ASTM F445-88(2023)
(Specification)Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Thermal-Shock-Preventing Devices and Systems in Showering Areas
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
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.
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