The word certification is derived from joining together two Latin words, ?certe? (meaning certain) and ?facere? (to make). Certification describes the common practice with which the fulfilment and compliance with certain standards or requirements should be realised and verified.
As a rule, products, services, processes. persons and in addition systems can be certified. Usually, the certifications and the conformity assessments they’re based upon are carried out by independent certification bodies. With the certification for fire-protection applications, the next three certification bodies and acceptance marks have been established.
Leading certification bodies for fire-protection application
VdS ? Schadenverh�tung GmbH
VdS, using its headquarters in Cologne, is today one of the most renowned institutions for corporate safety, with a concentrate on fire protection, security and natural hazard prevention. On the list of services that the business offers, as well as the certification of products, are also risk assessment, testing of equipment and an easy educational offering. Particularly in fire protection, the VdS press enjoys a fantastic reputation and is required on all equipment used within fire protection within German-speaking countries. As the basis to be marked with the VdS press, there’s an acceptance procedure based on the applicable DIN, EN and ISO standards together with VdS?s own guidelines.
LPCB ? Loss Prevention Certification Board
LOSING Prevention Certification Board is really a the main BRE (Building Research Establishment) Group. The BRE Group focuses on research, consultancy and testing in the building industry. Amongst their services may also be certifications and acceptances, amongst others, in neuro-scientific fire protection and safety. These certifications under the marking and logo of the LPCB are mostly important in the uk, the center East and the Asia-Pacific region. Just like the VdS, the LPCB uses EN and ISO standards in addition to their own guidelines as a basis for certification. Meanwhile, there is a cooperation between VdS and the LPCB with the purpose of recognising the existing certifications and testing and therefore to simplify and to increase the certification process.
UL ? Underwriters Laboratories
Underwriters Laboratories ? founded in 1894 ? is really a US-American product certifier. Unlike the VdS or the LPCB, their certifications not only extend to the construction, fire protection and safety industries, but instead across a much wider spectrum. Noted , for example, standards for refrigeration plants, lithium batteries, ice machines, cabling, ? . Especially within the American market, where VdS and LPCB are not represented, UL approval is particularly important. However, also in the centre East and the Asia region, UL certification for fire-protection applications plays a significant role.
The acceptance procedure
Typically, the acceptance procedure is triggered with the relevant certification body by the product manufacturer or the provider of the services. First, the applicant must submit the corresponding product or project documentation for testing by the certification body. The notified body then develops a test plan based on the national or international standards to be used and the rules of the certification body itself. Regarding pressure measuring instruments and pressure switches for use in fire protection, DIN EN 12094 ? 10, for instance, which controls the testing and requirements for components, may be used as a basis. The tests contained within this should ensure that the requirements of the standards and guidelines are fulfilled. Thus, amongst others, functional testing, temperature testing and in addition even corrosion testing within an atmosphere of sulphur dioxide are completed.
A positive test report is imperative for gaining the certification. From then on, confirmation of conformity follows with the issuance of the certificate. With the issuing of the certificate, the merchandise or service may carry the acceptance marking. Usually, the certificate will undoubtedly be given a validity duration of a few years. Even with the issuance of the certificate, during the complete validity duration, product monitoring measures, such as for example regular production audits and product inspections are required. Both the acceptance procedures and also the subsequent monitoring measures have become costly, however, the holder of the marking also offers extensive marketing opportunities and competitive Advantages.
Conclusion
Certification for fire-protection applications is dominated by the three largest acceptance marks of VdS, LPCB and UL. Virtually no extinguishing system comes without certification. Accordingly, the utilization of certified components also simplifies the building and approval processes of the OEMs. Therefore, WIKA also offers pressure gauges and components that are already approved.
Note
WIKA offers both approved pressure gauges and approved components for fire-protection applications. For example, the model 111.12.040 pressure gauge and also the model PGS11.040 and model PGS21.050 pressure gauges with switch contacts are approved relative to VdS and also LPCB as instruments for used in fire-extinguishing systems. Thus, WIKA is the only manufacturer worldwide which includes VdS and in addition LPCB approved pressure gauges and also pressure gauges with switch contacts in its product programme. Furthermore, the instruments may also be suitable for used in fire-extinguishing systems with UL marking. Should you have any more questions, your contact person will be at your disposal.