AFAQ AFNOR Certification CENTRE SCIENTIFIQUE ET TECHNIQUE

DU BÂTIMENT
Certifying Body Mandated Body

11 Rue Francis de Pressensé 84 Avenue Jean Jaurès

F – 93571 SAINT-DENIS LA PLAINE CEDEX CHAMPS-SUR-MARNE
F – 77447 MARNE LA VALLEE CEDEX 2

Sectorial Management
carried out by CSTB

NF MARK
CONTROL VALVES AND SAFETY VALVES

Technical document 5: Hydraulic Safety Groups

AFAQ AFNOR Certification Identification No.: NF 079

Certification Rules Revision no.: 7
Application date: 01/01/2006
____________________________________________________
Date of the first application: August 13, 1982

This technical document is a supplement to the certification rules of the NF Mark –

Control Valves and Safety Valves
Supplement to the Certification Rules – NF Control Valves and Safety Valves 2/16
(NF 079 - rev. 7)
Technical Document 5: Hydraulic Safety Groups
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1 RULES FOR APPLYING STANDARD NF EN 1487 AND

SUPPLEMENTARY SPECIFICATIONS

The issuance of Standard NF EN 1487 in December 2000 leads to more fully detailing and supplementing
the new technical reference documents so that earlier certified products will keep the same quality level
and so that the tests will be performed.

1.1 PURPOSE0

The purpose of this document is to more fully detail certain paragraphs of Standard NF EN 1487 while
keeping their numbering and to supplement those European reference documents based on criteria
judged to be fundamental, such as the compatibility of the materials and the determination of the closing
pressure in units containing water.

1.2 FIELD OF APPLICATION

This document applies only to hydraulic safety groups, the nominal opening pressure of which is from 1
bar to 7 bar.

1.3 APPLICATION RULES AND SUPPLEMENTARY TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Paragraph 2 – References to standards

In this paragraph, add reference to the following standards:
 NF EN 1717:2001, Protection against pollution of potable water in water installations and general
requirements of devices to prevent pollution by backflow.
 NF P 43-008:1985, Check valves, Class B, non-controllable.
 NF EN 248:2002, Sanitary tapware – General Specifications for electrodeposited coatings of Ni-Cr.
 NF EN ISO 196:1995, Roll-formed copper and copper alloys - Detection of residual stresses – Test
using mercuric nitrate (I).

Paragraph 3 – Definitions
Table 1 – Components of the hydraulic safety groups
The drain device is no longer optional. All the NF certified hydraulic safety groups must contain this
component.

Paragraph 3.3 – Check valve

It is specified that the check valve is to be type B (non-controllable) and is to be NF certified or it is to
satisfy the specifications of Standard NF P 43-008 and of the R045 Rules.

Note: Paragraphs 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5 have been added.

4.3 Tensile strength of the free-cutting brass parts

4.3.1 Test
These parts shall withstand the mercuric nitrate test defined in Standard NF EN ISO 196.
4.3.2 Specifications
The test specimen is examined with the naked eye, at a distance of about 300 mm, without an
enlargement instrument, 24h after it comes out of the nitrate solution.
No crack or split shall occur.
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4.4 Corrosion resistance of non-oxidising metal parts (such as springs …)

4.4.1 Test
The parts to be tested are degreased by immersion during 10 minutes in carbon tetrachloride. Then,
during 10 min, they are to be dipped into a solution of 10% ammonium chloride, in water kept at a
temperature of (20 ± 5) °C.
They are then hung up without drying, but without excessive concentrations, in an enclosure, the
atmosphere of which is to be humidity saturated at a temperature of (20 ± 5) °C, during 10 min.
4.4.2 Specifications
The samples, dried during 10 minutes in an oven at a temperature of (100 ± 5) °C, shall show no trace of
oxidation on their surfaces.

4.5 Nature of the outside visible surfaces

To assess faults on surfaces containing coatings, examine them with the naked eye, at a distance of
about 300 mm, without an enlargement instrument.

4.5.1 Surfaces without coatings

These surfaces shall be free from:
 scab;
 crazing;
 sand inclusion;
 heat marks from machining;
 bumping or nipping damage from tools;
 scratches which are sizeable either due to their dimensions, or due to their repetition on a relatively
small surface.

4.5.2 Surfaces with coatings

4.5.2.1 Surface faults
The surfaces of coated parts shall be free of the following defects:
 sizeable pitting;
 scratches which are sizeable either due to their dimensions, or due to their repetition on a relatively
small surface;
 nipping damage from tools;
 coating missing;
 coating non-adherence.

