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FAQs
frequently asked Questions
We receive numerous questions about the topic of shelter construction. We have compiled and listed the most frequently asked questions for you.
Shelters provide protection from:
- conventional weapons (explosive projectiles, bombs, incendiary weapons, FAE weapons)
- secondary weapon effects (debris, splinters, fire, water, sliding)
- Biological weapons (bacteria, viruses)
- Chemical weapons (volatile and sedentary warfare agents)
- Reactor accidents and nuclear weapons (radiation, electromagnetic effects, thermal radiation)
Detailed information can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzumfang
For the construction project you need special components such as armored doors, armored covers, ABC ventilation systems and explosion protection valves.
The German Shelter Center offers comprehensive information and video instructions so that basement compartments can be converted into shelters.
Further information can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
A conventional basement does not offer nearly the same level of protection as a bunker. In the event of a radioactive incident or attack, basements are the safest place in a normal building, but the windows are a weak point, as they break even under low pressure and hurl glass fragments into the room. The basement also offers no protection against poisonous gases or radioactive particles.
However, it is possible to convert basements into shelters. The components required for this can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
Building a bunker in the garden is possible in most federal states with a building permit.
The regulations for this can be found in the respective state building regulations. If a building permit is required, the building application must be submitted in writing to the responsible municipality. To prevent the project from becoming generally known, it is common for the building application to describe it as a storage or wine cellar.
Basic information about the construction can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
In most cases you will need a building permit to build a bunker, but this depends on the state.
The regulations for this can be found in the respective state building regulations. If a building permit is required, the building application must be submitted in writing to the responsible municipality. To prevent the project from becoming generally known, it is common for the building application to describe it as a storage or wine cellar.
Basic information about the construction can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
There are different ways to build a bunker. The cheapest option is to build the shelter in the basement of a house. The costs are in the region of €35,000.
If a shelter is to be built later in the garden, the costs are usually higher because this involves more effort.
Further information can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
Bunkers consist of a thick reinforced concrete shell, the openings of which are secured with special, armored doors. Special ventilation systems with gas filters are required for the air supply, which can be operated both electrically and manually. An emergency exit is usually installed in case the exit via the shelter door is blocked.
Required components:
- Armoured door
- Armoured cover
- Explosion protection valve (air inlet)
- Overpressure / explosion protection valve (air outlet)
- Ventilation system with gas filter
In peacetime, without crises or wars, you generally don't need a shelter. However, whether and when a disaster will occur in the future is usually impossible to predict. Even in the case of pre-announced disasters, it would not be possible, based on current information, to build enough shelters for the German population. Therefore, private preparedness is necessary and essential.With targeted measures (shelter ventilation, overpressure relief valves, reinforced doors, walls, etc.), existing basement compartments can be converted into shelters cost-effectively. In principle, shelter construction should be considered before any new building project.
The shelter shell is made of reinforced concrete. The required thickness of the walls and ceilings depends on the individual circumstances, but must not be less than the following values:
• 30 cm minimum ceiling thickness • 30 cm minimum external wall thickness
We will statically design and calculate the exact thickness required. You can find information about this at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
The size of the shelter depends on the desired number of people and can be calculated as follows:
- Minimum floor area: 8 m²
- Minimum room width: 2 m
- Minimum room height: 2 m
- Space required per shelter: 1 m²
- Space requirement per ventilation system: 1 m²
- Space requirement per dry toilet: 1 m²
The shelter ventilation system is operated electrically or manually in the event of a power failure. With the help of a fan, the contaminated fresh air from outside is first passed through a suspended matter filter and then through a gas filter, where it is cleaned and the activated carbon absorbs dangerous poison gas molecules. There is a slight overpressure in the shelter. The used breathing air is discharged to the outside via an overpressure explosion protection valve.
Further information can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
The fan supplies fresh air or filtered air into the shelter with the help of a 3 x 400 V, 50 Hz electric motor. We equip our devices with a capacitor set and power cable so that operation with 220 V/ 50 Hz / 380 watts is possible. In the event of a power failure, the ventilation can be operated using a hand crank. An emergency light is installed for manual operation.
A more detailed description can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
The gas filter consists of a suspended matter filter and an activated carbon filter. These retain gaseous, biological, chemical and nuclear warfare agents. The service life of the filter is determined by the operating conditions (concentration of pollutants, humidity, etc.).
