BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

246:2003

Sanitary tapware —
General specifications
for flow rate regulators

The European Standard EN 246:2003 has the status of a

British Standard

ICS 91.140.70

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
BS EN 246:2003

National foreword

This British Standard is the official English language version of EN 246:2003.

It supersedes BS EN 246:1992 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee
B/504, Water supply, to Subcommittee B/504/8, Terminal fittings, which has
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3 September 2003
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© BSI 3 September 2003

ISBN 0 580 42567 3

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 246
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM August 2003

ICS 91.140.70 Supersedes EN 246:1989

English version

Sanitary tapware - General specifications for flow rate regulators

Robinetterie sanitaire - Spécifications générales des Sanitärarmaturen - Allgemeine Anforderungen an

régulateurs de jets Strahlregler

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 July 2003.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United
Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2003 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 246:2003 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
EN 246:2003 (E)

Contents

page
Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................3
1 Scope ..............................................................................................................................................................4
2 Normative references ....................................................................................................................................4
3 Terms and definitions....................................................................................................................................4
4 Designation.....................................................................................................................................................5
5 Marking – Identification.................................................................................................................................5
6 Materials..........................................................................................................................................................5
6.1 Chemical and hygienic characteristics .......................................................................................................5
6.2 Exposed surface condition and quality of coating.....................................................................................5
7 Dimensions.....................................................................................................................................................5
7.1 Flow rate regulators with internal thread ....................................................................................................6
7.2 Flow rate regulators with external thread ...................................................................................................7
7.3 Ball joint flow rate regulators .......................................................................................................................7
8 Hydraulic characteristics ..............................................................................................................................9
8.1 General............................................................................................................................................................9
8.2 Flow rate .........................................................................................................................................................9
8.3 Evaluation of the jet formation ...................................................................................................................12
9 Mechanical performance of flow rate regulators under high temperature ............................................12
9.1 General..........................................................................................................................................................12
9.2 Test method..................................................................................................................................................13
10 Mechanical performance of flow rate regulators with plastic housing ..................................................13
10.1 General..........................................................................................................................................................13
10.2 Test method..................................................................................................................................................13
11 Acoustic characteristics .............................................................................................................................14
11.1 General..........................................................................................................................................................14
11.2 Procedure .....................................................................................................................................................14
11.3 Requirements ...............................................................................................................................................14
Annex A (normative) Dimensions for the mounting of flow rate regulators on nozzle outlets of tapware .....15
Bibliography ..............................................................................................................................................................17

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 EN 246:2003 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 246:2003) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN /TC 164, "Water supply", the
secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by February 2004, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest
by Feburary 2004.

This document supersedes EN 246:1989.

In respect to potential adverse effects on the quality of water intended for human consumption, caused by the
product covered by this standard, it should be noted that, while awaiting the adoption of verifiable European
criteria, existing national regulations concerning the use and/or the characteristics of this product remain in force.

Annex A is normative.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

ｗｗｗ．ｂｚｆｘｗ．ｃｏｍ

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EN 246:2003 (E)

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies:

 the dimensional, mechanical, hydraulic and acoustic characteristics with which flow rate regulators should
comply;

 the procedures for testing these characteristics.

This European Standard is applicable to:

 flow rate regulators intended to be mounted on tapware used with sanitary appliances in toilets, washrooms
and kitchens (single taps, combination tap assemblies, mechanical mixing valves, thermostatic mixing valves);

 flow rate regulators used under the following pressure and temperature conditions:

Table 1 – Conditions for the use of flow rate regulators

Limits of use Recommended limits for correct

operation
Dynamic Pressure 0,05 MPa ≤ P ≤ 0,5 MPa 0,1 MPa ≤ P ≤ 0,5 MPa
(0,5 bar ≤ P ≤ 5 bar) (1 bar ≤ P ≤ 5 bar)
Temperature ≤ 70 °C ≤ 65 °C

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Flow rate regulators can only be connected downstream of the obturator of the tap.

2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies (including amendments).

EN 248, Sanitary tapware – General specifications for electrodeposited coatings of Ni-Cr.

EN ISO 3822-1, Acoustics – Laboratory tests on noise emission from appliances and equipment used in water
supply installations – Part 1: Method of measurement (ISO 3822-1:1999).

EN ISO 3822-4, Acoustics – Laboratory tests on noise emission from appliances and equipment used in water
supply installations – Part 4: Mounting and operating conditions for special appliances (ISO 3822-4:1997).

