The IS 1701:1960 standard outlines the specifications for mixing valves utilized in ablutionary and household water systems across India. It details requirements related to valve dimensions, material composition, manufacturing quality, and testing protocols to guarantee dependable mixing of hot and cold water with regulated temperature output. This code is vital for manufacturers, engineers, and quality inspectors engaged in plumbing and sanitary system installations.
Overview
The IS 1701:1960 standard outlines the specifications for mixing valves utilized in ablutionary and household water systems across India. It details requirements related to valve dimensions, material composition, manufacturing quality, and testing protocols to guarantee dependable mixing of hot and cold water with regulated temperature output. This code is vital for manufacturers, engineers, and quality inspectors engaged in plumbing and sanitary system installations.
Audience
Contents
Structure
This section defines the technical provisions covering the manufacturing and testing of mixing valves used for ablution and domestic water systems (Clause 0.9). It excludes contractual terms. The metric system is compulsory, with non-metric units shown only for transitional purposes (Clause 0.7). References to other Indian Standards must correspond to their most current editions (Clause 0.6.1). Numerical test outcomes are to be rounded following IS 2-1960 standards (Clause 0.8).
Clause 2.0 provides essential definitions relevant to sanitary appliances and water fittings to ensure consistent interpretation throughout the standard. It clarifies terminology for sanitary fixtures like basins and water closets, water fittings such as taps and valves, and related accessories. This common vocabulary aids manufacturers, engineers, and inspectors in maintaining uniform compliance.
This part specifies permissible materials, including Grade 3 brass (IS:292-1951), Grade 2 leaded tin bronze (IS:318-1952), stainless steel, corrosion-resistant alloys, and manganese bronze for hot pressings. All dimensions and quantities follow the metric system, with non-metric values provided only for reference. Numerical values must be rounded according to IS:2-1960.
Details on acceptable materials with references to IS codes for brass ingots, rods, and bronze castings are provided. The section emphasizes that all dimensional data are metric and that final test results adhere to IS:2-1960 rounding rules. The standard covers technical manufacturing provisions without addressing contractual matters.
The inlet and outlet connections must comply with IS 554-1955, which prescribes Whitworth-type pipe threads with a 55° thread angle. Recommended materials for threaded components include free-cutting brass rods per IS 319-1951. Key thread parameters such as pitch, major and minor diameters are outlined to ensure compatibility and leak-tight connections.
Specifies methods for determining loss of head, measured as the pressure difference between inlet and outlet at the valve's mid-position. Maximum allowable head losses are tabulated for various valve sizes and flow rates. The testing setup involves calibrated pressure gauges and controlled flow measurements, with results rounded as per IS:2-1960. ISI certification marking procedures are also discussed.
Valves may bear the ISI Certification Mark following the Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act, 1952. Usage of this mark requires a license from ISI. All references must cite the latest Indian Standards, and metric units are mandatory. Numerical results must be rounded following IS:2-1960 rules. No specific formulas are provided in this section.
Describes the procedure to measure loss of head as the pressure difference at the valve mid-position, using mercury manometers and a 140-liter calibrated weighing tank. Temperature monitoring near valve connections is optional. The calculation accounts for pipe friction losses. The loss of head values must not exceed specified maximums for different valve sizes and flow rates.
Flow is gauged by collecting discharge into a 140-liter capacity tank placed on a calibrated weighing machine. The weighing apparatus is adjusted according to valve dimensions. Temperature measurements near valve inlets and outlets are optional unless temperature testing is needed. Head loss tests conform to limits specified in Table I, with friction losses in discharge piping accounted for.
Outlines plating materials, specifically nickel and chromium, with minimum thickness requirements (0.015 mm for nickel and 0.00025 mm for chromium). These coatings enhance corrosion resistance and surface durability, as per IS 1068-1958. The section applies to plated fittings referenced in Clause 5.1.
Stresses the importance of using the latest editions of Indian Standards cited within IS 1701. The metric system is compulsory, and numerical rounding follows IS:2-1960 guidelines. The scope is confined to technical manufacturing and testing provisions for mixing valves, excluding contractual conditions.
Describes the test rig for measuring loss of head across mixing valves at specified flow rates. The apparatus includes pressure measurement upstream and downstream of the valve, with pressure difference calculations used to determine head loss based on fluid density and gravity. Valves may be marked with ISI certification as applicable. All measurements use metric units and conform to rounding rules.
Frequently Asked
IS 1701 does not explicitly list materials in the provided clauses; however, typical engineering practice and related IS standards recommend corrosion-resistant and potable water-safe materials such as brass (preferably lead-free), bronze, stainless steel, and copper alloys. Specifications from IS 319 (copper and copper alloys) and IS 6911 (stainless steel) should be consulted for detailed requirements. These materials ensure durability, hygiene, and thermal resistance.
While IS 1701 does not prescribe a detailed temperature control mechanism, it requires that valve positions be clearly marked to indicate OFF or SHUT, COLD, WARM or TEPID (optionally), and HOT, with an arrow showing the direction of increasing temperature. This manual positioning facilitates user-friendly and safe mixing of hot and cold water, referencing BS 1415:1955 for design guidance.
Testing involves applying a hydraulic pressure of 20 kg/cm² for 2 minutes with the valve at mid-open to check for leakage or sweating, which must be absent. Additionally, a leakage test at 15 kg/cm² for 2 minutes is conducted with the valve fully shut, ensuring no leakage. Pressure is measured with mercury manometers, and flow rates are regulated using needle valves close to the valve. Equal flows of hot and cold water are maintained, and discharge head loss is measured and deducted.
The inlet and outlet connections must conform to IS 554-1955, which specifies taper pipe threads for gas tubes and screwed fittings, commonly known as Whitworth threads with a 55° angle. Valves employ union connections with flat-seated tail pieces without spigot to facilitate installation, ensuring compatibility with domestic plumbing fittings.
Loss of head is determined by the pressure difference between the valve inlet and outlet at the mid-position (half-open) of the valve. Measurements are taken using mercury manometers and a calibrated 140-liter weighing tank for flow rate. The head loss must not exceed limits specified in Table I for various valve sizes and flow rates. Pipe friction losses are deducted from measured values to compute net loss of head.
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