ASTM F445-88(2009)

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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2009
• ICS: 23.060.40 - Pressure regulators
• Technical Committee: F15 - Consumer Products
• Drafting Committee: F15.03 - Safety Standards for Bathtub and Shower Structures

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F445-88(2004)e1 - Consumer Safety Specification for Thermal-Shock-Preventing Devices and Systems in Showering Areas
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D5952-08(2015) - Standard Guide for the Inspection of Water Systems for Legionella and the Investigation of Possible Outbreaks of Legionellosis (Legionnaires' Disease or Pontiac Fever)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F445 −88 (Reapproved 2009)
Standard Consumer Safety Specification for
Thermal-Shock-Preventing Devices and Systems in
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Showering Areas
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF445;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
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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 2.3 mixing valve—device for mixing cold and hot water to
produce an intermediate temperature as required, either
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers thermal-
manually, pressure-equalizing, or thermostatically controlled,
shock-preventing devices and systems delivering water to
and which is adjustable manually or by other means.
showering areas.
2.4 safety shut-off device—maximum temperature-limiting
1.2 This specification establishes the minimum performance
device that reduces the flow of water to a specified amount.
requirements for the devices and systems to minimize the risks
associated with the hazards of thermal shock.
2.5 scald—first-,second-,orthird-degreeburninjurycaused
by the contact of hot water on the skin.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
2.6 showering area—bathing space that consists of a tub,
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
tub-shower, or shower stall bounded by four walls, real or
and are not considered standard.
imaginary, extending vertically to the ceiling from the outside
edge of the tub or stall.
2. Terminology
2.7 stop-check valve—valve designed to allow the flow of
2.1 check valve—valve designed to allow the flow of water
water in one direction only and which also has the capability to
in one direction only.
control the supply of water.
2.2 device—piece of equipment or mechanism designed to
2.8 stop valve—valve used for the control of water supply.
serve a special purpose or perform a special function.
2.9 thermal shock—change in temperature that is rapid and
great enough to produce a potentially hazardous reaction.
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This consumer safety specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Commit- 2.10 water outlet—discharge opening through which water
tee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
is supplied to a bathing area.
F15.03 on Safety Standards for Bathtub and Shower Structures.
Current edition approved April 1, 2009. Published May 2009. Originally
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3. Compliance
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as F445 – 88 (2004) .
DOI: 10.1520/F0445-88R09.
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3.1 No device or system produced after the approval date of
“A Systematic Program to Reduce the Incidence and Severity of Bathtub and
Shower Area Injuries,” Abt Associates, Inc., June 4, 1975. this consumer safety specification shall either by label or other
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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F445 − 88 (2009)
means indicate compliance with this specification unless it piping to the mixing valve. On multiple installations when
conforms to all requirements contained herein. equipped with integral shut-off, there shall be service stop
valves on the inlets.
4. Materials
6.1.4 Instructions for adjusting devices or systems, where
required, shall include information on temperature settings
4.1 The materials used in the thermal-shock-preventing
devices or systems shall conform to the following: based on cold-water variations and hot-water capabilities as a
guide to allow the installer to properly set the maximum
4.1.1 All parts, external or
...