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.
Overview
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.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 4346: Scope & Key Specifications for Washers
| Nominal Size (mm) | Thickness (Min) (mm) | Internal Diameter (mm)* | External Diameter Min (mm) | External Diameter Max (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2.5 | 3 | 14.3 | 14.5 |
| 10 | 4.0 | 4 | 15.9 | 16.1 |
| 15 | 4.0 | 5 | 19.0 | 19.3 |
| 20 | 4.0 | 6 | 25.4 | 25.6 |
| 25 | 5.0 | 6 | 33.3 | 33.6 |
| 32 | 5.0 | 7 | 40.1 | 40.6 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 8 | 47.7 | 48.3 |
| 50 | 6.5 | 10 | 63.5 | 64.2 |
Summary:
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
IS 4346: Key Definitions, Dimensions & Specifications for Washers
| Nominal Size (mm) | Thickness Min (mm) | Internal Diameter* (mm) | External Diameter Min (mm) | External Diameter Max (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2.5 | 3 | 14.3 | 14.5 |
| 10 | 4.0 | 4 | 15.9 | 16.1 |
| 15 | 4.0 | 5 | 19.0 | 19.3 |
| 20 | 4.0 | 6 | 25.4 | 25.6 |
| 25 | 5.0 | 6 | 33.3 | 33.6 |
| 32 | 5.0 | 7 | 40.1 | 40.6 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 8 | 47.7 | 48.3 |
| 50 | 6.5 | 10 | 63.5 | 64.2 |
*Internal diameter tolerance: +0.5 mm.
flowchart TD
A[Washer] --> B[Dimensions]
B --> C[Thickness]
B --> D[Internal Diameter]
B --> E[External Diameter]
A --> F[Material Properties]
F --> G[Density
IS 4346 – Effects on Potable Water and Metals: Key Points
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residual Chloride | ≤ 0.2 mg/l |
| Exposure Volume | 250 ml |
| Exposure Temperature | 10°C and 45°C |
| Exposure Duration | 24 hours (second exposure) |
| Taste/Color | None imparted |
| Toxicity | None |
| Bacterial Growth | None 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.
IS 4346: Key Material Specifications for Washers
| Property | Minimum Value | Applicable Material |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.10 g/cm³ | General (Clause 1.10 b) |
| Shear Strength | 55 MPa | Vulcanized fibre (Clause 1.10 c, 5.5 a) |
| Tensile Strength | 55 MPa | Vulcanized fibre (Clause 5.5 a) |
| Nominal Size (mm) | Thickness (Min, mm) | Internal Diameter (mm) | External Diameter (Min - Max, mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2.5 | 3 | 14.3 - 14.5 |
| 10 | 4.0 | 4 | 15.9 - 16.1 |
| 15 | 4.0 | 5 | 19.0 - 19.3 |
| 20 | 4.0 | 6 | 25.4 - 25.6 |
| 25 | 5.0 | 6 | 33.3 - 33.6 |
| 32 | 5.0 | 7 | 40.1 - 40.6 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 8 | 47.7 - 48.3 |
| 50 | 6.5 | 10 | 63.5 - 64.2 |
Note: Thickness tolerance for leather washers ±5%; internal diameter tolerance +0.5 mm.
