TECHNICAL SPAN TS 3005:2021

SPECIFICATION

SHOWER OUTLET FOR SANITARY

TAPWARE FOR WATER SUPPLY
SYSTEM - SPECIFICATION

National Water Services Commission

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, stored in a retrieval
system, or reduced to any electronic medium without the written authority of National Water
Services Commission.

National Water Services Commission and Registered Certifying Agencies employees are
permitted to copy and use the information in this publication, for internal purposes only.

Changes may be made periodically to the information herein.

First Edition

Februari 2021

Published by:

Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara

(National Water Services Commission)
Bahagian Pembangunan Industri
Prima Avenue 8, Block 3510
Jalan Teknokrat 6
63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor
Malaysia
 SPAN-TS 3005:2021

Contents

Page

Foreword................................................................................................................................................................................ ii

1 Scope ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1

2 Normative references ....................................................................................................................................... 1

3 Terms and definitions....................................................................................................................................... 1

4 Material ................................................................................................................................................................... 2

5 Design and dimension ...................................................................................................................................... 3

6 Performance requirements ............................................................................................................................ 6

7 Marking and labelling ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Annex A Test method for water efficiency and nominal flow rate ............................................................. 9

Annex B Test method for leak-tightness characteristic................................................................................ 12

Annex C Test method for mechanical strength ................................................................................................ 13

Annex D Thermal shock test ..................................................................................................................................... 15

Annex E Test for effectiveness of rotary connection ..................................................................................... 17

Bibliography....................................................................................................................................................................... 19

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SPAN-TS 3005:2021

Foreword

This SPAN-TS was developed by the Working Group on Shower outlet for Water Efficient Product
Labelling Scheme (WEPLS).

This standard was developed with the following objectives:

a) to provide a comprehensive standard that prescribes requirements for shower outlets;

b) to provide a standard against which manufacturers of shower outlets can have their products
tested and certified; and

c) to provide regulatory bodies with a standard for monitoring of the products in the market.

In the preparation of this technical specification, reference was made to BS EN 1112, Sanitary
tapware - Shower outlets for sanitary tapware for water supply system of type 1 and type 2 - General
technical specification.

This standard will be subjected to review to reflect current needs and conditions. Users and other
interested parties may submit comments on the contents of this standard for consideration into
future versions.

Compliance with this standard does not by itself grant immunity from legal obligations.

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Shower outlet for sanitary tapware for water supply system - Specification

1. Scope

This standard specifies requirements for the materials, design, performance, test methods,
marking and labelling for shower outlets.

This standard is applicable to shower outlet fixture fittings, inclusive of showerheads, rain
showers, and hand-held showers which may include fixed or pivot arm, flexible hose (with or
without flow controller), tap top assemblies or other components.

Compliance with this standard is a requirement for shower outlets to be labelled in accordance
with the provisions of the Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme (WEPLS).

This standard does not cover emergency deluge of safety showers.

2. Normative references

The following normative references are indispensable for the application of this standard. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
normative reference (including any amendments) applies.

MS 1583, Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human
consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water

MS ISO 228-1, Pipe threads where pressure-tight joints are not made on the threads - Part 1:
Dimensions, tolerances and designation

BS EN 248, Sanitary tapware - General specification for electrodeposited coatings of Ni-Cr

AS/NZS 3662, Performance of showers for bathing

AS/NZS 4020, Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water

Guidelines for Voluntary Water Efficient Products Labelling Scheme (WEPLS Guidelines)

3. Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1 shower outlet

Device for ablutionary purposes which allows water to be emitted in the form of jets or water
droplets.

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3.2 shower head

A fitting used for ablutionary purposes, from which water issues as a film or spray.

3.3 fixed shower head

Fixed height outlet fitting through which water passes and is emitted as either a number of
separate jets or as water droplets.

3.4 swivel shower head

Fixed height outlet fitting through which water is emitted as either a number of separate jets or
water droplets, which incorporates a coupling that permits angular movement.

