FM Global is an industrial insurance provider operating in over 100 countries, also offering engineering consulting in the areas of loss prevention and risk management.
RS Stepanek KG applied for the FM Approval certificate for two flood protection systems: window shutters and ESH/LN (single-piece and split versions).
The FM Approval process consists of two separate material and performance tests.
In the USA, FM Global operates its own research and testing center (Research Campus) on a 648-hectare site. In what is described as the world’s largest and most modern research and testing facility of its kind, scientific studies are conducted in the fields of fire protection technology, natural hazards, electrical hazards, and hydraulics. The results are incorporated into concepts and techniques for active loss prevention.
Test Phase 1: The flood protection systems were subjected to various material tests at the Research Campus over a period of 21 days. All tests were passed successfully.
Test Phase 2: The performance test simulated static flow movements of water, slow rises and falls in water levels with wave development, as well as the impact of debris. The total duration of this test was two days, during which the flood protection systems underwent various performance tests. For these systems, leakage was measured over a 24-hour period. Afterward, the systems were subjected to an impact test with a standard impact body. Leakage was then measured once again.
The leakage must not exceed 1 L/hr per meter of system width. Both flood protection systems exceeded the required leakage rate and passed the test with flying colors.
FM Approvals Group awarded RS Stepanek KG the “Certificate of Compliance” for the flood protection systems, including the window shutters and ESH/LN.
The test description can be downloaded here:” FMGlobal_Approval_Class2510 ” .