IS 4346: Key Requirements for Washers
| Nominal Size (mm) | Thickness (Min, mm) | Internal Diameter (mm) | External Diameter (Min - Max, mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2.5 | 3 (+0.5 tolerance) | 14.3 - 14.5 |
| 10 | 4.0 | 4 (+0.5 tolerance) | 15.9 - 16.1 |
| 15 | 4.0 | 5 (+0.5 tolerance) | 19.0 - 19.3 |
| 20 | 4.0 | 6 (+0.5 tolerance) | 25.4 - 25.6 |
| 25 | 5.0 | 6 (+0.5 tolerance) | 33.3 - 33.6 |
| 32 | 5.0 | 7 (+0.5 tolerance) | 40.1 - 40.6 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 8 (+0.5 tolerance) | 47.7 - 48.3 |
| 50 | 6.5 | 10 (+0.5 tolerance) | 63.5 - 64.2 |
flowchart TD
A[Washer Requirements] --> B[
IS 4346: Dimensions of Washers for Water Service Fittings
| Nominal Size (Tap/Valve) | Thickness (Min) | Internal Diameter* | External Diameter Min | External Diameter Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2.5 | 3 | 14.3 | 14.5 |
| 10 | 4.0 | 4 | 15.9 | 16.1 |
| 15 | 4.0 | 5 | 19.0 | 19.3 |
| 20 | 4.0 | 6 | 25.4 | 25.6 |
| 25 | 5.0 | 6 | 33.3 | 33.6 |
| 32 | 5.0 | 7 | 40.1 | 40.6 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 8 | 47.7 | 48.3 |
| 50 | 6.5 | 10 | 63.5 | 64.2 |
This table guides washer manufacture and quality control for water service fittings per IS 4346.
Marking on Boxes/Cartons:
ISI Certification Mark:
| Nominal Size (mm) | Thickness Min (mm) | Internal Diameter (mm) | External Diameter Min (mm) | External Diameter Max (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2.5 | 3 | 14.3 | 14.5 |
| 10 | 4.0 | 4 | 15.9 | 16.1 |
| 15 | 4.0 | 5 | 19.0 | 19.3 |
| 20 | 4.0 | 6 | 25.4 | 25.6 |
| 25 | 5.0 | 6 | 33.3 | 33.6 |
| 32 | 5.0 | 7 | 40.1 | 40.6 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 8 | 47.7 | 48.3 |
| 50 | 6.5 | 10 | 63.5 | 64.2 |
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
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:
Packaging Material:
High-density polyethylene used should comply with IS 7328-1974 (Clause 5.4).
| Marking Type | Description | Reference Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer's Mark | Identification and trade-mark on packaging | 7.1 |
| ISI Certification Mark | Optional, indicates IS standard compliance | 7.2 |
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.
Frequently Asked
Under IS 4346 (1982), the permitted materials for washers used with water fittings are specified in Clause 4.1 as:
| Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Vegetable tanned hydraulic leather | Traditional, flexible, water-resistant |
| High-density polyethylene (HDPE) | Durable, resistant to wear and chemicals |
| Vulcanized fibre | Tough, resilient, good compressibility |
This ensures reliable sealing and prevents leakage in taps and fittings.
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) Min | Internal Diameter (mm) | External Diameter (mm) Min | External Diameter (mm) Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2.5 | 3 | 14.3 | 14.5 |
| 10 | 4.0 | 4 | 15.9 | 16.1 |
| 15 | 4.0 | 5 | 19.0 | 19.3 |
| 20 | 4.0 | 6 | 25.4 | 25.6 |
| 25 | 5.0 | 6 | 33.3 | 33.6 |
| 32 | 5.0 | 7 | 40.1 | 40.6 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 8 | 47.7 | 48.3 |
| 50 | 6.5 | 10 | 63.5 | 64.2 |
Additional notes:
This ensures compatibility and leak-free sealing in taps and valves per IS 4346 standards.
IS 4346 ensures washers do not contaminate potable water primarily through Clause 3.1, which specifies:
This ensures washers maintain water quality and safety during use.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Chloride Content | ≤ 0.2 mg/l |
| Toxicity | None |
| Taste/Color imparted | None |
| Bacterial Growth | No fostering |
| Test Conditions | 2x 24 hrs immersion at 10°C & 45°C |
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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:
Clause 7.2: Optionally, boxes or cartons may also carry the ISI Certification Mark, which indicates:
Note: Use of the ISI mark is regulated under the Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act and requires a license.
| Marking Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Identification Mark | Mandatory on box/carton |
| Trade-mark | Mandatory on box/carton |
| ISI Certification Mark | Optional, license required |
This ensures traceability and quality assurance of the product packaging.
IS 4346 on Durability and Replacement Frequency of Washers
This ensures durability and performance to minimize leakage and conserve potable water. Regular inspection for leakage is key to timely replacement.
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Summary: Replace washers on leakage detection; expect minimum 6-month service life if properly manufactured and used.
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