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FAQs

Hold open systems

Directives and standards
Where is the project planning of a hold open system described?

The project planning of a hold open system is described in the manufacturers actual DIBT-Bauartgenehmigung (general construction technique permit).

our actual permits – in german:
Declaration conformity.pdf
EMC-certificate.pdf
Confirmation of conformity.pdf
National technical approval.pdf
general construction technique permit.pdf

Decision tree according to DIBt

What types of hold-open systems exist?

The following types are available in our range:

• Hold-open systems for fire protection doors and gates (RZ-24, RZ-24-05, RZ3 / RZ4)

• Hold-open systems for conveyor system closures (RZ3 / RZ4)

• Both hold-open systems – types are possible with or without the aspect of personal protection (approved only with RZ3 / RZ4)

According to DIN 14677, these 4 different types are described:

Hold open system type 1

Hold open systems, where the release device is solely part of the hold open system.

Hold open system type 2

Hold open systems, where the release device is part of the hold open system and additionally part of the fire alarm system.

Hold open system type 3

Hold open system, where the release device is solely part of the hold open system and is connected with the control system of the conveyor technology (door clearance control).

Hold open system type 4

Hold open system, where the release device is part of the hold open system and additionally part of a fire alarm systemand and is connected with the control system of the conveyor technology (door clearance control).

General information
How can the opening status of the fire protection closure be queried?

– by using a limit switch or holding magnet with feedback

Is there a control unit for hold-open systems with emergency power supply?

The RZ24 can be complemented with 2 types of emergency power supply:
Powerpac = hold-open time up to 10 min during power failure of 230 VAC voltage
Batterypac = hold-open time up to 5 h during power failure of 230 VAC voltage.

Is it permissible to install hold-open systems on fire protection closures directed to the outside area?

The use of hold-open systems on exterior walls is generally not permitted. Special arrangements are possible after approval by the building authorities.

Planning and installation
Who is allowed to install a hold-open system?

Specialist knowledge is required to fit/install a hold-open system. In addition, the standards and the current approval (abZ) or type approval (aBG) must be observed. The mains connection must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

Please contact our fire protection sales manager for more information:
Sales/training hold-open systems
Andree Kölbel
vertrieb@protronic-gmbh.de
Phone: +49 34383 / 6315-18

Where to install the smoke detectors on the fire protection closure?

The smoke switches must be installed in accordance with the DIBt guidelines (see general construction technique permit, decision diagram according to DIBt). The lintel height and width of the fire protection closure determine the number of smoke switches.

What must be observed when replacing individual components of the hold-open system?

If individual components are replaced by components not listed in the approval, the entire hold-open system is no longer approved and a new approval is required.

Hold-open systems for track-bound conveyor systems
What are track-bound conveyor systems?

A track-bound conveyor system is a conveyor belt, roller conveyor, pallet conveyor or automatic, driverless transport system. These often extend over several parts of the building and thus lead through several fire compartments. By using a hold-open system, the fire compartments can be monitored and safely closed in case of fire.

What is the difference between track-bound hold-open systems and standard hold-open systems?

For track-bound conveyor systems, it must be ensured before closing that the transport system (if not integrated in the closure) or the conveyed goods are no longer in the closing area of the closure. This is checked via the RZ3 control unit and light barriers. A free movement/clearance system and an emergency power system must be installed to clear the closing area.

When do light barriers have to be used?

Light barriers are used on hold-open systems when objects such as conveyed goods or people may be in the closing area. In systems with personnel protection, the closing area must be monitored by a light barrier or contact strip. Only hold-open systems specially approved for personnel protection, such as RZ3 or RZ7, may be used here. In the case of conveyor system closures, the closing area is monitored by light barriers and closing is delayed until “free” is signaled, but at the latest when the forced closing time is reached. These hold-open systems also require a special type approval.

Is an emergency power supply required for the hold-open system of conveyor systems?

Yes, according to DIBt, the emergency power supply for the hold-open system of a conveyor system must be provided separately and guarantee that the closing area is kept clear and/or the function of the personal protection (light barrier). This means that no emergency power supply is required for the hold-open system in the event of a closure with a slope disposal, crushing or foaming of the transported goods.

