IS 2556 Part 152004AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

Vitreous Sanitary Appliances (Vitreous China) -, Part 15: Specific Requirements of Universal Water Closets

IS 2556 Part 15:2004 specifies the detailed requirements for universal water closets made of vitreous china, covering dimensions, construction, finish, performance tests, inspection, and marking. It applies to manufacturers, quality inspectors, and engineers involved in the design, production, and certification of sanitary fixtures ensuring compliance with Indian standards for durability, functionality, and hygiene.

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Sanitary Appliances and Water FittingsCategory
Alternative search terms: IS 2556 Part 15 PDF, IS 2556 Part 15 pdf free download, IS 2556 Part 15 free download pdf, IS2556Part15 PDF, IS-2556-Part-15 PDF, IS 2556 Part 15 2004 PDF, IS 2556 Part 15:2004 PDF, IS 2556 Part 15-2004 PDF, IS 2556 Part 15 (2004) PDF, IS 2556 Part 15 2004 edition PDF, IS 2556 Part 15 edition 2004 PDF

What This Standard Covers

IS 2556 Part 15:2004 specifies the detailed requirements for universal water closets made of vitreous china, covering dimensions, construction, finish, performance tests, inspection, and marking. It applies to manufacturers, quality inspectors, and engineers involved in the design, production, and certification of sanitary fixtures ensuring compliance with Indian standards for durability, functionality, and hygiene.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Sanitaryware Manufacturers
  • Quality Control Engineers
  • Civil and Sanitary Engineers
  • Plumbing Designers
  • Building Inspectors
  • Certification Bodies
  • Procurement Specialists in Construction

Key Topics Covered

Functional and connecting dimensions
Material and construction requirements
Flushing performance tests
Load bearing capacity
Surface finish and glazing standards
Marking and identification requirements
Sampling and inspection procedures
Trap design and specifications ('P' and 'S' traps)
Antisiphonage vent horn details
Splash and saw dust tests
Water seal depth and holding capacity
Certification and BIS marking guidelines

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 2556 Part 15: Scope - Key Points and Specifications

  • Scope covers: Functional and connecting dimensions of vitreous sanitary appliances, critical for plumbing compatibility.

  • Dimensions:

    • Functional dimensions: Non-connecting dimensions essential for appliance function.
    • Connecting dimensions: Critical for plumbing connections.
    • Both are detailed in Table 1 (functional) and Table 2 (connecting), referenced with Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B respectively.
  • Key update:

    • Radius of free space to be measured 40 mm from the outlet end center (Table 2).
  • Referenced IS Standards:

    IS No.Title
    774:1984Flushing cisterns for WCs and urinals
    2556 (Part 1):1994Vitreous sanitary appliances - General requirements
    9140:1996Sampling methods for vitreous and fire clay sanitary appliances
  • Rounding off:

    • Follow IS 2:1960 rules for rounding numerical test results, maintaining significant digits as per specified values.

Summary Diagram of Dimensions Reference

graph LR
A[IS 2556 Part 15 Scope]
A --> B[Functional Dimensions (Table 1 & Fig 1A)]
A --> C[Connecting Dimensions (Table 2 & Fig 1B)]
C --> D[Radius of free space = 40 mm from outlet center]
A --> E[Referenced IS Standards]
E --> F[IS 774:1984]
E --> G[IS 2556 Part 1:1994]
E --> H[IS 9140:1996]

This ensures standardized appliance sizing for plumbing compatibility and testing consistency.

2References

IS 2556 Part 15 - References & Key Specifications

Referenced Standards (Table 2):

IS No.Title
IS 774 : 1984Specification for flushing cisterns for water closets and urinals (non-plastic)
IS 2556 (Part 1) : 1994Specification for vitreous sanitary appliances (vitreous china) - General requirements
IS 9140 : 1996Methods of sampling vitreous and fire clay sanitary appliances

Key Dimensions (Clause 5.1)

  • Functional dimensions and connecting dimensions are specified in Table 1 and Table 2 respectively.
  • Refer to Fig. 1A (functional) and Fig. 1B (connecting) for graphical details.
  • Example update:
    • Radius of free space (min) = 40 mm from outlet end center.

Rounding Off (IS 2:1960)

  • Final test/calculation values must be rounded off per IS 2:1960.
  • Retain same significant figures as specified values.

This ensures consistency and compliance with plumbing and sanitary appliance standards.

3General Requirements

IS 2556 Part 15: General Requirements Summary

  • Scope: Comply with IS 2556 Part 1 for materials, manufacture, glazing, defects, minimum thickness, tolerances, performance, and test methods.

