IS 43461982AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

washers for use with fittings for water services

IS 4346:1982 specifies the requirements for washers used with water service fittings such as bib taps, stop valves, pillar taps, and flush valves. It covers materials, dimensions, performance criteria, and marking to ensure washers provide effective sealing, durability, and do not contaminate potable water or corrode metal parts. This standard is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers involved in water supply fittings to ensure quality and compatibility.

8Sections
98Clauses Indexed
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1982Edition
Sanitary Appliances and Water FittingsCategory
Alternative search terms: IS 4346 PDF, IS 4346 pdf free download, IS 4346 free download pdf, IS4346 PDF, IS-4346 PDF, IS 4346 1982 PDF, IS 4346:1982 PDF, IS 4346-1982 PDF, IS 4346 (1982) PDF, IS 4346 1982 edition PDF, IS 4346 edition 1982 PDF

What This Standard Covers

IS 4346:1982 specifies the requirements for washers used with water service fittings such as bib taps, stop valves, pillar taps, and flush valves. It covers materials, dimensions, performance criteria, and marking to ensure washers provide effective sealing, durability, and do not contaminate potable water or corrode metal parts. This standard is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers involved in water supply fittings to ensure quality and compatibility.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Plumbing engineers
  • Water supply system designers
  • Manufacturers of water fittings and valves
  • Quality control inspectors
  • Sanitary product suppliers
  • Municipal water authorities
  • Maintenance technicians for water services

Key Topics Covered

Scope and application of washers for water fittings
Material specifications including leather, rubber, polyethylene, and vulcanized fibre
Dimensional requirements and tolerances for washers
Effect of washer materials on potable water quality
Corrosion resistance and compatibility with metal fittings
Performance requirements including durability and sealing effectiveness
Marking and packaging standards including ISI certification
Testing and quality control procedures
Definitions of washer types and functions
Temperature classifications for cold and hot water use
Replacement guidelines and expected service life
Compliance and rounding off numerical values

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 4346: Scope & Key Specifications for Washers

Scope (Clause 2.0)

  • Defines terms related to washers used in taps and valves.
  • Covers materials like vulcanized natural rubber, vegetable tanned hydraulic leather, and high-density polyethylene.

Key Dimensions (Clause 6.1, Table 1)

Nominal Size (mm)Thickness (Min) (mm)Internal Diameter (mm)*External Diameter Min (mm)External Diameter Max (mm)
82.5314.314.5
104.0415.916.1
154.0519.019.3
204.0625.425.6
255.0633.333.6
325.0740.140.6
406.5847.748.3
506.51063.564.2
  • *Internal diameter tolerance: +0.5 mm
  • Thickness variation for leather washers: ±5%

Material Requirements (Clause 3.2)

  • Washer materials must not corrode metal seating or washer plate to ensure longevity of taps/valves.

Summary:

  • Washers are standardized by thickness and diameter per nominal size.
  • Materials include rubber, leather, and polyethylene with corrosion resistance.
  • Dimensions ensure compatibility and performance in tap and valve assemblies.
flowchart LR
    A[Nominal Size] --> B[Thickness (Min)]
    A --> C[Internal Diameter (+0.5 mm tolerance)]
    A --> D[External Diameter (Min-Max)]
    E[Materials] --> F[Vulcanized Rubber]
    E --> G[Hyd
2Definitions

IS 4346: Key Definitions, Dimensions & Specifications for Washers

Definitions (Clause 2.0)

  • Defines terms related to washers used in taps and valves.
  • Ensures uniform understanding of materials, dimensions, and performance criteria.

Dimensions of Washers (Clause 6.1, Table 1)

Nominal Size (mm)Thickness Min (mm)Internal Diameter* (mm)External Diameter Min (mm)External Diameter Max (mm)
82.5314.314.5
104.0415.916.1
154.0519.019.3
204.0625.425.6
255.0633.333.6
325.0740.140.6
406.5847.748.3
506.51063.564.2

*Internal diameter tolerance: +0.5 mm.

