Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 771:2000 (Part 3) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for glazed fire clay sanitary appliances: part-3 specific requirements of urinals, section 1: slab urinals. This section of the standard specifies the manufacturing, material, and dimensional requirements specifically for glazed fire-clay slab urinals. MEP engineers and architects use this code to standardize spatial requirements and ensure material durability for heavy-use public washrooms.
Glazed Fire Clay Sanitary Appliances: Part-3 Specific Requirements of Urinals, Section 1: Slab Urinals
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Slab urinals are primarily utilized in high-traffic public facilities; coordinate the channel slope and flushing cistern capacities as per IS 771 Part 1.
! Glazed fire clay is heavier and thicker than vitreous china (IS 2556), requiring robust wall/floor support during installation.
! General requirements such as water absorption limits, crazing tests, and chemical resistance are not repeated here; they must be referenced from IS 771 Part 1.
Covers material and performance requirements for all ceramic fixtures, including fire-clay.
BS EN 997:2018+A1:2022BSI / CEN (UK / Europe)
MediumCurrent
WC pans and WC suites with integral trap
Product-specific (WCs) but includes material requirements applicable to fire-clay.
BS EN 14688:2015BSI / CEN (UK / Europe)
MediumCurrent
Sanitary appliances. Wash basins. Functional requirements and test methods
Product-specific (wash basins) but includes material and surface quality requirements.
BS 3402:1969BSI (UK)
HighWithdrawn
Specification for quality of vitreous china sanitary appliances
Historical equivalent with a similar material-centric approach to quality.
Key Differences
≠IS 771 is a general standard for 'fire-clay' material, whereas modern international standards (EN, ASME) are typically product-specific (e.g., WC Pans, Wash Basins) and performance-based, covering various ceramic materials.
≠The definition of the ceramic body differs significantly. IS 771 allows water absorption up to 12% for fire-clay, while ASME A112.19.2 requires less than 0.5% for vitreous china, a category that often includes high-grade fire-clay products in the US market.
≠International standards like EN 997 include extensive functional performance testing (e.g., solid removal tests, flush volume, trap seal replenishment) which are not part of the general material requirements in IS 771 Part 1.
≠IS 771 prescriptively specifies a minimum glaze thickness (0.4 mm), while modern international standards focus on the performance of the glaze (imperviousness, resistance) rather than its thickness.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 771 and international counterparts mandate a crazing resistance test, typically using an autoclave at similar pressures and durations to ensure long-term glaze durability.
≈All standards require the glazed surface to be resistant to staining and chemical attack from common household acids and alkalis, ensuring the product maintains its appearance over time.
≈Requirements for the quality of the glazed surface are similar, specifying a smooth, hard, impervious finish free from visual defects like blisters, pimples, and cracks.
≈All standards specify tolerances for warpage and key dimensions to ensure the interchangeability and correct installation of fixtures.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Water Absorption of Body
≤ 12.0% by mass
≤ 0.5% by mass (for Vitreous China)
ASME A112.19.2-2018
Crazing Resistance Test (Autoclave)
0.7 N/mm² (~7 bar) for 1 hour
100 psi (~6.9 bar) for 1 hour
ASME A112.19.2-2018
Minimum Glaze Thickness
≥ 0.4 mm
Not specified; performance-based (must be impervious)
ASME A112.19.2-2018
Warpage of Flat Surfaces
Shall not exceed 6 mm
Shall not exceed 6 mm per metre of length
ASME A112.19.2-2018
Chemical Resistance
No visible stain after testing with acid and alkali solutions
No visible change after testing with a range of chemicals
BS EN 14688:2015
Test for Ink Stain
Stain from Methylene Blue dye must be removable by water after 5 minutes
Stain shall be removable with water, or if necessary, denatured alcohol
ASME A112.19.2-2018
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
standard stall width600 mm (typical spacing per person)
What is the standard tolerance allowed for slab urinal dimensions?+
Typically ±4 percent for dimensions > 75 mm, and ±3 mm for dimensions ≤ 75 mm, to account for firing shrinkage in the kiln.
Where do I find the performance testing requirements for the urinal material?+
Performance tests like the crazing test, water absorption, and chemical resistance are detailed in IS 771 (Part 1).
Are slab urinals still commonly specified?+
They are considered highly specialized or rare in modern commercial buildings, which now favor individual vitreous china bowl urinals or stainless steel troughs, but remain relevant for specific institutional or public infrastructure projects.