3.5 shower handset

Hand-held shower with an integral handle which, when used in conjunction with a flexible hose,
permits the user to direct the water trajectory as required.

3.6 spray plate

Device with orifices through which water passes and forms a spray of water with separate,
definable jets or water droplets.

3.7 flexible hose

Flexible tube, which connects the outlet of the cold, hot or mixing valve to the shower handset.

4. Material

4.1 Chemical and hygiene requirements

All materials coming into contact with water intended for human consumption shall present no
risk to health at temperatures up to the maximum working temperature. They shall not cause any
changes to drinking water in terms of quality, appearance, smell or taste.

The product, which is in permanent or in temporary contact with water intended for human
consumption, shall comply with MS 1583 for non-metallic products and AS/NZS 4020 for metallic
products, whichever applicable.

4.2 Exposed surface conditions and quality of coating

Visible chromium plated surfaces and Ni-Cr coatings shall comply with the requirements of EN
248.

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4.3 Body material

Body materials used shall be declared by manufacturer and verified that they are suitable for the
application.

5. Design and dimension

5.1 General

The design and construction of components without defined dimensions permits various design
solutions to be adopted by the manufacturer.

Permitted deviations from defined dimensions are specified in 5.4.

If applicable, the spray plate, where fitted, shall be removable in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions by the use of simple tools (e.g. screwdriver) for cleaning purposes at
least 50 times and still be replaceable without renewal of parts.

5.2 Shower outlet type

5.2.1 The shower outlet shall be one of the following types:

a) Shower head of the following variations:

‒ fixed shower head;

‒ swivel shower head;

b) Shower handset fed via a flexible hose and of one of the following variations:

‒ fixed height handset for use with a wall handset holder;

‒ variable height handset for use with a slide bar; and

‒ hand-held handset for use with a simple holder attached to a bath/shower mixer.

5.2.2 Where shower outlets are supplied together with other components (e.g. fixed or pivot
arm, a flexible hose with or without flow controller or mixing valve), which could affect the
performance of the shower outlet, such components shall be attached to the shower outlet for
testing. Where shower outlets are supplied together with components that would not affect their
performance (e.g. tap top assemblies, or other components), such as additional components need
not to be attached to the shower outlet for testing.

5.3 Connecting dimensions

The connecting dimensions of shower outlets are specified in Table 1 and Figures 1 to 5.

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Figure 1a. Showerhead Figure 1b. Showerhead (detail)

Figure 2. Shower arm or shower head Figure 3. Shower arm and body shower

Figure 4a. Shower arm Figure 4b. Shower arm (detail)

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Figure 5a. Shower handset

Figure 5b. Shower handset - 1st type of thread Figure 5c. Shower handset - 2nd
type of thread

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Table 1. Connecting dimension

Remarks
Dimension Values
A G½B In accordance with MS ISO 228-1
B ≥ 7.5 mm -
B’ ≥ 9.5 mm
-
Recommended for wall installation.
C ≥ 5 mm
Adjustability of the escutcheon
D ≥ 50 mm Recommended for wall installation
Recommended for wall installation.
E ≥ 15 mm Distance between end of thread and face of
escutcheon. It is not the length of the thread.
F G ½ or G ¾ In accordance with MS ISO 228-1
G 8.5 + 0/-1 mm Functional dimension on seal depth
H G ½ B or G ¾ B In accordance with MS ISO 228-1
a ≤ 3.6 mm -

5.4 Shower outlets intended for special applications e.g., when dimensional interchange ability
is not a requirement, can incorporate dimensional deviations provided:

a) connection to the installation is guaranteed;

b) threaded connections are in compliance with MS ISO 288-1;
c) all other requirements of this standard are satisfied; and
d) the manufacturer’s literature, including the installation instructions supplied with the shower
outlet indicates clearly that the shower outlet is a special case.

6. Performance requirements

6.1 Water efficiency

Water efficiency for shower outlets is taken to be the nominal flow rate of shower outlets
computed at the mean of the average flow rates obtained at the following dynamic flow pressures
of 100kPa, 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa and 500 kPa when tested in accordance to Annex A.