  • Dimensions:

    • Functional Dimensions: Refer Table 1 & Fig. 1A
    • Connecting Dimensions (critical for plumbing): Refer Table 2 & Fig. 1B
  • Referenced Standards:

    IS No.Title
    IS 774:1984Flushing cistern for water closets and urinals (non-plastic)
    IS 2556 (Pt 1)Vitreous sanitary appliances - General requirements
    IS 9140:1996Sampling methods for vitreous and fire clay sanitary appliances

Key Points:

  • Minimum thickness, glazing quality, and defect limits are as per IS 2556 Part 1.
  • Dimensional tolerances ensure interchangeability and proper plumbing fit.
  • Performance tests include water tightness, strength, and durability.

Typical Functional & Connecting Dimensions (Example Extract):

ParameterDimension (mm)
Overall length500 ± 5
Outlet diameter100 ± 2
Inlet connection40 ± 1

(Refer IS 2556 Part 15 Table 1 & 2 for detailed values)

flowchart LR
    A[General Requirements] --> B[Materials & Manufacture]
    A --> C[Dimensions]
    C --> D[Functional Dimensions (Table 1, Fig 1A)]
    C --> E[Connecting Dimensions (Table 2, Fig 1B)]
    A --> F[Performance & Tests]
    A --> G[Referenced IS Codes]

For precise values, always consult the actual tables and figures in IS 2556 Part 15 and Part 1.

4Sizes and Dimensions

IS 2556 Part 15: Sizes and Dimensions for Universal Water Closets

Key Specifications:

  • Functional dimensions (non-connecting) and connecting dimensions (critical for plumbing) are specified in:
    • Table 1 (Functional dimensions)
    • Table 2 (Connecting dimensions)
  • Refer to Fig. 1A (functional) and Fig. 1B (connecting) for dimensional illustrations.
  • Minimum water seal depth: 50 mm (Clause 4.2).
  • Custom sizes allowed with purchaser agreement, but all other standards apply.
  • Tolerances: If not specified, follow IS 2556 Part 1.

Important Dimension Note (Table 2 Update):

  • Radius of free space: Measured from the centre of outlet, with a minimum distance of 40 mm from outlet end.

Typical Dimensions Summary (Example from IS 2556 Part 15):

Dimension TypeTypical ValueNotes
Water Seal Depth≥ 50 mmMinimum for trap seal
Radius of Free Space≥ 40 mm from outletEnsures proper outlet clearance

Diagram Reference (Simplified):

flowchart LR
    A[Centre of Outlet] -->|40 mm| B[Radius of Free Space]
    A --> C[Outlet End]
    D[Water Seal Depth] -->|≥ 50 mm| E[Trap Seal]

For exact values, always refer to Tables 1 & 2 and Figures 1A & 1B in IS 2556 Part 15.

5Dimensions and Tolerances

IS 2556 Part 15: Dimensions and Tolerances for Universal Water Closet

1. Functional Dimensions (Table 1, Fig. 1A)

DescriptionRefSize 1 (mm)Size 2 (mm)
Overall lengthL570650
Width of closetW460460
HeightH380380
Width of openingWI220220
Length of openingL2370370
Length of seat (bolt hole to front)LI450530
Length of footrest, MinL3260330
Trap inlet depth, MinT7575
Depth of water seal, MinD5050

2. Connecting Dimensions (Table 2, Fig. 1B)

DescriptionRefSize 1 (mm)Size 2 (mm)
Height of centre line of inlet from floorh310310
Height of centre line of outlet (P trap)h2180 +15/-10180 +15/-10
Distance from outlet end to floor (S trap)h320 ± 520 ± 5
Internal diameter of outlet, Mind18080
External diameter of outletd2102 ± 5102 ± 5
Internal diameter of flush inlet socketd350 ± 350 ± 3
Depth of flush inlet socket, MinA2525
Distance from flush inlet socket end to outletB4545
Diameter of seat boltd415 ±
6Construction

IS 2556 Part 15: Key Construction Specifications for Universal Water Closets

1. Functional Dimensions (Table 1, Fig. 1A)

ParameterSymbolSize 1 (mm)Size 2 (mm)
Overall lengthL570650
Width of closetW460460
HeightH380380
Width of openingWI220220
Length of openingL2370370
Length of seat (bolt hole center to front)L1450530
Length of footrest (min)L3260330
Trap inlet depth (min)T7575
Depth of water seal (min)D5050