ISO 49, Malleable cast iron fittings threaded to ISO 7-1.

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this European Standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

flow rate regulator

A device which is fitted on the nozzle outlet of a tap to enable its jet to be regulated
A distinction is made between:
 flow rate regulators without air intake, when operating without aeration of the water;
 flow rate regulators with air intake, when aeration of the water occurs;
ball joint flow rate regulators, when a flow rate regulator with or without aeration is fitted into a ball joint.

4
 EN 246:2003 (E)

4 Designation
A flow rate regulator is designated by:

 its type ; (with/without air intake)

 its dimension (Q);

 its acoustic group (I) and flow rate class (A);

 reference to this standard.

Example of designation :

Flow rate regulator without air intake, with internal thread : M22x1; I; A – EN 246 (cf. Figure 1 and Table 2)

Flow rate regulator without air intake, with external thread : M28x1; I; A – EN 246 (cf. Figure 2 and Table 1)

5 Marking – Identification
Flow rate regulators complying with this standard shall be marked permanently and visible on their outer face with:

 the mark or name of the manufacturer;

 the acoustic group and the flow rate class.

detachable changer
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The flow rate class shall be marked on the outer face of the skirt of the grille cage, if it is an interchangeable type

In order to distinguish flow rate regulators with air intake from flow rate regulators without air intake they shall also
be marked with an X on the exterior surface.

Ball joint flow rate regulator shall be marked both on the ball joint device and on the flow rate regulator.

6 Materials

6.1 Chemical and hygienic characteristics

All materials coming into contact with water intended for human consumption shall present no health risk up to
a temperature of 90 °C. They shall not cause any deterioration in water intended for human consumption, with
regard to food quality, appearance, odour or taste.

Within the recommended limits given in clause 1 for correct operation, the materials shall not be subject to any
deterioration which might affect the operation of the flow rate regulator. Pressurized parts shall withstand the limits
of use specified in Table 1. Materials with inadequate corrosion resistance shall be given additional protection.

6.2 Exposed surface condition and quality of coating

Visible chromium plated surface and Ni-Cr coatings shall comply with the requirements of EN 248.

7 Dimensions
NOTE For values without specified tolerances the tolerances of EN 22768-1 are applicable.

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EN 246:2003 (E)

7.1 Flow rate regulators with internal thread

Figure 1 – Flow rate regulators with internal thread

Table 2 – Dimensions for flow rate regulator with internal thread

Symbol Values (mm)

M
X
T
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M22x1 – 6H
14 to 17
3,5 to 4,3
Y min 4,5
J min 2

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 EN 246:2003 (E)

7.2 Flow rate regulators with external thread

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Figure 2 – Flow rate regulators with external thread

Table 3 – Dimensions for flow rate regulators with external thread

Symbol Values (mm)

Q M24x1 – 6g M28x1 – 6g
X 14 to 17 15 to 19
T 4,5 ± 0,1 7 ± 0,1
R Min. 9 Min. 14
U 1 + 0,5 / 0 1 + 0,5 / 0
L 24 0/-0,2 28 0/-0,2
V 0,8 0,8
J Min. 2 Min. 2,5

7.3 Ball joint flow rate regulators

The connections ball joint to tapware and ball joint to flow rate regulator shall each comply with the requirements of
either Table 2 or Table 3.

There are two types of ball joint flow rate regulators:

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EN 246:2003 (E)

Type 1 Type 2

Dimensions in mm

Key

1- Ball joint
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2- Flow rate regulators

Figure 3 – Flow rate regulator with ball joint Figure 4 – Ball joint integral with tapware nozzle

Type 1 Ball joint and flow rate regulator form a complete unit (Figure 3). The connection between ball joint and
nozzle outlet shall meet the requirements of Table 2 (internal thread) or Table 3 (external thread).

Type 2 The ball joint is independent of the flow rate regulator (Figure 4). In this case :

1) the flow rate regulator dimensions for the connection with ball joint shall meet the requirements of
Table 2 (internal thread) or Table 3 (external thread).

2) the ball joint dimensions for the connection with flow rate regulator shall meet the requirements of
Table A.1 for flow rate regulators with M22x1 internal thread or Table A.2 for flow rate regulators with
M24x1 or M28x1 external thread (annex A).

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 EN 246:2003 (E)

8 Hydraulic characteristics

8.1 General

The tests described are type tests (laboratory tests) and not quality control tests carried out during manufacture.

