Wall hydrants, above-ground and underground hydrants as well as "dry" extinguishing water systems are important extinguishing water tapping points that are mainly used by the fire brigade to fight a building fire. Pressure boosting systems ensure that the extinguishing water is available at sufficient pressure and in sufficient quantity even up to the highest floor.
We will be happy to advise you on the most suitable extinguishing water tapping point and to plan and install appropriate extinguishing water systems and hydrants. We are also happy to carry out the prescribed maintenance.
CWS service for hydrants and extinguishing water technology
Cross-cutting support
Fire protection must be perfectly coordinated with the laying and installation of electrical and extinguishing water lines across all trades so that extinguishing systems can go into operation. We support you in this.
Nationwide implementation
We operate nationwide installing water-based firefighting systems. After the system has been approved by an inspector, you will be taught how to use it.
Comprehensive service
Consulting, installation and maintenance - CWS offers you complete service for fire water systems and hydrants. This includes 24-hour assistance in case of malfunctions as well as immediate testing and repair in case of malfunction reports.
Separation of drinking and fire-fighting water is mandatory!
Normally, the public water supply network is used for firefighting with water from a hydrant or an extinguishing water system. The Drinking Water Ordinance specifies concrete measures for its use:
- Keeping drinking water clean is of paramount importance.
- A drinking water separation station is obligatory at every fire-fighting water intake point
A safety separation station prevents backflow of extinguishing water into the drinking water network. This is the only way to protect drinking water hygienically, save human lives and supply the fire brigade with sufficient extinguishing water in an emergency.
Types of water-based firefighting systems
Planning of extinguishing water systems
Specifications
The planning is based on the fire protection concept, legal principles, regulations and guidelines. We plan and coordinate with authorities at an early stage to ensure that the extinguishing system acceptance is successful. Important guidelines are:
- Technical rules for workplaces / measures against fires ASR A2.2
- Technical rules for drinking water installations DIN 1988 (parts 5 and 6)
- Fire hose connection equipment DIN 14461 (Part I)
- Fire-fighting water installations DIN 14462
- Drinking water regulations DIN 1988-600
Maintenance and inspection of hydrants and water-based firefighting systems
Hydrants and fire-fighting water systems prescribed by the building authorities must be inspected regularly. Maintenance and inspection must be carried out competently. Defects must be rectified and documentation must be prepared.
- Annual maintenance: wall hydrants + above-ground / underground hydrants
- Maintenance every 2 years: "dry" extinguishing water systems
- Inspection every 3 - 6 years (depending on the federal state): Additional inspection by an expert in accordance with the TÜV Testing Ordinance (TPrüfVO)
If minor repairs are required in the course of maintenance, we will carry them out immediately on request with the help of our well-equipped service vehicles in order to save you unnecessary travel costs and reduce vehicle emissions.
Wall hydrants as special cases (ASR A2.2, amended in May 2018)
The ASR A2.2 regulates fire prevention measures. In the amended version from May 2018, basic equipment for firefighting devices is clearly defined: DIN EN 3-7:2007-10 specifies the use of portable fire extinguishers; the previously eligible wall hydrants are no longer included and can only be included as a special exception to the ASR A2.2.
The ASR A2.2 permits the use of options that differ from the basic equipment. Whether to use any options and which ones are suitable will need to be taken into prior consideration. This decision should be made in close consultation with a fire protection authority, a fire protection expert and your fire protection specialist company. Our experts would be happy to assist you.
FAQ
The installation of hydrants and water-based firefighting systems tends to raise quite a few questions. Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Why do you need to keep drinking water separate from the water used for the firefighting system?
Drinking water must be kept clean to protect people, and this is not guaranteed when the two water supplies are connected. Therefore, it is required to keep drinking water and firefighting water separate for all firefighting water extraction points as per the drinking water ordinance (Trinkwasserverordnung) and per DIN 14462 from 2012.
If I have a water-based firefighting system that was installed before 2012, do I need to retrofit it with a drinking water separation station?
As long as the system works perfectly without any problems, the building’s operator is not required to do so. However, as soon as the system requires servicing, we strongly recommend retrofitting it with a drinking water separation station. In the end, the inspector will still require you to do so for the approval process anyway.
How often is the system checked by an inspector?
Regular inspections take place every three to six years, depending on the federal state.
Are employees also allowed to use wall hydrants?
Trained employees, such as fire safety officers, are supposed to use wall hydrants to extinguish any fires that may arise. We would be happy to provide your employees with training on how to use wall hydrants.
How often do hydrants and water-based firefighting systems need to undergo maintenance?
“Wet” and “wet/dry” water-based firefighting systems and hydrants need to undergo yearly maintenance, while “dry” water-based firefighting systems only need to undergo maintenance every two years.
Are visual inspections required?
Yes, visual inspections need to be performed at least every six months by someone trained to do so, such as an in-house technician. We recommend performing visual inspections on a weekly basis.
Fire safety and prevention solutions from CWS
Consultation, planning and documentation
We are also happy to assist you with fire safety and prevention designs, emergency evacuation plans and official documentation for them.
Installation and approval
Find out more about how a fire protection system is installed and prepared for approval.
Maintenance and repair
We check that fire extinguishers, systems, etc., are working correctly and fix any faults.
Fire protection training
We make sure your employees are well prepared in the event of an emergency.
Fire protection engineer
Our professional officer can identify and assess risks in fire protection and make recommendations to you.