American Water Works Association

ANSIIAWWA C510-97
(Revision of ANSVAWWA (2510-92)

AWWA STANDARD
FOR
DOUBLE CHECK VALVE BACKFLOW
PREVENTION ASSEMBLY

Effective date: Feb. 1, 1998.

First edition (AWWA C506) approved by AWWA Board of Directors Jan. 27, 1969.
This edition approved June 15, 1997.
Approved by American National Standards Institute Dec. 2, 1997.

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

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 S T D - A W W A C 5 1 0 - E N G L 1777 = 0783350 0505777 707

A W A Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification.
AWWA standards describe minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and
administrative information normally contained in specifications. The AWWA standards usually
contain options that must be evaluated by the user of the standard. Until each optional feature is
specified by the user, the product or service is not fully defined. AWWA publication of a standard
does not constitute endorsement of any product or product type, nor does AWWA test, certie, or
approve any product. The use of AWWA standards is entirely voluntary. AWWA standards are
intended to represent a consensus of the water supply industry that the product described will
provide satisfactory service. When AWWA revises or withdraws this standard, an oficial notice of
action will be placed on the first page of the classified advertising section of Journal AWWA. The
action becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month of Journal AWWA
publication of the official notice.

American National Standard

An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope
and provisions. An American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the
consumer, and the general public. The existence of an American National Standard does not in any
respect preclude anyone, whether that person has approved the standard or not, from manufactur-
ing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the
standard. American National Standards are subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned to
obtain the latest editions. Producers of goods made in conformity with an American National
Standard are encouraged to state on their own responsibility in advertising and promotional
materials or on tags or labels that the goods are produced in conformity with particular American
National Standards.
CAUTIONNOTICE:The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval date on the front
cover of this standard indicates completion of the ANSI approval process. This American National
Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. ANSI procedures require that action be taken
to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the date of publication.
Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by
calling or writing the American National Standards Institute, 11W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036;
(212) 642-4900.

Copyright O 1998 by American Water Works Association

Printed in USA

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S T D - A W W A C S L U - E N G L 1777 0783350 0 5 0 5 7 7 8 843

Committee Personnel
The AWWA Standards Committee on Backflow Preventers, which reviewed and
approved this standard, had the following personnel a t the time of approval:

James T. Cowgill, Chair

Richard A. Coates, Secretary

Consumer Members

P.J. Brady, Department of Public Utilities, County of Henrico,

Richmond, Va.
S.A. Brook, Orange County Public Utilities, Orlando, Fla.
E.J. Havlina, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power,
Los Angeles, Calif.
O.J. Jones, Cincinnati, Ohio
C.L. Nena, California Water Service Company, Montebello, Calif
P.W. Orvin, City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Fla.

General Interest Members

G.J. Angele Sr., Oak Ridge, Tenn.

S.F. Asay, Stuart F. Asay & Associates, Westminster, Colo.
T.K. Bsharat, National Fire Sprinkler Association, Patterson, N.Y.
R.A. Coates, Hazen & Sawyer, Miami, Fla.
J.T. Cowgill, Hazen & Sawyer, Hollywood, Fla.
H.D. Hendrickson, Water Service Consultants Inc., Exeter, N.H.
K.W. Kells,* Council Liaison, Connecticut Water Company,
Clinton, Conn.
F.E. Kenney Jr.,+ NEWWA, Milford, Mass.
John Phillips, WSSC, Laurel, Md.
E.S. Ralph,* Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo.
R.W. Rivard, Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hartford, Conn.
P.H. Schwartz, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif
G.R. Stiles, Seattle, Wash.
R.C. Williams, ATSDRAIHAC, Atlanta, Ga.

Prod ucer Members

R.H. Ackroyd, Watts Regulator Company, Lawrence, Mass.

P.H. Ahearn, Conbraco Industries Inc., Matthews, N.C.
J.L. Brewer, CMB Industries-Febco, Fresno, Calif,

*Liaison,nonvoting
t Alternate

...
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Les Engelmann, Ames Company Inc., Woodland, Calif. (AWWA)

L.W.Fleury Jr., Hersey Products Inc., Cranston, R.I. (AWWA)
J.W. Furre=,*Hersey Products Inc., Fresno, Calif. (AWWA)
G.H. Swenson, G.H. Swenson Enterprises, Clifton Park, N.Y. (AWWA)
Dennis Whitelaw,* CMB Industries-Febco, Fresno, Calif. (AWWA)

*Alternate

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STD.AWWA CSLO-ENGL 1797 0783350 0505780 4TL

Contents

ALE AWWA standards follow the general format indicated subsequently. Some uarìations from this format may be
found in a particular standard.

SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE

Foreword 3 Definitions .......................................... 3

I Introduction ........................................ vii 4 Requirements
1.A Background......................................... vii 4.1 Materials ............................................... 3
1.B History ................................................ vii 4.2 General Design ..................................... 4
...
1.c Acceptance ..,...................................... mi1 4.3 Detailed Design .................................... 5
II Special Issues ....................................... ix 4.4 Workmanship........................................ 8
III Use of This Standard........................... ix
1II.A Purchaser Options 5 Verification
and Alternatives ............................... ix 5.1 Testing and Uniformity ....................... 8
1II.B Modification to Standard..................... ix
6 Delivery
IV Major Revisions .................................... ix
v Comments ............................................. ix 6.1 Marking ................................................. 8
6.2 Preparation for Shipment .................... 9
Standard 6.3 Amdavit of Compliance........................ 9

1 General Tables
1.1 Scope ...................................................... 1
1.2 Purpose .................................................. 1
1 Parameters for Double Check
Valve Backflow Prevention
1.3 Application ............................................. 1
Assembly............................................ 5
2 References ........................................... 2 2 Thermal Test Minimum Flow
Rates .................................................. 7

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 STD.AWWA CSLO-ENGL 1777 0783350 0 5 0 5 7 8 3 338 M

kor eworci
This foreword is for information only and is not a pari of AWWA C510.

I. Introduction.
I.A. Background. The production and preservation of safe potable water is
the objective of greatest priority for public water utilities and other agencies having
jurisdiction. When safe water has been produced and put into the public distribution
system, precautions must be taken to be certain that it is not contaminated with
water or liquids from other sources.
Almost all water-using premises may have actual or potential cross-connection
hazards. The water distribution systems of some premises served by public water
systems, such as hotels, hospitals, and industrial plants, can be quite complex. On
these premises, contaminated backflow into the public system can be a result of
backpressure or backsiphonage f7om appliances and equipment or &om cross-connection
with other supply sources. Cross-connection control programs usually require that
backfiow prevention assemblies be installed at the water service connections to
premises where potentially hazardous conditions exist.
Water users (utility customers) have a clearly implied responsibility to protect
the safety of water in the public supply system. Water users must also protect the
integrity of the water supply on their own premises. Protection of a building‘s piping
system must be done in accordance with the requirements of the local authority
having jurisdiction.
Cross-connections vary widely in degree of hazard. Generally, the degree of
protection against backflow resulting from a cross-connection should be commensu-
rate with the degree of hazard. Two types of backflow prevention assemblies are
commonly used: the double check valve assembly and the reduced-pressure principle
assembly. If local regulations or ordinances do not specify the type to use or the
conditions under which one or the other may be used, recommendations may be
found in the second edition of AWWA Manual M14, Recommended Practice for
Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control.
I.B. History. The Conference of State Sanitary Engineers (CSSE) and the
American Water Works Association (AWWA) appointed the Joint Committee on
Backflow Preventers and Cross-Connection Control in September 1959 to carry out
the recommendations of an earlier joint committee. These recommendations were
included in the joint committee’s final report published in the December 1958 edition
of Journal AWWA. The first chair, Ray L. Derby, then with the Los Angeles
Department of Water and Power, served until April 1964. From April 1964 until
March 1972, Gustave J. Angele Sr., plant sanitary engineer, Union Carbide Nuclear
Division, served as chair. From March 1972 until April 1983, Ernest J. Havlina, Los
Angeles Department of Water and Power, served as chair. From April 1983 until April
1993, Patrick J. Brady, Department of Public Utilities, County of Henrico, Richmond,
Va., served as chair. Since then, the work has been completed under the direction of
the present chair, James T. Cowgill, Hazen & Sawyer Engineers, Hollywood, Fla.
The first work of the committee resulted in the first edition of AWWA Manual
M14, which was published in the April 1966 edition of‘ Journal AWWA.
After publication of AWWA Manual M14, the committee produced a standard
that received final approval from the AWWA Board of Directors on Jan. 27, 1969, and
was designated as AWWA (2506-69, Standard for Backflow Prevention Devices-Reduced