This clause specifies a test method, the aim of which is to determine the following characteristics at equal and
constant pressure:

 flow rate (see 8.2);

 evaluation of the jet formation (see 8.3).

8.2 Flow rate

8.2.1 Test method

8.2.1.1 Assembly

The flow rate regulator to be tested shall be connected to a test circuit as shown in Figure 5.

Key :

1 Galvanized union, taper seat 1, U11, in accordance with ISO 49

2 Galvanized male long sweep bend 1, G8, in accordance with ISO 49
3 Galvanized socket, 1 x 3/4, M2, in accordance with ISO 49
4 Adapter in accordance with ISO 3822-4 (see Figure 6 and 7)
Figure 5 – Test circuit

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EN 246:2003 (E)

Adapters shall be of the following types:

a) Adapter with external thread (A3) for controlling M22X1 flow rate regulators.

Figure 6 – Adapter A3

Table 4 – Dimensions of A3 adapters

Dimensions in mm

Designation d1 d2 I1 I2 I3 SW

Adapter EN ISO 3822-4-A3 – M22x1 M22x1 - 6g 17 24 5 1,7 27

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 EN 246:2003 (E)

b) Adapter with internal thread (A4) for controlling M24X1 and M28X1 flow rate regulators.

SW

Figure 7 – Adapter A4

Table 5 – Dimensions of A4 adapters

Dimensions in mm

Designation d1 d2 d3 I1 I2 I3 SW

Adapter EN ISO 3822-4-A4 – M24x1 M24x1 - 6H 24,5 17 25 6 1,7 27

Adapter EN ISO 3822-4-A4 – M28x1 M28x1 - 6H 28,5 17 26 8 1,7 30

8.2.1.2 Test method

 Connect the flow rate regulator to the adapter 4 shown in Figure 5.

 Open the water supply circuit and adjust to the required dynamic pressure.

 Measure the flow rate when a stable and continuous flow is established.

11
EN 246:2003 (E)

8.2.2 Requirements

Flow rate regulators are classed according to their nominal flow rate at a dynamic pressure of 0,3 MPa (3 bar), with
the following tolerances:

Table 6 – Flow rate of flow rate regulators

Class Flow rate, in (l/s)

Nominal value Tolerances
Z 0,15 0,125 ≤ Q ≤ 0,15
A 0,25 0,225 ≤ Q ≤ 0,25
S 0,33 0,30 ≤ Q ≤ 0,33
B 0,42 0,38 ≤ Q ≤ 0,42
C 0,50 0,45 ≤ Q ≤ 0,50
D 0,63 0,58 ≤ Q ≤ 0,63

The manufacturer is responsible for selecting the class.

NOTE Flow rate regulators with flow rates lying outside the classes specified do not comply with this standard and
therefore cannot be classified.

8.3 Evaluation of the jet formation

8.3.1 Assembly as specified in 8.2.1.1

8.3.2 Test method test as specified in 8.2.1.2

8.3.3 Requirement for flow rate regulators without aeration

The jet shall be along the axis of the flow rate regulator’s outlet and shall flow continuously over a length of 150 mm
at the nominal flow rate for each class ;it shall be neither flattened nor constricted, nor scattered to such an extent
that splashing results. It shall remain compact in the pressure range between 0,05 MPa (0,5 bar) and 0,5 MPa (5
bar).

8.3.4 Requirement for flow rate regulators with aeration

At a dynamic pressure of 0,3 MPa (3 bar), the jet shall be regular and compact and shall visually exhibit regular
and adequate aeration over a length of 150 mm. It shall remain full and aerated in the pressure range between
0,05 MPa (0,5 bar) and 0,5 MPa (5 bar).

9 Mechanical performance of flow rate regulators under high temperature

9.1 General

The test described is a type test (laboratory test) and not a quality control test carried out during manufacture.

The test is made to ensure that the flow rate regulator, when submitted alternately to hot and cold water, does not
deform, that it operates correctly and that it can be easily dismantled and re-assembled by hand.

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 EN 246:2003 (E)

9.2 Test method

9.2.1 Mounting

The flow rate regulator to be tested shall be connected in accordance with subclause 8.2.1.1 as shown in Figure 5
and tightened onto the adapter 4 with a torque of 1,5 (0/ - 0,5) Nm.

9.2.2 Test procedure

Subject the flow rate regulator to a flow rate of approximately 0,1 l/s with hot water at (90 ± 2) °C for a period of
15 min ± 1min and then to a flow of cold water at (20 ± 5) °C for a period of 15 min ± 1min.

