IS 9140:1996 defines standardized methods for sampling vitreous and fire clay sanitary appliances to assess their conformity with relevant Indian Standards such as IS 2556 and IS 771. It provides detailed procedures for selecting samples from production lots, conducting visual and destructive tests, and establishing acceptance criteria to ensure quality control during manufacturing and upon receipt by purchasers. This standard is essential for manufacturers, quality inspectors, and procurement professionals involved in the production and evaluation of sanitary ware like sinks, basins, and water closets made from vitreous china and fire clay.
Overview
IS 9140:1996 defines standardized methods for sampling vitreous and fire clay sanitary appliances to assess their conformity with relevant Indian Standards such as IS 2556 and IS 771. It provides detailed procedures for selecting samples from production lots, conducting visual and destructive tests, and establishing acceptance criteria to ensure quality control during manufacturing and upon receipt by purchasers. This standard is essential for manufacturers, quality inspectors, and procurement professionals involved in the production and evaluation of sanitary ware like sinks, basins, and water closets made from vitreous china and fire clay.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 9140: Scope & Sampling Specifications
| Number of Appliances in Lot | Sample Size | Acceptance No. |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 8 | 0 |
| 26 to 50 | 13 | 0 |
| 51 to 90 | 20 | 1 |
| 91 to 150 | 32 | 2 |
| 151 to 280 | 50 | 3 |
| 281 to 500 | 80 | 5 |
| 501 to 1200 | 125 | 7 |
| Number of Appliances in Lot | Sample Size | Acceptance No. |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 | 5 | 0 |
| 91 to 150 | 8 | 0 |
| 151 to 500 | 13 | 0 |
| 501 to 2000 | 20 | 1 |
This ensures appliances conform to quality standards before acceptance.
IS 9140 - Key Definitions and Sampling Specifications
| Number of Appliances in Lot | Sample Size | Acceptance Number (Defectives Allowed) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 | 5 | 0 |
| 91 to 150 | 8 | 0 |
| 151 to 500 | 13 | 0 |
| 501 to 2000 | 20 | 1 |
flowchart TD
A[Start: Lot of Appliances] --> B{Lot Size?}
B -->|≤ 90| C[Sample 5]
B -->|91-150| D[Sample 8]
B -->|151-500| E[Sample 13]
B -->|501-2000| F[Sample 20]
C --> G{Defectives ≤ 0?}
D --> G
E --> G
F --> H{Defectives ≤ 1?}
G -->|Yes| I[Lot Accepted]
G -->|No| J[Lot Rejected]
H -->|Yes| I
H -->|No| J
This ensures quality control through statistically valid sampling and acceptance criteria.
IS 9140 Sampling Procedures for Sanitary Appliances
Sampling is based on IS 2500 (Part 1):1992, using Attribute Sampling Plans indexed by Acceptance Quality Level (AQL) for lot-by-lot inspection.
| Number of Appliances in Lot | Sample Size | Acceptance Number |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 8 | 0 |
| 26 to 50 | 13 | 0 |
| 51 to 90 | 20 | 1 |
| 91 to 150 | 32 | 2 |
| 151 to 280 | 50 | 3 |
| 281 to 500 | 80 | 5 |
| 501 to 1200 | 125 | 7 |
| Number of Appliances in Lot | Sample Size | Acceptance Number |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 | 5 | 0 |
| 91 to 150 | 8 | 0 |
| 151 to 500 | 13 | 0 |
| 501 to 1200 | 20 | 1 |
flowchart LR
LotSize[Lot Size] --> SampleSize[Determine Sample Size from Table]
SampleSize --> Inspection[Inspect Sample]
Inspection -->|Defects ≤ Acceptance No.| Accept[Accept Lot]
Inspection -->|Defects > Acceptance No.| Reject[Reject Lot]
This flow ensures consistent quality control per IS 9140.
