Clarification concerning the issue "Function integrity of distributor in case of fire according to (M)LAR 2005

In all federal states, excluding North Rhine Westphalia, the (sample-) circuit system guideline ((M)-LAR) is introduced legally binding in 2005 as part of the regional building regulations and needs to be implemented (June 2016)...

In the guideline the functional integrity of 30 minutes for the distributors of the safety lighing under specific conditions in case of fire is claimed. These distributors "... need to be separated via housings, with the function, which is proven by the usability proof of the building inspector, guaranteeing the function of the electric components in the distributor for the required time of the function integrity in case of fire..."

Unfortunately a lot of supplier in the emergency- and safety lighting sector give the impression in tenders and product documents that the usability proof by the building inspector according to  (M)LAR 2005 for their E-30 cabinets does exist. The proof is normally recorded by the "Deutsche Institut für Bautechnik" (DIBt) as the competent authority with the award of building approval numbers (z-numbers).

It is decisive, which description is listed in the building approval document of the DIBt: it must be listed under "subject of approval": "electric distributor for safety lighting units with a functional integrity of 30 minutes in case of fire...". If "fire protection housing with a fire resistance period of at least 30 mins..." is listed, it is no approved distributor according to (M)LAR 2005.

How do you identify the difference based on the approval numbers?

Z-86.1...= approved fire protection housing with fire resistance, test without electronic components

Z-86.2...= approved electric - distributor with 30 minutes functional integrity, test with electronic components according to (M)LAR 2005