New standard for NRWG – DIN EN 12101-2

All Natural Smoke- and Heat Venting Devices (NRWG) have to provide the proof of usability according to DIN EN 12101-2 or have to be approved in individual cases by the supreme building inspection since September 2006.

From 01.09.2006 only complete certified all-in-one solutions (NRWG), consisting of window and drive as well as collar, RWG fitting, dome-light and window deflector, which have a proof of usability according to
§ 17 building regulations (MBO), are allowed to be used. This can either be a CE-marking for law regulated building materials for standard devices or an approval in particular cases (ZIE) for individual designed facades and roof design.

Building elements affected by the standard:

In addition to the classic NRWG for roof smoke venting, the DIN EN 120101-2 also comprises the NRW, which applies in side walls for effective smoke venting of buildings. Therefore they always contain an opening unit and the window for the smoke venting of the façade resp. the roof unit for the roof smoke venting.

Market response to the new standard:

Various manufacturers have launched all-in-one solutions on the market. The verification of complete systems are carried out by the notified inspection authority, e.g. VdS loss prevention or material research laboratory (MPA). Once the tests have been successful, the manufacturers receive their classification report.

How to obtain the EC conformance certificate:

The NRWG manufacturers (e.g. metal construction companies) have to apply for the EC conformance certificate once all test- and classifications reports, which specify the NRWG performance classes, have been receipt. The manufacturer of the NRWG has to be in possession of a EC conformance certificate, which has to be issued in his name and his company name. As distributor he is responsible for the NRWG. The EC conformance certificate only includes the tested NRWG and its performance classes. Only these are allowed to be marked with a CE marking and to be offered on the market. The EC conformance certificate is not a charter for the production of anomalous NRWG or extended performance classes. Expensive modifications or reissuing of the conformance certificate are necessary when initial tests have to be approved again.

Standard conform production test:

The manufacturer has to provide and carry out a factory-related production control (WPK) as well as to provide a product-related quality plan. The factory-related production control can be part of a quality management system according to DIN ISO 9001. The notified test center checks if the factory-related production control has been installed. The continuous inspection of the NRWG will be defined by the product-related quality plan done by the manufacturer of the NRWG. This defines the test frequency
within the given testing parameter for assemblies and/or complete tests for the NRWG.

NRWG test marking according to Eurocode:

A NRWG according to DIN EN 12101-2 has to be provided with a label which contains various class
details, the number of the EC conformity certificate as well as name and address of the manufacturer.