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IS 13983:1994 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for stainless steel sinks for domestic purposes. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, dimensions, construction, finish, and testing of austenitic stainless steel sinks intended for domestic purposes. It covers various types like kitchen sinks (with or without drainboards) and wash basins, ensuring quality and dimensional standardization.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Always check for the ISI mark and manufacturer's details on the product, as required by the marking clause (Clause 12).
! The specified stainless steel grade (Grade X04Cr19Ni9 of IS 6911, similar to 304 grade) is crucial for corrosion resistance; avoid sinks made from inferior grades.
! Verify the sheet thickness is at least 0.80 mm, as thinner sheets are prone to denting and have a less durable feel.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
stainless steelaustenitic stainless steel
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
EN 13310:2015+A1:2018CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Kitchen sinks — Functional requirements and test methods
Specifies functional requirements and test methods for domestic kitchen sinks.
ASME A112.19.3-2018/CSA B45.4-18ASME / CSA Group, USA / Canada
HighCurrent
Stainless Steel Plumbing Fixtures (Designed for Residential and Commercial Use)
Covers materials, dimensions, and performance of stainless steel plumbing fixtures, including kitchen sinks.
BS EN 13310:2015+A1:2018BSI (British Standards Institution), United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Kitchen sinks. Functional requirements and test methods
The UK's adoption of the European standard, covering the same functional requirements for domestic sinks.
AS/NZS 1756:1999Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Domestic kitchen sinks - Stainless steel
Specifies requirements for stainless steel sinks for domestic kitchens, but is an older standard.
Key Differences
≠IS 13983 is prescriptive, mandating a minimum sheet thickness of 0.80 mm. In contrast, EN 13310 is performance-based, not specifying thickness but requiring the sink to pass load resistance tests (e.g., 1500 N on the bowl).
≠The thermal shock resistance test in EN 13310 is significantly more rigorous (1000 cycles of hot/cold water) compared to IS 13983 (90 cycles).
≠EN 13310 includes a wider range of mandatory functional tests not found in IS 13983, such as drainability, overflow performance, and resistance to surface scratching.
≠Material is specified using different national standards. IS 13983 refers to Indian steel grades (e.g., 07Cr18Ni9 of IS 15997), while EN 13310 refers to EN 10088-2 grades (e.g., 1.4301) and ASME A112.19.3 refers to AISI types (e.g., Type 304).
Key Similarities
≈All standards primarily specify the use of austenitic stainless steel (equivalent to AISI 300 series, particularly Type 304) for its corrosion resistance and formability.
≈The fundamental scope of all standards is the same: to define the quality, performance, and key characteristics of stainless steel sinks intended for domestic use.
≈All standards include requirements for resistance to staining and corrosion from common household chemicals and foodstuffs, ensuring long-term durability and hygiene.
≈Requirements for a smooth, non-porous surface finish free from defects that could impair function or cleanability are a common feature across all the standards.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Minimum Sheet Thickness
0.80 mm
Not specified; performance-based (must pass load tests)
EN 13310:2015
Typical Material Grade
Grade 07Cr18Ni9 of IS 15997 (similar to AISI 304)
Grade 1.4301 of EN 10088-2 (equivalent to AISI 304)
EN 13310:2015
Hot Water Resistance Test
90 cycles of water at 90 ± 2°C
1000 cycles of alternating water at 15 ± 5°C and 93 ± 3°C
EN 13310:2015
Load Resistance (Bowl)
Not specified with a quantitative value
Must withstand 1500 N (approx. 153 kg) without permanent deformation > 1 mm or damage
EN 13310:2015
Nominal Waste Outlet Size
40 mm
Common sizes include 1 ½" (≈38 mm) or 3 ½" (≈89 mm)
EN 13310:2015
Material Composition (Chromium)
17.0 to 19.0% (for Grade 07Cr18Ni9)
17.5 to 19.5% (for Grade 1.4301)
EN 10088-2
Material Composition (Nickel)
8.0 to 10.0% (for Grade 07Cr18Ni9)
8.0 to 10.5% (for Grade 1.4301)
EN 10088-2
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
minimum sheet thickness0.80 mm
load test requirement1.5 kN
standard bowl depths125 mm to 250 mm
standard waste hole diameters40, 90, or 115 mm
weir overflow minimum diameter25 mm
corner radius minimum10 mm
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks
Table 2 - Dimensions of Stainless Steel Wash Basins
What is the minimum thickness for a domestic stainless steel sink?+
The minimum thickness of the finished sink sheet should be 0.80 mm (Clause 4.2).
What material is specified for sinks under IS 13983?+
The sink body must be made of austenitic stainless steel conforming to Grade X04Cr19Ni9 of IS 6911 (Clause 4.1.1).
What are the standard sizes for kitchen sinks?+
Table 1 provides various standard overall and bowl dimensions for single/double bowl sinks with or without drainboards. For example, a 610x510 mm single bowl/drainboard sink.
Is there a load test requirement for these sinks?+
Yes, the sink bowl must withstand a uniformly distributed load of 1.5 kN on a 100 mm square block for 15 minutes without permanent damage (Clause 10.3).