Components for fire protection

Listed and approved components for fire protection are those that have been tested and certified by accredited laboratories, for example the fire pump-end, control panel, flowmeter etc. These components are typically published by the standards organisation.

Typically, these are labelled as a listed component, which can be identified on the nameplate. The validation of the listing laboratories is typically described in fire protection standards and since the standards are meant for national (domestic) use, the listing laboratories are located nationally.

In cases where fire protection system components are built according to the specifications in fire protection standards, for example NFPA 20, are products that are not listed and haven't been evaluated by a listing laboratory.

This means that the purchaser is fully dependant on the manufacturer and assembling entity's liability regarding product performance, reliability and quality. This product is not allowed to have a nameplate with a label as a listed product for fire – for example UL, FM or VdS mark – and is offered to customers who recognise the specifications of fire protection standards but are reluctant to pay the premium for listed products.

Note that the term 'listing' and 'approval' varies from continent to continent. But in general, listed and approved components are equipment that has been tested and met its evaluation criteria (component standard) by the accredited laboratories and listing authorised institution such as VdS, UL, FM, LPCB etc. The price difference between 'listed' and 'according to' products should never reflect potential differences in product performance and reliability. The typical content of a Fire pump nameplate is:

• Type, Type description
• P/N, Product Number
• Year of construction
• Certification number
• Q_zul, Maximum permissible flow
• n, revolutions (speed)
• H, Pressure, at Q_zul
• Pn, Required motor power
• Impeller diameter, D_imp

For example, the relation between sprinkler installation standard, listing laboratory and country can be found in the table to the right, although please note the sprinkler installation standard in the UK is "BS EN12845", not "BS5306".

Grundfos supplies approved fire protection system components as well as components built according to the specifications in fire protection standards.