A more detailed description can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
Nerve agents
Organophosphates: e.g.
- Taboon
- Sarin
- Soman
- Tammelin Esters (VX)
Skin warfare agents
Organic arsenic compounds: e.g.
- 2-Chlorovinylarsine dichloride
- Ethylarsine dichloride (ED)
- Methylarsenic dichloride (MD)
Organic sulphur and nitrogen compounds: e.g.
- S-Lost, N-Lost, Lewisite
Nettle fabrics: e.g.
- Phosgene oxime
- Trichloromethyl-chlorfomoxime
- Trichloroacetophenone
Lung warfare agents
- Phosgene, Diphosgene, Triphosgene
- Chloropicrin
Eye irritants
Halogenated organic compounds: e.g.
- Bromoacetone
- Chloroacetophenone
- Bromobenzyl cyanide
Poisons of cellular respiration and
Cell metabolism (blood toxins)
- Arsine
- cyanogen chloride
- Hydrogen cyanide
- Sodium fluoroacetate
Psychotoxins
- LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide), BZ
- Indoleaminoalkanes, phenylaminoalkanes etc.
Toxins (biotoxins)
- Various bacteriological poisons
- Various animal poisons
- Various plant poisons
Biological warfare agents
- Protect against all known biological warfare agents
The ventilation system consists of two filters: a pre-filter and a gas filter. The pre-filter is permanently installed and filters coarse particles from the intake air; it can be replaced for maintenance purposes depending on its level of contamination.The gas filter, consisting of an activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter, is located on the floor in front of the ventilation unit and is only connected to the unit in the event of a suspected presence of nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare agents. The gas filter covers are securely sealed and are only removed in an emergency to allow the ventilation unit to be connected. When sealed and dry, the gas filter has a shelf life of over 30 years.The capacity of the gas filter depends on the dose of the ordnance being filtered and on the humidity of the intake air. The more humid the intake air, the more moisture is absorbed by the activated carbon. As humidity increases, the air resistance through the filter also increases, so that insufficient filtered air reaches the shelter. If this occurs, a replacement gas filter must be connected.Experience shows that a built-in gas filter can be used for up to several weeks. It is therefore advisable to keep a spare gas filter in the shelter.
Fresh air is drawn in from outside via an explosion protection valve with pre-filter ESV/VF. When a blast of air hits the area, the explosion protection valve closes automatically within a fraction of a second. This protects the people in the shelter from excessive air pressure.
A more detailed description can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
The overpressure/explosion protection valve UEV/ESV is used to automatically close the air outlet when ventilation is interrupted (UEV) or to close the opening when an air blast occurs from outside (ESV).
A more detailed description can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
The TRIPLEX silencer housing and the silencer pipe are lined with sound insulation mats. The silencer housing is attached to the wall with a sealing profile.
The TRIPLEX silencer is a tested accessory for all ventilation systems (VA 40/75/150) in private and public shelters. The achieved noise reduction of approx. 10 dB (A) is particularly appreciated in military and crew quarters.
Shelters provide protection from:
- conventional weapons (explosive projectiles, bombs, incendiary weapons, FAE weapons)
- secondary weapon effects (debris, splinters, fire, water, sliding)
- Biological weapons (bacteria, viruses)
- Chemical weapons (volatile and sedentary warfare agents)
- Reactor accidents and nuclear weapons (radiation, electromagnetic effects, thermal radiation)
Detailed information can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzumfang
For the construction project you need special components such as armored doors, armored covers, ABC ventilation systems and explosion protection valves.
The German Shelter Center offers comprehensive information and video instructions so that basement compartments can be converted into shelters.
Further information can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
A conventional basement does not offer nearly the same level of protection as a bunker. In the event of a radioactive incident or attack, basements are the safest place in a normal building, but the windows are a weak point, as they break even under low pressure and hurl glass fragments into the room. The basement also offers no protection against poisonous gases or radioactive particles.
However, it is possible to convert basements into shelters. The components required for this can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
Building a bunker in the garden is possible in most federal states with a building permit.
The regulations for this can be found in the respective state building regulations. If a building permit is required, the building application must be submitted in writing to the responsible municipality. To prevent the project from becoming generally known, it is common for the building application to describe it as a storage or wine cellar.
Basic information about the construction can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
In most cases you will need a building permit to build a bunker, but this depends on the state.