IS 9140: Process Control Key Points
| Stage | Inspection Frequency & Criteria |
|---|---|
| Mix (casting slip) before moulding | - 10% of moulds daily (random)<br>- 5% moulds fortnightly (random)<br>- Daily tests: fineness, density, viscosity, casting rate |
| Greenwares before glazing | - Construction/warpage/visual: Each piece<br>- Minimum thickness: 1 in 100 per type, max 5/day |
| Wares after firing | - Construction, finish, warpage, visual: Each piece<br>- Minimum thickness: 2 pieces/type/day (continuous kiln)<br>- Dimensions: 5 pieces/type/day, all must pass or 100% inspection<br>- Flushing & cleanability: 5 pieces/type/day, all must pass or 100% inspection<br>- Water absorption: 3 samples/day<br>- Crazing: 3 samples twice a week<br>- Chemical resistance: 8 samples weekly<br>- Staining & burning resistance: 2 samples weekly<br>- Modulus of rupture & thermal shock: As per IS 2556 (Part 1) |
| Test Type | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chippage/Breakage | 10% daily moulds | Random selection |
| Shape, Dimensions, Ovality | 5 pieces/day | 100% if any fail |
| Visual & Warpage | Each piece | Continuous monitoring |
| Thickness (Greenware) | 1 in 100 | Max 5/day |
| Thickness (Fired) | 2 pieces/type/day | Use broken/rejected if needed |
| Water Absorption | 3 samples/day | Continuous kiln |
| Crazing | 3 samples twice/week | Continuous kiln |
| Chemical Resistance | 8 samples/week | Continuous kiln |
| Staining & Burning | 2 samples/week | Continuous kiln |
IS 9140 - Lot Inspection Key Points
| Number of Appliances in Lot | Sample Size (n) | Acceptance Number (c) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 | 5 | 0 |
| 91 to 150 | 8 | 0 |
| 151 to 500 | 13 | 0 |
| 501 to 2000 | 20 | 1 |
flowchart TD
A[Start: Lot Inspection] --> B{Select Sample Size}
B -->|Lot ≤ 90| C[Sample = 5, Accept if defects ≤ 0]
B -->|91 ≤ Lot ≤ 150| D[Sample = 8, Accept if defects ≤ 0]
B -->|151 ≤ Lot ≤ 500| E[Sample = 13, Accept if defects ≤ 0]
B -->|501 ≤ Lot ≤ 2000| F[Sample = 20, Accept if defects ≤ 1]
C --> G{Defects ≤ Acceptance No.?}
D --> G
E --> G
F --> G
G -->|Yes| H[Accept Lot]
G -->|No| I[Reject Lot]
This ensures consistent quality control using attribute sampling.
IS 9140 - Non-destructive Tests (Clause 5.1)
| Number of Appliances in Lot | Sample Size | Acceptance No. |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 8 | 0 |
| 26 to 50 | 13 | 0 |
| 51 to 90 | 20 | 1 |
| 91 to 150 | 32 | 2 |
| 151 to 280 | 50 | 3 |
| 281 to 500 | 80 | 5 |
| 501 to 1200 | 125 | 7 |
| Number of Appliances in Lot | Sample Size | Acceptance No. |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 | 5 | 0 |
| 91 to 150 | 8 | 0 |
| 151 to 500 | 13 | 0 |
| 501 to 2000 | 20 | 1 |
flowchart TD
A[Lot of Appliances] --> B{Lot Size}
B --> |Small Lot| C[Sample Size & Acceptance No. from Table 1]
B --> |Large Lot| D[Sample Size & Acceptance No. from Table 2]
C --> E[Perform Visual & Cleanability Tests]
D --> E
E --> F{Defects Found ≤ Acceptance No.?}
F --> |Yes| G[Lot Accepted]
F --> |No| H[Lot Rejected]
Use these tables and criteria to plan and assess
IS 9140 - Destructive Tests (Clause 5.2)
Destructive tests ensure product quality by physically testing samples to failure or damage. Key tests include:
Minimum Thickness: Verify the product meets the specified thickness to ensure durability.
Crazing: Check for fine cracks on the surface indicating stress or aging.
Water Absorption: Measure % weight gain after immersion to assess porosity.
Chemical Resistance: Expose to chemicals and observe degradation.
Resistance to Staining and Burning: Evaluate surface integrity after exposure.
Modulus of Rupture (MOR): Determines flexural strength, calculated by:
[ MOR = \frac{3PL}{2bd^2} ]
where:
Thermal Shock: Assess resistance to sudden temperature changes.
| Lot Size (No. of Appliances) | Sample Size | Acceptance Number |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 | 5 | 0 |
| 91 to 150 | 8 | 0 |
| 151 to 500 | 13 | 0 |
| 501 to 2000 | 20 | 1 |
Note: Destructive tests are usually performed on samples selected per the above sampling plan to ensure reliability without testing every unit.
