Speedfit and WRAS confusion

[HelloJig]

I'm confused about whether this fitting is safe for potable water or not:
https://www.johnguest.com/gb/en/pro...valves/stop-valves-and-shut-valves/drain-cock

Now yes, I can see that on that very page it states "Suitable for central heating systems only" and it does not mention WRAS approval.

However, two points... The first is that many sellers, including big name ones like Toolstation say the product is WRAS approved...
Toolststion: "BS EN 7291 parts 1, 2, 3 and S, WRAS approved"
BES: "Approved by WRAS"

Moreover, JG themselves state that
"Speedfit products are... approved by
the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme"

Also here, they answer the question about "WRAS approval" with "Yes, Speedfit fittings and pipe comply with the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS)"

So which is it?? WRAS approved or not? And if it is WRAS approved then why are JG advising to only use it in central heating systems?

 

[robinbanks]

Might have to get the required info from the horse’s mouth themselves?! Not only does the website say “CH only” it doesn’t specifically state WRAS accredited whereas it does for other products. Toolstation’s ad also says CH only - that TS says WRAS approved wouldn’t, in my mind, override JG not mentioning the same

 

[CountryFan]

Maybe use a different manufacturer, or better still, use compression or solder it - problem solved. Not all WRAS approved stuff can be just installed, not a lot of people know they come with IRN’s as well.

 

[Exedon]

Notice this some time ago we use the tectite version.
The tectite data sheet clearly states for potable water central heating and non potable water.
For use with push fit and press fittings.
We use them with press fittings as you need the longer stem.

 

[Madrab]

Look at JG's data sheet for the fitting rather than the web page - web pages can be wrong, data sheet normally aren't - It is classed as being suitable for Hot/Cold and CH systems

Guess the question is why worry. A drain off, by it's very purpose, won't be carrying water that is then to be used for say drinking as it's being drained down, usually into a drain/waste, so whether it's for potable water/WRAS wouldn't really matter. That being said if it's been made to comply with BS EN 7291 parts 1, 2, 3 and S then that standard's been approved by WRAS.

 

[CountryFan]

Guess the question is why worry. A drain off, by it's very purpose, won't be carrying water that is then to be used for say drinking as it's being drained down, usually into a drain/waste, so whether it's for potable water/WRAS wouldn't really matter.

Maybe it's the rubber washer that would be in contact with the water that would be unsuitable?

 

[Madrab]

Maybe it's the rubber washer that would be in contact with the water that would be unsuitable?

As suggested though, in the data form from JG - it states it's suitable for hot and cold water as well as CH, therefore I would presume from that it should then comply, though in other blurb is does say it's just for CH. You could be correct where the types of EDPM rubber used isn't WRAS approved but I wouldn't see why they wouldn't bother for such a small fitting.

https://www.johnguest.com/sites/jg/files/2022-02/JG Speedfit Drain Cock Data Sheet.pdf

Also when you check their FAQ's they state that all their pipe and fittings are WRAS approved.

 

[CountryFan]

As suggested though, in the data form from JG - it states it's suitable for hot and cold water as well as CH, therefore I would presume from that it should then comply, though in other blurb is does say it's just for CH. You could be correct where the types of EDPM rubber used isn't WRAS approved but I wouldn't see why they wouldn't bother for such a small fitting.

https://www.johnguest.com/sites/jg/files/2022-02/JG Speedfit Drain Cock Data Sheet.pdf

Also when you check their FAQ's they state that all their pipe and fittings are WRAS approved.

Me neither, but think thy have dropped a ball with this one. Tbh, I wouldn’t give JG or their parent my money after a recent issue. Not, it doesn’t say potable though

 

[HelloJig]

Not, it doesn’t say potable though

It doesn't, no, but the language used on that datasheet, "suitable for hot and cold water and central heating systems", is identical to that used on other Speedfit datasheets that are definitely WRAS approved and suitable for potable water.

Also when you check their FAQ's they state that all their pipe and fittings are WRAS approved.

Exactly yes, that's in part what confused me.

Whatever the case, the drain cock is not in the WRAS database. If you search for the SKU (15BDC) nothing comes up. Yet if you search for similar JG SKUs like this one it does:
https://www.wrasapprovals.co.uk/approvals-directory/?search=15Bsc

I wondered whether the drain cock could be covered by some sort of product range WRAS approval since JG states their Speedfit products have WRAS approval. Though not sure such a thing as product range approval exists.

 

[Madrab]

I wondered whether the drain cock could be covered by some sort of product range WRAS approval since JG states their Speedfit products have WRAS approval.

If it's been made to comply with BS EN 7291 parts 1, 2, 3 and S then that standard's been approved by WRAS, that and it's a BS EN standard so I would be happy with that all day long.

Again though, not sure what the issues is? Given what it's used for then I wouldn't have an issue using any brass drain off, either type A or B on any potable water service TBF. Given the actual exposed patch of the seal to the mains once the valve's shut - worse things to worry about.