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IS 17953:2023 Part 2 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for plumbing taps and mixers - test methods. This standard specifies technical requirements and a star rating system for water-efficient plumbing taps, mixers, and showers to promote water conservation. It classifies fixtures from 1-star to 5-star based on their maximum flow rate at a standard test pressure, enabling easy identification of water economy products.
Specifies the test methods for plumbing taps and mixers.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! This standard is essential for projects targeting green building certifications (like IGBC, GRIHA) which mandate or award points for using water-efficient fixtures.
! The star rating is determined at a test pressure of 0.3 MPa (3 bar). Actual on-site flow rates may differ based on the building's water supply pressure.
! Always check for the BIS Standard Mark and the star rating marking on the product or its packaging to ensure compliance and authenticity.
Specifies requirements for mechanical mixing valves, directly aligning with the mixer portion of IS 17953.
EN 200:2008CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Sanitary tapware - Single taps and combination taps for water supply systems of type 1 and type 2 - General technical specification
Covers non-mixing single and pillar taps, matching the non-mixer portion of the Indian standard.
AS/NZS 3718:2021Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
HighCurrent
Water supply - Tap ware
Comprehensive standard for tapware performance, very similar in scope and structure to IS 17953.
ASME A112.18.1-2018/CSA B125.1-18ASME / CSA Group, North America
MediumCurrent
Plumbing Supply Fittings
Broader scope covering all plumbing supply fittings, but includes detailed requirements for faucets and mixers.
Key Differences
≠IS 17953 specifies a significantly higher endurance requirement of 200,000 cycles for ceramic disc mixers, whereas EN 817 requires 70,000 cycles for mechanical mixers.
≠While IS 17953 specifies brass material composition (e.g., CuZn40Pb2 with up to 2.5% lead), North American standards (ASME A112.18.1) mandate compliance with NSF/ANSI 372, which requires a weighted average lead content of ≤ 0.25% for 'lead-free' products.
≠IS 17953 defines flow rate classes (A, B, C) as a primary classification, while standards like AS/NZS 3718 are directly linked to a mandatory water efficiency labeling scheme (WELS), making low-flow performance a regulatory requirement rather than just a classification.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 17953 and European standards (EN 817/EN 200) specify identical core requirements for hydrostatic leaktightness testing, requiring the body to withstand 1.6 MPa and the obturator (valve mechanism) to withstand 0.6 MPa.
≈Acoustic performance is evaluated similarly, with both IS 17953 and the EN series classifying taps into Acoustic Groups (e.g., Group I ≤ 20 dB, Group II ≤ 30 dB) based on noise levels at a pressure of 0.3 MPa.
≈Requirements for surface finish and corrosion resistance are very similar, mandating a Neutral Salt Spray (NSS) test. Both IS 17953 and EN 248 (referenced by EN 817/200) typically require a 200-hour duration for chrome-plated brass components.
≈All standards specify requirements for the mechanical strength and torque resistance of operating handles and connections to prevent failure during normal use and installation.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Endurance Test (Ceramic Disc Mixer)
200,000 cycles
70,000 cycles
EN 817:2008
Hydrostatic Pressure Test (Body)
1.6 MPa (16 bar)
1.6 MPa (16 bar)
EN 817:2008
Corrosion Resistance (NSS Test, Cr on Brass)
200 hours
200 hours
EN 248 (via EN 817)
Acoustic Noise Limit (Group I)
≤ 20 dB at 0.3 MPa
≤ 20 dB at 0.3 MPa
EN 817:2008
Flow Rate (Basin Mixer, unrestricted)
Class C: 0.20 L/s (12 L/min) at 0.3 MPa
≈ 0.20 L/s (12 L/min) at 0.3 MPa
EN 817:2008
Maximum Flow Rate (Lavatory Faucet)
Not mandated, classified by flow rate (e.g. 6, 9, 12 L/min)
8.3 L/min (2.2 gpm) at 414 kPa (60 psi)
ASME A112.18.1-2018
Maximum Lead Content in Brass
Typically ≤ 2.5% (as per IS 319 for CuZn40Pb2)
Weighted Average ≤ 0.25% (for 'Lead-Free')
ASME A112.18.1 / NSF 372
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values7
Quick Reference Values
Maximum Flow Rate for 5-Star Tap (Basin)≤ 4.0 L/min
Maximum Flow Rate for 4-Star Tap (Basin)≤ 6.0 L/min
Maximum Flow Rate for 3-Star Tap (Basin)≤ 8.0 L/min
Maximum Flow Rate for 5-Star Shower≤ 6.0 L/min
Maximum Flow Rate for 4-Star Shower≤ 8.0 L/min
Default Star Rating Flow Rate (Basin)≤ 10.0 L/min (2-Star)
Standard Test Pressure for Flow Rate0.3 MPa (3 bar)
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Flow Rate and Star Rating for Taps and Mixers
What is the maximum flow rate for a 5-star rated basin tap?+
The maximum flow rate is 4.0 litres per minute (L/min) at a test pressure of 0.3 MPa (Table 1).
Does this standard apply to kitchen sink mixers?+
Yes, the standard covers taps and mixers for washbasins, sinks, and showers (Clause 1).
How is a water-saving tap identified?+
Compliant products must be marked with their star rating and maximum flow rate in L/min, along with the BIS Standard Mark (Clause 6).
What is the difference in flow rate between a 3-star and 5-star shower head?+
A 3-star shower has a max flow rate of ≤ 10.0 L/min, while a 5-star shower has a max flow rate of ≤ 6.0 L/min, offering significant water savings (Table 2).