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IS 1703 : 2000Water Fittings - Copper Alloy Float Valves (Horizontal Plunger Type)

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EN 14124 · ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1 · AS/NZS 1172.2
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMMEP · Sanitary Appliances and Water Fittings
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OverviewValues4InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 1703:2000 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for water fittings - copper alloy float valves (horizontal plunger type). This standard prescribes the requirements for materials, dimensions, manufacture, workmanship, and testing of horizontal plunger type copper alloy float valves used for water supply in cisterns, overhead tanks, and similar fixtures.

Water Fittings - Copper Alloy Float Valves (Horizontal Plunger Type)

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
MEP — Sanitary Appliances and Water Fittings
Type
Specification
Amendments
Amendment 1 (2002); Amendment 2 (2007)
International equivalents
EN 14124:2004+A1:2008 · European Committee for Standardization (CEN), EuropeASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1-2018 · American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) / Canadian Standards Association (CSA), USA/CanadaAS/NZS 1172.2:2014 · Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
Typically used with
IS 318IS 319IS 1264IS 9762IS 4905
Also on InfraLens for IS 1703
4Key values3Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Properly match the float ball size and lever arm length to the incoming water pressure to ensure complete shut-off and prevent overflow.
! Periodically inspect and replace the valve washer, as it is the most frequent point of wear leading to continuous leaks.
! Ensure correct selection between High Pressure (HP) and Low Pressure (LP) valve types based on the building's water supply head.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4MaterialsCl. 5Manufacture and WorkmanshipCl. 6Dimensions and TolerancesCl. 8Testing
Pulled from IS 1703:2000. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
Updates & Amendments2 amendments
2002Amendment 1 (2002)
2007Amendment 2 (2007)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
copper alloybrassbronzepolyethylene

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
BS 1212-1:1990British Standards Institution (BSI), United Kingdom
HighWithdrawn
Specification for float operated valves (excluding floats) for WC flushing cisterns - Piston type
Directly covers piston-type (similar to horizontal plunger) float valves for water cisterns.
EN 14124:2004+A1:2008European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe
MediumCurrent
Inlet valves for flushing cisterns - General requirements
Specifies performance, material, and testing requirements for inlet valves in flushing cisterns, encompassing various types including plunger.
ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1-2018American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) / Canadian Standards Association (CSA), USA/Canada
LowCurrent
Plumbing Supply Fittings
Provides general requirements for materials, performance, and testing of plumbing supply fittings, which includes components like float valves.
AS/NZS 1172.2:2014Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Water closets (WC) - Part 2: Cisterns
Covers requirements for WC cisterns, including performance and testing of their inlet valves (float valves) within the overall cistern system.
Key Differences
≠Lead content in alloys: Newer international standards, especially for potable water contact, specify significantly lower permissible lead content in brass and bronze alloys (e.g., <0.25%) compared to the potentially higher allowances in older national standards like IS 1703:2000, which would permit alloys with up to 3.5% lead.
≠Noise emission requirements: European standards (e.g., EN 14124) often include specific maximum noise level criteria (e.g., in dB(A)) during valve operation to ensure user comfort, a requirement that may not be explicitly detailed or as stringent in IS 1703:2000.
≠Life cycle/endurance testing: Modern international standards typically mandate a higher number of operational cycles for endurance testing (e.g., 100,000 to 200,000 cycles) to ensure long-term reliability, which can be more rigorous than the endurance testing specified in older national standards.
≠Water hammer resistance: International standards may have more explicit test procedures and requirements for resistance to water hammer effects, ensuring the valve can withstand sudden pressure changes, which might not be as detailed in IS 1703:2000.
Key Similarities
≈Fundamental Function: All standards define requirements for a valve whose primary function is to control water flow into a cistern or tank, activated by a float mechanism to maintain a set water level.
≈Material Basis: The core construction material for the valve body and main components is specified as copper alloy (typically brass or bronze) across IS 1703 and its international counterparts, due to its durability and corrosion resistance in water environments.
≈Performance Requirements: Essential performance criteria such as leak-tightness under pressure, effective shut-off capability, and flow rate characteristics are common across these standards, albeit with potentially varying thresholds.
≈Pressure Testing: All standards mandate hydraulic pressure testing to ensure the structural integrity and leak-proof performance of the valve at pressures exceeding its normal operating conditions.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Material for BodyCopper Alloy (e.g., Brass as per IS 318, IS 1264)Brass or Bronze (e.g., Dezincification Resistant (DZR) Brass, Low-Lead Brass)BS 1212-1:1990, EN 14124:2004, ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1-2018
Maximum Working Pressure1.0 MPa (10 bar)Up to 1.0 MPa (10 bar) or higher (e.g., 1.6 MPa)BS 1212-1:1990, EN 14124:2004
Connection Thread TypeAs per IS 554 (equivalent to ISO 7-1, i.e., BSP)BSP (Parallel or Taper) or NPT/IPSBS 1212-1:1990, ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1-2018
Leakage Test (Shut-off)No visible leakage under working pressure for 1 minuteMaximum drip rate (e.g., no drops per minute or max 0.2 ml/min) after shut-off at specified pressuresEN 14124:2004, AS/NZS 1172.2:2014
Lead Content in Alloy (for potable water contact)Up to 3.5% (common for brass grades specified in IS 318, IS 1264)< 0.25% (lead-free or low-lead brass) for potable water applicationsASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1-2018, EN 14124:2004 (referencing potable water directives)
Endurance/Life Cycle TestNot explicitly detailed for plunger type in common summaries (general mechanical tests apply)100,000 to 200,000 cyclesEN 14124:2004 (e.g., 200,000 cycles), AS/NZS 1172.2:2014
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values4

Quick Reference Values
nominal sizes covered15, 20, 25, 32, 40, and 50 mm
hydraulic test pressure body1.5 MPa
working pressure high pressure type1.05 MPa
working pressure low pressure type0.175 MPa

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Valves
Table 2 - Dimensions of Polyethylene Floats
Table 3 - Dimensions of Copper Floats
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Materials
Clause 5 - Manufacture and Workmanship
Clause 6 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 8 - Testing

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 318:2003Leaded Tin Bronze Ingots and Castings
→
IS 319:2019Free Cutting Brass Bars, Rods and Sections
→
IS 1264:2019Safety Matches
→
IS 9762:1994polyethene floats (spherical) for float valve...
→
IS 4905:1968Methods for Random Sampling
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What are the nominal sizes covered for float valves in this standard?+
The standard covers nominal sizes of 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, 40 mm, and 50 mm.
What materials are acceptable for the float?+
Floats can be manufactured from copper, polyethylene (plastic), or other suitable corrosion-resistant materials as specified in the standard.
What pressure must the valve body withstand during testing?+
The assembled valve body must withstand a hydraulic test pressure of 1.5 MPa without leaking or sweating.
What is the difference between HP and LP valves?+
High Pressure (HP) valves are designed for supply mains up to 1.05 MPa, whereas Low Pressure (LP) valves are meant for systems with a maximum pressure of 0.175 MPa.

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