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VDS and FM global

VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH is a German certification body that specializes in fire protection systems, particularly sprinklers, and is known for its rigorous testing and guidelines. VdS-approved systems are essential for compliance and insurance in Germany and surrounding countries, while FM Global, a U.S.-based insurance company, also sets fire protection standards. Both organizations influence fire safety practices globally, often requiring dual certification for critical systems in multinational projects.

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sangeetha balakrishnan
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14 views4 pages

VDS and FM global

VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH is a German certification body that specializes in fire protection systems, particularly sprinklers, and is known for its rigorous testing and guidelines. VdS-approved systems are essential for compliance and insurance in Germany and surrounding countries, while FM Global, a U.S.-based insurance company, also sets fire protection standards. Both organizations influence fire safety practices globally, often requiring dual certification for critical systems in multinational projects.

Uploaded by

sangeetha balakrishnan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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In terms of sprinkler systems, VdS refers to:

VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH

A highly respected German certification body specializing in:

• Fire protection systems (especially sprinklers),

• Security technology,

• Risk management.

What does VdS mean in sprinkler systems?

1. VdS-approved sprinkler systems are:

o Designed,

o Installed,

o And maintained according to VdS guidelines (based on international norms like EN


12845, but often more detailed or strict).

2. VdS sprinkler components (like sprinkler heads, valves, pumps) must pass rigorous testing
for:

o Reliability

o Performance under fire conditions

o Long-term durability

3. VdS planning documents include:

o Sprinkler design drawings

o Hydraulic calculations

o Risk classifications (e.g., LH, OH, HH)

o Water supply planning

o Safety margins

Why is VdS important?

Required by many German insurance companies


Trusted standard for fire safety in Europe, especially in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Often a legal or regulatory requirement for industrial or commercial buildings

If you're working in Revit MEP or fire protection design in Germany or EU projects, following VdS
standards ensures your sprinkler system is:
• Compliant,

• Insurable,

• And safe.

The full form of VdS is:Vertrauen durch Sicherheit

Meaning in English:

"Trust through Security"

Context:

VdS is short for VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH, a German organization that certifies and tests fire
protection and security systems.

• It operates under the motto "Vertrauen durch Sicherheit" (Trust through Security).

• It's a subsidiary of the German Insurance Association (GDV).

• Commonly known for its VdS-approved fire detection and sprinkler system standards.

So, when you hear "VdS standard sprinkler", it means the sprinkler system complies with VdS
guidelines for reliable fire protection.

What is FM global?

FM Global is a U.S.-based commercial property insurance company that is also widely known for its
fire protection standards and testing.

Full Form:Factory Mutual Global

What Does FM Global Do?

1. Insurance Provider

o Specializes in loss prevention and property risk management

o Covers industrial and commercial buildings (factories, warehouses, etc.)

2. Standards Authority

o Publishes FM Approved standards for:

▪ Sprinkler systems

▪ Fire pumps

▪ Valves

▪ Building materials
o FM standards are used worldwide, especially in industries that focus on fire safety
and risk reduction

3. Product Certification

o "FM Approved" means the product has been tested and certified by FM Global to
meet strict reliability and safety criteria.

FM vs VdS

Feature FM Global VdS Schadenverhütung

Origin USA Germany

Type Insurance + Standards Certification + Standards

Fire Standards Used FM Datasheets VdS Guidelines (based on EN)

Common In Americas, Middle East, Asia Germany, Austria, Switzerland

In Sprinkler Systems

If a system is "FM Approved", it means:

• All parts (sprinklers, pipes, valves, etc.) are tested by FM.

• System follows FM datasheet design rules.

• Often required by clients with FM insurance.

How is this VDS and FM global connected?

Aspect VdS FM Global Connection

Certification + Testing Body Insurance +


Type Both certify fire safety systems
(Germany) Certification (USA)

VdS Guidelines (based on EN Both set industry benchmarks


Standards FM Datasheets
12845) for fire protection

Product "FM Approved" Many global manufacturers get


"VdS Approved" label
Testing label both certifications

Global Strong in Americas, Often referenced together in


Strong in Europe
Influence Asia international projects

Insurance Works with GDV (German FM Global is an Both influence how insurers
Link Insurers) insurer itself assess building risks
Aspect VdS FM Global Connection

Sprinkler Designs and certifies Same, based on FM Some clients require both
Systems systems/components datasheets approvals for critical systems

Real-World Example:

A sprinkler head or fire pump used in an industrial facility may have:

• FM Approved label (FM Global certified)

• VdS Approved label (VdS certified)

This dual certification is often required in:

• Large multinational projects

• Warehouses, factories, data centers

• Buildings insured by international companies

Summary:

VdS and FM Global are parallel authorities in different regions, often working with the same
manufacturers and standards. While not formally partnered, they serve the same purpose:
ensuring world-class fire safety.

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