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 Pressure Principle and Double Check Valve Types. Revision of AWWA C506 was
approved in 1978.The 1978 edition was subsequently reaffirmed without revision in
1983.
In 1989,AWWA C506-78 was separated into two standards: ANSVAWWA C510
covers the double check valve backflow prevention assembly, and ANSUAWWA C511
covers the reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention assembly. This is the
second revision to ANSVAWWA (2510 and was approved by the AWWA Board of
Directors on June 15, 1997.
1.C. Acceptance. In May 1985, the US Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) entered into a cooperative agreement with a consortium led by NSF
International (NSF) to develop voluntary third-party consensus standards and a
certification program for all direct and indirect drinking water additives. Other
members of the original consortium included the American Water Works Association
Research Foundation (AWWARF) and the Conference of State Health and Environ-
mental Managers (COSHEM). The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and
the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) joined later.
In the United States, authority to regulate products for use in, or in contact
with, drinking water rests with individual states.* Local agencies may choose to
impose requirements more stringent than those required by the state. To evaluate
the health effects of products and drinking water additives from such products, state
and local agencies may use various references, including
1. An advisory program formerly administered by USEPA, Office of Drinking
Water, discontinued on Apr. 7, 1990.
2. Specific policies of the state or local agency.
3. Two standards developed under the direction of NSF, ANSIt/NSFS 60,
Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals-Health Effects, and ANSINSF 61, Drinking
Water System Components-Health Effects.
4. Other references, including AWWA standards, Food Chemicals Codex,
Water Chemicals Codex,§ and other standards considered appropriate by the state or
local agency.
Various certification organizations may be involved in certifying products in
accordance with ANSINSF 61. Individual states or local agencies have authority to
accept or accredit certification organizations within their jurisdiction. Accreditation
of certification organizations may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Appendix A, “Toxicology Review and Evaluation Procedures,” t o ANSINSF 61
does not stipulate a maximum allowable level (MAL) of a contaminant for substances
not regulated by a USEPA final maximum contaminant level (MCL). The MALS of an
unspecified list of “unregulated contaminants” are based on toxicity testing
guidelines (noncarcinogens) and risk characterization methodology (carcinogens). Use
of Appendix A procedures may not always be identical, depending on the certifier.

~~~ ~~~

*Persons in Canada, Mexico, and non-North American countries should contact the
appropriate authority having jurisdiction.
?American National Standards Institute, 11W. 42nd St., New York,NY 10036.
SNSF International, 3475 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106.
0Both publications available from National Academy of Sciences, 2102 Constitution Ave.
N.W., Washington, DC 20418.

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S T D - A W W A CSLU-ENGL 1997 m 0783350 0505783 L O U m

AWWA C510-97 does not address additives requirements. Thus, users of this
standard should consult the appropriate state or local agency having jurisdiction in
order to
1. Determine additives requirements including applicable standards.
2. Determine the status of certifications by all parties offering to certify
products for contact with, or treatment of, drinking water.
3. Determine current information on product certification.
II. Special Issues. This standard has no applicable information for this
section.
III. Use of This Standard. AWWA has no responsibility for the suitability
or compatibility of the provisions of this standard to any intended application by any
user. Accordingly, each user of this standard is responsible for determining that the
standard’s provisions are suitable for and compatible with that user’s intended
application.
1II.A. Purchaser Options and Alternatives. The following items should be
covered in the purchaser’s specifications:
1. Standard used-that is, ANSYAWWA C510, Double Check Valve Backflow
Prevention Assembly, of latest revision.
2. Whether for hot or cold water (Sec. 1.1).
3. Midavit of compliance (Sec. 6.3)’ if required.
4. Certificate of approval (Sec. 6.3), if required.
5. Materials if other than those specified in Sec. 4.1.
6. Size, flow, and pressure loss (Sec. 4.2.1)’ and number of assemblies
required.
7. Type of end connection-flanged, threaded, or grooved and shouldered
(Sec. 4.3.1.7).
1II.B. Modification to Standard. Any modification to the provisions, definitions,
or terminology in this standard must be provided in the purchaser’s specifications.
IV. Major Revisions. Major revisions made to the standard in this revision
include the following:
1. The format has been changed to AWWA standard style.
