Instead of further individual decisions, the VdS 6024 guideline has provided a uniform nationwide standard for the installation of media technology in sensitive areas such as escape and rescue routes since 01.09.2023.
The ”VdS leaflet “Fire protection of electrical devices in sensitive areas” describes, among other things, the requirements for a device-integrated fire protection system to prevent the spread of fire in the event of a defect in the device.
The fire protection industry will meet in Dresden on November 20/21, 2023. The traditional event for specialist planners and experts will take place both on site at Messe Dresden and online.
We will be on site for you at the Meeting Point and present device-integrated fire protection using the example of our Digital House Panel.
On December 6, gekartel Managing Director Klaus Schäfer will be taking part in the popular VdS-BrandSchutzTalk. In 90 minutes, top-class fire protection experts will discuss live on stage in the exhibition hall on the topic of "Fire protection as a hurdle to digitalization! Is media technology a danger in escape and rescue routes?"
At airports or train stations, at public authorities or hospitals, in shopping centers or building entrances: Digital media technology is increasingly being used as a signpost, information medium, advertising medium or to bridge waiting times with entertaining content. The added value of digital signage systems is obvious. The situation is less clear when it comes to fire safety requirements and the approval of media technology for installation in sensitive areas. Since September 1, 2023, the VdS 6024 leaflet has been published, which should now provide clarity.
What does the VdS 6024 leaflet mean for building authorities, fire protection planners and operators of sensitive areas? Is it a mandatory guideline? Which fire protection scenarios are covered? Can fire loads now be installed in escape and rescue routes in compliance with VdS 6024? These and other questions will be discussed by four experts from different perspectives in the panel discussion.
The expert panel consists of:
Heike Siefkes, VdS Schadenverhütung
Knut Czepuck, Ministerial Councillor, State of NRW
Alina Hetzel, Fire Protection Planning Klingsch
Werner Green, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Klaus Schäfer, gekartel
Moderator: Markus Fiebig, JOB Gruppe
Read more about VdS 6024.
Fire protection of electrical devices in sensitive areas, VdS leaflet
Not only an external fire, but also the use of electronic devices themselves entails a risk of fire. Built-in electronic components such as power supply units can overheat and catch fire. According to the Institute for Loss Statistics (IFS), “electricity” (at 32%) and overheating (at 9%) are among the most common device-based causes of fire, alongside human error (at 19%).
The VdS 6024 guideline enables fire safety officers and building authorities to make a uniform assessment of the installation of media technology for the first time. According to guideline 6024, media technology tenders can be issued and submitted offers can then be evaluated accordingly.
A device-integrated extinguishing system detects and combats incipient fires before they can spread. When the defined trigger temperature is reached, an extinguishing ampoule (e.g. the E-Bulb from JOB) bursts and the extinguishing agent it contains is released. In addition, the power supply in the device is interrupted in the event of a fire.
A working group (ARGE) consisting of representatives from insurance companies, building authorities, planners, testing bodies, independent manufacturers and users under the auspices of the globally recognized institution VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH has been working on the VdS 6024 guideline since the beginning of 2022 in order to set uniform standards nationwide for the first time. The aim was to ensure that the effectiveness and reliability of device-integrated fire protection components can be independently tested in practice.
Checklist (excerpt from the information sheet)
Integrated fire protection consists of three main areas:
Safe functionality of the extinguishing device
The properties that extinguishing devices must have in order to be qualified and approved for use in electrical appliances are described in more detail in leaflet VdS 6024:
Please feel free to arrange a personal appointment.