What is BS EN 246 about?
BS EN 246 discusses sanitary tapware with a focus on aerators. BS EN 246 is applicable to aerators intended to be mounted on tapware used with sanitary appliances in toilets, bathrooms, and kitchens (e.g., single taps, combination tap assemblies, mechanical mixing valves, thermostatic mixing valves).
BS EN 246 specifies the dimensional, mechanical, hydraulic and acoustic characteristics for aerators (with and without flow regulation). BS EN 246 also provides testing procedures for these characteristics.
Note 1: Sanitary tapware aerators can only be connected downstream of the obturator of the sanitary tapware product.
Note: The tests described in BS EN 246 are type tests (laboratory tests) and not quality control tests carried out during the manufacture.
Note: Aerator swivels are to be tested in combination with a specific aerator only and are therefore considered to be sanitary tapware accessories.
Who is BS EN 246 for?
BS EN 246 on aerators is useful for:
- Sanitaryware Manufacturers
- Sanitaryware component manufacturers
- Product design engineers
Why should you use BS EN 246?
An aerator is a vital instrument in regulating water flow through taps. Aerators are attached at the end of taps to reduce the splashing of water and reducing the water flow without hindering the function of the taps.
BS EN 246 provides you with the dimensional, mechanical, hydraulic, and acoustic characteristics with which sanitary tapware aerators should comply. BS EN 246 provides you with the procedures for testing these characteristics.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 246:2021 supersedes BS EN 246:2003, which is withdrawn. BS EN 246:2021 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 246:2003. These include:
- Update to Table 2 (dimensions)
- Update to Table 3 (dimensions)
- Addition of new Clause 8 – Test sequence
- Addition of new Clause 11 – Performance of aerators with integrated flow regulators