Material Specifications & Performance (Clauses 1.10, 3.2)

  • Density: Minimum 1.10 g/cm³.
  • Shear Strength: Minimum 55 MPa.
  • Washer material must not corrode metal seating or washer plate, ensuring durability of taps/valves.

Notes:

  • Thickness variation for leather washers: ±5%.
  • Materials include vulcanized natural rubber, vegetable tanned hydraulic leather, and high-density polyethylene.

flowchart TD
    A[Washer] --> B[Dimensions]
    B --> C[Thickness]
    B --> D[Internal Diameter]
    B --> E[External Diameter]
    A --> F[Material Properties]
    F --> G[Density
3Effects on Potable Water and Metals

IS 4346 – Effects on Potable Water and Metals: Key Points

1. Effect on Potable Water (Clause 3.1)

  • No taste or toxic effect: Tap washer materials must not impart taste or toxicity.
  • Residual chloride limit: ≤ 0.2 mg/l in water.
  • No color imparted: After 24 hours immersion in 250 ml potable water at 10°C and 45°C (second exposure).
  • No bacterial growth fostered by materials.

2. Effect on Metal (Clause 3.2)

  • Washer material must not corrode metal seating or washer plate.
  • Corrosion should not impair the performance or lifespan of taps/valves.

Additional Specifications Referenced:

  • Cast copper alloy bib taps, stop valves, pillar taps, self-closing taps, ferrules, marine taps, fancy bib & pillar taps, flush valves.

Summary Table: Water Exposure Test for Washer Material

ParameterRequirement
Residual Chloride≤ 0.2 mg/l
Exposure Volume250 ml
Exposure Temperature10°C and 45°C
Exposure Duration24 hours (second exposure)
Taste/ColorNone imparted
ToxicityNone
Bacterial GrowthNone fostered

flowchart LR
    A[Washer Material] --> B{Test in Potable Water}
    B -->|No taste| C[Pass]
    B -->|No toxicity| C
    B -->|No color after 24h at 10°C & 45°C| C
    C --> D{Effect on Metal}
    D -->|No corrosion| E[Pass]
    D -->|No impairment of tap life| E

This ensures safe, durable, and hygienic water fittings per IS 4346.

4Materials

IS 4346: Key Material Specifications for Washers


1. Material Types (Clause 4.1)

  • Vegetable tanned hydraulic leather
  • High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
  • Vulcanized fibre

2. Material Properties

PropertyMinimum ValueApplicable Material
Density1.10 g/cm³General (Clause 1.10 b)
Shear Strength55 MPaVulcanized fibre (Clause 1.10 c, 5.5 a)
Tensile Strength55 MPaVulcanized fibre (Clause 5.5 a)

3. Washer Dimensions (Clause 6.1, Table 1)

Nominal Size (mm)Thickness (Min, mm)Internal Diameter (mm)External Diameter (Min - Max, mm)
82.5314.3 - 14.5
104.0415.9 - 16.1
154.0519.0 - 19.3
204.0625.4 - 25.6
255.0633.3 - 33.6
325.0740.1 - 40.6
406.5847.7 - 48.3
506.51063.5 - 64.2

Note: Thickness tolerance for leather washers ±5%; internal diameter tolerance +0.5 mm.


Summary:

  • Use vegetable tanned leather, HDPE, or vulcanized fibre.
  • Maintain density ≥ 1.10 g/cm³ and **shear/tensile
5Requirements

IS 4346: Key Requirements for Washers

1. Dimensions (Clause 6.1, Table 1)

Nominal Size (mm)Thickness (Min, mm)Internal Diameter (mm)External Diameter (Min - Max, mm)
82.53 (+0.5 tolerance)14.3 - 14.5
104.04 (+0.5 tolerance)15.9 - 16.1
154.05 (+0.5 tolerance)19.0 - 19.3
204.06 (+0.5 tolerance)25.4 - 25.6
255.06 (+0.5 tolerance)33.3 - 33.6
325.07 (+0.5 tolerance)40.1 - 40.6
406.58 (+0.5 tolerance)47.7 - 48.3
506.510 (+0.5 tolerance)63.5 - 64.2
  • Thickness variation for leather washers shall not exceed ±5%.

