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Display reliable quality in safety and security products: With VdS – Europe’s No. 1 certification mark.
Around the globe, experts and end consumers place their trust in the VdS certification mark
VdS is one of the world’s leading inspection and certification companies in the field of fire protection and security. With its decades of experience, VdS is the partner of choice for the testing of on-site fire protection systems and for the certification of products, service providers, and management systems. Furthermore, VdS sets international standards with the publication of a comprehensive set of rules and guidelines for fire prevention and safety equipment. VdS also enjoys an excellent reputation as a training institution, offering courses and seminars for employees from companies of all sizes and industries. VdS – Inspected. Approved. Safe.
Content 3 Introduction 4 The VdS certification mark 6 Laboratories for fire alarm systems 8 Laboratories for fire extinguishing systems 10 Laboratories for smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems 11 Laboratories for hold-open systems 12 Laboratories for electronic security technology 14 Laboratories for safes and strongrooms 15 Laboratories for mechanical security technology 16 Laboratories for EMC tests Laboratories for mechanical environment simulation Laboratories for software testing 18 Your worldwide advantages with the VdS certificate
Dear customers, In our high-tech world, there is a bewildering variety of electronic as well as mechanical systems protecting us from fire and theft. Thousands of complex technologies are available on the market. With the VdS approval, you guarantee only one thing for yourself and your customers: The certified reliability of your products!
In the security market, it is becoming increasingly difficult for commercial as well as private consumers to distinguish high-quality products from those of lesser performance. The VdS certification mark provides guidance and creates trust – and thus equal benefits for both suppliers and consumers. VdS certification documents the high quality and reliability of products. It provides manufacturers with clear positioning, thus giving them a crucial competitive advantage in the market. The VdS mark gives consumers the certainty that they have made the right purchasing decision. The WIK survey (the most comprehensive security sector survey in all Germanspeaking countries) has once again confirmed that the most important factor for the people responsible for decisions concerning investments in security tech nology is the VdS certification mark. Moreover, numerous accreditations not only attest to the incisive competence of VdS, but also represent the greatest possible independence and sound, objective assessments. With the globally respected VdS quality seal on your products, you offer your customers added value that pays for itself in increased customer satisfaction. The VdS approval is accompanied by higher value creation and distinguishes your products clearly from those of other market participants. We support the marketing of your products worldwide with comprehensive services from a single source and with a century of our collective expertise and experience. On the following pages we present the benefits available to you from the technological and human resources of VdS, which are unique in Europe.
Best regards,
Martin Hesels Günter Grundmann Head of the Fire Protection Head of the Security Laboratories Laboratories
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The international symbol for security: The VdS certification mark
Benefit from our experience and competence VdS is Europe’s leading institution for the certification of tech nology for protection against fire and burglary. Professionals worldwide rely on our competence. We operate well-equipped, high-quality laboratories in which primarily type and system testing of products for fire and burglary protection is carried out. Our top reputation all over the world results out of state-of-the-art technology and innovative testing methods, but most of all the comprehensive competence and long-standing experience of our engineers. For you, we cover the entire value chain, from prototype testing to the VdS-certified final product – giving you substantial competitive advantages. Comprehensive support for you even in the preliminary stage of your project – for example, in the selection and application of the relevant standards and guidelines – is a matter of course for VdS. Thanks to its collaboration in all major national, European, and international standards organizations, VdS is always a step ahead of the game. This enables us to take new, innovative products not yet covered by standards through customized testing procedures so you get the VdS certificate – and can optimize your presentation in the market. VdS is not only the European market leader, but also the leader in competence and expertise. After all, experience matters in safety and security.
Certificates for all of Europe from a single source We positioned ourselves globally many years ago and work together closely with all relevant European certification institutes in the international certification of products. Manufacturers additionally benefit from the reciprocal recognition of test results. Furthermore, VdS test results are accepted by certification agencies in many countries around the world. We collaborate closely with different partners to ensure your success beyond the borders of Europe as well. Thus, we enable you to generate significant competitive advantages.