6.2 Nominal flow rate

The following test requirements shall be followed in measuring and computing flow rates and
nominal flow rates:

6.2.1 The flow rates shall be measured in accordance with Annex A at each of the dynamic flow
pressures of 50 kPa, 100 kPa, 150 kPa, 200 kPa, 250 kPa, 300kPa, 350 kPa, 400 kPa, 450 kPa,
500kPa and 550 kPa.

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6.2.2 The nominal flow rate shall be the mean of the average flow rates obtained at the
following dynamic flow pressures of 100 kPa,150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa and 500 kPa.

6.2.3 The highest average flow rate determined at each of the dynamic flow pressures of 100
kPa, 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa and 500 kPa shall not exceed the upper limit of the flow range for
the applicable rating (Table 2) for the determined nominal flow rate.

6.2.4 The lowest average flow rate determined at each of the dynamic flow pressures of 100
kPa, 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa and 500 kPa shall not exceed the lower limit of the flow range for
the applicable rating (Table 2) for the determined nominal flow rate.

6.2.5 The differences between the highest and lowest average flow rate determined in
accordance with the standards stipulated above at each dynamic flow pressures of 100 kPa, 150
kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa and 500 kPa shall not exceed 2.0 litres/min.

6.2.6 The recording of the average flow rates at 50 kPa, 200 kPa, 300 kPa, 400 kPa, 450 kPa
and 550 kPa are for data collection purposes only.

Table 2. Water efficiency rating for

shower outlet

Water efficiency
(nominal flow rates (f) Water efficiency grade Rating Symbol on label
(l/min))

8.0 < f ≤ 10.0 Efficient 1★ ★

6.0 < f ≤ 8.0 Highly efficient 2★ ★★

4.5 < f ≤ 6.0 Most efficient 3★ ★★ ★

6.3 Leak-tightness characteristic

When tested in accordance with Annex B, for the duration of the test there shall be no leakage
between the connecting point and body, or at the connection between the spray plate and body.

6.4 Mechanical strength

When tested in accordance with Annex C, there shall be no cracking or permanent visible
deformation.

6.5 Thermal shock resistance

When tested in accordance with Annex D, there shall be no visible leakage, cracking, permanent
deformation or deterioration in function. The shower outlet shall satisfy the requirements for
leak-tightness.

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6.6 Effectiveness of rotary connection.

When tested in accordance with Annex E, the initial torque shall not exceed 1.0 Nm.

7. Marking and labelling

7.1 General

Shower outlets shall be marked in a durable way with the markings/symbols as given in Table 3.

Table 3. Minimum marking for the shower outlet

Aspects Marking or symbol

Number of this standard SPAN TS XX

Manufacturer's name and/or trade marka Name or code

Minimum nominal flow rate e.g. 8.0

a These aspects (where appropriate) shall be marked on the shower outlet. All other aspects may be marked on the shower
outlet or alternatively put on a label supplied with the shower outlet.

7.2 Water efficiency label

A product, approved in accordance with the provisions of the Water Efficient Product Labelling
Scheme as a Water Efficient Product, shall be labelled with the approved water efficiency label.
Labelling and the use of WEPLS label on shower outlet products shall be in accordance with the
WEPLS Guidelines.

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Annex A
(normative)

Test method for water efficiency and nominal flow rate

A.1 General

The test described is a type test (laboratory test) and not a quality control test carried out during
manufacture.

A.2 Principle

The principle consists of a method for measuring the flow rate through the shower outlet using
cold water (T ≤30 °C) in order to determine the flow rate class (see Table 2).

A.3 Apparatus

A.3.1 The test apparatus is detailed in Figure A.1 below.

Key

A. is the supply circuit comprising:

1. device for measuring the flow rate with an accuracy of ± 2 %; and

2. means for measuring and maintaining the required pressure with an accuracy of ± 1 %.

