{"id":8579,"date":"2025-10-01T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.idro-elettrica.it\/esperto-risponde\/uni-en-12259-12-and-en-17451-what-really-changes\/"},"modified":"2026-07-01T09:47:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T07:47:04","slug":"uni-en-12259-12-and-en-17451-what-really-changes","status":"publish","type":"esperto-risponde","link":"https:\/\/www.idro-elettrica.it\/en\/esperto-risponde\/uni-en-12259-12-and-en-17451-what-really-changes\/","title":{"rendered":"UNI EN 12259-12 and EN 17451: What Really Changes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>UNI EN 12259-12 is now a key standard for fire pumps used in sprinkler systems, and in Italy, it also applies to the water supply systems covered by UNI 10779.<\/em>  In this response, we clarify the rules, requirements, and practical checks related to design, construction, and certification.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#contesto-perche-queste-norme-sono-necessarie-in-ambito-en-12845-e-uni-10779\">Context: Why are these rules \u201cnecessary\u201d under EN 12845 and UNI 10779?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#uni-en-12259-12-cosa-regola-e-con-quali-norme-si-usa\">UNI EN 12259-12: What It Covers (and Which RULES It Is Used With)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#uni-en-17451-cosa-regola-sul-pump-set-in-ambito-en-12845-2020\">UNI EN 17451: What It Specifies Regarding the \u201cPump Set\u201d in the Context of EN 12845:2020<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#collegamento-pratico-tra-en-12845-uni-10779-uni-en-12259-12-e-uni-en-17451\">Practical Comparison of EN 12845, UNI 10779, UNI EN 12259-12, and UNI EN 17451<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#obblighi-dichiarati-per-certificazione-e-marchio-ce-in-ambito-en-12845\">Requirements for certification and the CE marking under EN 12845<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#novita-operative-uni-en-12259-12-materiali-qr-curve-e-targhetta\">Operational Updates to UNI EN 12259-12: Materials, QR, Curves, and Nameplate<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#conseguenze-pratiche-dichiarate-checklist-di-conformita-rapida\">Stated Practical Consequences (Quick Compliance Checklist)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#esempio-tecnico-riportato-cosa-dimostra-senza-fare-teoria\">Technical example provided: what does it demonstrate (without \u201cgetting into theory\u201d)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#conclusioni-operative-in-ambito-en-12845\">Operational Conclusions (within the scope of EN 12845)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h2 id=\"contesto-perche-queste-norme-sono-necessarie-in-ambito-en-12845-e-uni-10779\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Context: Why are these rules \u201cnecessary\u201d under EN 12845 and UNI 10779?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In recent years, two European technical standards have been introduced that effectively change the way <strong>fire protection water supply systems<\/strong> are designed, constructed, and certified when working in accordance with <strong>UNI EN 12845:2020<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>UNI EN 12259-12:2023<\/strong>, product standard for <strong>fire pumps<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UNI EN 17451:2025<\/strong>, standard governing the <strong>design and construction of fire pump-sets<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key point is integration: EN 12845:2020 governs <strong>the design, installation, and maintenance<\/strong> of sprinkler systems, while EN 12259-12 specifies the <strong>requirements for the pumps<\/strong> that those systems must use.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"uni-en-12259-12-cosa-regola-e-con-quali-norme-si-usa\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">UNI EN 12259-12: What It Covers (and Which RULES It Is Used With)<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UNI EN 12259-12 is part of the series of standards on \u201cFixed Fire Protection Systems.\u201d The text states that some parts of the series have already been harmonized (Parts 1 through 5) and that the others will be harmonized in accordance with the EU\u2019s timeline and procedures. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, the rules:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>specifies requirements for <strong>single-stage and multistage centrifugal pumps<\/strong>, with <strong>mechanical seals<\/strong> or <strong>soft packing<\/strong>, for use in <strong>automatic sprinkler systems<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>is intended to be used <strong>in conjunction<\/strong> with <strong>EN 12845<\/strong> and <strong>EN 17451<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It applies to various types (axial inlet, split-case, multistage, in-line, submersible well pumps, and vertical turbine pumps), regardless of the installation angle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"uni-en-17451-cosa-regola-sul-pump-set-in-ambito-en-12845-2020\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">UNI EN 17451: What It Specifies Regarding the \u201cPump Set\u201d in the Context of EN 12845:2020<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UNI EN 17451 specifies requirements for:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>design and assembly<\/strong> of the pump unit in accordance with the requirements of <strong>EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 (UNI EN 12845:2020)<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>installation and commissioning<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>characteristics of the essential components<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>performance tests<\/strong> for units powered by <strong>diesel and\/or electric motors<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>testing, commissioning, delivery, and documentation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The text explicitly states that EN 17451 may be applied in conjunction with the current edition of EN 12845 (UNI EN 12845:2020) and that any conflicting requirements arising from the application of other standards must be resolved through contracts and relevant specifications.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"collegamento-pratico-tra-en-12845-uni-10779-uni-en-12259-12-e-uni-en-17451\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical Comparison of EN 12845, UNI 10779, UNI EN 12259-12, and UNI EN 17451<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201csupply chain\u201d link described is as follows:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>EN 12845:2020<\/strong>: establishes the framework for sprinkler systems (design, installation, and maintenance) and, to ensure proper implementation, requires pumps that meet requirements consistent with EN 12259-12.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UNI EN 12259-12<\/strong>: specifies how pumps intended for use in these systems must be <strong>constructed and characterized<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UNI EN 17451<\/strong>: specifies how the pump set used in sprinkler systems compliant with EN 12845 must be <strong>manufactured and commissioned<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UNI 10779 (Italy)<\/strong>: For <strong>water supply<\/strong> systems (including pressurization units), it refers to the requirements of <strong>EN 12845:2020<\/strong>. Consequently, the text states that UNI EN 12259-12:2023 must also be applied to fire hydrant systems, in addition to sprinkler systems. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"obblighi-dichiarati-per-certificazione-e-marchio-ce-in-ambito-en-12845\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Requirements for certification and the CE marking under EN 12845<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The text states that <strong>it is not necessary to wait for updates<\/strong> to EN 12845:2020: the new rules directly affect the current requirements.