What DWA-M 149-2 covers
The document governs the qualitative assessment of the current condition of drainage systems outside buildings – sewers, pipes, manholes and inspection chambers. It applies to systems operated predominantly as gravity systems, and can be applied to property drainage where that drainage is not part of the building's plumbing.
Its structure follows DIN EN 13508-2, so the two documents are used side by side. The European standard defines the coding system itself; DWA-M 149-2 adds guidance on applying it in practice. In Germany this combination is the recommended approach. It replaced the earlier ATV-M 143-2 from 1999, which remained permissible only until inspection programmes already under way had been completed.
The 2006 and 2013 editions
The first edition of EN 13508-2 was published in 2003 and adopted into the German body of standards as DIN EN 13508-2 the same year. The first edition of DWA-M 149-2 followed in 2006.
DIN EN 13508-2:2011 revised the coding system. The December 2013 edition of the code of practice adapted it accordingly, with the main changes affecting codes for linings, repairs and the control codes.
EN 13508-2:2003
+ DWA-M 149-2:2006 · legacy programmes
EN 13508-2:2011
+ DWA-M 149-2:2013 · current
Pallon supports both combinations. Inspection programmes that began before the 2011 standard was published can therefore still be coded in the edition they started under.
Which edition applies now
The edition currently in force is DIN EN 13508-2:2011 together with DWA-M 149-2 dated December 2013, as amended in September 2023. Anyone tendering or carrying out a new inspection programme should work to this combination. Pallon supports it, as well as the earlier pairing of DIN EN 13508-2:2003 with DWA-M 149-2:2006.
ISYBAU-XML and VSA-KEK
Coding and data exchange are separate matters. Alongside the coding system, dedicated exchange formats are used to move condition data between systems: ISYBAU-XML is widespread in Germany, VSA-KEK in Switzerland. Pallon delivers coded condition data in both, so it imports directly into your GIS, asset management or rehabilitation planning software. Condition reports are also delivered as PDF.
ISYBAU-XML
VSA-KEK
PDF condition report
How Pallon codes to the standard
The output uses the same codes as manual coding. Nothing changes for your downstream condition assessment or rehabilitation planning – you simply start from a more complete and more consistent data basis. The code of practice itself notes that suitable software support for the coding process is of particular importance.
Other supported standards
Beyond DIN EN 13508-2 and DWA-M 149-2, Pallon supports DWA-M 150, the VSA guidelines for Switzerland, and NASSCO PACP 7 and MACP 7. See What's supported for the full overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DWA-M 149-2 also cover manholes?
Yes. The coding system covers sewers and pipes as well as manholes and inspection chambers. Pallon codes both, pipes and manholes, in either edition.
What is the difference between DIN EN 13508-2 and DWA-M 149-2?
DIN EN 13508-2 is the European standard that defines the coding system itself, the codes, their structure and their meaning. DWA-M 149-2 is a German code of practice that accompanies it and adds recommendations on how clients should apply the system in practice. The two are used together, not as alternatives, and the code of practice follows the structure of the standard.
Is AI-based condition coding compliant with DIN EN 13508-2 and DWA-M 149-2?
Yes. Pallon codes according to DIN EN 13508-2 (2003 and 2011), including the national specifications DWA-M 149-2 and DWA-M 150 as well as the ISYBAU variant, for pipes and manholes. For Switzerland we support VSA-KEK; for North America, NASSCO PACP 7 and MACP 7. The output uses the same codes as manual coding, so it fits directly into standards-compliant condition assessment and downstream rehabilitation planning.
In which formats does Pallon deliver condition reports?
Condition reports are delivered as PDF. Coding data is exported as ISYBAU-XML or VSA-KEK for import into your own GIS, asset management or rehabilitation planning software. Please check in advance whether the supported exchange files are compatible with your system.
How can we export data and import it into our software?
Pallon exports ISYBAU-XML and VSA-KEK files plus PDF condition reports, which import directly into common rehabilitation planning software. Because the coding is already standards-compliant, you can start planning instead of cleaning up the data basis first. Please check in advance whether the supported exchange files match your software.
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