“Exclusive use as a fire protection room ” means that the room must be used solely for fire protection purposes. In practice, this depends on the type of system it serves (sprinkler, fire hydrants/hose reels, or a combination) and on certain specific conditions.
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What Does UNI EN 12845 Specify Regarding the Criterion of Exclusive Use?
The general criterion for exclusive local fire protection use is based on the provisions of UNI EN 12845 – 10.3.1.
The requirement is clear: pump-sets must be installed in rooms with a fire resistance rating of at least 60 minutes, and such rooms must be used exclusively for fire protection purposes.
This section serves as the starting point for understanding when a fire-protection room must be “dedicated” and free of any other systems or uses.
To which establishments does this apply strictly?
In the text, this requirement is specified as mandatory for all establishments that host:
- pressurization systems for sprinkler systems;
- pressurization systems for use with sprinkler systems and fire hydrant systems (so-called combined supply systems).
In these cases, the exclusive use of a fire-safe room is not a matter of “interpretation”: it is an organizational and facility-related rule that defines how the room may be used.
What Can (and Cannot) Be Inside a “For Exclusive Use” Premises
If a room contains a unit that supplies a sprinkler system or that supplies both a sprinkler system and a fire hydrant system, the text clarifies the practical effect of the criterion.
The following are the only items allowed in the venue:
- the pressurization unit;
- its accessories.
The following are not permitted:
- other machines;
- material storage areas.
Therefore, when designatinga space for exclusive fire protection use, the goal is to prevent the space from being “mixed” with other uses unrelated to fire protection.
Fire Hydrant/Reel Systems: General Rule and Permitted Exceptions
For premises that house pressurization units used with fire hydrant systems or fire hoses, the text sets forth the same criteria as those mentioned above, but also specifies exceptions.
The reference cited is:
- UNI 10779:2021, Appendix A – Water Supplies, Section A.1.1
Furthermore, it is specified that the minimum requirements of UNI 11292 apply to premises that house fire hydrant supply systems.
The key point, however, is this: if it is not possible to locate fire pumps in dedicated rooms, they may be located (with certain restrictions) in rooms shared with other technical systems, provided they are limited to electric units.
When exclusive use becomes mandatory (e.g., diesel engines)
The text concludes with a very clear operational distinction.
In a room equipped with a pressurization system that serves a network of fire hydrants and/or fire hoses,the room’s sole purpose is:
- mandatory only if diesel engines are present;
- Otherwise, the exceptions already described apply (namely, only electrical units are permitted in common areas, provided that the conditions are met).
This distinction is useful because it prevents a “one-size-fits-all” interpretation of the concept of exclusive use: the rule remains fundamental, but its scope of application varies depending on the group’s configuration and the type of drive.
Minimum Requirements for the Use of Non-Exclusive Premises (Electrical Units)
When it is not possible to have dedicated spaces and the provisions regarding eligibility apply ( electric vehicles only), the text lists specific conditions that must all be met simultaneously.
The room shared with other technical systems must be:
- characterized by a very low risk of fire;
- with a fire load of less than 100 MJ/m² in any case;
- accessible directly from the outside;
- separated from adjacent rooms (if any) by fire-resistant structures appropriate for the fire resistance class of the rooms, with a minimum rating of 60 minutes.
Finally, the room temperature must be compatible with the pumps’ specifications and ensure that the pumps are protected from freezing: t > 4 °C.
Final Operational Summary
To sum it up in practical terms:
- If the room houses sprinklers (or sprinklers and fire hydrants): the room must be used exclusively for firefighting purposes at all times, containing only the firefighting equipment and accessories, with no storage or other machinery.
- If the room supplies fire hydrants/hose reels: the general rule applies, but with exceptions when a dedicated room is not possible— only for electrical equipment and only if the specified conditions are met.
- If diesel engines are present (hydrants/hose reels): exclusive use is mandatory.
Conclusion
The key point is not to confuse a “fire protection room” with “any other utility room”:the exclusive use of a fire protection room is a criterion that—particularly for sprinkler systems and combined power supplies—requires a dedicated purpose without any other functions.