IS 9140: Criteria for Conformity - Key Points
| Table 1 (Visual Requirements) | Sample Size (Col 2) | Acceptance Number (Col 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Lot Size Range | As per IS 9140 | Max allowed defectives |
| Table 2 (Other Tests) | Acceptance Number (Col 3) |
|---|---|
| Number of defectives allowed | As per IS 9140 Table 2 |
flowchart TD
A[Start: Identify Lot Size] --> B[Determine Sample Size from Table 1]
B --> C{Number of Sizes > Sample Size?}
C -- Yes --> D[Select at least 1 appliance from each size]
D --> E[Total sample size may increase]
C -- No --> F[Select equal number from each size]
E --> G[Conduct Visual Inspection]
F --> G
G --> H[Count Defectives]
H --> I{Defectives ≤ Acceptance Number?}
I -- Yes --> J[Lot Conforms]
I -- No --> K[Lot Does Not Conform]
Note: Refer to IS 9140 Tables 1 & 2 for exact sample sizes and acceptance numbers based on lot size and test type.
IS 9140: Acceptance Numbers and Sample Sizes
| Number of Appliances in Lot | Sample Size | Acceptance No. |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 8 | 0 |
| 26 to 50 | 13 | 0 |
| 51 to 90 | 20 | 1 |
| 91 to 150 | 32 | 2 |
| 151 to 280 | 50 | 3 |
| 281 to 500 | 80 | 5 |
| 501 to 1200 | 125 | 7 |
| Number of Appliances in Lot | Sample Size | Acceptance No. |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 | 5 | 0 |
| 91 to 150 | 8 | 0 |
| 151 to 500 | 13 | 0 |
| 501 to 1200 | 20 | 1 |
flowchart TD
A[Lot Size] --> B{Select Table}
B -->|Clause 5.1.1| C[Use Table 1]
B -->|Clause 5.1.2| D[Use Table 2]
C --> E[Sample Size & Acceptance No.]
D --> E
E --> F{Defectives in Sample ≤ Acceptance No.?}
F -->|Yes| G[Accept Lot]
F -->|No| H[Reject Lot]
This
IS 9140: Test Frequencies and Sampling Scales
| Number of Appliances in Lot | Sample Size | Acceptance Number |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 8 | 0 |
| 26 to 50 | 13 | 0 |
| 51 to 90 | 20 | 1 |
| 91 to 150 | 32 | 2 |
| 151 to 280 | 50 | 3 |
| 281 to 500 | 80 | 5 |
| 501 to 1200 | 125 | 7 |
| Number of Appliances in Lot | Sample Size | Acceptance Number |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 | 5 | 0 |
| 91 to 150 | 8 | 0 |
| 151 to 500 | 13 | 0 |
| 501 to 1200 | 20 | 1 |
flowchart TD
A[Lot of Appliances] --> B{Lot Size}
B -->|Up to 90| C[Sample Size: 5, Accept: 0]
B -->|91 to 150| D[Sample Size: 8, Accept: 0]
B -->|151 to 500| E[Sample Size: 13, Accept: 0]
B -->|501 to 1200| F[Sample Size: 20, Accept: 1]
C & D & E & F --> G{
IS 9140: List of Referenced Indian Standards (Annex A)
This annex provides the key Indian Standards referenced for sanitary appliances and water fittings, essential for quality control and specification compliance.
| IS No. | Title | Part/Revision Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| IS 397 | Methods for statistical quality control during production | Part 1: Control charts for variables (1972) <br> Part 2: Control charts for attributes (1985) <br> Part 3: Special control charts (1980) |
| IS 2556 | Specification for vitreous sanitary appliances (Vitreous China) | Part 1: General requirements (1994) <br> Part 2: Wash down water closets (1994) <br> Part 3: Glazed fireclay sanitary appliances (1994) <br> Part 4-15: Specific sanitary appliances (1994-1995) |
| IS 4905 | Methods for random sampling | Part 1: 1972 |
graph LR
A[IS 9140] --> B[IS 397: Statistical Quality Control]
A --> C[IS 2556: Vitreous Sanitary Appliances]
A --> D[IS 4905: Random Sampling]
B --> B1[Control Charts for Variables]
B --> B2[Control Charts for Attributes]
C --> C1[General Requirements]
C --> C2[Water Closets]
C --> C3[Urinals, Sinks, Bidets, Accessories]
This structured referencing ensures standardized quality and performance for sanitary appliances in India.