Also offering CE and other standards Of course, you can also have CE conformity approved by VdS. However, be aware that the CE mark is aimed exclusively at market regulatory authorities of EC member countries and not at consumers. It is not a quality seal. By the way, as a notified body for the construction products guideline (ID No. 0786), VdS offers you all modules of the conformity documentation process up to and including the issuance of the EC conformity certificate – all from a single source. If needed for your products, VdS certifies conformity according to European and international standards (EN, IEC, ISO) as well. You save costs and effort by getting all certificates from one institute: VdS.
Specifically for use in practice: guidelines developed by VdS In cases in which no adequate national or European regulations are available, the testing for the VdS certification process is done based on VdS guidelines. The guidelines developed by VdS are particularly relevant to practical application and are quickly adapted to new causes of damage and threats. They also cover EN requirements for almost every product. Highest standards of objectivity are ensured via the collaboration of experts from the fire services, the police, insurance companies, and manufacturers’ and installers’ associations. In addition to type testing and certification of individual products such as alarms, control centers, and power supply units, we test and certify the trouble-free interaction of the components in systems. VdS procedural guidelines and guidelines with technical product requirements are available to you free of charge at www.vds.de/en.
How to achieve the benchmark for safety and security In a preliminary consultation, we clarify with the customer the requirements for a VdS product certification. Whether for mass-produced or custom products, we design the appropriate VdS testing procedures together with you. After the preliminary discussion, you place an order for testing and certification by VdS. VdS will likewise be happy to carry out the mandatory certification of your quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001 as well – of course, regardless of international borders, just like all product tests. Then you submit the product to be tested and the accompanying documentation. Now, our engineers begin the testing. Upon request, we will conduct tests for you during the developmental stages as well. Upon successful completion of the tests (and the fulfillment of all other prerequisites), you will receive the approval for your product from the VdS certification office. Now you can advertise your technology with the globally coveted VdS quality seal and clearly document the mature functional reliability, operational safety, and operational reliability. VdS certificates are generally awarded for a period of four years. Even after certification, the certified products are subject to various monitoring measures. For example, we carry out product audits in the manufacturer’s plant and continue testing with product samples. This approach is one of the many factors on which the special trust in the VdS certificate is based and which has made our seal No. 1 among those responsible for investments in security and safety. The procedural guidelines are also available on our Web site at vds.de/2344. Only VdS-certified products may bear the VdS logo and be advertised with this globally respected trademark.
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Laboratories for fire alarm systems
In the fire chamber, VdS experts test the response of alarm technology to many different types of fires.
VdS-certified fire alarm technology works reliably The VdS laboratories for fire alarm technology test the entire range of products used in fire alarm systems – from smoke alarms for private homes to complete fire alarm control centers, and from individual alarm components to the proper functioning and interaction of all devices within a fire alarm system in accordance with the relevant guidelines. The VdS fire alarm technology laboratories, covering 1,500 m², are an institution unique in Europe. They offer ideal conditions for making safety measurable and documenting it clearly for your customers. In our fire chamber, our experts assess the response of alarms to a large number of different types of fires u nder realistic conditions. In the special l aboratories for radio transmission technology as well as optics and acoustics, we focus on reliable alarms via wireless communication channels as well as the safe evacuation of people from danger zones via visual or audio signals. The consistently reliable, long-term functioning of your VdS-certified fire alarm system is guaranteed by means of various tests involving artificial aging. We determine the effect of defined heat or moisture, targeted impairment in corrosive atmospheres, or special impact and vibration tests.
Millions of fire alarm systems worldwide bear the VdS certification mark Furthermore, in order to guarantee optimal safety and security for you, we constantly upgrade our laboratories with state-of-the-art technology. For example, immediately after the publication of the standards EN 54-16 for voice alarm control centers and EN 54-24 for loudspeakers, we built new facilities where we conduct sophisticated electroacoustic measurements. VdS is thus Germany’s first and currently only testing, monitoring, and certification body accredited and recognized by the construction authorities for the testing and certification of components for voice alarm systems – one of our many unique features. Whether in oversized production facilities or cozy private homes, millions of fire alarm systems worldwide bear the VdS quality seal. They protect industrial processes as well as the lives of families. With all the technologies we use, only one thing counts for our laboratory experts: VdS-certified fire alarm technology works reliably.