2. Material Specifications (Clause 4.1)

  • Vegetable tanned hydraulic leather
  • High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
  • Vulcanized fibre
  • Vulcanized natural rubber compounds (per first revision)
  • Vegetable tanned hydraulic leather (second revision)

3. Mechanical Properties (Clause 1.10)

  • Density: Minimum 1.10 g/cm³
  • Shear Strength: Minimum 55 MPa

Summary:

  • Washers must conform to dimensional tolerances in Table 1.
  • Material choice is limited to specified types ensuring durability.
  • Mechanical properties ensure performance under load.
flowchart TD
    A[Washer Requirements] --> B[
6Dimensions

IS 4346: Dimensions of Washers for Water Service Fittings

Key Specifications (Clause 6.1 & Table 1)

  • Thickness and Diameter of washers are standardized as follows (all dimensions in mm):
Nominal Size (Tap/Valve)Thickness (Min)Internal Diameter*External Diameter MinExternal Diameter Max
82.5314.314.5
104.0415.916.1
154.0519.019.3
204.0625.425.6
255.0633.333.6
325.0740.140.6
406.5847.748.3
506.51063.564.2
  • Tolerance: Internal diameter tolerance of +0.5 mm permitted.
  • Thickness variation: For leather washers, ±5% thickness variation allowed.

Notes:

  • Thickness is the minimum value.
  • Dimensions ensure compatibility with standard taps and valves.
  • Materials include vulcanized rubber, vegetable tanned leather, and high-density polyethylene.

This table guides washer manufacture and quality control for water service fittings per IS 4346.

7Marking

IS 4346: Marking Specifications (Clause 7.1 & 7.2)

  • Marking on Boxes/Cartons:

    • Must include the manufacturer's identification mark and trade-mark (Clause 7.1).
    • May include the ISI Certification Mark if licensed (Clause 7.2).
  • ISI Certification Mark:

    • Indicates compliance with IS standards.
    • Governed by Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act.
    • Ensures product quality via inspection, testing, and continuous surveillance.

Key Dimensions for Washers (Table 1, Clause 6.1)

Nominal Size (mm)Thickness Min (mm)Internal Diameter (mm)External Diameter Min (mm)External Diameter Max (mm)
82.5314.314.5
104.0415.916.1
154.0519.019.3
204.0625.425.6
255.0633.333.6
325.0740.140.6
406.5847.748.3
506.51063.564.2
  • Thickness tolerance for leather washers: ±5%
  • Internal diameter tolerance: +0.5 mm permitted

Summary Diagram: Marking Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Washer Boxes/Cartons] --> B[Mark Manufacturer ID & Trade Mark]
    B --> C{ISI Certification Mark?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Apply ISI Mark as per ISI Act]
    C -- No --> E[No ISI Mark
8Packaging and Identification

IS 4346: Packaging and Identification Key Points

  • Clause 7.1:
    The manufacturer's identification mark and trade-mark must be clearly marked on the box/carton containing washers.

  • Clause 7.2 (Marking Table):
    Boxes/cartons may also carry the ISI Certification Mark indicating compliance with Indian Standards under ISI's inspection and quality control.

  • ISI Certification Mark:

    • Indicates product conformity to IS standards.
    • Usage governed by Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act.
    • Ensures continuous quality checks by ISI.
  • Packaging Material:
    High-density polyethylene used should comply with IS 7328-1974 (Clause 5.4).


Summary Table: Packaging Markings

Marking TypeDescriptionReference Clause
Manufacturer's MarkIdentification and trade-mark on packaging7.1
ISI Certification MarkOptional, indicates IS standard compliance7.2

Notes:

  • Proper marking aids traceability and quality assurance.
  • Packaging must protect washers and maintain identification integrity during transport.
flowchart TD
    A[Washer Packaging] --> B[Manufacturer's Mark]
    A --> C[Trade-Mark]
    A --> D[ISI Certification Mark (optional)]
    D --> E[Compliance with IS Standards]
    E --> F[Quality Control & Inspection]

This ensures traceability, quality, and compliance per IS 4346.

