Standardized assessment thanks to VdS leaflet 6024 for "Fire protection of electrical devices in sensitive areas" now possible.

Instead of further individual decisions, the  VdS 6024 guideline   has provided a uniform nationwide basis 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.

From leaflet to directive

VdS 6024 currently counts as a leaflet. The background to this was to put the consensus of the working group, consisting of representatives from insurance companies, building authorities, planners, testing bodies, independent manufacturers and users and the globally recognized institution VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH, into writing. In addition, the creation of an information sheet meant that there was a considerable time advantage for publication compared to a guideline.

The VdS6024 leaflet was drawn up and published last year to ensure that electrical devices such as monitors or drinks vending machines can be installed in foyers and corridors without hesitation and that decisions do not have to be made on a case-by-case basis. Now, after a year, it was time for an initial summary: the path is the right one, but ultimately the VdS6024 must be lived and accepted as a basis for decision-making.

The installation of planned digital media technology in construction and renovation projects is still being rejected or unattractive installation locations with hardly any public traffic are being proposed, which are suitable from a fire protection point of view but make the use of digital displays obsolete.

VdS 6024 is therefore currently being developed into a guideline.

More information on the VdS 6024 leaflet

More information on VdS 6024

Read more about VdS 6024.

Download the VdS 6024

Fire protection of electrical devices in sensitive areas, VdS leaflet

Q&A

How do electrical fires start?

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%).

What is the VdS 6024?

The VdS 6024 leaflet enables fire safety officers and building authorities to make a uniform assessment of the installation of media technology for the first time. According to leaflet 6024, media technology tenders can be issued and submitted offers can then be evaluated accordingly.

What is device-integrated fire protection?

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.

Who developed the VdS 6024?

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 leaflet since the beginning of 2022 in order to set a uniform nationwide basis 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.

What are the advantages of device-integrated fire protection?
  1. Reduced risk of fire damage (damage of 50 million euros was incurred in Germany in 2018)
  2. Reduced risk of business interruption
  3. Acceptance by insurance companies – reduced premiums are often possible

Checklist (excerpt from the information sheet)

Integrated fire protection consists of three main areas:

  • Detection: Fire detection combined with a safe shutdown of the appliance’s power supply can be achieved, for example, via fire detection elements in accordance with DIN EN 54-5 or DIN EN 60691 or UL 60692.
  • Power cut-off to prevent re-ignition
  • Extinguishing

 

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:

  • Extinguishing agent
  • Activation of the extinguishing system
  • Permanent energy cut-off
  • Freedom from re-ignition due to permanent extinguishing

Want to find out more?

Please feel free to arrange a personal appointment.

VdS BrandSchutzTage: on 06. and 07.12.2023

On December 6, gekartel Managing Director Klaus Schäfer took part in the popular VdS-BrandSchutzTalk. In 90 minutes, top-class fire protection experts discussed 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 has been 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

24th EIPOS Fire Protection Expert Days

The fire protection industry met in Dresden on November 20/21, 2023. The traditional event for specialist planners and experts took place both on site at Messe Dresden and online.

We where on site presented device-integrated fire protection using the example of our Digital House Panel.