2. Definitions for cosmetic and structural defects have been added (Sec. 3).
3. The operating temperature range for cold-water double check valve
backfiow prevention assemblies has been increased (Sec. 1.1).
4. Table 1, Parameters for Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly,
has been expanded to include sizes 1/4 in. (6 mm), 7 8 in. (9 mm), Y2 in. (12 mm), and
12 in. (305 mm).
5 . The section on connections has been expanded to include grooved and
shouldered joints (Sec. 4.3.1.7).
6. The section on test cocks has been expanded to include requirements on
test connections (Sec. 4.3.1.8).
7. A new section on operation at rated temperature and pressure has been
added (Sec. 4.3.2.2).
8. Table 2, Thermal Test Minimum Flow Rates has been added.
9. A new section on casting requirements has been added (Sec. 4.4.4).
V. Comments. If you have any comments or questions about this standard,
please call the AWWA Standards and Materials Development Department,
(303) 794-7711 ext. 6283, FAX (303) 795-1440, or write t o the department at 6666 W.
Quincy Ave., Denver, CO 80235.

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STD-AWWA C 5 L O - E N G L 1777 0783350 0505784 O 4 7 m

American Water Works Association

A N S U A W A C510-97
(Revision of ANSVAWWA (2510-92)

A W A STANDARD FOR

DOUBLE CHECK VALVE BACKFLOW

PREVENTION ASSEMBLY

SECTION 1: GENERAL
Sec. 1.1 Scope
This standard covers the double check valve backflow prevention assembly. The
assembly shall be for operation on hot or cold water lines and capable of withstanding
a working water pressure of at least 150 psi (1,034 kPa) without damage to working
parts or impairment of function.
This standard covers hot and cold water double check valve backflow prevention
assemblies. All assemblies shall be designed to operate at a minimum temperature
range of 33°F to 140°F (1°C to 60°C). Hot water assemblies shall be designed to, at a
minimum, operate in water at a temperature range of 33°F to 180°F (1°C to 82°C).
A complete assembly consists of two internally loaded, independently operating
check valves, located between two tightly closing resilient-seated shutoff valves, with
four properly placed (see Sec. 4.3.1.8) resilient-seated test cocks.
Sec. 1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to provide the minimum requirements for double
check valve backfìow prevention assemblies, including materials, general and
detailed design, workmanship, and shipping and delivery.
Sec. 1.3 Application
This standard can be referenced in specifications for purchasing and receiving
double check valve backflow prevention assemblies. The stipulations of this standard
apply when this document has been referenced and then only to double check valve
backflow prevention assemblies.

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2 AWWAC510-97

SECTION 2: REFERENCES
This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions, they
form a part of this standard to the extent specified within the standard. In any case
of conflict, the requirements of this standard shall prevail.
ANSI*/ASMEt B1.20.1-Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch).
ANSUASME B16.1-Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings.
ANSIíASME B16.24-Cast Copper Alloy Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings
Class 150, 300, 400, 600,900, 1500, and 2500.
ANSIíAWWA CllO/A!21.10-American National Standard for Ductile-Iron and
Gray-Iron Fittings, 3 In. Through 48 In. (75 mm Through 1,200 mm), for Water and
Other Liquids.
ANSIíAWWA C509-Standard for Resilient-Seated Gate Valves for Water
Supply Service.
ANSIíAWWA C550-Standard for Protective Epoxy Interior Coatings for Valves
and Hydrants.
ANSIíAWWA C606-Standard for Grooved and Shouldered Joints.
ASTMS A126-Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings for Valves,
Flanges, and Pipe Fittings.
ASTM A153-Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and
Steel Hardware.
ASTM A276-Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes.
ASTM A3 13/A313M-Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Spring Wire.
ASTM A395-Standard Specification for Ferritic Ductile Iron Pressure-Retaining
Castings for Use at Elevated Temperatures.
ASTM A536-Standard Specification for Ductile Iron Castings.
ASTM B61-Standard Specification for Steam or Valve Bronze Castings.
ASTM B62-Standard Specification for Composition Bronze or Ounce Metal
Castings.
ASTM B139-Standard Specification for Phosphor Bronze Rod, Bar, and
Shapes.
ASTM B159-Standard Specification for Phosphor Bronze Wire.
ASTM B584-Standard Specification for Copper Alloy Sand Castings for
General Applications.
ASTM D224O-Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness.
AWWA M14-Recommended Practice for Backflow Prevention and Cross-
Connection Control.

*American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.

?American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 E. 47th St., New York, NY 10017.
$American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA
19428-2959.

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 DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY 3

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Document,*Title 21 of the Code of Federal

