VdS Guidelines for VdS

Water Extinguishing Systems 2100-10en

Pipe Fasteners
Requirements and Test Methods

VdS 2100-10en : 2018-02 (01)

Publisher: VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH
Publishing house: VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH

Amsterdamer Str. 172-174

50735 Köln, Germany
Phone: +49 221 77 66 0; Fax: + 49 221 77 66 341

Copyright by VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH. All rights reserved.

VdS 2100-10en : 2018-02 (01) Pipe Fasteners

VdS Guidelines for Water Extinguishing Systems

Pipe Fasteners
Requirements and Test Methods

This document is binding only if its application has been agreed on a case-by-case basis.
Otherwise, any consideration of this document is non-binding. An agreement for applica-
tion of this document is entirely optional. On a case-by-case basis, third parties may also
accept, at their discretion, other requirements that do not comply with this document.

Contents
1 General ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Scope .................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Validity .................................................................................................................. 4
2 Normative references ............................................................................................. 4
3 Definitions................................................................................................................ 4
4 Requirements .......................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Technical documentation ...................................................................................... 5
4.2 Marking ................................................................................................................. 5
4.3 Construction .......................................................................................................... 5
4.4 Strength ................................................................................................................ 6
4.5 Resistance to corrosion and ageing ..................................................................... 7
4.6 Resistance to vibration.......................................................................................... 7
5 Tests ......................................................................................................................... 7
5.1 Test conditions and test samples ......................................................................... 7
5.2 Check for compliance ........................................................................................... 7
5.3 Strength test.......................................................................................................... 7
5.4 Salt spray corrosion test ....................................................................................... 8
5.5 Stress corrosion test ............................................................................................. 8
5.6 Sulphur dioxide corrosion test .............................................................................. 9
5.7 Vibration resistance test ....................................................................................... 9
5.8 Other tests ............................................................................................................ 9

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1 General
1.1 Scope
These Guidelines specify requirements and test methods for pipe fasteners and beam
clamps designed to support a pipe, the cross sections of which do not comply with the
minimum requirements of Cl. 15.2 of VdS CEA 4001, Guidelines for sprinkler systems,
Planning and installation, and which are made of stainless or galvanised metal or with
equivalent coatings. Material combinations (e.g. noble/non-noble metals) which may
cause contact corrosion shall be avoided.

Additional agreements shall be made for fasteners suitable for holding several pipes,
such as mounting rails or brackets.

The requirements and test methods specified herein apply to parts which comprise the
pipe, e.g. pipe loops, pipe brackets and pipe clamps, and to parts which connect to suita-
ble structures, e.g. beam clamps.

1.2 Validity
These Guidelines are valid as of 01.02.2018.

2 Normative references
These Guidelines incorporate, by dated or undated references, provisions from other
publications. These references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or
revisions of any of these publications apply to these Guidelines only when incorporated
by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication
referred to applies.

DIN EN 12259-1 Fixed firefighting systems – Components for sprinkler and water
spray systems – Part 1: Sprinklers
DIN EN 12845 Automatic sprinkler systems – Design, installation and mainte-
nance
DIN EN 13501 Fire classification of construction products and building elements
DIN EN ISO 898-2 Mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon steel and alloy
steel – Part 2: Nuts with specified property classes
VdS CEA 4001 Guidelines for sprinkler systems – Planning and installation

3 Definitions
For the purposes of applying these Guidelines, the following definitions apply:

pipe fastener: component for fastening pipes to suitable supporting structures which
enclose the pipe completely or partially (e.g. pipe loops, pipe brackets and pipe clamps)

beam clamp: fastening element for connecting pipe fasteners to a suitable supporting
structure, whose form closure is achieved only by assembly of the element

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tilting dowel: metallic dowel at the end of which there is a tilting element which, after
insertion of the dowel through a hole, moves into the correct holding position and thus
ensures anchoring

minimum cross section: representation of a cut surface as it is produced by a cross

section through a body

form closure: form closure connections are created by the interlocking of at least two
connection partners. As a result, the connection partners cannot come loose even without
or with interrupted force transmission

force closure: force closure connections require a normal force on the surfaces to be
connected. Their mutual displacement is prevented as long as the counterforce caused
by the static friction is not exceeded

nominal load: load that a component can be exposed to continuously without any damage

4 Requirements
4.1 Technical documentation
The following documents are required:

a) manufacturing documents:
௅ assembly drawing and
௅ drawings of all components
The marking in accordance with 4.2 shall be documented in the drawings.

b) user documentation:
௅ data sheet and
௅ installation instructions

c) list of documents:
௅ list (with its own designation, drawing number, revision status, date), containing all
the above documents (each with designation, drawing number, revision status and
date)

4.2 Marking
Pipe fasteners shall be marked with the following specifications:

௅ name or identification of manufacturer/supplier

௅ type designation
௅ nominal size
௅ “VdS”

This marking shall be non-detachable, non-combustible, durable and easily legible after
installation. Additional marking by means of adhesive foils or comparable materials is
also permitted.

