VdS certification of Rawlplug’s mechanical anchors
Following the FM Approval, the VdS certificate for Rawlplug’s mechanical anchors is another form of fire protection certification covering our flagship fixings. It confirms their compliance with the applicable industry standards, subject to tests conducted by independent institutions.
Mechanical anchors represent an extremely important element of fire protection systems, ensuring that various components are fixed firmly and securely. This is precisely why it is so important to use anchors of proven and certified performance in fire protection systems.
Use of anchors in fire protection systems
One of the requirements contemporary buildings must meet is to provide an adequate level of safety. Several different systems are used for this purpose:
- Sprinkler systems
- Hydrant systems
- Fire detection systems
The functions of these systems include detecting and combating fire in a facility. Each of them must prove infallible during a fire, but also at high temperatures. What this means in practice is that the construction products used in this kind of systems must be standardised and certified.
Learn more about the use of mechanical and bonded anchors from the release entitled Bonded and mechanical anchors – how to choose the right fixing?
Certification of mechanical anchors intended for fire protection systems
As fire protection equipment is designed and constructed, it is important to consider the system according to which it will be engineered. The two main assessment systems are FM Global and VdS.
The FM (Factory Mutual) and VdS (Verband der Schadenversicherer) certification schemes are crucial in the field of fire protection installations, providing a guarantee of high quality and effectiveness of systems and components. Holding these certificates not only confirms that stringent industry standards have been satisfied, but it also means that a given product or system has been subject to thorough testing and rigorous evaluation by independent bodies.
We have already reported on the FM Approval certification. You can read about it in the release: R-HPTIII throughbolt anchor granted the FM Global certificate.
VdS certificate for Rawlplug’s mechanical anchors
The anchor-specific requirements are set out in the document VdS CEA Guidelines for Sprinkler Systems – Planning and Installation (VdS CEA 4001).
According to these requirements:
- anchors must hold an ETA for fixing in non-cracked concrete or for non-structural multiple-point fixing applications;
- anchors must be dimensioned in accordance with recognised technology rules, considering that the load value should be assumed at 1.4 of the actual load;
- anchors must comply with the relevant requirements pertaining to tensile strength (steel failure, NRk,s) and threaded joints, as per the VdS guidelines.
The above requirements have been specified for several of our products:
- R-HLX concrete screws
- R-LX concrete screws
- R-HPTIII throughbolts
- R-HPTIII A4 stainless steel throughbolts
- R-HPTII-ZF zinc flake throughbolts
- R-HPTII–A4 stainless steel throughbolts
- R-DCA and R-DCL zinc-coated wedge anchors
- RAWLBOLT R-RB anchors
All these products have received the relevant marking awarded in the certification process.
Use of mechanical anchors in fire protection systems
- 1
Firstly, mechanical anchors are used to fix pipes, conduits, and other components of fire protection systems to structural elements of buildings. They make it possible to ensure stability and durability of the entire system, which proves crucial while facing a fire emergency, when the system must operate without failure.
- 2
Secondly, the mechanical anchors intended for fire protection systems are also used to mount substructures and pumps in fire pumping stations as well as fittings and accessories of various functions, such as fire cisterns, valves, or pumps.
- 3
Thirdly, mechanical anchors are also used to fix various types of equipment and accessories such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, or fire extinguishers. High-precision installation of these components guarantees effective fire detection and – by that means – quick enough response of the fire protection system.
In summary, using mechanical anchors in fire protection systems is essential to ensure their safety and operating effectiveness in cases of fire emergency. Capable of secure fixing and versatile in application, they are rightly considered a major element of any comprehensive fire protection strategy.
New possibilities with FM Approval and VdS certification
The award of these certificates not only confirms that stringent industry standards and requirements have been satisfied, but it also means that a product or system in question has been scrupulously tested and assessed by independent bodies.
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