With the new room for free-field conditions, VdS is offering its customers one-stop approvals for the entire EN 54 series.
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Laboratories for fire extinguishing systems
VdS engineers test the reliability of gas fire extinguishing systems even under pressures of up to 380 bar in the institute’s own gas high-pressure testing unit.
Safety far beyond the usual standards VdS engineers carry out component testing as well as metrological support, monitoring, and documentation of flooding when using gas fire extinguishing systems. We also perform studies on the effectiveness of gas as well as water mist fire extinguishing systems for our customers around the world. Stationary fire extinguishing systems are complex combinations of technology for storage, fire detection, control, triggering devices, distribution pipeline networks, etc. Their job: to extinguish or at least contain fire. To ensure safe functionality, all components used are tested for reliability according to the various VdS guidelines and – if available – EN standards. The primary objective of our tests in the VdS laboratories is to give you certainty regarding product-specific performance characteristics, reliability, and safety. Furthermore, VdS also offers you special measurements beyond the guidelines for specific applications. We are pleased to be able to support you in your research and development with our testing and measurement facilities as well as the competence of our expert teams. We ensure that you and your customers can always rely on product features such as the concentration build-up of gas fire extinguishing systems or the response and opening characteristics of sprinklers.
VdS engineers test the resistance of pipes to external bending stress.
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Laboratories for smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems
The computer analysis shows the current flow during the reliability test.
VdS-tested smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems keep smoke damage to a minimum Depending on the material burning, smoke contains several thousand different harmful substances which not only endanger human life, but can also contaminate entire buildings near the source of the fire. This makes smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems (SHEVS) an important part of safety and fire protection concepts. SHEVS are increasingly demanded by construction regulatory authorities. VdS-tested smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems keep smoke damage as low as possible. In the case of a fire, they reduce the danger of harm to people and property. They also prevent premature and frequently fatal failure of building structures, e.g. steel girders. To ensure reliable functioning of a smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system over many years, the installation of VdS-certified components and systems is necessary. These are tested by our engineers according to both the European series of standards EN 12101 as well as the safer VdS guidelines for functional safety and reliability. Our services include the testing and certification of naturally functioning extraction systems and wind detection facilities for the targeted control of smoke extraction.
Laboratories for hold-open systems
VdS-certified hold-open systems close fast and reliably when fire breaks out.
Testing, monitoring, and certification for door locking equipment The services offered by our laboratories for hold-open systems include, among other things, tests according to the specifications of the German Institute for Building Technology for all parts of holdopen systems. These include power supply units, fire detection alarms, controlled door closing devices, locked area monitoring (light barriers, etc.), and triggering devices for the activation of connected locking devices of fire seals. Furthermore, VdS is a notified body in Europe for the construction products guideline of the EU (ID No. 0786), and thus offers you all modules of the conformity documentation process up to and including the issuance of the EC conformity certificate. The notification includes the testing, monitoring, and certification for door locking equipment with controlled closure systems (also for use on fire protection doors) and locking devices for swing doors in accordance with the harmonized standards EN 1154 and EN 1155. The VdS laboratories are also accredited testing, monitoring, and certification agencies for electric as well as mechanical locking systems for doors in escape and emergency routes (EltVTR) as well as door closers with automatic opening systems (swing door drives) in accordance with DIN 18263, Part 4. Getting all certification services from one institute speeds up time-to-market for your innovations.
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Laboratories for electronic security technology
The testing tables developed by VdS are used today by manufacturers
As an independent institution, we develop test methods relevant to daily practice
and installers for precision adjustment.