4.5.2.2 Coating quality

4.5.2.2.1 Corrosion resistance
Test
The test is carried out under the conditions of Standard NF EN 248, Paragraph 5.1.
Specifications
Following the test, the surfaces shall be free from:
 blisters in the coatings;
 burst blisters or craters;
 baring of the underlying surface or disappearance of the coating;
 peeling or scaling.
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4.5.2.2.2 Coating adherence. Test by cutting to show cross-sections

Test
At a location on the coated surface, with a cutting tool with a tungsten carbide tip of the type shown on
Figure 1, cut a grid covering 15 mm x 15 mm approximately; the grid shall be cut by pulling the handle of
the chisel parallel to the surface. The spacing of the cut lines shall be about 3 mm and the depth shall be
such that they completely cut through the electrolytic deposit, without forcing that coating into the base
metal.
Repeat the test at three different locations.

Specification
Following the test, repeated at three different locations, the coating shall neither scale nor unstick.
4.6 Compatibility of disinfecting compounds with water systems
4.6.1. Guideline
All the parts constituting the hydraulic safety group and, in particular, elastomer parts, shall be compatible
with water that will have undergone a disinfecting treatment, using potassium permanganate or sodium
hypochlorite. This is verified by the test described below.
4.6.2. Test
The test is carried out using an experimental apparatus for exerting, during 96 consecutive hours, a
pressure of 0.6 MPa (6 bar) upstream and 0.6 MPa (6 bar) downstream from the safety group, along with
application of a solution containing 0.3 g of potassium permanganate per litre of de-ionised water.
The same test is then carried out with a solution containing 0.1 g of sodium hypochlorite per litre of de-
ionised water.
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Technical Document 5: Hydraulic Safety Groups
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4.6.3. Specifications
Following that test, and after dismounting the unit, make sure that the specifications relative to the
tightness of the check valve under a low pressure and under a high pressure are once again satisfied
(Paragraph 9.2 of Standard NF P 43-008).

Paragraph 5.- Dimensions and design characteristics

Note: Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 are modified as follows; Paragraph 5.9 is added:
5.2 End fittings
The sizing of the end fittings shall comply with the requirements of Standard NF P 43-000 (2003/02).
The types of end fittings used are as follows:
Type a – Threaded end fitting without shoulder with flat gasket
Type b – Threaded end fitting with shoulder
Type c – Tapped sleeve
Type e – Rotating nut
Remark: Reference to Standard NF E 03-005 is replaced by Standard ISO 228-1.
5.3 Inspection orifice
The paragraph in Standard NF EN 1487 is supplemented as follows:
Dimensions of the bosses;
_ tapping diameter: G 1/8
_ tapping depth: P>= 5.5 mm
_ diameter a >= 4 mm
The other requirements concerning the bosses remain unchanged
5.9 Interchangeability of the safety valve function
Interchangeability exists only if the safety valve function is in the form of:
- a preset one-piece cartridge subunit, composed of a seat and of elements performing the function
[example : tightness (diaphragm..), a spring and a system for operating and an interface with the unit’s
body].
To guarantee safety, a safety valve cartridge subunit is non-dismountable and preset.
Only a skilled and qualified person can replace a safety valve subunit.
The calibration shall never be able to be modified (pre-calibrated safety valve cartridge).
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Paragraph 7 – Mechanical tests and guidelines

Note: Paragraphs 7.2.4 and 7.2.5 are added.

7.2.4 Torsional strength of the hydraulic safety group’s body

The body shall be suitably formed to enable tightening by a spanner.
Screwing on the connecting pipes shall not damage the unit.
7.2.4.1 Procedure
Verification is by screwing with the torques below, applied at the tightening plane.
Nominal diameter 1/2 3/4 1 1 1/4 1 1/2
Tightening torque Nm 100 150 200 250 250
7.2.4.1 Specifications
After unscrewing, no damage shall be detected. A slight deformation is permissible, but it shall not have
a deleterious effect upon the tightness of the check valve or of the fitting.

7.2.5 – Tensile strength of the captive rotating nuts

The hydraulic safety groups’ captive rotating nuts shall withstand, without deformation, the ultimate tensile
stresses given below:
Nominal diameter of the unit 1/2 3/4 1 1 1/4 1 1/2
Nominal diameter of the nut 1/2 3/4 1 1 1/4 1 1/2
Loads kN 12.5 15 17.5 20 22.5
7.2.5.1 Procedure

 On the unit to be tested, install two steel threaded bushes (the tightening torque not to exceed 10
N.m), a male and a female.