The regulations for this can be found in the respective state building regulations. If a building permit is required, the building application must be submitted in writing to the responsible municipality. To prevent the project from becoming generally known, it is common for the building application to describe it as a storage or wine cellar.
Basic information about the construction can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
There are different ways to build a bunker. The cheapest option is to build the shelter in the basement of a house. The costs are in the region of €35,000.
If a shelter is to be built later in the garden, the costs are usually higher because this involves more effort.
Further information can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
Bunkers consist of a thick reinforced concrete shell, the openings of which are secured with special, armored doors. Special ventilation systems with gas filters are required for the air supply, which can be operated both electrically and manually. An emergency exit is usually installed in case the exit via the shelter door is blocked.
Required components:
- Armoured door
- Armoured cover
- Explosion protection valve (air inlet)
- Overpressure / explosion protection valve (air outlet)
- Ventilation system with gas filter
In peacetime, without crises or wars, you generally don't need a shelter. However, whether and when a disaster will occur in the future is usually impossible to predict. Even in the case of pre-announced disasters, it would not be possible, based on current information, to build enough shelters for the German population. Therefore, private preparedness is necessary and essential.With targeted measures (shelter ventilation, overpressure relief valves, reinforced doors, walls, etc.), existing basement compartments can be converted into shelters cost-effectively. In principle, shelter construction should be considered before any new building project.
The shelter shell is made of reinforced concrete. The required thickness of the walls and ceilings depends on the individual circumstances, but must not be less than the following values:
• 30 cm minimum ceiling thickness • 30 cm minimum external wall thickness
We will statically design and calculate the exact thickness required. You can find information about this at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
The size of the shelter depends on the desired number of people and can be calculated as follows:
- Minimum floor area: 8 m²
- Minimum room width: 2 m
- Minimum room height: 2 m
- Space required per shelter: 1 m²
- Space requirement per ventilation system: 1 m²
- Space requirement per dry toilet: 1 m²
The shelter ventilation system is operated electrically or manually in the event of a power failure. With the help of a fan, the contaminated fresh air from outside is first passed through a suspended matter filter and then through a gas filter, where it is cleaned and the activated carbon absorbs dangerous poison gas molecules. There is a slight overpressure in the shelter. The used breathing air is discharged to the outside via an overpressure explosion protection valve.
Further information can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
The fan supplies fresh air or filtered air into the shelter with the help of a 3 x 400 V, 50 Hz electric motor. We equip our devices with a capacitor set and power cable so that operation with 220 V/ 50 Hz / 380 watts is possible. In the event of a power failure, the ventilation can be operated using a hand crank. An emergency light is installed for manual operation.
A more detailed description can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
The gas filter consists of a suspended matter filter and an activated carbon filter. These retain gaseous, biological, chemical and nuclear warfare agents. The service life of the filter is determined by the operating conditions (concentration of pollutants, humidity, etc.).
A more detailed description can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
Nerve agents
Organophosphates: e.g.
- Taboon
- Sarin
- Soman
- Tammelin Esters (VX)
Skin warfare agents
Organic arsenic compounds: e.g.
- 2-Chlorovinylarsine dichloride
- Ethylarsine dichloride (ED)
- Methylarsenic dichloride (MD)
Organic sulphur and nitrogen compounds: e.g.
- S-Lost, N-Lost, Lewisite
Nettle fabrics: e.g.
- Phosgene oxime
- Trichloromethyl-chlorfomoxime
- Trichloroacetophenone
Lung warfare agents
- Phosgene, Diphosgene, Triphosgene
- Chloropicrin
Eye irritants
Halogenated organic compounds: e.g.
- Bromoacetone
- Chloroacetophenone
- Bromobenzyl cyanide
Poisons of cellular respiration and
Cell metabolism (blood toxins)
- Arsine
- cyanogen chloride
- Hydrogen cyanide
- Sodium fluoroacetate
Psychotoxins
- LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide), BZ
- Indoleaminoalkanes, phenylaminoalkanes etc.