4.3 Construction
4.3.1 Pipe fasteners shall be made of stainless or galvanised metal. It is possible to use
equivalent coatings that can withstand mechanical influences (also during transport).

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4.3.2 Pipe fasteners shall have (acc. to DIN EN 12845 / VdS CEA 4001) at least the per-
formance characteristics listed in Fig. 4/01. Steel fasteners shall have a minimum thick-
ness of at least 3 mm, 2,5 mm are sufficient for galvanised versions. This does not apply
to loops made of hot-dip galvanised material for pipes up to DN 50 – in this case the min-
imum dimensions may be 25 mm x 1,5 mm.

Minimum Minimum
Nominal pipe Nominal
cross breaking Thread with tensile
diameter load
section load load minimum
(pipe fastener) [N]
[mm2] [N]

d DN 50 30 2000 4000 M8

> DN 50 d DN 100 50 3500 7000 M10

> DN 100 d DN 150 70 5000 10000 M12

> DN 150 d DN 200 125 8500 17000 M16

> DN 200 d DN 250 150 10000 20000 M20

> DN 250 d DN 300 180 12500 25000 M20

Table 4-01: Performance characteristics

4.3.3 The normal and transverse forces shall be absorbed with form closure. Mere force
closure connections are not permitted. Fasteners, e.g. single-sided beam clamps, in
which form closure is achieved only by installation, are allowed for pipes up to DN 65
only. However, the form closure created in this way may only be used to absorb trans-
verse forces. With beam clamps for pipes larger than DN 65, there shall be a safety de-
vice against lateral sliding. The minimum breaking load for lateral strain in the load direc-
tion shall be • nominal load.

4.3.4 Threaded rods in tilting dowels shall be secured against unscrewing in the direction
of the load.

4.3.5 If threaded rods are screwed into blind holes in mounting systems, e.g. dowels,
there shall be an adjustment possibility on the other side of the threaded rod which allows
the threaded rod to pass through the thread by at least 2 cm. The requirements of 4.3.7
apply to pipe fasteners with closed threaded head connection.

4.3.6 Pipe fasteners and other components holding the pipe shall be closed.

4.3.7 The screw-in lengths in nut threads of pipe fasteners shall be at least 0,8 times the
nominal diameter of the screwed thread for steel (DIN EN ISO 898-2).

4.3.8 The materials used shall consist of non-combustible building materials (class A1/A2
building materials in accordance with DIN EN 13501); their strength shall not decrease by
more than 25 % when heated from 20 °C to 200 °C.

4.4 Strength
When tested in accordance with 5.3, pipe fasteners shall meet the requirements specified
therein.

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4.5 Resistance to corrosion and ageing

The drawings, parts lists and test samples are used to check whether corrosion and age-
ing can have an adverse effect on the performance characteristics of the pipe fastener. If
necessary, appropriate tests are agreed with the manufacturer and carried out.

Non-stainless steel pipe fasteners shall be subjected to a salt spray corrosion test in ac-
cordance with 5.4 to determine whether corrosion may adversely affect the performance
characteristics. After salt spray exposure, the pipe fastener shall show no damage (pene-
trating corrosion, breakage, pitting, etc.).

In case of relevant damage, a strength test is required to ensure proper function.

Where special designs or innovative manufacturing and coating processes require this,
further SO 2 and/or stress corrosion tests (in accordance with DIN EN 12259-1 Annex K)
may be carried out.

4.6 Resistance to vibration

The drawings, parts lists and test samples are used to check whether vibrations or
shocks can have an adverse effect on the performance characteristics of the pipe fasten-
er. If necessary, appropriate tests are agreed with the manufacturer and carried out de-
pending on the operating conditions.

5 Tests
5.1 Test conditions and test samples
The tests are carried out at a temperature of (25 ± 10) °C unless otherwise specified for a
particular test.

The tolerance for all test parameters is ± 5 % unless otherwise specified.

For the testing of pipe fasteners, 6 test samples of each nominal size (including 3 refer-
ence samples) are required for one type of installation. For each additional type of instal-
lation, three additional test samples of each nominal size are required.

5.2 Check for compliance

In a visual and dimensional inspection, it is checked whether the test samples correspond
to the description in the technical documents (drawings, parts lists and installation instruc-
tions) and correspond to the requirements of these Guidelines that can be checked.

5.3 Strength test

The strength test is carried out three times on each nominal size for each type of installa-
tion specified in the installation instructions.

For this purpose, a preload of 10 % of the nominal load is applied. If the load is increased
from preload to nominal load (from Fig. 4/01), the plastic and elastic extension shall not
exceed 5 mm.