Regulations on Food Additives, Sec. 175.300.
SAE? 5513-Refrigeration Tube Fittings-General Specifications, Standard.

SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply in this standard:
1. Cosmetic defect: A blemish that has no effect on the ability of a component
to meet the structural design and production test requirements of this standard. If
the blemish or the activity of plugging, welding, grinding, or repairing the blemish
causes the component to fail these requirements, then the blemish shall be
considered a structural defect.
2. Full-ported test cock: A full-ported test cock shall have an opening at least
equal in area to the area of the specified size of the test cock.
3. Independently acting check valve: An independent check valve shall share
no common parts except for body housing. There can be no contact between any moving
components of either check valve through its normal operation. The failure of either
check valve in any mode can in no way affect the operation of the other check valve.
4. Manufacturer: The party that manufactures, fabricates, or produces
materials or products.
5 . Purchaser: The person, company, or organization that purchases any
materials or work to be performed.
6. Structural defect: A flaw that causes a component to fail the structural
design or test requirements of this standard. This includes, but is not limited to,
imperfections that result in leakage through the walls of a casting, failure to meet
minimum wall thickness requirement, or failure to meet production tests.
7. Supplier: The party that supplies material or services. A supplier may or
may not be the manufacturer.

SECTION 4: REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 4.1 Materials
4.1.1 Dissimilar metals. In the presence of an electrolyte, direct contact
between metals of dissimilar corrosion resistance may result in galvanic corrosion of
the more active, less corrosion-resistant material. When dissimilar metals must be
used for internal parts, the rate of corrosion shall be reduced.as much as practical
through the selection of materials that exhibit similar resistance t o corrosion, by
placing a dielectric material between the metals, or by applying a dielectric coating.
When contact between dissimilar metals cannot be avoided, the assembly shall be

*Available from the US Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents,

Washington, DC 20402.
?Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

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4 AWWAC510-97

designed so that the resulting corrosion will be minimized and will not adversely
affect water quality or result in malfunctioning o r premature failure of the assembly.
4.1.2 Protective coatings. All ferrous bodies and parts shall be coated with a
polymerized coating or shall be hot-dip galvanized in conformance with ASTM A153.
The use of synthetic coatings on ferrous bodies and parts shall be subject to approval
by the purchaser. This approval applies not only to the specific use, but also to the
coating and application process.
The protective coating shall be composed of materials referenced in ANSI/
AWWA C550 as deemed acceptable in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Document, Title 21, of the Code of Federal Regulations on Food Additives,
Sec. 175.300. The manufacturer shall provide documentation verifying compliance
with this document when requested.
4.1.3 Material requirements. The following material specifications shall apply:
1. Valve bodies and covers, spools, and spacers-bronze (ASTM B61, ASTM
B62, ASTM B584 (284400).
2. Valve bodies and covers, spools, and spacers-gray iron (ASTM A126,
Class B) or ductile iron (ASTM A395 or ASTM A536).
3. Clapper and poppet facing rings-molded synthetic rubber (Shore Durome-
ter hardness 35-45 A scale [ASTM D22401).
4. Swing pin and guide stem-phosphor bronze (ASTM B139, UNS numbers
C51000, C52100, or C52400).
5. Swing pin and guide stem-stainless steel (ASTM A276, UNS numbers
530400, S30500, or S31600).
6. Springs-stainless steel (ASTM A313).
7. Springs-phosphor bronze (ASTM B159).
8. Seat rings or valve seats-bronze (ASTM B61) o r stainless steel (ASTM
A276, UNS numbers S30400, S30500, or S31600).
Other alloys, rubbers, plastics, or other materials that are adaptable and will
give at least equivalent trouble-free service may be used if tested and found
equivalent.
Sec. 4.2 General Design
4.2.1 Size, rated flow, and allowable pressure loss.
4.2.1.1 Nominal size. The size of a backflow prevention assembly as indicated
in Table 1 shall be identified by the size of the resilient-seated shutoff valves
provided as part of the assembly and attached at each end of the assembly.
4.2.1.2 Rated flow and allowable pressure loss. The maximum allowable pres-
sure loss at any rate of flow, from zero and up to and including the maximum rated
flow for the indicated size, shall not exceed the values shown in Table 1.
4.2.1.3 General flow and operating requirements. The water passageways shall
be streamlined t o minimize turbulence and pressure loss. Moving parts shall be
designed to operate in a positive manner, without chatter. The design of the assembly
