Certifications

Fittings certified by WRAS

WRAS stands for the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme, a UK-based certification that ensures products used in water supply systems comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 and related legislation in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

Key Features of WRAS

  • Purpose
  • Ensures that materials and fittings used in plumbing systems do not contaminate drinking water or cause water wastage.
  • Scope
  • Applies to pipes, fittings, valves, appliances, and other plumbing components that come into contact with water in supply systems.
  • Certification
  • Products with WRAS approval are tested for safety and compliance, confirming they are suitable for use with potable water.
  • Importance of WRAS Certification
  • Health and Safety
  • Protects drinking water from contamination by ensuring materials do not leach harmful substances or harbor bacteria.
  • Legal Compliance
  • Helps manufacturers, installers, and users meet UK water regulation requirements.
  • Consumer Confidence
  • Demonstrates that a product has been independently tested and approved for safe use in water systems.
  • Plumbing System Integrity
  • Prevents leaks, corrosion, and system inefficiencies by using certified products.
  • Products Typically WRAS-Approved
  • Press fittings and pipe systems (e.g., copper, stainless steel, PEX).
  • Valves and taps.
  • Water heaters and boilers.
  • Flexible hoses.
  • Backflow prevention devices.
  • WRAS Approval Process
  • Material Testing
  • Ensures materials in contact with water are non-toxic and do not alter taste, smell, or appearance.
  • Mechanical Testing
  • Assesses durability, pressure resistance, and leakage prevention.
  • Certification
  • Approved products receive a WRAS approval number, valid for five years.
  • How WRAS Relates to Press Fittings
  • Press fittings used in UK plumbing systems are often WRAS-approved, especially when designed for potable water applications.
  • WRAS-approved fittings ensure compliance with water safety standards and are trusted by contractors and regulators.
Press-Tite Water Fittings and Valves

Fittings certified for gas

Press fittings for gas are specialized connectors used to create secure, leak-proof joints in gas piping systems. They are designed specifically to handle the unique requirements of gas distribution, such as resistance to high pressure, temperature changes, and gas-specific safety standards. These fittings are commonly used for both natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Key Features of Gas Press Fittings

  • Material
  • Typically made of copper, stainless steel, or carbon steel to ensure durability and corrosion resistance.
  • O-Ring Design
  • Fittings use special gas-approved O-rings, often made of HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber).
  • These O-rings are yellow in color to differentiate them from water or other press fittings.
  • Safety and Compliance
  • Designed to meet strict gas safety standards, such as:
  • EN 549 for materials in gas appliances.
  • DVGW G260/G5614 for natural gas fittings (Germany).
  • AGA (Australia) or BS 6891 (UK) certifications.
  • Leak Detection
  • Most gas press fittings include a "leak-before-press" feature. If the connection isn't properly pressed, it will leak during a pressure test, ensuring safety before system activation.
  • Pressure and Temperature Ratings
  • Can handle pressures up to 5 bar (72 psi) or more, depending on the system.
  • Designed for typical gas temperature ranges (-20°C to +70°C).
  • Applications of Gas Press Fittings
  • Residential Gas Systems
  • Connecting boilers, gas stoves, and water heaters.
  • Distribution of natural gas or LPG within homes.
  • Commercial Gas Systems
  • Larger-scale systems for heating, cooking, or industrial equipment.
  • Used in hotels, restaurants, and office buildings.
  • Industrial Gas Systems
  • High-capacity gas distribution for processes like welding or chemical production.
  • Retrofitting and Repairs
  • Ideal for upgrading older systems as they eliminate the need for threading or soldering.
  • Advantages of Press Fittings for Gas
  • Quick Installation
  • No need for threading or welding; joints are made with a pressing tool in seconds.
  • Safe and Flame-Free
  • Eliminates the need for open flames, reducing fire risks during installation.
  • Leak-Proof Connections
  • Designed to withstand gas pressures and minimize the risk of leaks over time.
  • Compliance with Standards
  • Meets regulatory requirements for gas safety, giving confidence to installers and inspectors.
  • Versatility
  • Available for various pipe materials, including steel and copper.
  • Popular Materials for Gas Press Fittings
  • Copper
  • Commonly used in residential and small commercial gas systems.
  • Resistant to corrosion and easy to work with.
  • Stainless Steel
  • Used in industrial or high-pressure systems due to its durability and resistance to harsh conditions.
  • Carbon Steel
  • Often used in large-scale gas systems. Requires a protective coating to prevent corrosion.
  • Certifications and Standards for Gas Press Fittings
  • EN 549 (Europe): For gas seals and O-rings.
  • DVGW (Germany): Approval for natural gas and LPG fittings.
  • WRAS (UK): For water compatibility (if used in mixed systems).
  • AGA (Australia): Approval for natural gas fittings in Australia.
Press-Tite Gas fittings and valves

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