What is a forced closure?

If the light barrier or the conveyor system is not released after a trigger is received (e.g. fire detector, manual button), the closure is closed after 2 minutes at the latest.

Can the closing of the fire protection closure be delayed?

Yes, but a delay time of 10 sec to 120 sec can only be set for the purpose of clearing or personal protection.

Acceptance
Who is allowed to accept a hold-open system?

The acceptance test for hold-open systems on fire protection closures may only be carried out by specialists of the applicant for the general type approval (employees certified or trained by the manufacturer of the system) or by specialists authorized by him (hold-open system type 1 and 2) or by specialists of a testing body designated by the DIBt in the approval procedure (hold-open system type 3 and 4).
This approval authorization is personalised and non-transferable. If the company changes, the employee and not the company retains the authorization for acceptance.
In the case of hold-open systems for conveyor system closures (for track-bound conveyor systems), the correct interaction with the conveyor technology must be approved by an expert (test center designated by the DIBt in the approval procedure) after installation.

Protronic offers 2 training courses to obtain the acceptance authorization:

RZ-24 acceptance authorization training: Authorization to accept the RZ-24/ RZ-24-05

Training course for specialist for hold-open systems: Authorization for the maintenance of hold-open systems and for the acceptance of RZ-24/ RZ-24-05

When is acceptance required?

After a hold-open system has been installed ready for operation at the place of use, its proper function and installation in accordance with regulations, including any safety devices for monitoring the locking area, must be verified by means of an acceptance test. The applicant for the general type approval must refer to this test.
An acceptance test is also required if other system components are used in the hold-open system than at the time of the previous acceptance test. Additional acceptance is not necessary when replacing (e.g. smoke detectors of the same type) at maintenance intervals.

How are acceptance and periodic inspections documented?

Our acceptance and maintenance protocol set contains all documents and identification labels for both the acceptance test and the recurring tests and maintenance. The set is based on the general requirements of the DIBt, the manufacturer’s type approval and the maintenance standard DIN 14677. It must be kept by the operator after the acceptance test and made available to the customer service technician for recording the recurring inspections and maintenance.

Maintenance and servicing
Who is authorized to service/maintain a hold-open system?

The maintenance and servicing of hold-open systems on fire protection closures may only be carried out by a specialist for hold-open systems (in accordance with DIN 14677). It can be carried out by a certified or trained employee of the applicant for the general type approval or by a specialist authorized by the applicant or by a specialist from a testing body designated by the DIBt in the approval procedure.
This authorization is personalised and non-transferable. If the company changes, the employee and not the company retains the authorization for maintenance and acceptance.

Who is considered a specialist according to DIN 14677?

In order to become a “specialist for hold-open systems”, certain minimum qualifications must be met in accordance with DIN 14677.
One of the following requirements must be met

  • Journeyman/skilled worker with a degree in electrical engineering or mechanics
  • Journeyman/skilled worker according to DIN 14675
  • No degree in electronics or mechanics but 3 years of professional experience in the field of activity (e.g. also blacksmith, carpenter, locksmith, etc.)

Protronic offers the following training as a specialist for hold-open systems:

Training as a specialist for hold-open systems: Authorization for the maintenance of hold-open systems and acceptance for RZ-24

When do smoke detectors etc. have to be replaced?

Depending on the manufacturer, different operating times of the detectors are possible and can be requested from us. The operating time is counted from the date of installation!

The following generally applies:

Fire detectors without
soiling
compensation
max. after 5 years
Fire detector with
soiling
compensation
max. after 8 years
as specified by the manufacturergem. Angabe des Herstellers
How and how often do smoke detectors etc. have to be checked?

According to DIN 14677, hold-open systems and the associated smoke detectors/switches must be tested monthly or every 3 months.