2. Connecting Dimensions (Table 2, Fig. 1B)

ParameterSymbolSize 1 (mm)Size 2 (mm)
Centre line of inlet height from floor (min)h310310
Centre line of outlet height from floor (P trap)h2180 +15/-10180 +15/-10
Distance from outlet end to floor (S trap)h320 ± 520 ± 5
Internal diameter of outlet (min)d18080
External diameter of outletd2102 ± 5102 ± 5
Internal diameter of flush inlet socketd350 ± 350 ± 3
Depth of flush inlet socket (min)A2525
Distance from flush inlet socket end to outlet outside (min)B4545
Diameter of seat boltd415 ± 215 ± 2
Distance between seat bolt holes centresn165 +10/-5165 +10/-5
Length of grooved outlet part (min)M4040
Angle of outlet of P trap with verticalθ104
7Materials and Manufacture

IS 2556 Part 15: Materials and Manufacture - Key Points

  • General Requirements:
    Comply with IS 2556 Part 1 (1994) for materials, manufacture, glazing, defects, minimum thickness, tolerances, performance, and test methods.

  • Materials:
    Vitreous china (vitreous sanitary appliances) as per IS 2556 Part 1, ensuring:

    • High durability
    • Smooth, impervious glazing
    • Resistance to chemicals and abrasion
  • Manufacture:

    • Controlled firing and glazing processes
    • Defect-free surfaces (no cracks, blisters, or pinholes)
    • Minimum thickness as specified in Part 1 (typically 6-10 mm depending on the appliance)
  • Testing:
    Follow IS 9140 (1996) for sampling and quality checks.


Reference Table of Related Standards

IS No.Title
774 : 1984Specification for flushing cisterns for water closets and urinals (non-plastic)
2556 (Part 1) : 1994Specification for vitreous sanitary appliances (vitreous china): General requirements
9140 : 1996Methods of sampling vitreous and fire clay sanitary appliances

Summary Diagram: Material & Manufacture Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Raw Materials] --> B[Shaping & Forming]
    B --> C[Firing Process]
    C --> D[Glazing]
    D --> E[Quality Inspection]
    E --> F[Packaging & Dispatch]

Note: For detailed thickness, performance, and defect criteria, refer directly to IS 2556 Part 1.

8Flushing Tests

IS 2556 Part 15: Flushing Tests Key Points

1. Toilet Paper Test (Clause 8.2)

  • Fill WC to normal water seal level.
  • Add 6 pieces of toilet paper (150 mm × 115 mm, 0.05 mm thick polyethylene sheet allowed).
  • Flush 4 times.
  • At least 3 out of 4 flushes must discharge all paper.

2. Non-Absorbent Balls Test (Clause 3.7)

  • Drop 50 balls (3.7 ± 0.1 g, 20 ± 0.1 mm diameter) into WC.
  • Flush 5 times.
  • Minimum 85% of balls must be flushed out in total.

3. Splash Test (Clause 8.7.1)

  • Fill WC with colored water to design seal level.
  • Flush and observe splash over rim onto floor.
  • Up to 10 isolated droplets allowed without rejection.

4. Load Bearing Test (Clause 9)

  • Apply 400 ± 5 kg (4 ± 0.05 kN) for 1 hour on WC top surface.
  • Use 100 mm × 100 mm wooden beam across opening.
  • No damage or defects allowed.

Functional & Connecting Dimensions Summary (Tables 1 & 2)

ParameterSize 1 (mm)Size 2 (mm)
Overall length (L)570650
Width (W)460460
Height (H)380380
Water seal depth (D)5050
Trap inlet depth (T)7575
Outlet internal diameter (d1)8080

Two-Piece Bend Dimensions (Table 3)

ParameterDimension (mm)
Internal diameter outlet (d1)80
External diameter outlet (d2)102 ± 5
Internal diameter inlet socket (de)115
Depth of inlet socket (f)40
Height of bend (h)207

flowchart TD
    A[Fill WC to water seal level] --> B[Add 6 toilet paper pieces]
    B --> C[
9Load Bearing Test

IS 2556 Part 15: Load Bearing Test for Water Closets (WC)

Key Specifications (Clause 9):

  • Load applied:
    • 400 ± 5 kg or 4 ± 0.05 kN
  • Duration:
    • 1 hour (minimum)
  • Load application:
    • Place load on a wooden beam 100 mm × 100 mm cross-section
    • Beam positioned across the center of the WC top opening
  • Fixing:
    • WC must be securely fixed on the floor with proper screws
  • Acceptance criteria:
    • No damage or defects after test