 Position the unit in the jaws of a tension-exerting or equivalent machine.

 Apply tensile force at a speed of 1 mm/min up to the value indicated in the table above, with a
0
precision of −500 N.

 Maintain the force during 30 s, then release.

Paragraph 9.2.2 – Manual operating test

In this chapter, it is added that the operating of the isolating valve, when closing and when opening shall
be able to be carried out at a torque, in which each tangential force is no greater than 40 N.

Paragraph 9.2.3 – Endurance test

The procedure is supplemented by the following indications:
Water temperature = (20 ± 2) °C.
Point a) the number of cycles is brought to 2500.
Point b) the unit is stored at ambient temperature, holding no water.

Paragraph 9.3 – Check valve

See the remark concerning Paragraph 3.3.
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Paragraph 9.4.1.4 – Closing pressure (Pf)

The paragraph is modified as follows:
It is linked to the calibration pressure by:

 with cold water, Pf minimum = 0.9 Pnr (Pnr = nominal set pressure);

 with steam, Pf minimum = 0.75 Pnr.

Note: Paragraph 9.4.1.5 is added.

9.4.1.5 First release pressure (Pdc)

This must be from:

 with cold water, Pe(0.95 Pnr) to Pdn(1.2 Pnr);

 with steam, Pe(0.95 Pnr) to 1.1 Pnr.

Paragraphs 9.4.2.2, 9.4.2.3 and 9.4.2.4

To determine the opening pressure and the nominal flow pressure, the procedure defined below is
considered as equivalent.

 Feed the unit through the orifice that connects to the water heater.

 Increase the pressure to the value of 1.05 Pnr (opening pressure) and make sure that the nominal
flow is 2.4 l/hr.

 Increase the pressure to 1.2 Pnr (nominal flow pressure) and make sure that the flow is equal to or
greater than the values in Table 7.

 Bring the pressure down to a value substantially less than the closing pressure
(0.4 Pnr).

 Increase the pressure to the value of 1.05 Pnr (opening pressure).

 Reduce the pressure to 0.90 Pnr and make sure that watertightness persists during 5 min.

Remark concerning Paragraph 9.4.2.4

The pressure reduction value specified at 0.75 Pnr in the European Standard is specified at 0.90 Pnr
under the NF Mark.

Paragraph 9.4.2.5 Test repetition

The paragraph is modified as follows:
Repeat the tests (9.4.2.1 to 9.4.2.4) on three hydraulic safety groups of the same model.
Each result shall be in accordance with the specifications of the various paragraphs.

Paragraph 9.4.3
In the procedure,
point 2 ‘ from Pe to 1.2 Pnr’ is replaced by "from Pe to 1.1 Pnr".
point 3 ‘ reduce the pressure to zero’ is replaced by "reduce the pressure to 0.4 Pnr".
point 8 ‘ Increase the pressure to obtain………as Pnr value’ is replaced by "Increase the pressure to 1.2
Pnr and make sure that the flow value is equal to or greater than 0.9 times the values indicated in
Table 8".
In the general characteristics:
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The sentence appears as follows: At the end of tests 2 to 9, no deformation of the components of
the check valve is to appear and the control mechanisms are to be able to be operated.
The following is added: The steam tests are carried out on the three hydraulic safety groups that
have undergone tests 9.4.2.1 to 9.4.2.4. Each result shall be in accordance with the specifications
of the standard.

Paragraph 9.5 – Endurance test

The procedure is modified as follows:
Point i) the unit is fed, alternately

 at a pressure of 1.05 Pnr during 5 s, as long as there is a minimal flow of 2.4 l /hr;

 then at a pressure of 0.8 Pnr during 5 s.

The required characteristics become:
Following the test, the unit shall undergo the tests defined in Paragraph 9.4.3.
The results obtained shall comply with the specifications of Paragraph 9.4.3 with a tolerance of
± 10%.

Paragraph 9.6
In the required characteristics, the sentence is replaced by: Check the presence of a flow and that flow
is to be equivalent to 80% of the drain flow indicated in Table 9.

Paragraph 9.7 – Drain device

The drain system is associated with the manual control of the safety valve.

Paragraph 9.7.1 – Flow test

"..at a head loss of 0.01 MPa" is replaced by "…at a feed pressure of 0.01 MPa".

