Mechanical Testing

WRc-NSF has a large, purpose built, mechanical laboratory which carries out a wide range of tests. The laboratory is UKAS Accredited to ISO17025 for the vast majority of its work.

The laboratory carries out routine testing for:
    The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS), UK
    BuildCert, European
    NSF International, North America
    ASSE, North America
    SAI Global, Australia
    Building Regulations, UK
    ASME, North America
    IAPMO Research and Testing Inc, North America
    TMV2 and TMV3, UK
    Department of Trade and Industry, UK.

The laboratory can carry out tests on a large number of different types of fittings to assist manufacturers in product development including:
    Tap / faucets and mixers
    Gate, solenoid and spherical valves
    Backflow prevention devices
    Pipes and pipe systems
    Thermostatic mixing valves
    Unvented hot water apparatus
    Tanks and cisterns
    Water meters
    Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valves
    Pressure and temperature relief valves
    Toilet suites
    Brackets

Fitness for Purpose Testing

An equally important activity of WRc-NSF is a consultancy and testing service for products which need further development to comply with the requirements of regulations or standards and to improve their performance in terms of fitness for purpose. All water fittings are subject to wear and even possible damage in service, caused by the environment in which they are expected to operate over very many years. To determine how the products will work in such conditions is a specialist task but WRc-NSF has the experience and the equipment to do just that. If a product has to meet a Water Supply Industry requirement, then WRc-NSF has the equipment and expertise to put it on test for the customer. If there should be any failure, then WRc-NSF has the skills to assist with overcoming design problems quickly. Where there is no existing standard, a testing specification can be written by members of WRc-NSF's team, using their expertise which is based upon long experience of writing British Standards, Water Industry Specifications and Water Regulations Advisory Scheme test criteria. The resulting tests will simulate the conditions found in practice and find faults which would not otherwise become apparent until the product had been in service for some while.

Electrical Testing

Many more water fittings now have electrical connections, either to power the fitting to enable it to carry our its function or to provide it with data Iogging facilities. WRc-NSF possesses the specialist equipment to enable it to carry out electrical safety and performance testing for a wide range of appliances including washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters and room heaters, and also for sensors and hand held/portable process instrumentation.

Specialist Testing

WRc-NSF can undertake testing with equipment designed and built specifically for a particular test. Facilities are available to test:
   Unvented hot water storage systems to the requirements of the UK Building Regulations
   Temperature and pressure relief valves
   Pressure reducing valves.
   Resistance to the effects of ozone.

If a manufacturer has a specialist requirement WRc-NSF will be pleased to advise and quote for any such work.

Test Rig Building and Setting-up Test Facilities

Over many years, WRc-NSF has developed expertise in the operation and management of test facilities. Working very closely with clients, WRc-NSF can offer its services in:
   The design and building of test rigs.
   Testing the design of facilities.
   The writing of procedures manuals and the development of test criteria.

For further information contact the Project Management Team.

Last Updated: 13 June 2010

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