Committee Composition (Annex B - Foreword)
The Sanitary Appliances and Water Fittings Sectional Committee, CED 3, includes representatives from:
| Test Type | Lot Size | Sample Size | Acceptance No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-destructive (5.1.1) | Up to 25 | 8 | 0 |
| 26 to 50 | 13 | 0 | |
| 51 to 90 | 20 | 1 | |
| 91 to 150 | 32 | 2 | |
| 151 to 280 | 50 | 3 | |
| 281 to 500 | 80 | 5 | |
| 501 to 1200 | 125 | 7 | |
| Non-destructive (5.1.2) | Up to 90 | 5 | 0 |
| 91 to 150 | 8 | 0 | |
| 151 to 500 | 13 | 0 | |
| 501 to 2000 | 20 | 1 |
Frequently Asked
IS 9140 specifies sampling sizes and acceptance numbers for sanitary appliance lots as follows:
| Lot Size (No. of Appliances) | Sample Size | Acceptance Number |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 8 | 0 |
| 26 to 50 | 13 | 0 |
| 51 to 90 | 20 | 1 |
| 91 to 150 | 32 | 2 |
| 151 to 280 | 50 | 3 |
| 281 to 500 | 80 | 5 |
| 501 to 1200 | 125 | 7 |
| Lot Size (No. of Appliances) | Sample Size | Acceptance Number |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 | 5 | 0 |
| 91 to 150 | 8 | 0 |
| 151 to 500 | 13 | 0 |
| 501 to 1200 | 20 | 1 |
This sampling ensures quality control by limiting defective appliances accepted per lot.
According to IS 9140, before conducting destructive tests, the following visual and non-destructive tests are recommended:
These tests ensure quality and suitability before proceeding to destructive tests like modulus of rupture, chemical resistance, or staining tests.
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This systematic approach ensures only compliant samples undergo destructive testing.
IS 9140 specifies different testing frequencies for continuous and intermittent kiln production to ensure quality control:
| Test Type | Continuous Kiln | Intermittent Kiln |
|---|---|---|
| Crazing | 3 samples twice a week | Every firing |
| Chemical Resistance | 8 samples once a week | Every firing |
| Resistance to Staining & Burning | 2 samples once a week | Every firing |
| Modulus of Rupture | 3 samples per day | Every firing |
| Water Absorption | 3 samples per day | Every firing |
| Thermal Shock (fireclay only) | 2 samples once a week | Every firing |
| Visual & Dimensional Checks | Multiple samples daily (see Clause 4.3) | Every firing |
This approach balances inspection rigor with production type, ensuring consistent product quality.
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Destructive Tests for Fireclay Sanitary Wares as per IS 9140
The key destructive tests required include:
Modulus of Rupture (Flexural Strength)
Water Absorption
Thermal Shock (Fireclay wares only)
Chemical Resistance
Resistance to Staining and Burning
Crazing and Minimum Thickness
Summary Table:
| Test | Sample Frequency (Continuous Kiln) | Sample Frequency (Intermittent Kiln) |
|---|---|---|
| Modulus of Rupture | 3 samples twice a week | Every firing |
| Thermal Shock | 2 samples once a week | Every firing |
| Chemical Resistance | 8 samples once a week | Every firing |
| Resistance to Staining | 2 samples once a week | Every firing |
These tests are done on destructively tested samples, not on the actual sanitary wares, ensuring process control without damaging the product.
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To implement effective process control using IS 9140, manufacturers should focus on the following key points:
Statistical Quality Control (SQC):
Clause 4.4 recommends using SQC techniques as per IS 397 (Parts 1, 2 & 3). This involves control charts, process capability analysis, and sampling plans to monitor and control production variability.
Raw Material Testing:
As per Clause 4.2, test all raw materials against relevant Indian Standards before use to prevent substandard inputs.
Sampling Inspection:
Use the sampling procedures in IS 9140 for both process control and lot inspection to detect quality fluctuations early and maintain consistency.
Summary Table:
| Step | IS Reference | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Material Testing | Clause 4.2 | Ensure quality inputs |
| Statistical Process Control | Clause 4.4 + IS 397 | Monitor & control production |
| Sampling Inspection | General clauses | Evaluate lot quality economically |
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This integrated approach reduces quality fluctuations and ensures consistent product standards.
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