shall be such that it will not cause undue pressure surges during a cycle of operation,
and the operation of the assembly shall not be impaired by the water-pressure surges
that are normally encountered in a water supply system. The assembly shall be
sensitive enough to react to pressure conditions without a time lag that would allow
backflow.
4.2.2 Structural and operational Capability.
4.2.2.1 Structural capability. The casing of the assembly, with all covers
bolted in place, shall be capable of withstanding an internal hydrostatic test pressure

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 STD-AWWA CSLO-ENGL L997 0783350 0 5 0 5 7 8 8 7 9 2

DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY 5

Table 1 Parameters for double check valve backflow prevention assembly

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Maximum Allowable
Nominal Size Maximum Rated Flow Pressure Loss

in. ímm7 gpm als) psi íkpa)

94 (6) 1 (0.06) 10 (68.9)
(9) 3 (0.19) 10 (68.9)
92 (12) 7.5 (0.47) 10 (68.9)
94 (19) 30 (1.89) 10 (68.9)
1 (25) 50 (3.15) 10 (68.9)
i1/4 (31) 75 (4.73) 10 (68.9)
1% (38) 100 (6.31) 10 (68.9)
2 (50) 160 (10.10) 10 (68.9)
21% (63) 225 (14.20) 10 (68.9)
3 (75) 320 (20.19) 10 (68.9)
4 (100) 500 (31.55) 10 (68.9)
6 (150) 1,000 (63.10) 10 (68.9)
8 (200) 1,600 (100.96) 10 (68.9)
I 10 (254) 2,300 (145.13) 10 (68.9)
12 (305) 3,000 (189.30) 10 (68.9)
*Metric conversions given in this standard are direct conversions of US customary units and are not those specified in
International Organization for Standardization USO) standards.

of at least twice the maximum working water pressure of the assembly for at least
10 min without leaking, weeping, or dripping through any part of the casing, or
casings, or at any joint o r connection. All barriers to flow, including check valves,
shall be capable of withstanding, without damage or permanent deformation and for
at least 10 min without leaking, a hydrostatic test pressure of at least twice the
maximum working pressure of the assembly against the closed side of the barrier
simultaneous with atmospheric pressure on the other side.
4.2.2.2 Operational capability. The assembly shall be capable of going
through a full cycle of operation, during which the operating pressure on the inlet
side of the assembly drops sharply from 150 psi (1,034 kPa) to atmospheric and
returns slowly after a short time interval t o 150 psi (1,034 kPa) without permanent
distortion or damage to any of its parts.
Sec. 4.3 Detailed Design
4.3.1 Design of assembly. It is essential that all assemblies be trouble-free;
that moving parts do not bind or gall; and that there be no distortion that will
interfere with the intended performance of the assembly. Flow channels shall be
streamlined to prevent cavitation, minimize pressure loss, and eliminate pockets that
could entrap foreign materials.
4.3.1.1 Access to internal parts. All internal parts shall be accessible for
inspection, repair, and renewal without removing the assembly from the line using
the shutoff valves to isolate the backflow preventer.

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STD-AWWA CSlO-ENGL L977 U 0783350 0505787 b 2 7 W

6 AWAC510-97

4.3.1.2 Area of waterways. The assembly shall be designed so that the

minimum waterway area normal to the direction of flow shall not adversely affect the
overall pressure loss.
4.3.1.3 Clearance of moving parts. Clearance between valve stems and asso-
ciated guides, hinge pins and bushings, and other similar parts shall be designed to
yield a low probability of malfunctioning due t o corrosion or deposit of foreign matter
on surfaces of the assembly. Minimum clearance between the body of the check valve
and hinge arm, clapper, counterweight, poppet valve, or other free-moving part shall
be as follows:
1. Iron-body parts of all sizes: ?hin. (12 mm).
2. Brass or bronze parts up to and including l-in. (25-mm) size: Va in. (3 mm).
3. Brass or bronze parts greater than l-in. (25-mm) size: Y4 in. (6 mm).
4.3.1.4 Facing rings for poppet-type valves. For all sizes of poppet valves, the
elastomer disc shall be supported by an adequate bearing surface, such that the
elastomer disc will comply with all tests contained in this document. The facing ring
shall overhang the outside edge of the seat ring by at least Yi6 in. (1.6 mm). There
shall be a minimum of 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) between the inside edge of the seat ring and
the facing ring clamp.
4.3.1.5 Facing rings for swing-type valves. The elastomer disc shall be sup-
ported by an adequate bearing surface, such that the elastomer disc will comply with
all tests contained in this document. In sizes up to 2 in. (50 mm), the facing ring shall
overhang the outer edge of the sealing surface of the seat ring by at least 1/8 in.
(3 mm). In sizes of 2 in. (50 mm) and larger, the overhang shall be at least Y4 in.
(6 mm). There shall be a minimum of Yi6 in. (1.6 mm) between the inside edge of the
seat ring and the facing ring clamp.
4.3.1.6 Bushings. All bushings shall project at least Y4 in. (6 mm) inside the
body of the component involved.
4.3.1.7 Connections. End connections, test cocks, and control piping connec-