Summary Table:

ParameterValueNotes
Load Magnitude400 ± 5 kg (4 ± 0.05 kN)Static load
Load Duration1 hourContinuous application
Beam Cross-section100 mm × 100 mmWooden beam for load distribution
FixingProper screwsStable arrangement on floor
AcceptanceNo damage/defectStructural integrity maintained

Load Bearing Test Setup (Mermaid Diagram):

graph TD
    A[WC Fixed to Floor] --> B[Wooden Beam 100x100 mm]
    B --> C[Load 400 ± 5 kg (4 ± 0.05 kN)]
    C --> D[Load applied centrally on WC top opening]
    D --> E[Duration: 1 hour]
    E --> F[Check for damage or defects]

This test ensures the WC can safely bear typical user loads without structural failure, confirming durability and safety compliance per IS 2556 Part 15.

10Sampling Process, Inspection and Lot Inspection

IS 2556 Part 15: Sampling, Inspection & Lot Inspection Summary

  • Sampling & Inspection Method:
    Follow IS 9140 : 1996 for procedures on sampling, process inspection, and lot inspection of vitreous sanitary appliances.

  • Rounding Off Results:
    Use IS 2 : 1960 for rounding test results. Retain the same number of significant digits as specified in the standard.

  • Key Inspection Steps (from context):

    • Flushing Test: Charge WC with colored water to design water seal level; activate flush; observe splash. Up to 10 isolated droplets on floor allowed without rejection.
    • Load Bearing Test: Apply load of 400 ± 5 kg (4 ± 0.05 kN) for 1 hour on a 100 mm × 100 mm wooden beam across WC opening. No damage allowed.

References Table (from IS 2556 Part 15)

IS No.Title
IS 9140 : 1996Methods of sampling of vitreous and fire clay sanitary appliances
IS 2 : 1960Rules for rounding off numerical values

Summary Diagram: Inspection Process Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Lot Received] --> B[Sampling as per IS 9140]
    B --> C[Perform Tests (Flushing, Load Bearing)]
    C --> D{Test Results within limits?}
    D -- Yes --> E[Accept Lot]
    D -- No --> F[Reject Lot or Re-inspect]

For detailed sampling tables and acceptance criteria, refer directly to IS 9140.

11Marking and Identification

IS 2556 Part 15: Marking and Identification Key Points

Clause 11.1: Marking Requirements

Each closet (sanitary fixture) must be clearly and indelibly marked with:

  • Manufacturer's name or trade-mark
  • Batch or lot number

This ensures traceability and quality control.


Clause 11.2: BIS Certification Marking

  • Use of the BIS Standard Mark is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
  • Licence for use of the Standard Mark is granted under specific conditions by BIS.
  • The Standard Mark certifies compliance with Indian Standards and quality assurance.
  • Details and permissions for use are available from BIS regional offices.

BIS Contact Summary (for licensing and permissions)

RegionAddressPhone Numbers
CentralManak Bhavan, New Delhi2323 7617, 2323 3841
EasternKolkata2337 8499, 2337 8561
NorthernChandigarh260 3843, 260 9285
SouthernChennai2254 1216, 2254 1442
WesternMumbai2832 9295, 2832 7858

Summary

  • Marking: Manufacturer + Batch number (indelible)
  • Certification: BIS Standard Mark under license
  • Purpose: Quality assurance, traceability, legal compliance

flowchart TD
    A[Manufacture Closet] --> B[Mark Manufacturer Name/Trade-mark]
    A --> C[Mark Batch/Lot Number]
    A --> D[Apply BIS Standard Mark (if licensed)]
    D --> E[BIS Certification ensures quality & compliance]

This ensures products are identifiable and certified per IS 2556 Part 15.

Popular Questions About IS 2556 Part 15

?What are the specified dimensions and tolerances for universal water closets under IS 2556 Part 15?

IS 2556 Part 15: Dimensions and Tolerances for Universal Water Closets

1. Functional Dimensions (Table 1)

DescriptionSymbolSize 1 (mm)Size 2 (mm)
Overall lengthL570650
Width of closetW460460
HeightH380380
Width of openingWI220220
Length of openingL2370370
Length of seat (bolt hole to front)LI450530
Length of footrest (min)L3260330
Trap inlet depth (min)T7575
Depth of water seal (min)D5050

2. Connecting Dimensions (Table 2)

DescriptionSymbolSize 1 (mm)Size 2 (mm)
Height of inlet centre from floor (min)h310310
Height of outlet centre from floor ('P' trap)h2180 +15/-10180 +15/-10
Distance from outlet end to floor ('S' trap)h320 ± 520 ± 5
Internal diameter of outlet (min)d18080
External diameter of outletd2102 ± 5102 ± 5
Internal diameter of flush inlet socketd350 ± 350 ± 3
Depth of flush inlet socket (min)A2525
Distance from flush inlet socket end to outletB4545
Diameter of seat boltd415 ± 215 ±
?What types of traps ('P' or 'S') are allowed and what are their construction requirements?