Toxins (biotoxins)
- Various bacteriological poisons
- Various animal poisons
- Various plant poisons
Biological warfare agents
- Protect against all known biological warfare agents
The ventilation system consists of two filters: a pre-filter and a gas filter. The pre-filter is permanently installed and filters coarse particles from the intake air; it can be replaced for maintenance purposes depending on its level of contamination.The gas filter, consisting of an activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter, is located on the floor in front of the ventilation unit and is only connected to the unit in the event of a suspected presence of nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare agents. The gas filter covers are securely sealed and are only removed in an emergency to allow the ventilation unit to be connected. When sealed and dry, the gas filter has a shelf life of over 30 years.The capacity of the gas filter depends on the dose of the ordnance being filtered and on the humidity of the intake air. The more humid the intake air, the more moisture is absorbed by the activated carbon. As humidity increases, the air resistance through the filter also increases, so that insufficient filtered air reaches the shelter. If this occurs, a replacement gas filter must be connected.Experience shows that a built-in gas filter can be used for up to several weeks. It is therefore advisable to keep a spare gas filter in the shelter.
Fresh air is drawn in from outside via an explosion protection valve with pre-filter ESV/VF. When a blast of air hits the area, the explosion protection valve closes automatically within a fraction of a second. This protects the people in the shelter from excessive air pressure.
A more detailed description can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
The overpressure/explosion protection valve UEV/ESV is used to automatically close the air outlet when ventilation is interrupted (UEV) or to close the opening when an air blast occurs from outside (ESV).
A more detailed description can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
The TRIPLEX silencer housing and the silencer pipe are lined with sound insulation mats. The silencer housing is attached to the wall with a sealing profile.
The TRIPLEX silencer is a tested accessory for all ventilation systems (VA 40/75/150) in private and public shelters. The achieved noise reduction of approx. 10 dB (A) is particularly appreciated in military and crew quarters.
Shelters provide protection from:
- conventional weapons (explosive projectiles, bombs, incendiary weapons, FAE weapons)
- secondary weapon effects (debris, splinters, fire, water, sliding)
- Biological weapons (bacteria, viruses)
- Chemical weapons (volatile and sedentary warfare agents)
- Reactor accidents and nuclear weapons (radiation, electromagnetic effects, thermal radiation)
Detailed information can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzumfang
For the construction project you need special components such as armored doors, armored covers, ABC ventilation systems and explosion protection valves.
The German Shelter Center offers comprehensive information and video instructions so that basement compartments can be converted into shelters.
Further information can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
A conventional basement does not offer nearly the same level of protection as a bunker. In the event of a radioactive incident or attack, basements are the safest place in a normal building, but the windows are a weak point, as they break even under low pressure and hurl glass fragments into the room. The basement also offers no protection against poisonous gases or radioactive particles.
However, it is possible to convert basements into shelters. The components required for this can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
Building a bunker in the garden is possible in most federal states with a building permit.
The regulations for this can be found in the respective state building regulations. If a building permit is required, the building application must be submitted in writing to the responsible municipality. To prevent the project from becoming generally known, it is common for the building application to describe it as a storage or wine cellar.
Basic information about the construction can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
In most cases you will need a building permit to build a bunker, but this depends on the state.
The regulations for this can be found in the respective state building regulations. If a building permit is required, the building application must be submitted in writing to the responsible municipality. To prevent the project from becoming generally known, it is common for the building application to describe it as a storage or wine cellar.
Basic information about the construction can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
There are different ways to build a bunker. The cheapest option is to build the shelter in the basement of a house. The costs are in the region of €35,000.
If a shelter is to be built later in the garden, the costs are usually higher because this involves more effort.
Further information can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
Bunkers consist of a thick reinforced concrete shell, the openings of which are secured with special, armored doors. Special ventilation systems with gas filters are required for the air supply, which can be operated both electrically and manually. An emergency exit is usually installed in case the exit via the shelter door is blocked.
Required components:
- Armoured door
- Armoured cover
- Explosion protection valve (air inlet)
- Overpressure / explosion protection valve (air outlet)
- Ventilation system with gas filter
In peacetime, without crises or wars, you generally don't need a shelter. However, whether and when a disaster will occur in the future is usually impossible to predict. Even in the case of pre-announced disasters, it would not be possible, based on current information, to build enough shelters for the German population. Therefore, private preparedness is necessary and essential.With targeted measures (shelter ventilation, overpressure relief valves, reinforced doors, walls, etc.), existing basement compartments can be converted into shelters cost-effectively. In principle, shelter construction should be considered before any new building project.
