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IS 2685:1971 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for selection, installation and maintenance of sluice valves. This code of practice provides guidelines for the proper selection, handling, installation, testing, and maintenance of sluice valves (gate valves) used in water works. It aims to ensure leak-proof jointing, smooth operation, and prevention of operational failures in water supply networks.
Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of sluice valves
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Always tighten flange bolts in a diametrically opposite sequence to ensure uniform gasket compression and avoid cracking the cast iron flanges.
! Valves should be stored in a clean, dry place with the wedge fully closed to protect the machined seating faces from dust and damage.
! Sluice valves should preferably be installed with the spindle vertical; horizontal installation requires special guides to prevent uneven wear on the seating faces.
AWWA M44-2016American Water Works Association (AWWA), USA
HighCurrent
Distribution Valves: Selection, Installation, Operation, and Maintenance
Directly addresses the selection, installation, and maintenance practices, mirroring the 'code of practice' nature of IS 2685.
BS EN 1074-2:2000European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe
HighCurrent
Valves for water supply - Fitness for purpose requirements and appropriate verification tests - Part 2: Isolating valves
Defines modern performance and testing requirements that form the basis for valve selection, a key component of IS 2685.
BS 5163-1:2004British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
MediumWithdrawn
Valves for waterworks purposes. Predominantly key-operated cast iron gate valves. Specification
A historically significant product standard that heavily influenced Indian standards and defines valve characteristics relevant to selection.
AWWA C515-22American Water Works Association (AWWA), USA
MediumCurrent
Reduced-Wall, Resilient-Seated Gate Valves for Water Supply Service
Specifies design, materials, and testing for a common modern valve type, directly impacting the 'selection' criteria in IS 2685.
Key Differences
≠IS 2685 is based on older, metal-seated valve technology, whereas modern international standards (AWWA C515, BS EN 1074) are predominantly focused on resilient-seated gate valves which provide bubble-tight shutoff.
≠Modern standards mandate advanced corrosion protection, typically Fusion-Bonded Epoxy (FBE) coating, while IS 2685 suggests conventional anti-corrosive paint or bituminous compounds.
≠International standards like BS EN 1074-2 require extensive 'fitness for purpose' tests, including endurance cycling (e.g., 2500 cycles) and disinfection compatibility tests, which are absent in IS 2685.
≠IS 2685 is a single, comprehensive code of practice. The modern international approach often separates product specifications (e.g., AWWA C515) from installation/maintenance guides (e.g., AWWA M44).
Key Similarities
≈All standards share the fundamental objective of ensuring reliable and long-term isolation of sections within water supply and distribution networks.
≈Core installation principles are consistent across all standards, emphasizing the need for proper foundations, correct alignment to avoid stress from pipework, and secure jointing.
≈The requirement to operate valves in a clockwise direction to close is a common specification in IS 2685 and most European/British standards to ensure operational consistency.
≈The practice of conducting post-installation hydrostatic tests to check for leakage from the valve body, bonnet, and across the seat is a universal requirement.
≈All documents recognize the importance of periodic maintenance, including operating the valve through its full cycle to prevent seizure and conducting routine inspections for leaks.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Primary Sealing Technology
Metal-to-metal seating (double-faced wedge)
Resilient seating (elastomer encapsulated wedge)
AWWA C515
Corrosion Protection Standard
Appropriate anti-corrosive paint
Fusion-Bonded Epoxy (FBE) coating (min. 250 µm)
AWWA C515
Allowable Seat Leakage (Test)
No visible leakage specified, but some weeping tolerated for metal seats in practice.
Zero leakage (bubble-tight), defined as Rate A.
BS EN 1074-2
Durability/Endurance Test
Not specified
Minimum 2500 open-close cycles required for isolating valves.
BS EN 1074-2
Hydrostatic Body Test Pressure
1.5 x Working Pressure (as per referenced IS 780)
1.5 x PFA (Permissible Functional Pressure)
BS EN 1074-2
Hydrostatic Seat Test Pressure
1.0 x Working Pressure (as per referenced IS 780)
1.1 x PFA (Permissible Functional Pressure)
BS EN 1074-2
Standard Operation Direction
Clockwise to close
Clockwise to close (common) or as specified by purchaser
AWWA M44
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
Small valve size range (IS 780)50 mm to 300 mm
Large valve size range (IS 2906)350 mm to 1200 mm
Field test pressure1.5 times the maximum working pressure