Wall hydrants are among the essential components of preventive fire protection in buildings. They enable rapid firefighting in the initial phase and make a significant contribution to the safety of people and property. Various DIN standards regulate the planning, installation and operation of wall hydrants in Germany.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most important regulations and standards that must be observed in connection with wall hydrants.
Importance of wall hydrants in fire protection
Wall hydrants act as permanently installed water extraction points inside buildings and enable effective firefighting before the fire department arrives.
They are located in wall recesses and are equipped with a coiled pressure hose and a jet pipe. The strategic positioning in corridors, stairwells and other central areas ensures rapid access in an emergency.
Relevant DIN standards for wall hydrants
The regulations for wall hydrants can be found in several DIN standards. The most important are
DIN 14461: Wall hydrants
This standard defines the requirements for wall hydrants and divides them into different types:
- Type “S”: wall hydrants for self-help. They are equipped with dimensionally stable hoses and are designed for use by laypersons. The required water volume is 24 l/min at a flow pressure of 2 bar.
- Type “F”: Wall hydrants for self-help and for use by the fire department. They can be equipped with dimensionally stable or collapsible hoses.
The standard also stipulates that wall hydrants must be installed in easily accessible areas and marked accordingly. Maintenance requirements are also included in the standard. These include a monthly inspection by the operator, annual maintenance and an annual pressure test of the hoses (at operating pressure) and a pressure test of the hoses every 5 years at the maximum permissible pressure of 1.2 MPa. In addition, an inspection by an expert is required in almost all federal states in accordance with the respective inspection regulations.
DIN 14462: Planning and installation of extinguishing water systems
This standard deals with the planning and installation of extinguishing water systems, including wall hydrants. It provides guidelines for the dimensioning, installation and operation of extinguishing water systems. Ensuring an adequate supply of extinguishing water and compliance with hygiene standards, in particular the separation of drinking water and extinguishing water, are key aspects.
The current version of DIN 14462 contains detailed requirements for the extinguishing water supply, particularly with regard to network calculation and the simultaneous use of several extraction points. The standard takes into account various scenarios in which several wall hydrants have to be operated simultaneously and ensures that the water supply is adequately dimensioned in such cases too.
DIN 1988-600: Technical rules for drinking water installations
Wall hydrants can be connected to the drinking water supply, which is why compliance with DIN 1988-600 (formerly DIN 1988-6) is essential. It regulates the protection of drinking water from contamination and prescribes measures such as the installation of approved extinguishing water transfer points (such as tanks or filling and emptying stations) to prevent recontamination. The standard categorizes various liquids according to their hazard potential and defines corresponding safety devices.
Building regulations
The installation of wall hydrants is required by building regulations in many federal states for certain types of buildings. This applies in particular to
- Places of assembly
- High-rise buildings (over 22 meters high)
- Accommodation facilities with more than 60 beds
- Retail outlets with more than 2,000 m² of sales area
- Industrial buildings with an increased fire risk
The exact requirements may vary depending on the federal state and are specified in the respective state building regulations or special building regulations.
Installation and maintenance of wall hydrants
The correct installation and regular maintenance of wall hydrants are crucial for their functionality in an emergency. The following points should be observed:
- Choice of location: Wall hydrants should be installed in highly visible and easily accessible locations, preferably along escape and rescue routes.
- Marking: Clear signage in accordance with DIN 4066 and DIN 14461 is required to clearly mark the location of the wall hydrant.
- Maintenance: DIN 14462 stipulates annual inspections of all wall hydrants. In addition, a pressure test of the hoses must be carried out every 5 years. Defective or damaged components must be repaired or replaced immediately.
- Training: Employees and residents should be trained in the use of wall hydrants so that they can act effectively in an emergency.
- Procedure for wall hydrant maintenance
Wall hydrants are essential equipment for fire protection in buildings. Compliance with the relevant DIN standards ensures their effectiveness and contributes significantly to safety.
Careful planning, professional installation and regular maintenance in accordance with current DIN standards can ensure that wall hydrants function reliably in an emergency and help to limit damage. Integration into a comprehensive fire protection concept also increases the safety of people and property.
Good to know: The current DIN standards also apply to existing systems, so it may be necessary to adapt them in order to comply with the regulations on drinking and extinguishing water separation.