Paragraph 9.8 – Air gap

The requirements of this paragraph shall take into consideration the requirements defined in Article 9 of
Standard NF EN 1717.
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Technical Document 5: Hydraulic Safety Groups
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Note: Articles 13, 14 and 15 are added.

13 – Hydraulic safety groups containing plastic components (body, isolating valve)

13.1 Test of mechanical endurance of the isolating valve

In Paragraph 9.2.3 of Standard NF EN 1487, use water at (65 ± 2) °C instead of (20 ± 2) °C.
Use an automatic machine that can actuate the valve’s operating device.
The machine’s operating torque is set in such a way that the value of the force applied tangentially to the
operating device will be 1.2 times the force indicated in 9.2.2, that is, 48 N (40 N x 1.2).
The unit is fed with water at (65 ± 2) °C, with the feed pressure at 0.4 MPa (4 bar).
The machine’s turning speed, in both directions, is approximately 30 rpm. There is an interruption of
about 5 s after each operation in each direction.
The number of cycles is 2 x 2500 (one cycle made up of one operation in one direction, one interruption,
one operation in the other direction, one interruption).
The unit is to be stored at ambient temperature, with no water in it.
Specification: Make sure the valve is not blocked (it will need to be able to be operated with a maximal
tangential force of 40 N). The valve shall be watertight.

13.2 Resistance to thermal shocks

 water heater orifice plugged;

 check valve removed;

 safety valve in open position.

The unit is subjected to 120 cycles under a water pressure of 7 bar alternately at (80 ± 2) °C during 30
min, then (20 ± 2) °C during 30 min.
Specification: Following that test, the characteristics of tightness, of operation and of integrity must be
maintained.
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13.3 Mechanical resistance to pulsations

 water heater orifice plugged;

 safety valve not blocked.

The unit is subjected alternately to a static pressure of 5 bar, then of 40 bar at a frequency of 1 Hz.
Repeat the test 20 times with the isolating valve open and 20 times with the isolating valve closed. For
the safety valves, the test is repeated only 20 times.
Specification: Following this test, no damage is to be detected.

13.4 Steam resistance

+
During 15 minutes, pass steam at bar through the safety valve with the tap open.

Specification: Following that test, the components of the safety valve and of the tap shall be in a state
such that they do not alter the safety function.

14 – Packaging
The hydraulic safety groups are to come in a single element, grouping the unit’s constituents together.
If they are not delivered in individual packs, the hydraulic safety groups are to be delivered with the
orifices protected (connecting end fittings, drain).
They shall come with a manual, drafted in French as a minimum, giving all the necessary information for
their installation and use.
That manual shall, in particular, indicate that:

 the hydraulic safety group shall be installed directly on the water heater;

 whenever the hydraulic safety group is fed at a working pressure greater than 0.75 Pnr, it is
necessary to provide a pressure reducing valve in compliance with Standard NF EN 1567,
upstream from the unit, and preferably on the common cold water and hot water system (by
working pressure, is meant the usual pressure in the system, excluding exceptional rises);

 it is normal to see water streaming during heating up (expansion), the volume of which can reach
about 3% of the water heater’s capacity;

 it is necessary, at least once each month, to manually operate the safety valve and the isolating
valve to prevent any risk of blockage;

 the air gap shall remain free of any obstruction;

 the sanitary rules are to be followed.

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15 – Breakdown of the tests

Tests Paragraph Test specimen No.

No.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Materials 4 X
Dimensional aspect 5, 9.8 X
Flow verification 6.2 X X X
Watertightness 6.3 X
Mechanical strength 7.2, 7.3 X
Isolating valve function 9.2 X
Check valve function 9.3 X
Safety valve 9.4 X X X
Endurance 9.5 X
Manual operation 9.6 X
Drain device 9.7 X X X
Plastic components 13 X
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Technical Document 5: Hydraulic Safety Groups
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2 MANUFACTURER’S PRODUCTION QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

WITH RELATION TO THE HYDRAULIC SAFETY GROUPS

2.1 NATURE AND FREQUENCY OF INSPECTIONS

2.1.1 Checking during manufacture

The manufacturer shall make sure that the functions described in Standard NF EN 1487 and in this
document are properly carried out. However, procedures and apparatus different from those described in
the standards may be used.
During manufacture, the functions to be checked as well as the frequencies of those quality assurance
operations are specified in the table below. The checking during production may be performed on the
components or when the products are being assembled.