Obligations of the operator according to DIN 14677:

“The hold-open system must be kept ready for operation by the operator at all times and tested for proper functioning at intervals of no more than one month. Unless otherwise stipulated in a general building authority approval/general type approval, the interval between functional tests can be extended to three months if twelve consecutive functional tests do not reveal any functional defects. If a functional defect is detected during the quarterly functional test, functional readiness must be restored immediately and this must be demonstrated by at least three consecutive monthly functional tests.”

How often does the hold-open system need to be serviced?

In accordance with DIN 14677, hold-open systems must be serviced once a year by a certified specialist for hold-open systems.

X-Sense detectors

Does X-Sense provide a combination CO/smoke detector that can interconnect with other alarms?

Yes! The X-Sense Link⁺ wireless interconnected combination alarms can be interlinked with other smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in this series via advanced RF technology.

How long do the batteries last?

The 1.5 V AA alkaline batteries will last for at least 3 years under normal conditions.

How can I tell if my device is functioning properly and monitoring for CO leaks?

The green LED will flash once every 60 seconds while in standby mode, which indicates that it is working properly. When the CO concentration reaches 30 ppm or higher, the LCD will display the concentration level.

What is the recommended installation location and height level?

It is best to install a carbon monoxide alarm on a wall. If you want to install a CO alarm in a room with a fuel-burning appliance, it should be installed above any doors and windows but at least 5.9 inches (150 mm) below the ceiling. If you want to install this CO alarm in a bedroom, mount the CO alarm relatively close to where the occupant will be sleeping.

Will cooking trigger false alarms?

False alarms are highly unlikely. Unlike smoke alarms, CO alarms are not affected by ambient particles such as dust, steam, or cooking fumes.

Do I have to run a weekly test manually, or will the detector automatically run the test?

The carbon monoxide alarm has an automatic self-check function to ensure that the key sensor and critical circuits are working properly. However, we also recommend that you press the test/silence button once a week to verify that the alarm is still working properly.

Abschnitt 8.3
Türen und Tore (DGUV Information 208-022): 

Bei Brandschutztoren, die im Alarmfall mit einem mechanischen Kraftspeicher (beispielsweise Schwerkraft) ohne Kraftbegrenzung schließen, ist ein akustisches Signal vorgeschrieben (DIN EN 12604 „Tore – Mechanische Aspekte – Anforderungen“).

DGUV Information 208-022, Stand 2017

MVV TB vom 17.01.2022, Ausgabe 2021/1, Punkt 5.1.6.6.: 

"Schiebe-, Hub- und Rollabschlüsse sind mit einer
audiovisuellen Warnanlage auszurüsten, die das Schließen ankündigt."

Neue Muster-Verwaltungsvorschrift Technische Baubestimmungen (MVV TB) 2022

laut DIN EN 12604 Tore - Mechanische Aspekte - Fassung
EN 12604:2017 darf

bei Toren, welche ausschließlich durch Schwerkraft geschlossen werden,

 - darf die Betriebsgeschwindigkeit von 0,3m/s nicht überschritten werden
 - bzw. darf die Krafteinwirkung 200N nicht übersteigen.


Ist dies nicht möglich, muss am Tor eine audiovisuelle Warneinrichtung
angebracht werden, die einsetzt, wenn das Tor beginnt sich zu
schließen.

Das Schließen einer Tür, eines Tores oder Brandschutz- bzw. Rauchvorhanges, welcher oben genannte Anforderungen überschreitet, muss also optisch und akustisch signalisiert werden.

Dies gilt natürlich auch für das Schließen bei Stromausfall.



Die Muster-Verwaltungsvorschrift "Technische Baubestimmung" (MVV TB) legt folgendes fest: 

„Die Feststellanlage ist ein System, bestehend aus Geräten und/oder Gerätekombinationen, das geeignet ist, die Funktion von Schließmitteln kontrolliert unwirksam zu machen. Beim Ansprechen der zugehörigen Auslösevorrichtung im Fall eines Brandes, einer Störung oder durch Handauslösung werden offen gehaltene Abschlüsse unmittelbar sicher zum Schließen freigegeben."

According to the MVV TB: 

„A hold-open device is a system of devices or device combinations suitable for the controlled disabling of the function of closing devices."