The load is then further increased until breakage. The load at breaking shall not fall below
the minimum breaking load acc. to Fig. 4/01.

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5.4 Salt spray corrosion test

Pipe fasteners which are not made of stainless steel shall be subjected to a salt spray
corrosion test in accordance with DIN EN 12259-1.

5.4.1 Reagents

A sodium chloride solution consisting of sodium chloride in distilled water at (20 ± 1) % by

mass, pH between 6,5 and 7,2 and having a density between 1,126 g/ml and 1,157 g/ml at
(35 ± 2)°C shall be used for the test.

5.4.2 Equipment

A mist chamber shall be used with a capacity of at least 0,43 m³, with a return container
and nozzles for spraying a salt solution, and with means for sampling and controlling the
climate in the chamber.

5.4.3 Procedure

Three pipe fasteners are tested and installed in the test chamber in their usual installation
position and sprayed with sodium chloride solution through the nozzles at a pressure
between 0,7 bar and 1,7 bar, while a temperature of (35 ± 2)°C is maintained in the salt
spray area.

Pipe fasteners intended for installation under normal climatic conditions are conditioned
for a period of (10+0,25/0) days. Pipe fasteners intended for use in corrosive environ-
ments are conditioned for a period of (30+0,5/0) days.

After salt spray conditioning, the pipe fasteners shall not show any damage (penetrating
corrosion, breakage, pitting, etc.). In the case of relevant damage, a strength test is re-
quired to ensure proper function.

5.5 Stress corrosion test

5.5.1 Reagents

An aqueous ammonia solution with a density of 0,94 g/cm³ shall be used.

5.5.2 Equipment

A glass container with the following characteristics shall be used:

The container shall have a capacity of 0,01 m³ to 0,03 m³. It shall have a sealable lid, be
fitted with a means of mounting the pipe fastener during testing and be so designed that
no condensate drips onto the components; in addition, the glass container shall contain a
capillary tube with ventilation to atmosphere to prevent pressure build-up.

5.5.3 Procedure

The aqueous ammonia solution is filled into the container in such a way that, with a con-
tainer capacity of 0,01 ml/cm³, the atmosphere in the container consists of approx. 35 %
ammonia, 5 % water vapour and 60 % air. Three pipe fasteners are tested. The contain-
ers are closed and kept at a temperature of (34 ± 2)°C for (10 +0,25/0) days.

After the stress corrosion test, the pipe fasteners shall not show any damage. In general, a
thorough visual inspection shall be followed by a strength test to ensure proper function.

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5.6 Sulphur dioxide corrosion test

5.6.1 Reagents

The following reagents shall be used for the test:

 (500 ± 5) ml of an aqueous solution of sodium thiosulphate at a concentration of (0,161 ±

0,001) M
 (1000 ± 5) ml dilute aqueous sulphuric acid at a concentration of (0,078 ± 0,005) M

5.6.2 Equipment

A glass container with a capacity of 5 l or 10 l made of heat-resistant glass with a corro-

sion-resistant lid shall be used. The lid shall be so shaped that no condensate can drip
onto the pipe fasteners during the test. In addition, the container shall be equipped with a
cooling coil for cooling the side walls of the container and with an electrical heating device
controlled by a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor shall be positioned centrally
(160 ± 20) mm above the bottom of the container.

5.6.3 Procedure

Three pipe fasteners are used consecutively for a period of twice eight days. The sodium
thiosulphate solution is poured into the container. The components are positioned inside
the container underneath the lid, freely suspended, in the usual installation position. The
temperature in the container is set to (45 ± 3)°C and the water flow through the cooling
coil is adjusted so that the temperature at the outlet is less than 30°C.

After the sulphur dioxide corrosion test, the pipe fasteners shall not show any damage. In
general, a thorough visual inspection shall be followed by a strength test to ensure proper
function.

5.7 Vibration resistance test

If and when required, pipe fasteners fixed to buildings or building structures can be sub-
jected to a vibration test in accordance with DIN EN 12259-1 (with the exception of the
endurance test), depending on the operating conditions and in consultation with the man-
ufacturer.

Three pipe fasteners are attached to a vibration table and subjected to sinusoidal vibra-
tions in the direction of the thread axis. The test curve shall be run continuously at 1 oc-
tave/30 min between 5 Hz and 60 Hz.

If one or more resonance frequencies are determined unambiguously, the pipe fasteners
are then exposed to peaks of the vibration acceleration at the resonance frequencies for
(1 +0,1/0) h.

After the vibration resistance test, the pipe fasteners shall not show any damage. In the
event of relevant damage, a strength test is required to ensure proper function.

5.8 Other tests

Where specific designs, innovative manufacturing and coating processes or products so
require, additional tests shall be carried out in consultation with the manufacturer.