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Specifically, for a fire-fighting pump-set installed in water supply systems designed and constructed in accordance with EN 12845, it is specified that it must:<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>be <strong>manufactured and certified<\/strong> in accordance with <strong>EN 17451<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use <strong>pumps manufactured and certified by the manufacturer<\/strong> in accordance with <strong>EN 12259-12<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is also stated that only by following these criteria can the groups be properly certified and the <strong>CE mark<\/strong> affixed.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"novita-operative-uni-en-12259-12-materiali-qr-curve-e-targhetta\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Operational Updates to UNI EN 12259-12: Materials, QR, Curves, and Nameplate<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This document outlines new developments and practical requirements that affect pump selection and verification.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Materials (as listed):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pump body: cast iron, cast steel, stainless steel, bronze, or aluminized bronze.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shafts: stainless steel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protective sleeves, metal parts of mechanical seals, impellers, impeller fasteners, and wear rings (and their counterparts): bronze or stainless steel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Performance and Definitions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Introduction to the concept of <strong>the pump&#8217;s nominal flow rate (Qr)<\/strong>: defined as the flow rate corresponding to an <strong>NPSHr of 5 m<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The curve must be capable of delivering <strong>140% of Qr<\/strong> at a pressure <strong>of not less than 70%<\/strong> of the pressure at Qr.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q\/H curve tolerances:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Requirement for compliance with <strong>EN ISO 9906:2012, Grade 2B<\/strong> (the text also notes that Grade 3B was previously specified, but is no longer permitted).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nameplate:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Requirement for <strong>a permanent metal nameplate<\/strong> bearing the required information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"conseguenze-pratiche-dichiarate-checklist-di-conformita-rapida\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stated Practical Consequences (Quick Compliance Checklist)<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The text lists immediate operational consequences. In terms of \u201cdocument control,\u201d this can be summarized as follows: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do not use Q\/H curves without specifying <strong>Qr<\/strong> and without the point <strong>Qr \u00d7 140%<\/strong> (as a verification requirement);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verify that all curves meet <strong>Grade 2B<\/strong> tolerance;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check to see if the <strong>nameplate<\/strong> containing all the required information is present;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consider that the introduction of these requirements leads to pumps:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>made from the finest materials,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>choices made by taking into account points on the curve near Qr,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>with Hydraulic Performance specifications that have tighter tolerances than in the past,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>immediately recognizable as fire pumps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"esempio-tecnico-riportato-cosa-dimostra-senza-fare-teoria\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Technical example provided: what does it demonstrate (without \u201cgetting into theory\u201d)<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The example cited in the text (model ANX 50-315\/8) shows how to verify compliance with the requirements:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Specified materials: cast iron housing, stainless steel impeller and shaft, bronze wear rings;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Qr as indicated and a curve containing 140% of Qr with H &gt; 70% of Hr;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reference to the NPSHr curve (head up to 16 m) used as the basis for verifying power consumption and for sizing the motor (electric or diesel);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performance data declared to be in compliance with EN ISO 9906:2012 Grade 2B.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The text concludes that the pump in the example meets the requirements of EN 12259-12.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"conclusioni-operative-in-ambito-en-12845\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Operational Conclusions (within the scope of EN 12845)<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In summary, the text states that, within the scope of EN 12845, <strong>only fire pumps compliant with EN 12259-12<\/strong> must be used, and <strong>fire pressurization systems<\/strong> must be designed <strong>in accordance with EN 17451<\/strong>, with direct implications for certification and the CE marking.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are designing or verifying a fire protection water supply system (sprinkler systems or, in Italy, hydrant networks as specified in the cross-reference to UNI 10779), consistency between the pump (EN 12259-12) and the unit (EN 17451) is the key point to ensure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UNI EN 12259-12 and UNI EN 17451 change the design, construction, and certification of fire protection water supply systems within the scope of EN 12845:2020 and UNI 10779. In this response, we summarize what becomes mandatory for pumps and pressurization units, and the practical implications for verifying performance curves, nameplates, and performance. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":8581,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_angie_page":false,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"tags":[1043,569,1042,552,590,736,568,1040,549,1041],"class_list":["post-8579","esperto-risponde","type-esperto-risponde","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-ce-mark","tag-fire-protection-water-supply-systems","tag-fire-pump-sets","tag-fire-pumps","tag-fire-suppression-pressurization-systems","tag-q-h-curve","tag-uni-10779","tag-uni-en-12259-12","tag-uni-en-12845","tag-uni-en-17451"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.idro-elettrica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/esperto-risponde\/8579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.idro-elettrica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/esperto-risponde"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.idro-elettrica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/esperto-risponde"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.idro-elettrica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/esperto-risponde\/8579\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.idro-elettrica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8581"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.idro-elettrica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.idro-elettrica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}