tions to components of the backflow prevention assembly shall be either threaded in
accordance with ANSYASME B1.20.1, or flanged in accordance with ANSUASME
B16.1, ANSUASME B16.24, or ANSVAWWA CllO/A21.10, or grooved and shouldered
joints per ANSYAWWA C606.
4.3.1.8 Test cocks. Resilient-seated full-ported test cocks shall be attached t o
corrosion-resistant nipples or shall have male threads to be installed in tapped holes.
At each location on a valve body where such a tapped hole is required, there shall be
a boss to permit sufficient threading for nipples. Test cocks shall have female iron
pipe size (IPS) ends on the discharge side, Test connections of in. (3 mm) shall be
permitted to be either IPS female threads or male Y4 in. (6 mm) flared-type
connections per SAE 5513. The minimum sizes (IPS) of test cocks shall be YB in.
(3 mm) for assemblies up to and including l-in. (25-mm) nominal size; Y4 in. (6 mm)
for assemblies up to and including 2-in. (50-mm) nominal size; h ! in. (12 mm) for
assemblies 2%-in. through 4-in. (63-mm through 100-mm) nominal size; and 9 4 in.
(19 mm) for assemblies 6 in. (150 mm) and larger. Test cocks shall be installed at the
following locations on all backfiow prevention.assemblies:
1. On the supply (inlet) side of the supply shutoff valve.
2. Between the supply shutoff valve and the first check valve.
3. Between the check valves.
4. Between the second check valve and the shutoff valve on the outlet side of
the assembly.

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STD.AWWA CSLO-ENGL 1 9 9 7 0783350 0 5 0 5 7 9 0 340 E

DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY 7

4.3.1.9 Valve seats. Provision shall be made for renewal and replacement of
valve seats in iron-body components.
4.3.1.10 Alignment of check valves. Each clapper disk, facing ring, and
clamping and securing bolt or stud shall be concentric to an axis that is normal to the
face of the facing ring. When applicable, the unit shall be designed so that the facing
ring may be clamped and reclamped without warping its face. The clapper must not
be able to tip and catch under the seat ring. When clappers or poppets are in a
wide-open position, they must bear on a definite stop that is so designed and placed
that the action of the water will not twist or bend the valve parts or cause them to
chatter. The design shall be such that a t all flow rates, from zero to (and including)
rated flow, the component parts shall not create any chatter or noise. All working
parts shall be designed and supported in a manner to preclude distortion or
misalignment.
4.3.1.11 Shutoff valves. Resilient-seated shutoff valves shall be considered an
integral part of the assembly. For the 3-in. (75-mm) and larger assemblies, the
resilient-seated gate valves shall conform to ANSIíAWWA (2509.The 2Ih-in. (64-mm)
gate valves are to be constructed according to the applicable requirements of ANSI/
AWWA C509 even though they are not specifically listed in the standard. Shutoff
valves smaller than 2%-in. (64-mm) size shall be resilient seated and of a quality
acceptable to the purchaser. Ferrous metal surfaces shall be coated with a
polymerized coating in accordance with ANSIíAWWA C550.
4.3.1.12 Provision shall be made for bleeding trapped air from components of
the assembly.
4.3.2 Operating requirements for double check valve backflow prevention
assembly.
4.3.2.1 General. The check valves shall be loaded internally so that when the
supply pressure is at least 1 psi (6.89 kPa) and the outlet pressure is atmospheric,
each check valve will be driptight in the normal direction of flow. There shall be no
leakage past any check valve when the pressure conditions that cause backflow are
present.
4.3.2.2 Operation at rated temperature and pressure. All components of the
assembly shall operate at, and withstand a thermal test at, the greater of 140°F
(60°C)or at the maximum working water temperature (MWWT), maximum working
water pressure (MWWP), and the flow rate as specified in Table 2, for a minimum
period of 100 hours without any leakage, damage, permanent deformation, or
impairment of operation. During and after a minimum of 100 hours at rated
temperature and pressure the assembly shall operate satisfactorily per Sec. 4.3.2.1.

Table 2 Thermal test minimum flow rates

Size of Assembly Minimum Flow Rate
in. ímm) m m (L I s )
?A (6) 1 (0.06)
3
h (9) 3 (0.19)
92 (12) 7.5 (0.47)
94-1 (19-25) 30 (1.89)
11/4-2 (31-50) 40 (2.52)
21/2-12 (64-3 05) 50 (3.15)

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a AWWA c510-97

4.3.3 InstuZZution instructions. The manufacturer shall include with each

unit installation instructions attached to the unit.
Sec. 4.4 Workmanship
4.4.1 Foundry und machine work. All foundry and machining work shall be
performed in accordance with the best modern practice for the class of work involved.
All parts shall conform, within allowable tolerances, t o the manufacturer’s specifica-
tions and shall be free from defects.
4.4.2 Joints. Ail flanged joints shall be faced true and machined at right
angles to their respective axes; threaded joints must be concentric and accurately cut.
4.4.3 Bronze mounting. All ferrous parts receiving a bronze mounting shall