The shelter shell is made of reinforced concrete. The required thickness of the walls and ceilings depends on the individual circumstances, but must not be less than the following values:
• 30 cm minimum ceiling thickness • 30 cm minimum external wall thickness
We will statically design and calculate the exact thickness required. You can find information about this at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-bau
The size of the shelter depends on the desired number of people and can be calculated as follows:
- Minimum floor area: 8 m²
- Minimum room width: 2 m
- Minimum room height: 2 m
- Space required per shelter: 1 m²
- Space requirement per ventilation system: 1 m²
- Space requirement per dry toilet: 1 m²
The shelter ventilation system is operated electrically or manually in the event of a power failure. With the help of a fan, the contaminated fresh air from outside is first passed through a suspended matter filter and then through a gas filter, where it is cleaned and the activated carbon absorbs dangerous poison gas molecules. There is a slight overpressure in the shelter. The used breathing air is discharged to the outside via an overpressure explosion protection valve.
Further information can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
The fan supplies fresh air or filtered air into the shelter with the help of a 3 x 400 V, 50 Hz electric motor. We equip our devices with a capacitor set and power cable so that operation with 220 V/ 50 Hz / 380 watts is possible. In the event of a power failure, the ventilation can be operated using a hand crank. An emergency light is installed for manual operation.
A more detailed description can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
The gas filter consists of a suspended matter filter and an activated carbon filter. These retain gaseous, biological, chemical and nuclear warfare agents. The service life of the filter is determined by the operating conditions (concentration of pollutants, humidity, etc.).
A more detailed description can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
Nerve agents
Organophosphates: e.g.
- Taboon
- Sarin
- Soman
- Tammelin Esters (VX)
Skin warfare agents
Organic arsenic compounds: e.g.
- 2-Chlorovinylarsine dichloride
- Ethylarsine dichloride (ED)
- Methylarsenic dichloride (MD)
Organic sulphur and nitrogen compounds: e.g.
- S-Lost, N-Lost, Lewisite
Nettle fabrics: e.g.
- Phosgene oxime
- Trichloromethyl-chlorfomoxime
- Trichloroacetophenone
Lung warfare agents
- Phosgene, Diphosgene, Triphosgene
- Chloropicrin
Eye irritants
Halogenated organic compounds: e.g.
- Bromoacetone
- Chloroacetophenone
- Bromobenzyl cyanide
Poisons of cellular respiration and
Cell metabolism (blood toxins)
- Arsine
- cyanogen chloride
- Hydrogen cyanide
- Sodium fluoroacetate
Psychotoxins
- LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide), BZ
- Indoleaminoalkanes, phenylaminoalkanes etc.
Toxins (biotoxins)
- Various bacteriological poisons
- Various animal poisons
- Various plant poisons
Biological warfare agents
- Protect against all known biological warfare agents
The ventilation system consists of two filters: a pre-filter and a gas filter. The pre-filter is permanently installed and filters coarse particles from the intake air; it can be replaced for maintenance purposes depending on its level of contamination.The gas filter, consisting of an activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter, is located on the floor in front of the ventilation unit and is only connected to the unit in the event of a suspected presence of nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare agents. The gas filter covers are securely sealed and are only removed in an emergency to allow the ventilation unit to be connected. When sealed and dry, the gas filter has a shelf life of over 30 years.The capacity of the gas filter depends on the dose of the ordnance being filtered and on the humidity of the intake air. The more humid the intake air, the more moisture is absorbed by the activated carbon. As humidity increases, the air resistance through the filter also increases, so that insufficient filtered air reaches the shelter. If this occurs, a replacement gas filter must be connected.Experience shows that a built-in gas filter can be used for up to several weeks. It is therefore advisable to keep a spare gas filter in the shelter.
Fresh air is drawn in from outside via an explosion protection valve with pre-filter ESV/VF. When a blast of air hits the area, the explosion protection valve closes automatically within a fraction of a second. This protects the people in the shelter from excessive air pressure.
A more detailed description can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
The overpressure/explosion protection valve UEV/ESV is used to automatically close the air outlet when ventilation is interrupted (UEV) or to close the opening when an air blast occurs from outside (ESV).
A more detailed description can be found at: https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/schutzraum-komponenten
The TRIPLEX silencer housing and the silencer pipe are lined with sound insulation mats. The silencer housing is attached to the wall with a sealing profile.
The TRIPLEX silencer is a tested accessory for all ventilation systems (VA 40/75/150) in private and public shelters. The achieved noise reduction of approx. 10 dB (A) is particularly appreciated in military and crew quarters.
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