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IS 10118:1982 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for plastic float valves for plumbing systems - specification. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, dimensions, construction, and performance of plastic float operated valves for use in domestic water supply systems, typically in storage cisterns. It covers valves of nominal sizes 15 mm and 20 mm for both low and high-pressure applications, and details the necessary tests to ensure their operational integrity and durability.
Covers requirements for plastic float valves used to control water level in cisterns and tanks.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
plasticpolypropyleneHDPEacetal copolymer
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
BS 1212-2:1990BSI, UK
HighCurrent
Float operated valves. Specification for diaphragm type float operated valves (plastics bodied) for cold water services only (excluding floats)
Specifies plastic-bodied diaphragm float valves for cold water, aligning well with the IS code's scope.
AS 1910:2004Standards Australia, Australia
MediumCurrent
Cistern inlet valves
Covers inlet valves for flushing cisterns and storage tanks, with a strong focus on performance and backflow prevention.
EN 14124:2004CEN, Europe
MediumCurrent
Inlet valves for flushing cisterns with internal overflow
Covers similar valve types but is specific to flushing cisterns and adds mandatory acoustic performance requirements.
ASSE 1002-2018ASSE International, USA
LowCurrent
Performance Requirements for Anti-Siphon Fill Valves (Ballcocks) for Water Closet Tanks
Covers valves for a similar application (WC tanks) but mandates integral anti-siphon design, a fundamental difference.
Key Differences
≠IS 10118:1982 does not specify any requirements for acoustic performance (noise levels), whereas EN 14124 makes acoustic classification mandatory.
≠US standards like ASSE 1002 mandate the inclusion of an integral anti-siphon mechanism to prevent backflow. IS 10118:1982 does not require this specific component feature, relying on a system-level air gap.
≠The Indian standard is explicitly for cold water with a maximum temperature of 30°C, while some international counterparts like BS 1212-3:1990 cover hot water applications as well.
≠IS 10118:1982 divides valves into 'Low Pressure' (LP) and 'High Pressure' (HP) categories with distinct pressure ranges, a classification not always mirrored in international standards which may specify a single, broader operating range.
Key Similarities
≈All standards define the core function of the valve: to automatically control the filling of a cistern or tank and maintain a set water level.
≈Core performance tests, such as watertightness (leakage), flow rate, and endurance (cyclic operation), are fundamental requirements across IS 10118 and its international counterparts.
≈The use of standard nominal connection sizes like 15 mm (1/2") and 20 mm (3/4") is common practice in both the Indian and international standards for plumbing compatibility.
≈All compared standards mandate that the valve body be permanently marked with the manufacturer's identification and the nominal size.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Endurance Test (High Pressure Valve)
200,000 cycles
200,000 cycles
BS 1212-2:1990
Maximum Operating Water Temperature
30°C
Cold water services only (typically tested at 20 ± 5 °C)
BS 1212-2:1990
Closing Tightness Test Pressure (High Pressure)
1.4 MPa (14 bar)
1.4 MPa (14 bar) for seat tightness
BS 1212-2:1990
Flow Rate (15mm HP valve at 0.1 MPa)
≥ 0.13 L/s
≥ 0.11 L/s
BS 1212-2:1990
Acoustic Performance Requirement
Not specified
Mandatory classification into Acoustic Group I, II, or III based on measured noise level (L_ap)
EN 14124:2004
Integral Backflow Prevention
Not required
Required (Anti-siphon or other method)
ASSE 1002-2018
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Nominal Sizes Covered15 mm and 20 mm
Body Hydrostatic Test Pressure1.0 MPa (10.2 kgf/cm²) for 2 minutes
Seat Leakage Test Pressure (High Pressure)0.7 MPa (7.1 kgf/cm²)
Seat Leakage Test Pressure (Low Pressure)0.05 MPa (0.51 kgf/cm²)
Endurance Test Cycles200,000 cycles
Maximum Working TemperatureAs agreed between purchaser and manufacturer
What are the standard nominal sizes for plastic float valves as per IS 10118?+
The standard covers nominal sizes of 15 mm and 20 mm (Clause 4.1).
What is the hydrostatic pressure the valve body must withstand?+
The valve body must withstand an internal hydrostatic pressure of 1.0 MPa for 2 minutes without any leakage (Clause 6.2.1).
What materials are permitted for manufacturing these valves?+
The standard allows the use of suitable plastics such as Acetal Copolymer, Polypropylene (PP), or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) conforming to relevant IS codes (Clause 3).
Is there an endurance requirement for these valves?+
Yes, the valve must successfully complete 200,000 opening and closing cycles without failure as per the endurance test (Clause 6.4).