In a new position paper, the specialist group for water extinguishing systems in the bvfa — Bundesverband Technischer Brandschutz e. V.comments on the use of galvanized pipe material in sprinkler systems in connection with isolated cases of damage. The specialist group points out that, according to VdS, no cases of damage are known to have occurred in the normal operation of sprinkler systems and that it is therefore not necessary to retrofit old systems with internally galvanized pipe. The installer companies organized in the bvfa are developing safety measures to protect operating, maintenance and installation personnel. The bvfa has launched a research project to analyze the events.
Since the 2nd half of 2021, the use of galvanized pipe material in wet systems has been discouraged. The background to this is very isolated cases of damage caused by pressure increases during repair work on these systems. In its position paper, the specialist group for water extinguishing systems points out that no cases of damage during the normal operation of sprinkler systems are known. According to VdS bulletin VdS 3891:2021–04 [01] “Galvanized piping in sprinkler systems”, all cases occurred during maintenance and conversion work. Therefore, there is no recommendation to retrofit old systems with internally galvanized pipe.
The installer companies organized in the bvfa take the information about the cases of damage very seriously and therefore inform employees and customers about this problem. Safety measures are being developed to protect the operating, maintenance and installation personnel as well as the plant system. For scientific analysis of the causes, a bvfa research project is being launched with systematic recording, reporting and central evaluation of possible incidents in connection with wet systems. The findings are exchanged with VdS Schadenverhütung.
