alarm controls)
Generally exempt from this rule are specific concepts of protection in form of integrated
fire protection/extinguishing systems such as spark suppression systems (VdS 2106) and
local application protection systems for EDP (VdS 2304), for ESTA (VdS 2093) etc.
86
F.3 Requirements
For applications as mentioned above, the following conditions for connection shall apply.
− Triggering of 2-pole, monostable electromagnetic release mechanisms according to

the working current principle (solenoid de-energised, not actuated)
− Operating voltage: 12/24 V DC ± 15 %
− the voltage tolerances shall be observed considering the feeder (cross sectional
area of cable) on the magnet coil or considering the manufacturer's
specifications, as necessary
− DC release current, as indicated by the manufacturer
− monitoring current ≤ 10 mA
− undelayed triggering
− triggering by continuous pulse > 10 s < ∞ up to latching of the release
mechanism and/or reset of the triggering device
− Connection via primary lines (monitored)
− The polarity of connection via connecting/monitoring/protective modules
(freewheeling diodes or similar) of the release mechanism shall be observed.
− EMC and a sufficiently high overvoltage protection of the triggering device shall be
warranted (conformity according to EMC and NSp-Guidelines)
− Power supply/emergency power supply system of sufficiently high rating and
capacity for a secured and reliable power supply of the release mechanism based on
the above electrical data.
Moreover, the following shall apply in general:
− The selected control and indicating equipment shall have been approved for the
triggering of the extinguishing system.
− The technical conformity with the above requirements shall be confirmed and
documented in the case of external triggering in form of a "test certificate" (VdS 2496)
both by the installer of the fire detection system and the installer of the extinguishing
system.
87
Annex G – Other standards, rules and directives

DIN 1986-1 Drainage systems of buildings and premises; Technical rules for design and
operation
DIN 2403 Marking of pipework according to substance conveyed
DIN 14 494 Water spray systems, stationary, with open nozzles
DIN 14 495 Spraying of overground storage tanks for flammable liquids in the event of a
fire
DIN 14 675 Fire detection and fire alarm systems; structure and operation
DIN EN 6052 Protection classes by enclosures (IP code)
DIN EN 41 003 / VDE 0804 Part 100 Special safety requirements for devices for
connection to telecommunication networks
DIN EN 50 186-1 / VDE 0143 Part 1 Wash-down devices for power installations of
nominal voltages of over 1 kV; General requirements
DIN EN 50 281-1-2 / VDE 0165 Part 2 Electrical apparatus for use in areas exposed to
combustible dust; Parts 1-2: Electrical apparatus protected by enclosures; choice,
installation and maintenance
DIN VDE 0100 Rules for the installation of power systems of up to 1000 V in nominal
voltage
DIN VDE 0510 VDE-rules for accumulator batteries and battery systems
DIN VDE 0800 Telecommunication technology
DruckbehV Ordinance on pressure vessels
DVGW W 405 Firewater supplied by the public potable mains network
FeuerlMV NW Ordinance on fire extinguishants and extinguishers
TRbF 100 General safety requirements
VbF Ordinance on flammable liquids
VDE 0170/071 Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres
88

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VdS

VdS Guidelines for Water Spray Systems

Planning and Installation

VdS 2109en : 2002-06 (03)

Amsterdamer Str. 172-174

Copyright by VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH. All rights reserved.

Guidelines for Water Spray Systems

Planning and Installation

5 Choice and types of triggering systems ........................................................38

12 Water spray systems for buildings and facilities of

Annex E – Addition of film-forming foaming agents in water spray systems .......... 80

The absence of express requirements in these Guidelines is no passport to defining other

1.2 Scope of application

1.3.5 Use of water as an extinguishant may turn out to be unsuitable

− in the case of flammable liquids of hazard classes A I and A II acc. to VbF(ordinance

1.4 Leading installer

1.5 Services rendered by third parties

1.6 Planning documents to be submitted by installers

1.6.1 in the planning stage:

− Name of user or principal

1.6.2 after placement of order, however, before commencement of installation:

1.7 Installation notice

1.8 Installation certificate

− list of companies, institutions or similar responsible for maintaining the system in

1.9 Standard I/O interface for extinguishing systems

1.10 Normative references

− DIN 4119-1 Overground cylinder-shaped flat bottom tank structures consisting of

− DIN EN ISO 12 944-4 Coating material; corrosion protection of steel structures by

1.11 Terms and definitions

Admixture at balanced pressure: Admixture of the foaming agent at a pressure, which

AFFF: Aqueous Film Forming Foam based on fluorosurfactants.

Alarm device: Device raising an audible or visual alarm signal.

Area of coverage: Maximum area for which a nozzle may be used.

Extinguishing part: Part of a fire extinguishing system consisting of control, alarming

Manual release element: Device for manually releasing an extinguishing system.

Object protection: see Local application protection

Release device: Device initiating the direct discharge of the extinguishant.

Separation of complexes (structural/spatial): Separation for fire protection purposes

Standard I/O interface for extinguishing systems: Technical device allowing a

Total water quantity: Product of water rate and operating time.

Water/foaming agent mixture: Mixture of water and foaming agents.

Zone-area of operation: Area that can be simultaneously supplied with firewater by a

− Water density of discharge

See also Table 2.01.

2.2 Determination of total area of operation

Object to be protected ≤ Water Operating Zone-area Monitoring Secured

3.1 General requirements

3.1.2 The water supply shall not be impaired by frost.

3.1.11 Stop valves of buried pipework

− shall be equipped with an overground indicator device or

3.2 Water sources

− Water mains network

3.3 Metering of water

The effect of cavitation produced by downward running water shall be prevented by

3.4 Water mains network

3.5 Pressure tank containing water

− the percentage of air in the tank

3.5.8 The level of pressure to be maintained in the tank shall be determined as

PüB= (1+ PüHy) Vtotal/ Vair – 0.5

3.6 Gravity tank

Fig. 3.01: Pressure tank containing water

3.7 Pump systems connected to water mains networks,

Dimensioning of the emergency pipe shall be based on a hydraulic calculation of the

3.8 Intermediate and storage tanks