Table 1 – Checking during manufacture (self-inspection)

“Quality Management” option
'Quality Control' in compliance in part with ISO 9001: 2000
Function tested
option “Quality management” option
ISO 9001: 2000 certified
100% or certificate of material
Materials 100% or certificate of material conformity
conformity
Standardised dimensions 10% min. of the production Quality documentation
Watertightness of the body 100% 1 product min./hr
Operability of the safety valve 10 products min./hr 1 product min./hr
Safety valve calibration
100% 100%
pressure
Watertightness of the check
100% 100%
valve (air or water)
Operability of the isolating valve 100% 1 product min./hr
Watertightness of the isolating
100% 1 product min./hr
valve
Marking 100% 100%
Packaging 100% 100%
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2.1.2 Inspection of finished products

The procedures for the inspections carried out as part of quality control of finished products in the
factory’s laboratory, and the test apparatus used, shall comply with the specifications of Standard NF EN
1487 and with the supplementary specifications defined in this document. However, different procedures
and apparatus may be used as long as the results are equivalent, and contingent upon CSTB’s
agreement.
The products to be inspected are sampled at the end of the assembly lines (after packaging) or at the
entry to the warehouse.
The types of inspections on finished products, as well as their frequencies, are specified in Table 2.
Table 2 – Inspection of finished products
'Quality management'option, “Quality management”
'Quality Control'
Function tested in compliance in part with option
option
ISO 9001: 2000 ISO 9001: 2000 certified
Sampling plans accepted by
Sampling 1 product min./type/8 hrs 1 product min./type/day CSTB and which can be
revised
Dimensional
Yes Yes Yes
characteristics
Hydraulic
Yes Yes Yes
characteristics (flow)
Characteristics of
operation in liquid Yes Yes Yes
phase
Marking Yes Yes Yes
Packaging Yes Yes Yes
NOTE In this table, when the column ‘Quality Management Option’ ISO 9001: 2000'certified is filled in with a
“yes”, this means that the manufacturer has studied the necessity of a sampling plan. This study might
result in not carrying out a test if the design executives provide evidence of conformity of the products to
the specifications. In this particular case, the auditor is to audit the design to make sure of the proper
management of the system.
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3 PROCEDURES OF INSPECTIONS CARRIED OUT BY CSTB

3.1 TYPES OF PRODUCTS

The various types of products which are inspected by the audit body(ies) and tested by the laboratory(ies)
of the mark are hydraulic safety groups (NF EN 1487 and NF079 – Technical document 5).

3.2 NATURE OF THE INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

The inspections and tests are carried out in compliance with the specifications of Standard NF EN 1487
and NF079 – Technical document 5.

Test No. Nature of the test

1 Materials
2 Dimensional aspect
3 Flow verification
4 Watertightness
5 Mechanical strength
6 Isolating valve function
7 Check valve function
8 Safety valve
9 Endurance
10 Manual operation
11 Drain device
12 Plastic components
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The following table is used as a basis for the breakdown of the tests:
Column 1 2 3 4

Safety valve DN 1 Straight

1
System … Hydraulic DN 2
safety group
Check valve 1 DN … Angle
Check valve
…
Tap 1
Tap …

1 2
Tests carried out 8 3
6
during admission of 9 7 1 4
12
new products 10 5
12 11
2
1 7 6 1
3
8 12
4
Tests performed 9
5
during follow-up of 10
11
certified products 12
in
All All the
accordance Alternately
systems One type One type bodies
with CSTB

The sampling for the acoustic tests carried out during follow-up will be such that each nominal diameter
(DN) will be checked every 5 years.
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3.3 SAMPLING

3.3.1 Case of admission

All the tests are carried out in the laboratory(ies) of the mark, or under its (their) responsibility.
In the factory, the auditor arranges the sampling of the test specimens necessary for the tests appearing
in the line '
Tests carried out during admission of new products' .
The tests are carried out on all the nominal diameters presented on a type of orientation of the drain.

3.3.2 Follow-up

All the tests are carried out in the laboratory(ies) of the mark, or under its (their) responsibility.
In the factory, the auditor arranges the sampling of the test specimens necessary for the tests appearing
in the line '
Tests performed during follow-up of products'.
It will make sure that all the nominal diameters of all the orientations are inspected at least once each
year.

3.4 ADDITIONAL INSPECTIONS

In case an additional inspection is carried out as part of a sanction, the auditor will perform the samplings
necessitated by such inspection as defined above.