EN 13618:2016 is a European standard that defines the requirements and test methods for flexible hose assemblies used in drinking water installations. It applies to hoses, braided or unbraided, designed to connect sanitary tapware, water heaters, and similar appliances. It covers material safety, dimensional accuracy, mechanical performance, and hygienic suitability. A series of rigorous tests are prescribed to ensure durability, pressure resistance, flow performance, and chemical stability.
EN 13618:2016 outlines essential functional requirements and standardized test procedures for flexible hose assemblies—whether braided or not—designed to convey drinking water within sanitary systems. It applies to hoses intended to connect fixtures like taps, water heaters, or similar appliances, with design limits of up to 1 MPa operating pressure and 70 °C maximum temperature. The standard defines material, dimensional, and performance criteria to ensure hoses maintain integrity under pressure and temperature loads, resist bending and stress over time, and prevent contamination of potable water.
The document further requires clear designation and marking of hose assemblies, covering aspects such as thread types, length, pressure rating, temperature rating, and compliance information. Normative annexes specify detailed test methods for hose fittings—including thread precision checks, corrosion resistance, ammonia exposure, tightening torque, and bending endurance—as well as hose assembly testing protocols. These include flow rate verification, aging under heat, tensile strength, hydrostatic pressure resistance, and cyclic durability tests to simulate real‑world use. An informative annex also guides surveillance testing to periodically verify continued performance.
The scope explicitly excludes hose assemblies intended as integral parts of electrical appliances; such products fall under EN 61770 instead. Developed by CEN/TC 164 and replacing the earlier EN 13618:2011 version, this 2016 edition strengthens safety and performance benchmarks to ensure consistent quality and reliability of flexible hoses used in potable water systems
The test procedure described in EN 13618:2016 for flexible hose assemblies used in drinking water installations is comprehensive and structured to assess both materials and functional performance. It begins with visual inspection and dimensional verification to ensure the hose assemblies conform to specified design and labeling requirements. Threads and connectors are examined for accuracy, and materials are assessed for compliance with hygienic and mechanical standards. The next stage includes mechanical tests to determine the strength and security of the fittings, including torque tests, tensile strength evaluations, and tests for pull-out resistance between hose and connector.
Thermal aging tests expose hose assemblies to elevated temperatures over a set duration to assess the stability of materials under prolonged hot water use. Flow rate measurements are conducted to verify that the hose does not restrict water delivery beyond acceptable limits. The assemblies are subjected to hydrostatic pressure tests to determine their resistance to bursting under both static and dynamic pressure conditions. These tests include exposing the hose to pressures significantly above the rated 1 MPa to evaluate its integrity and leak resistance.
Flexural and bending tests simulate real-world installation conditions, checking the hose’s ability to endure repeated movement without developing leaks or failures. Cyclic endurance tests involve repeated pressurization and depressurization cycles to replicate long-term use and assess durability. Chemical resistance tests, including exposure to ammonia and other common contaminants, verify that the materials do not degrade or leach harmful substances. Corrosion resistance of the fittings is also evaluated using salt spray testing.
Upon completion of these procedures, the results are assessed against the acceptance criteria defined in the standard to determine whether the hose assemblies meet the performance and safety requirements necessary for use in potable water installations.
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