What is Valve WRAS Certification?

The WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) certification was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1998.

It was established to ensure that products（valves/pipes/fitting…） used in water supply systems, must meet the standards set by the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 and the Scottish Water Bylaws. The scheme is managed by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme, a company owned by the water industry in the UK.

How to Verify a Valve WRAS Certificate?

Step 1: Access the WRAS Online Approval Directory

• Visit the WRAS website: Go to www.wrasapprovals.co.uk
• Navigate to the “Approvals Directory”: Click “Approvals Directory” from the menu.
• Search for the certificate:
  • Option 1: Enter theWRAS certificate number (e.g., 2309345) in the search bar.
  • Option 2: Search bycompany name(e.g., NINGBO BESTWAY M&E CO., LTD.), product type, orkeyword if the certificate number is unavailable.

Step 2: Check Certificate Details

Once you find the certificate in the directory, verify the following details:

1. Certificate Number: Ensure it matches the number provided on the physical/digital certificate.
2. Company Name: Confirm the company listed is the manufacturer or supplier of the product.
3. Product Description: Check if the product/model name aligns with the item you are verifying.
4. Validity Dates: WRAS certificates are valid for5 years. Ensure the “Valid From” and “Expiry Date” are current.
5. Approval Type: Verify if it is aProduct Approval orMaterial Approval (non-metallic materials).

Step 3: Cross-Check with the Issuing Laboratory

• WRAS certificates are issued byUKAS-accredited laboratories (e.g., WRc-NSF, BOTEST). Contact the lab directly if doubts arise:
  • Email the lab: Provide the certificate number and request confirmation (e.g.,info@wrcnsf.com for WRc-NSF).
  • Verify lab credentials: Ensure the lab is listed on the UKAS website (www.ukas.com).

Step 4: Inspect the Physical/Digital Certificate

• Check security features:
  • Holographic seal: Genuine certificates include a WRAS hologram.
  • QR code: Scan the QR code (if present) to redirect to the official WRAS directory entry.
  • Authorized signatures: Ensure the WRAS approvals manager signs the certificate.
• Look for inconsistencies:
  • Misspellings, blurry logos, or incorrect UKAS accreditation numbers.

What aspects will WRAS-certified valves be tested for?

1. Material Safety
   • Nickel-plated brass construction to prevent leaching of lead and other harmful substances, compliant with drinking water safety standards (e.g., BS 6920, NSF/ANSI 61).
2. Pressure Ratings
   • Different sizes correspond to varying pressure ratings, e.g., PN16 to PN40 (e.g., PN40 for 1/4″–1″, PN25 for 21/2″–3″).
3. Temperature Range
   • Operating tolerance from0°C to 120°C, with specific performance criteria under high-temperature conditions (e.g., ≤0.15 m³/h leakage at 650°C for 30 minutes in fire-safe designs).
4. Structural Design
   • Full-bore design (minimizes flow resistance), anti-blowout stem (prevents component detachment), and enhanced sealing mechanisms (e.g., adjustable gland nuts, PTFE seats).
5. Application Scenarios
   • Differentiated pressure standards forgas vs. non-gas applications (e.g., 5 Bar for gas, 25 Bar for non-gas). Specialized variants for chemical/industrial use (e.g., PTFE-lined valves for corrosive media).
6. Testing Standards
   • Mechanical strength validation (EN 331 for gas tightness), material non-toxicity testing (BS 6920), and fire resistance certification (e.g., ATEX/CPR compliance).

Why is Valve WRAS Certification Important?

WRAS certification is mandatory for water supply systems in the UK.

The WRAS Certification body demands high-quality water fittings and materials. Valves, pipes, and fittings must be WRAS-approved for safety and performance.

BMAG’s WRAS Certification for valves

Many of BMAG’s valve products have received WRAS Certification, including:

• WRAS Approved Valves
• WRAS Approved Lockable Valves
• WRAS Approved Balance Valves
• WRAS Approved Bronze Ball Valves
• WRAS Approved Non-Return Valves
• WRAS Approved Stop Valves
• WRAS Approved Y-Strainers

This demonstrates the strength of BMAG’s manufacturing capabilities and product quality, making us a reliable partner for collaboration.Contact us for a quote.