be finished to fit. Such handwork as is required in finishing shall produce a neat,
professional, well-fitting, and smoothly operating product.
4.4.4 Castings. All castings shall be clean and sound without defects that will
weaken their structure or impair their service. Plugging, welding, or repairing of
cosmetic defects is allowed. Repairing of structural defects is not allowed unless
agreed to by the purchaser. Repaired valves shall comply with the testing
requirements of this standard after repairs have been made. Repairs within the bolt
circle of any flange face are not allowed.

SECTION 5: VERIFICATION
Sec. 5.1 Testing and Uniformity
All joints shall be watertight when subjected t o water pressure at twice the
maximum working water pressure. All assembly parts of the same size, model, and
manufacture shall be interchangeable.

SECTION 6: DELIVERY*
Sec. 6.1 Marking
Backflow prevention assemblies shaI1 be marked distinctly with the size, model
designation, and serial number. The markings, which shall not be easily defaced,
shall be either cast or stamped in the metal or stamped on a brass or stainless-steel
nameplate permanently affixed to the assembly. Serial numbers, size, and model
shall be at least 3/1s in. (5 mm) in height. The markings shall include the following:
1. Name of manufacturer or trademark.
2. Type: double check valve or DC.
3. Size.
4. Model designation.
5. Direction of flow (indicated by an arrow).

*Governmental marking, packaging, and shipping references reflect US requirements. Users of

AWWA C510 in Canada, Mexico, and non-North American countries should verify applicable
local and national regulatory requirements.

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 S T D - A W W A CCILO-ENGL 1977 0783350 0 5 0 5 7 7 2 113 I
I

DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY 9

6. Serial number.
7. Maximum working water pressure (MWWP).
8. Maximum working water temperature (MWWT) (in degrees Fahrenheit o r
Celsius).
Sec. 6.2 Preparation for Shipment
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be complete when shipped. The manufac-
turer shall use due and customary care in preparing the assemblies for shipment so
that no damage as a result of the manufacturer’s negligence occurs in handling or in
transit. The backfiow prevention assemblies shall be drained completely and all
openings closed completely before shipment.
Sec. 6.3 Affidavit of Compliance
If required by the purchaser’s specifications, the supplier shall furnish an
affidavit certifying that the assemblies furnished comply with all applicable
requirements of this standard. If required by the purchaser’s specifications, the
supplier shall furnish a certificate of approval from a laboratory recognized as having
expertise in this specialized field.
6.3.1 Requirements for approval. Each backflow prevention assembly approved
by the testing laboratory shall satisfactorily pass a laboratory evaluation and field
evaluation in accordance with the requirements of this section.
6.3.1.1 Evaluation in the laboratory. One or more units, selected at random
by the testing laboratory from the manufacturer’s stock, shall be thoroughly
evaluated by the testing laboratory as to the unit’s design and operating characteris-
tics up t o the assemblies’ rated temperature and pressure. This evaluation shall
include a review of the working drawings and manufacturer’s specifications for all
parts and materials used, hydrostatic testing, and any other evaluation needed to
ensure compliance with this standard.
6.3.1.2 Evaluation in the field. On completion of a satisfactory laboratory evalu-
ation, three units of each size and model, selected a t random by the testing laboratory
from the manufacturer’s stock, shall satisfactorily pass a 12-consecutive-month field
evaluation under the supervision of the testing laboratory. Certification by a state
health department, a provincial authority, or the regulatory authority having
jurisdiction with an equivalent field-test program shall be acceptable as evidence of
satisfactory field-test evaluation.
6.3.1.3 Selection of field locations. Field locations shall be selected or
approved by either the testing laboratory or the authority having jurisdiction, or
both.
6.3.1.4 Field testing. All three units of each size and model of assembly
undergoing field evaluation shall be examined and tested at least monthly according
to the operation requirements of this standard. Records of the field examinations and
tests shall be kept and all problems and malfunctions noted. Any design or
operational problems that prevent the assemblies from meeting the requirements of
this standard shall be cause for rejection.
6.3.1.5 Evaluation report. At the conclusion of the testing program for each
size and model of assembly, a report shall be compiled by the testing laboratory or
authority, or both, indicating the tests that are performed to ascertain compliance
with each section of this standard. The report shall describe all problems and
malfunctions. On satisfactory completion of the evaluation, a certificate of approval
shall be issued.

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