In this laboratory, we perform tests on intrusion and hold-up alarm systems as well as access control, alarm transmitting, and video surveillance systems. VdS customer portfolios range from systems for private protection to those for global bank headquarters, from small risks to high-ranking jewelers. As required, we also design additional test agreements together with the manufacturers – e.g. for tracking systems or paper money dyeing mechanisms. These special agreements facilitate a fast response to new criminal procedures or new technologies, which is not feasible with European test standards, for example. Our international reputation is one of the many reasons why the SES, the Association of Swiss Installers of Security Systems, has also entrusted VdS with the testing and certification of products for the Swiss market. Our independence enables us to develop test methods focused solely on daily practice and designed with regard to the criminals’ modus operandi. Due to the slower processes, new burglary trends can be included in the European standards only many years later – while VdS is known for quickly adapting its guidelines and methods.
Unique worldwide: testing of maintenance-free lead batteries We are the only institute worldwide to test and certify maintenance-free lead batteries – indispensable components for the reliability of a system – using techniques and processes we developed ourselves. Even in many sectors outside the security industry, developers today prefer to rely on VdS-certified batteries. Another example of the impressive practical relevance of our continuously optimized methods: the fact that the testing table we developed to assess the quality of video surveillance systems is now used by manufacturers and installers in the precision adjustment of camera systems. Our reliability tests, such as the one involving endurance tests with up to ten million switching cycles for magnetic contacts, also enjoy an excellent reputation. This extremely important quality feature is completely ignored in both European and international standards. VdS certification for electronic security technology documents optimal burglary protection provided by your products, which reliably withstand the latest methods used by criminals. And VdS-certified burglary alarm systems are distinguished by a very low rate of false alarms with 100% perpetrator detection.
VdS-certified security technology (shown here in the climatic chamber) has proven it functions even at extreme temperatures or after an artificial aging process.
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Laboratories for safes and strongrooms
Endurance test for a safe in the VdS laboratories.
We determine the level of resistance of safes Our safebreakers use over 250 different devices and tools for their tests. These include crowbars, saws, diamond core drills, abrasive cutting tools, and oxygen lances heated to several thousand degrees for thermally separating even the hardest materials. Additional devices and tools are used depending on the latest perpetrator trends. We determine the VdS resistance level of safes using a formula that takes into account the tool groups used as well as the types and periods of attack. Many manufacturers also take the opportunity to attend specific testing sessions themselves, thus gaining insights for further optimization of their safes. We safeguard the great trust of all leading manufacturers of high-quality safes in VdS services with comprehensive technical options – but p rimarily with the competence of our engineers gained through many years of experience.
Laboratories for mechanical security technology
Record time by our laboratory engineers in opening a non-certified window with a simple screwdriver: 5 seconds.
We ensure that your products withstand the methods of professional criminals Mechanical security technology is the indispensable basis for every coherent protection concept. The experts at VdS ensure that our customers’ products withstand even the newest and most sophisticated methods of professional criminals. Companies, institutions, and consumers on all continents rely on the VdS-certified reliability of individual components such as locking cylinders or complete units such as burglary-resistant facade elements. VdS-certified products have proven that they can withstand all types of unlocking tricks and attacks with tools such as electropicks, chisels (also in combination with winter and ice spray simulations in our own climate chamber), drills, bolt cutters, or cylinder removal tools. To determine the specific attack and force application options of burglars, we build complete replicas of roof structures on our institute premises, for example. Our own developments such as a ball drop test mechanism or an impact simulation machine as well as various special machine tests for cutting, tensile, drilling, sawing, and torsional strength are just a few of our unique features. However, the primary basis for the excellent reputation of the VdS certification among corporate clients and end consumers is the competence of our experts.
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The absorber hall on the VdS campus simulates all types of electromagnetic influences.
Laboratories for EMC tests
The vibrations in the electrodynamic shaker can reach 2,000 hertz.
Laboratories for mechanical environment simulation
Developers receive a highly detailed test report after each VdS test.