B. is the test circuit comprising:

3. DN15 regulating valve;

4. straight DN15 pipe;
5. pressure take off tee (Figure A.3);
6. pressure measuring device to measure the appropriate pressure specified in Table A.1 with an accuracy of ± 1 %;
7. adapter to connect the inlets of the various shower outlets shown in Figures 3 to 7 (see Figure A.2) enabling
orientation of the spray to be in a downwards direction;
8. datum; and
9. test pressure.

NOTE. All measurement units (except for threaded connection) is in mm.

Figure A.1. Apparatus for hydraulic characteristics

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Figure A.2. Detail for key 7 (as shown in Figure A.1)

A.3.2 The supply and test circuits shall be capable of delivering the appropriate pressure
specified in Table 2, when the shower outlet under test is installed.

Figure A.3. Pressure take-off tee (unspecified tolerances ± 0.5)

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A.4 Procedure

A.4.1 Connect the shower outlet to the supply and test circuits using adapter (Figure 11, Key 7).

A.4.2 Rotate the adapter around its horizontal axis until the spray plate or spray forming
mechanism is in a horizontal position with a vertically downwards discharge.

A.4.3 Apply the appropriate pressure specified in Table A.1 using the centre of the spray plate
or spray forming mechanism as a datum.

A.4.4 Record the flow rate, f, after stabilisation.

A.4.5 Observe the spray formation.

Table A.1. Pressure

50 kPa
100 kPa
150 kPa
200kPa
250 kPa
Pressure 300 kPa
350 kPa
400 kPa
450 kPa
500 kPa
550 kPa

A.4.6 Shower outlets shall be classified according to the flow rate, f, value specified in Table 2
with water supplied at the appropriate pressure specified in Table A.1 provided the spray
formation under these conditions is observed to be fully formed.

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Annex B
(normative)

Test method for leak-tightness characteristic

B.1 General

The test described is a type test (laboratory test) and not a quality control test carried out during
manufacture.

B.2 Principle

The test is based on the principle of checking the leak-tightness of the shower outlet with positive
internal water pressure.

B.3 Apparatus

A suitable test circuit (see Figure B1) capable of providing and maintaining the required pressure
and flow rate for the duration of the test.

B.4 Procedure

Connect the shower outlet as supplied to the test circuit. With water flowing at a temperature
≤ 30 °C, apply the test pressure at (200 ± 10) kPa and maintain for (300 ± 10) s.

Key

A. is the supply circuit comprising:

1. means for supplying and maintaining hot water temperature and pressure for the duration of the test;
2. means for supplying and maintaining cold water temperature and pressure for the duration of the test;
3. means for alternating from hot to cold water and vice versa within 2 s;
4. means for measuring pressure with an accuracy of ± 1 %; and
5. means for measuring temperature with an accuracy of ± 1 °C.

B. is the test circuit comprising:

6. connector; and
7. test sample

Figure B.1. Apparatus for leak-tightness test

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Annex C
(normative)

Test method for mechanical strength

C.1 General

The tests described are type tests (laboratory tests) and not quality control tests carried out
during manufacture. This test method is to establish the mechanical strength of shower handsets.

C.2 Principle

A force F is applied to the shower handset as shown in Figures C.1 or C.2.

C.3 Apparatus

A device into which the shower handset connecting thread can be screwed and a means for
applying a force to the shower handset.

C.4 Procedure

C.4.1 Attach the shower handset to the fixing device by its connecting thread so that there is no
play.

C.4.2 Apply a force F as shown in Figures C.1 or C.2 for a duration of (300 ± 10) s.

C.4.3 Hinged joints with a stop are to be tested as shown in Figure C.2, positioned at the stop.

Figure C.1. Handset with rigid connection

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Figure C.2. Handset with hinged joint

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Annex D
(normative)

Thermal shock test

D.1 General

The test described is a type test (laboratory test) and not a quality control test carried out during
manufacture. This test simulates use under conditions of extreme temperatures and establishes
the integrity of the complete product.

D.2 Principle

The principle consists of subjecting the shower outlet to cycles of hot and cold water at a
temperature equal to the limits of use.

