ASTM F445-88(2023)

Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Thermal-Shock-Preventing Devices and Systems in Showering Areas

SCOPE
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers thermal-shock-preventing devices and systems delivering water to showering areas.  
1.2 This specification establishes the minimum performance requirements for the devices and systems to minimize the risks associated with the hazards of thermal shock.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2023
• ICS: 23.060.40 - Pressure regulators
• Technical Committee: F15 - Consumer Products
• Drafting Committee: F15.03 - Safety Standards for Bathtub and Shower Structures

Overview

ASTM F445-88(2023), titled Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Thermal-Shock-Preventing Devices and Systems in Showering Areas, establishes safety requirements for devices and systems that deliver water to showering areas. Developed by ASTM International, this standard aims to minimize the risk of thermal shock-a sudden and potentially hazardous change in water temperature-by specifying minimum performance criteria for thermal-shock-preventing products. The specification applies to both new and retrofit installations in residential and public shower areas, addressing the needs of all users, including children, the elderly, and persons with limited mobility.

Key Topics

• Thermal-Shock Prevention: Sets requirements for devices and systems to protect users from sudden changes in shower water temperature.
• Performance Requirements:
  • Defines a maximum allowable discharge temperature of 120 °F (49 °C) for safety.
  • Requires automatic temperature compensation or restricted temperature variation within safe limits.
  • Devices must withstand a supply pressure of 125 psi (862 kPa) without damage.
• User and Installer Instructions:
  • Complete instructions for installation, adjustment, and maintenance must accompany each unit.
  • Installers are responsible for correct setup according to manufacturer guidelines.
  • User instructions must include warnings about maximum temperature settings and their safe use.
• Material Safety:
  • All materials must resist deterioration and prevent water contamination.
• Marking and Identification:
  • Devices must be marked with manufacturer information, water temperature settings, and clear control indicators (hot/cold).
• Compliance: Only products that meet all requirements may indicate compliance with this standard.

Applications

The ASTM F445-88(2023) standard is crucial for manufacturers, installers, and building professionals involved in the selection and installation of shower fixtures and water delivery systems. Some practical applications include:

• Shower Installations in Homes: Ensures household showers are equipped with controls that maintain safe water temperatures, reducing the risk of thermal shock and scald injuries.
• Commercial and Public Facilities: Hotels, gyms, hospitals, and care homes can implement compliant devices for safer communal bathing facilities, particularly protecting vulnerable users.
• Plumbing System Design and Retrofitting: Guides professionals in both new construction and the upgrading of existing plumbing systems to provide enhanced thermal protection.
• Product Certification and Compliance: Manufacturers can design and label products for compliance, improving consumer confidence and meeting regulatory requirements.

Related Standards

• ANSI and ASSE Standards: ASTM F445 refers to standards from the American National Standards Institute and American Society of Sanitary Engineering regarding reliability and testing of plumbing devices.
• International Guidelines: Developed according to WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee principles, supporting global trade and safety harmonization.
• Other ASTM Standards: Often used alongside other ASTM consumer product safety specifications applicable to bathing, plumbing fixtures, and related installations.

Keywords: thermal shock, consumer safety, shower safety, thermal-shock-preventing devices, temperature control, plumbing standards, ASTM F445, water outlet safety, scald prevention, shower installations.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F445 − 88 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Consumer Safety Specification for
Thermal-Shock-Preventing Devices and Systems in
Showering Areas
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F445; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This consumer safety specification addresses certain hazards in connection with shower areas and
is directed toward thermal shock.
The general requirements of this specification are intended to establish a maximum allowable
discharge temperature and provide for automatic compensation if that temperature is exceeded, or
limit temperature changes that are potentially dangerous, or both.
This specification establishes the necessary requirements to ensure safety from thermal shock
during showering for both the normal user capacity and limited user capacity of some aged, infirm,
or young. These requirements can be attained through the utilization of devices, series of devices, or
plumbing system designs, which are available in the marketplace. Many of these devices are
applicable to both new construction and retrofit installations. Specifications for the reliability and
testing of these devices and systems are available in most cases from such organizations as the
American National Standards Institute or the American Society of Sanitary Engineering.
1. Scope 2. Terminology
2.1 check valve—valve designed to allow the flow of water
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers thermal-
in one direction only.
shock-preventing devices and systems delivering water to
showering areas.
2.2 device—piece of equipment or mechanism designed to
serve a special purpose or perform a special function.
1.2 This specification establishes the minimum performance
2.3 mixing valve—device for mixing cold and hot water to
requirements for the devices and systems to minimize the risks
produce an intermediate temperature as required, either
associated with the hazards of thermal shock.
manually, pressure-equalizing, or thermostatically controlled,
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
and which is adjustable manually or by other means.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
2.4 safety shut-off device—maximum temperature-limiting
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
device that reduces the flow of water to a specified amount.
and are not considered standard.
2.5 scald—first-, second-, or third-degree burn injury caused
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
by the contact of hot water on the skin.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
2.6 showering area—bathing space that consists of a tub,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
tub-shower, or shower stall bounded by four walls, real or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
imaginary, extending vertically to the ceiling from the outside
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
edge of the tub or stall.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2.7 stop-check valve—valve designed to allow the flow of
water in one direction only and which also has the capability to
control the supply of water.
This consumer safety specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Commit-
tee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2.8 stop valve—valve used for the control of water supply.
F15.03 on Safety Standards for Bathtub and Shower Structures.
2.9 thermal shock—change in temperature that is rapid and
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved
in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as F445 – 88 (2017). DOI:
great enough to produce a potentially hazardous reaction.
10.1520/F0445-88R23.
2.10 water outlet—discharge opening through which water
“A Systematic Program to Reduce the Incidence and Severity of Bathtub and
Shower Area Injuries,” Abt Associates, Inc., June 4, 1975. is supplied to a bathing area.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F445 − 88 (2023)
3. Compliance 6.1.3.1 When not equipped with an integral shut-off or when
there is a shut-off installed after the mixing valve, there shall be
3.1 No device or system produced after the approval date of
stop and check valves on the inlets or in the water distribution
this consumer safety specification shall either by label or other
piping to the mixing valve. On multiple installations when
means indicate compliance with this specification unless it
equipped with integral shut-off, there shall be service stop
conforms to all requirements contained herein.
valves on the inlets.
6.1.4 Instructions for adjusting devices or systems, where
4. Materials
required, shall include information on temperature settings
4.
...