Laboratories for software testing
We offer measurable interference immunity from a wide variety of environmental influences With VdS certification, you confirm the interference resistance of your products against an extremely wide range of environmental influences. You can make use of the VdS infrastructure, which is unique in Europe, as well as our expanded and continuously improved range of services (e.g. high-frequency tests up to three gigahertz, low-frequency interference in power mains, tests of wireless transmission security and reliability) even in your product development phase. Informative and reliable test reports further advance your innovations. The number and functionality of electronic controls and systems are constantly increasing in all technical fields. Availability, durability, and compatibility requirements are increasing as well. Measurable evidence of the quality of your products is becoming more and more important in this field as well. For example, a single smartphone can negatively influence technical devices and systems. The current massive expansion of digital data services also poses new challenges to the developers of electronic devices with regard to electromagnetic compatibility. And in classic building security, wirelessly networked products are used with increasing frequency. The familiar quality of the technology and staff of the VdS laboratories and the comprehensive, detailed test reports enable you to achieve high acceptance of your products both at home and internationally.
Electrodynamic shaker for a large range of test specifications The VdS team accelerates up to 100 G for you – or offers your product shaken, not stirred. With the electro dynamic shaker of VdS, we carry out a large range of tests such as vibration tests up to 2,000 hertz, individual and continuous shocks, or broadband noise. In addition to the selection, performance, and documentation of tests, we can also manufacture individual holders in our own facilities in preparation for the tests. With us, you will benefit from the high quality of the facilities and developments of the VdS laboratories as well as the specialist expertise of our teams.
We verify the reliability of your software The operational reliability of safety and security programs is also tested and certified by VdS. In accordance with our premium quality, safety, and security standards, we test the source codes as well as the program documentation. For your innovations, we confirm the reliability of interfaces, watchdogs, and the necessary modularity so crucial in areas such as fire protection and burglary protection. Our highly specialized engineers give special priority to clean structuring of the program, error-free execution and easily understandable development documentation. You will receive an extremely detailed test report after every VdS software test. We will be happy to provide your software experts with our test specifications already in the development phase. And we offer support even before the test is carried out, so that we can assist you in achieving success as quickly as possible. Our laboratory services cover numerous standards. We will be pleased to clarify with you which of these are relevant for the success of your product.
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The VdS tests serve only one purpose: to give your products a distinctive profile
Your worldwide advantages with the VdS certificate
Certifications from Europe’s No. 1 institute for security document the comprehensive reliability of your technical products and services, thus giving you outstanding sales arguments. With the VdS certification mark, your products represent mature, functional, and operational reliability as well as operational safety even more clearly and verifiably.
Why VdS? We focus all our strengths exclusively on the areas of fire protection and burglary protection. We have our own laboratories with unique opportunities thanks to our technology and staff. One of our many unique features is the VdS system philosophy: crucial is the reliability of the interaction of all components. Added to this are planning and installation guidelines, certified quality management systems, certified installers, and audits in production facilities. Certifications are based on VdS-developed guidelines that are of practical relevance and continuously updated. The VdS team is always a step ahead of the game thanks to its collaboration in all relevant committees and bodies responsible for current standards – thus we also prepare you for new technological requirements. VdS creates significant competitive advantages for its customers by covering the entire value creation chain – from support in the selection of standards that are important for the success of your product to tests during the development phase to the final product certified by VdS. And all required services are available from a single source: testing, monitoring, and certification. With VdS services, you not only save time and money – we also reduce your time to market. Around the globe, companies, institutions, insurers and end consumers place their trust in VdS.
We are not only the European market leader, but also the leader in competence and expertise. With VdS, you are making a safe, secure decision. After all, experience matters in safety and security.
We look forward to hearing from you!
[email protected] +49 (0) 221-7766-222 (fire extinguishing systems) +49 (0) 221-7766-333 (fire alarm systems)
[email protected] +49 (0) 221-7766-400
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Imprint: VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH Amsterdamer Str. 172 D-50735 Köln www.vds.de/en
[email protected] Tel.: +49 (0) 221-7766-222 (fire extinguishing systems) Tel.: +49 (0) 221-7766-333 (fire alarm systems)
[email protected] Tel.: +49 (0) 221-7766-400
VdS 5515en: 2012-01
Responsible for content: Martin Hesels and Günter Grundmann Heads of VdS laboratories