9.2.3 Requirements

After the test, there shall be no visible deformation on the flow rate regulator and no deterioration in operation with
regard to flow rate and jet formation.

After inspection verify that the threads are in accordance with subclause 7.1, Table 2 and subclause 7.2, Table 3,
and the flow rate is in accordance with subclause 8.2.

10 Mechanical performance of flow rate regulators with plastic housing

10.1 General

The test described is a type test (laboratory test) and not a quality control test carried out during manufacture.

The test is made to ensure that the flow rate regulator will not be deformed, particularly the fine pitch thread of the
plastic housing, that it operates correctly and that it can be easily dismantled and reassembled by hand when it is
submitted first to a temperature shock test followed by a resistance to high pressure test.

10.2 Test method

10.2.1 Assembly

The flow rate regulator shall be connected in accordance with 8.2.1.1 as shown in Figure 5. It shall be tightened
onto the adapter 4 with a torque of (1,5 0/-0,5) Nm.

10.2.2 Test procedure

• Temperature shock test:

Subject the flow rate regulator to a flow rate of approximately 0,1 l/s with hot water at (90 ± 2) °C for a period of
15 min ± 1min. and then to a flow of cold water at (20 ± 5) °C for a period of 15 min ± 1min.

• High pressure resistance test:

Open the supply circuit and adjust the flow to a dynamic pressure of (0,8 ± 0,02) MPa (8 ± 0,2) bar. Subject
the flow rate regulator to a flow of hot water at (65 ± 2) °C for a period of 1 min and then to a flow of cold water at
(20 ± 5) °C for a period of 1 min.

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 EN 246:2003 (E)

10.2.3 Requirements

After the test, there shall be no visible deformation of the flow rate regulator and no deterioration in operation with
regard to flow rate and jet formation.
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Fri Nov 03 09:30:12 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

After inspection and testing, verify that the flow rate regulator can be easily removed and re-connected to the outlet
by hand.

11 Acoustic characteristics

11.1 General

The test described is a type test (laboratory test) and not a quality control test carried out during manufacture.

This clause specifies the test method for classifying flow rate regulators by their acoustic group.

11.2 Procedure

11.2.1 Fitting and operating conditions for tapware

These conditions are specified in EN ISO 3822-4.

11.2.2. Test method

11.2.2.1 General

The tests are carried out in accordance with EN ISO 3822-1 and EN ISO 3822-4.

11.2.2.2. Special cases

A test at 0,3 MPa (3 bar) is used for determining the acoustic group of flow rate regulators.

11.3 Requirements

11.3.1 Expression of results

The results of the measurements taken in accordance with EN ISO 3822 are expressed by the acoustic level of Lap
in dB(A).

NOTE Lap = 45 dB(A) – Ds

11.3.2 Determination of acoustic groups

Depending on the values of Lap obtained at 0,3 MPa (3 bar), a flow rate regulator is classified in the following
acoustic group:

Table 7 – Acoustic group

Group Lap in dB (A)

I Lap ≤ 15

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 EN 246:2003 (E)

Annex A (normative)

Dimensions for the mounting of flow rate regulators on nozzle outlets of

tapware

A.1 General
In order to ensure interchangeability of flow rate regulators, the manufacturing tolerances chosen for the
connecting threads of the outlets shall be compatible with those of the standard connecting threads of the flow rate
regulators.

A.2 Tapware dimensions - outlet (external thread)

Table A.1 – Dimensions for outlet (external thread)

Dimensions in mm.
M M22X1 – 6 g
X 14 min. to 17 max.
N 4,5 min.

Figure A.1 – Tapware dimensions – outlet (external thread)

15
EN 246:2003 (E)

A.3 Tapware dimensions – outlet (internal thread)

Table A.2 – Dimensions for outlet (internal thread)

Dimensions in mm.
Q M24x1 – 6H M28x1 – 6H
P Ø min. 24,2 Ø min. 28,3
R 4,5 ± 0,2 6 ± 0,2
S 1,5 to 4,5 3,5 to 9,5
X Ø 14 min. to 17 max Ø 15 min. to 19 max
Y 3 min. 4,5 min.

Figure A.2 – Tapware dimensions – outlet (internal thread)

16
 EN 246:2003 (E)

Bibliography

EN 22768-1, General tolerances - Part 1: Tolerances for linear and angular dimensions without individual tolerance
indications (ISO 2768-1:1989)

17
BS EN
246:2003
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