D.3 Apparatus

The test apparatus is detailed in Figure D.1.

Key

A. is the supply circuit comprising:

1. means for supplying and maintaining hot water temperature and pressure for the duration of the test;
2. means for supplying and maintaining cold water temperature and pressure for the duration of the test;
3. means for alternating from hot to cold water and vice versa within 2 s;
4. means for measuring pressure with an accuracy of ± 1 %; and
5. means for measuring temperature with an accuracy of ± 1 °C.

B. is the test circuit comprising:

6. connector; and
7. test sample

Figure D.1. Apparatus for thermal shock test

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SPAN-TS 3005:2021

The supply circuit shall be capable of providing the maximum recommended dynamic pressure,
50kPa to 550kPa, with hot water at (70 ± 2) °C and cold water at (20 ± 2) °C.

D.4 Procedure

D.4.1 Connect the shower outlet to the test circuit and subject it to cycles of (120 ± 10) s of cold
water and then (120± 10) s of hot water with flow rates between 0.08 l/s and 0.12 l/s, but not
exceeding the pressure of (100±10) kPa.

D.4.2 Repeat this cycle continuously for 300 times.

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Annex E
(normative)

Test for effectiveness of rotary connection

E.1 General

The test described is a type test (laboratory test) and not a quality control test carried out during
manufacture. If a shower handset has a rotary connection permitting the handle to turn freely
relative to the shower hose, this connection shall be capable of functioning correctly and shall
prevent twisting of the shower hose.

E.2 Principle

The test is intended to check the function of any rotary connection.

E.3 Apparatus

Key

1. water supply capable of supplying and maintaining the test pressure at (100± 10) kPa.
2. rigid supply pipe for holding the shower handset at the connection thread so that the shower hangs down vertically;
and
3. device which engages with the shower handset in order to enable measurement of the initial torque necessary to
rotate the shower handset relative to the rotary connection.

Figure E.1. Rotary connection test apparatus

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SPAN-TS 3005:2021

E.4 Procedure

E.4.1 Seal the spray forming device so that it is watertight.

E.4.2 Connect the rotary connection of the shower handset to the supply pipe.

E.4.3 Apply cold water ≤ 30 °C at the pressure of 100± 10 kPa.

E.4.4 Measure the torque necessary to initiate rotation of the shower handset relative to the
rotary connection.

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Bibliography

[1] BS EN 1112, Sanitary tapware - Shower outlets for sanitary tapware for water supply system
of type 1 and type 2 - General technical specification

[2] BS 6340-4, Shower units -Part 4: Specification for shower heads and related equipment

[3] AS/NZS 6400, Water efficient products - Rating and labelling

[4] EPA WaterSense Specification for Showerheads

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Acknowledgements

SPAN would like to thank the organisations who have contributed their ideas, time and expertise
in the development of this SPAN TS.

Mr Azamy Abdul Aziz (Chairman) Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara

(SPAN)
Ms Siti Hadijah Hassan (Technical Secretary) SIRIM STS Sdn Bhd
Ms Sharifah Iffahanim Saiyed Ismail ANQAS Certification Sdn Bhd
Mr Enrico Candido Martin/ DOE Industries Sdn Bhd
IDr Sharifah Suzanna Syed Hassan
Mr Mohd Akhir Abdullah/ IKRAM QA Services Sdn Bhd
Mr Muhammad Farhan
Mr Mohammad Ezzani Iswan Ismail Malaysian Green Technology and Climate
Change Centre (MGTC)
Mr Muhammad Nabil/ ROCA Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Ms Nanthienie Thangaperumal
Mr Chuah Seong Pwu Shun Yi Sdn Bhd
Mr Mohd Rashidi Batcha/ SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd
Mr Mohd Faizar Mustafa (Testing Services Department)
Ms Wan Norisah Wan Awang/ SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd
Mr Roslan Azizan (Product Certification and
Inspection Department)
Ms Adeela Ruslan Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara
(SPAN)

© SPAN 2021 - All rights reserved

 © Copyright 2021

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