Popular Questions About IS 4346

?What materials are permitted for washers under IS 4346?

Under IS 4346 (1982), the permitted materials for washers used with water fittings are specified in Clause 4.1 as:

  • Vegetable tanned hydraulic leather
  • High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
  • Vulcanized fibre

Key points:

  • The washer material must be durable enough to not crack when the tap is fully closed (Clause 5.1).
  • A well-made washer should last at least six months before replacement (Clause 2.3).
  • These materials ensure good sealing and longevity in water service fittings.

Summary Table:

MaterialCharacteristics
Vegetable tanned hydraulic leatherTraditional, flexible, water-resistant
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)Durable, resistant to wear and chemicals
Vulcanized fibreTough, resilient, good compressibility

This ensures reliable sealing and prevents leakage in taps and fittings.

?What are the specified dimensions and tolerances for washers used with different tap sizes?

According to IS 4346 Clause 6.1 and Table 1, the specified dimensions and tolerances for washers used with different nominal tap/valve sizes are:

Nominal Size (mm)Thickness (mm) MinInternal Diameter (mm)External Diameter (mm) MinExternal Diameter (mm) Max
82.5314.314.5
104.0415.916.1
154.0519.019.3
204.0625.425.6
255.0633.333.6
325.0740.140.6
406.5847.748.3
506.51063.564.2

Additional notes:

  • Thickness tolerance for leather washers: ±5%.
  • Internal diameter tolerance: +0.5 mm permitted.
  • Material quality must prevent cracking when tap is fully closed (Clause 5.1).
  • All dimensions are in millimeters.

This ensures compatibility and leak-free sealing in taps and valves per IS 4346 standards.

?How does the standard ensure that washers do not contaminate potable water?

IS 4346 ensures washers do not contaminate potable water primarily through Clause 3.1, which specifies:

  • Material Safety: Washer materials must not impart any taste or color to potable water.
  • Chloride Limit: Residual chloride content in water after contact with washers must not exceed 0.2 mg/l.
  • Toxicity & Bacteria: Materials must be non-toxic and must not promote bacterial growth.
  • Testing Conditions: Washers are tested by immersion twice for 24 hours each at 10°C and 45°C in 250 ml water samples to check for color or taste changes.

This ensures washers maintain water quality and safety during use.


Summary Table of Key Requirements

ParameterRequirement
Chloride Content≤ 0.2 mg/l
ToxicityNone
Taste/Color impartedNone
Bacterial GrowthNo fostering
Test Conditions2x 24 hrs immersion at 10°C & 45°C

Loading diagram...
?What marking requirements must manufacturers follow for compliance?

According to IS 4346, manufacturers must follow these marking requirements for compliance:

  • Clause 7.1: The box or carton containing washers shall be marked with:

    • The identification mark of the manufacturer.
    • The trade-mark of the manufacturer.
  • Clause 7.2: Optionally, boxes or cartons may also carry the ISI Certification Mark, which indicates:

    • Compliance with Indian Standards.
    • Production under a defined system of inspection, testing, and quality control supervised by ISI.
    • Continuous conformity checks by ISI.

Note: Use of the ISI mark is regulated under the Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act and requires a license.


Summary Table

Marking ElementRequirement
Identification MarkMandatory on box/carton
Trade-markMandatory on box/carton
ISI Certification MarkOptional, license required

This ensures traceability and quality assurance of the product packaging.

?How does IS 4346 address the durability and replacement frequency of washers?

IS 4346 on Durability and Replacement Frequency of Washers

  • A well-manufactured washer should last at least six months under normal use (Clause 0.3).
  • Washers fitted in taps must be replaced immediately when leakage signs appear to prevent water wastage.
  • Materials specified for washers (Clause 4.1) include:
    • Vegetable tanned hydraulic leather
    • High-density polyethylene
    • Vulcanized fibre

This ensures durability and performance to minimize leakage and conserve potable water. Regular inspection for leakage is key to timely replacement.

Loading diagram...

Summary: Replace washers on leakage detection; expect minimum 6-month service life if properly manufactured and used.

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