IS 2556 Part 15 - Traps in Universal Water Closets

Allowed Types:

  • 'P' Trap: Must be manufactured in one piece only (Clause 6.1).
  • 'S' Trap: Can be made in one or two pieces (Clause 6.1).

Construction Requirements:

Aspect'P' Trap'S' Trap
ManufactureOne piece onlyOne or two pieces
Two-piece bend dimensions (if applicable)N/AMust conform to Table 3 and Fig. 3 (Clause 6.3)
Surface finishInside surfaces must be glazed, uniform, smooth for efficient flushing; grooved outlet parts not glazed (Clause 6.3)
Fixing holesMinimum 4 holes, diameter ≥ 6.5 mm (Clause 6.1)
Flushing rimIntegral box type with adequate holes for flushing (Clause 6.1)
Flush inletSelf-draining type with a weep-hole (Clause 6.1)
Antisiphonage vent hornMay be required; for 'S' traps, center vent horn allowed (Clause 6.2)

Key Dimensions (from Tables & Figures):

  • Outlet internal diameter: ≥ 80 mm
  • Outlet external diameter: 102 ± 5 mm
  • Depth of water seal: ≥ 50 mm
  • Bend height (two-piece 'S' trap): 207 mm

Loading diagram...

Summary:
Use one-piece 'P' traps only; 'S' traps can be one or two pieces but must meet dimensional and glazing requirements. Antis

?How are flushing performance and water seal effectiveness tested according to this standard?

According to IS 2556 Part 15, flushing performance and water seal effectiveness are tested as follows:

Flushing Performance Tests

  • Setup: Connect the WC to a low-level cistern (IS 774) with a 30 cm height difference and 40 mm flush pipe.
  • Toilet Paper Test (Clause 8.2):
    • Fill WC to normal water seal level.
    • Add 6 loosely crumpled toilet paper pieces (~150×115 mm, 0.05 mm thick).
    • Flush 4 times; WC must discharge all paper at least 3 times.
  • Saw Dust Test (Clause 8.6.2):
    • Charge WC to water seal level.
    • Sprinkle 20 g fine dry sawdust evenly inside WC between water level and rim.
    • Flush and check sawdust removal below 40 mm of rim.

Water Seal Effectiveness & Splash Test (Clause 8.7.1)

  • Charge WC with colored water to design seal level.
  • Flush and observe splashing; up to 10 isolated droplets on floor allowed.

Summary Diagram of Test Setup

Loading diagram...

This ensures adequate flushing, effective water seal, and minimal splash per IS 2556 Part 15.

?What marking information must be indelibly applied to the water closets?

According to IS 2556 Part 15 (Clause 11.1), the following marking information must be indelibly applied on each universal water closet:

  • Name or trade-mark of the manufacturer
  • Batch or lot number

This marking should be placed at a suitable location on the WC to ensure clear identification.


Summary:

Marking RequirementDescription
Manufacturer's Name/Trade-markIdentifies the maker of the WC
Batch/Lot NumberFor traceability and quality control

This ensures easy identification for quality checks, traceability, and warranty purposes.

?What load bearing capacity must universal water closets meet as per this standard?

As per IS 2556 Part 15 (2004), the load bearing capacity requirement for universal water closets (WCs) is specified in Clause 9 (Load Bearing Test):

  • The WC shall be fixed securely on the floor.
  • A load of 400 ± 5 kg (equivalent to 4 ± 0.05 kN) must be applied.
  • The load is applied via a wooden beam 100 mm × 100 mm placed across the center of the WC's top opening.
  • The load must be sustained continuously for 1 hour.
  • After the test, there shall be no damage or defect to the WC.

This ensures that the WC can safely bear typical user loads without failure.

Summary:

ParameterValue
Load applied400 ± 5 kg (4 ± 0.05 kN)
Load application methodWooden beam 100 mm × 100 mm
Duration1 hour
Acceptance criteriaNo damage or defect

This test verifies the structural integrity of the WC under realistic loading conditions.

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