A fire cannot wait. To ensure that your sprinkler system activates reliably in an emergency, pump systems, sprinkler tanks and diesel generators must also be ready for use at all times.
A professional service for diesel and pump systems in sprinkler systems ensures that all safety-related components are tested, serviced and maintained in accordance with standards.
Pumps, sprinkler tanks & emergency power generators
Essential components of a sprinkler system
Sprinkler systems require constant and sufficiently high water pressure. This is where pump units come into play: they feed the extinguishing water into the pipe network at the required pressure. Depending on the requirements, electric or diesel pumps are used.
Sprinkler or extinguishing water tanks serve as a reliable water reserve. They guarantee the prescribed amount of water over a defined minimum period (e.g. 30, 60 or 90 minutes, depending on the degree of risk). Especially in industrial plants, logistics centres or public buildings, they ensure the required amount of fire-fighting water in accordance with DIN EN 12845 or VdS guidelines.
An emergency diesel generator ensures operation even in the event of a power failure. If the regular power supply fails, the diesel generator automatically takes over the power supply to the pump. This means that the firefighting water supply remains stable even in the event of a power failure – a crucial safety factor for critical infrastructures.
In short: without functioning pumps, tanks and diesel generators, the effectiveness of your sprinkler system cannot be guaranteed.
Maintenance of pumps and units
The maintenance of diesel and pump systems in sprinkler systems is subject to clear specifications, including those set out in DIN EN 12845 and VdS CEA 4001. In addition to the standards, manufacturers and insurers specify binding inspection intervals. The aim is to detect faults at an early stage and ensure long-term operational readiness.
Typical inspection tasks include:
Weekly visual and functional checks
| Monthly and quarterly checks
| Annual maintenance
|
Important: Only through regular maintenance can the operational readiness of the sprinkler system be guaranteed in the long term. In addition, professional maintenance not only increases safety, but also significantly extends the service life of your system.
Inspection of sprinkler tanks
Sprinkler tanks and storage tanks must also be inspected regularly. Deposits, corrosion or damage can impair the fire water supply.
Depending on the type of construction (steel, concrete or GRP tank), the following measures are common:
- Visual inspection of the interior surfaces
- Checking for corrosion and coating
- Checking weld seams
- Checking float switches and level indicators
- Checking for sediment deposits
An interior inspection is required at regular intervals. Traditionally, this often required complete emptying, which meant interruptions to operations and additional effort.
No need to drain the tank!
A modern alternative is inspection using an underwater drone. This technology allows storage and intermediate tanks to be visually inspected without draining the water.
The advantages:
- No need to drain the firefighting water, saving up to 500,000 litres of drinking water
- No divers required
- No interruption to operations
- No costly refilling
- Shorter inspection time
- High-resolution video and photo recordings
- Precise condition documentation
This allows corrosion spots, deposits or damage to be detected at an early stage – efficiently and economically.
Your specialist company
for servicing diesel and pump systems
The reliable operational readiness of your system is our top priority. We provide comprehensive support for your diesel and electric pump units, emergency diesel generators, control and switchgear systems – from initial commissioning to professional repairs or replacement of complete units.
We also carry out special repair work, for example on pumps (replacement of gland packings), in a professional manner. With our underwater drone, we enable the inspection of your sprinkler tanks without downtime. You receive a detailed condition analysis – efficient and compliant with standards.
Our services at a glance:
- Maintenance of diesel and electric pump units
- Support for emergency diesel generators
- Inspection of control and switchgear systems
- Professional repairs and replacement of complete units
- Replacement of gland packing
- Tank inspection using modern underwater drones
Thanks to our nationwide service network with 21 branches, we provide reliable on-site support to companies in industry, logistics, healthcare and public institutions.
We ensure maximum safety, cost-effectiveness and compliance with standards – nationwide and from a single source.
FAQ
How often do diesel and electric pumps in sprinkler systems need to be checked?
Diesel pumps must be started and checked at least once a week in accordance with DIN EN 12845 and VdS CEA 4001. In addition, monthly, quarterly and annual maintenance is mandatory. Electric pumps are also subject to regular functional tests, but without fuel and engine testing.
What standards govern the maintenance of sprinkler pumps?
In Germany, the following regulations are particularly relevant:
- DIN EN 12845
- VdS CEA 4001
- VdS Guideline 2109 (Maintenance)
- Manufacturer specifications
- FM Global, if applicable
Insurers may impose additional requirements.
Why is a diesel generator required in the sprinkler system?
For certain hazard classes or in the absence of an emergency power supply, standards and insurers require an independent energy source. The diesel generator ensures that the fire-fighting water supply continues to function even in the event of a power failure.
How long must a sprinkler tank provide extinguishing water?
The required amount of extinguishing water depends on the risk object. Typically, the system runs for 30 to 90 minutes at full load. This is based on hazard classes according to DIN EN 12845 or VdS.
Is a tank inspection without emptying compliant with standards?
Yes, provided that the visual inspection is fully documented and all areas relevant to the inspection are accessible. The underwater drone enables a standard-compliant condition assessment without interrupting operations.
What happens if maintenance intervals are not adhered to?
In addition to an increased risk of failure, there is also a risk of:
- Loss of insurance cover
- Regulatory requirements
- Liability risks in the event of damage
- Shutdown of the plant
Who is authorised to maintain diesel and pump systems?
Maintenance may only be carried out by qualified specialist companies with appropriately trained personnel. Many insurers also require VdS approval.
How is the flow rate of a sprinkler pump checked?
As part of annual maintenance, the actual delivery rate of the sprinkler pump is measured and compared with the projected pump characteristic curve. The flow rate, pressure curve and speed are checked. Deviations can indicate wear, cavitation or leaks.
This performance test is crucial to ensure that sufficient extinguishing water is available at the required pressure in the event of a fire.
What are the typical faults that occur in diesel engines?
In diesel engines, malfunctions are often caused by:
- aged or contaminated fuel
- defective starter batteries
- problems in the cooling circuit
- leaks in seals or fuel lines
- worn gland packings
Regular test runs and maintenance prevent starting problems in an emergency and significantly increase operational reliability.
What documentation is required for maintenance and inspection?
All inspections and maintenance work on diesel and pump systems must be fully documented. This includes:
- Inspection log entries
- Maintenance logs
- Measurement results (e.g. delivery pressure)
- Proof of rectified defects
This documentation serves as evidence for authorities, experts and insurers. Missing or incomplete documentation can lead to considerable liability and insurance risks in the event of damage.