Ashford Instrumentation Ltd

WRAS Approval

Requirements of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

The Water Fittings Regulations (England and Wales), the Scottish Water Byelaws, and soon the Northern Ireland Water Regulations,protect the quality of water supplied against contamination and to promote water efficiency. Every water fitting, plumbing system and appliance which receives water from the public supply comes under the scope of these Regulations. Regulation 4 requires “every fitting to be of an appropriate quality and standard and be suitable for the circumstances in which it is used”. The best way to demonstrate that a fitting complies with this is for a manufacturer to submit their product for assessment by WRAS against the Government’s performance requirements – ‘the Regulators’ Specification’- to gain WRAS Approval.

WRAS were contacted in mid 2007 and they confirmed that currently they have not approved any pressure gauge or pressure gauge manufacturer (although they see no reason why a gauge could not be approved subject to being tested).

Ashford Instrumentations Interpretation

1. When asked for WRAS approved pressure gauge we advise that as far as we are aware no pressure gauge has ever been approved.

2. For potable water (drinking water) we see no problems with supplying a gauge with brass wetted parts although most of our customers opt for a gauge with 316 stainless steel.

3. For piece of mind, a 316 wetted parts gauge with material certification can be offered If the customer feels the additional price and lead-time is warranted. In our opinion however this is not really required.

I:/Techanical Information / AI-WRAS Approval