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    AS 3500.4-1994

    AvailableSuperseded An Available Superseded Standard is one, which has been made available for a period of time although it has been formally superseded by another Standard. Its availability is maintained where it is referenced in legislation/regulations or in other Standards and its use should be restricted to where so referenced. No responsibility is taken by SAI Global as to the ongoing technical validity of such a Standard, the responsibility resting with the referencing authority.

    National Plumbing and Drainage Code Hot water supply systems

    Available format(s):  Hardcopy, PDF 1 User, PDF 3 Users, PDF 5 Users, PDF 9 Users

    Language(s): 

    Published date:  19-09-1994

    Publisher:  Standards Australia

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    Table of Contents - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    1 - AS 3500.4-1994 NATIONAL PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE CODE - HOT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
    4 - PREFACE
    5 - CONTENTS
    8 - FOREWORD
    9 - SECTION 1 SCOPE AN D GENERAL
    9 - 1.1 SCOPE
    9 - 1.2 APPLICATION
    9 - 1.2.1 General
    9 - 1.2.2 New materials and methods
    9 - 1.2.3 Unusual installations
    9 - 1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
    10 - 1.4 DEFINITIONS
    10 - 1.5 CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS
    10 - 1.6 CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS
    10 - 1.7 WATER QUALITY
    10 - 1.8 EQUIVALENT PIPE SIZES
    10 - 1.9 FIRE RESISTANCE LEVEL (FRL)
    10 - 1.10 WATER TEMPERATURE
    10 - 1.10.1 Storage temperature
    10 - 1.10.2 Sanitary fixtures delivery temperature (see Figure 1.1)
    12 - SECTION 2 MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS
    12 - 2.1 SCOPE OF SECTION
    12 - 2.2 PIPES AND FITTINGS
    12 - 2.2.1 Copper pipes
    12 - 2.2.2 Copper alloy pipes
    12 - 2. 2.3 Copper alloy fittings
    12 - 2.2.4 Galvanized steel
    12 - 2.2.5 Polybutylene (PB)
    12 - 2.2.6 Polyethylene (PE)
    12 - 2.2.7 Cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X)
    13 - 2.2.8 Polypropylene (PP-R)
    13 - 2.2.9 Stainless steel
    13 - 2.3 CISTERN (COLD WATER STORAGE TANK) MATERIALS
    13 - 2.3.1 Copper
    13 - 2.3.2 Galvanized steel
    13 - 2.3.3 Stainless steel
    13 - 2.3.4 Other materials
    13 - 2.4 SAFE TRAY AND SAFE WASTES MATERIALS
    13 - 2.4.1 Safe tray
    13 - 2.4.2 Safe wastes
    13 - 2.5 JOINTING PRODUCTS
    13 - 2.5.1 Rubber rings
    14 - 2.5.2 Rubber gaskets
    14 - 2.5.3 Silver brazing alloy
    14 - 2.5.4 Solders
    14 - 2.5.5 Filler rods for stainless steel joints
    14 - 2.6 BEDDING MATERIAL
    14 - 2.7 BACKFILL MATERIAL
    14 - 2.8 MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS
    14 - 2.8.1 Timber
    14 - 2.8.2 Thermal insulation
    14 - 2.8.3 External protective coatings
    15 - SECTION 3 INSTALLATION OF COLD AND HOT WATER PIPEWORK AND CONTROLS
    15 - 3.1 SCOPE OF SECTION
    15 - 3.2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
    15 - 3.2.1 Electrical earthing
    15 - 3.2.2 Proximity to electrical cables and gas pipes
    15 - 3.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
    15 - 3.3.1 Methods of jointing
    16 - 3.3.2 Support and fixing above ground
    18 - 3.3.3 Securing of pipes and fittings
    18 - 3.3.4 Location of pipework
    19 - 3.3.5 Pipes in corrosive or contaminated areas
    19 - 3.3.6 Pipes in water-charged or filled ground
    19 - 3.3.7 Cross-connection control and backflow prevention
    19 - 3.3.8 Depth of cover
    19 - 3.4 PROTECTION AGAINST FREEZING
    19 - 3.4.1 Requirement for protection
    19 - 3.4.2 Piping located outside buildings
    19 - 3.4.3 Pipes located on metal roofs
    19 - 3.4.4 Pipes located inside buildings
    20 - 3.4.5 Insulation of pipework
    20 - 3.5 COLD WATER CONTROLS AND PIPING
    20 - 3.5.1 General
    21 - 3.5.2 Cold water cisterns
    23 - 3.5.3 Safe tray for cold water cistern
    23 - 3.5.4 Support for separately mounted cisterns
    23 - 3.5.5 Support for externally mounted cisterns
    23 - 3.6 INSTALLATION OF HOT WATER SUPPLY
    23 - 3.6.1 Layout and size
    24 - 3.6.2 Identification
    24 - 3.6.3 Provision for expansion
    26 - 3.6.4 Gradient
    26 - 3.6.5 Maximum rise of hot water supply pipes
    26 - 3.6.6 Shower assemblies
    26 - 3.6.7 Venting of secondary circuit
    26 - 3.6.8 Terminal fittings
    26 - 3.7 THERMOSTATIC MIXING VALVES
    27 - 3.7.1 Installation instructions
    28 - 3.7.2 Commissioning instructions
    28 - 3.7.3 Guidelines for maintenance instructions
    28 - 3.8 TEMPERATURE CONTROL DEVICES
    29 - SECTION 4 INSTALLATION OF WATER HEATERS OTHER THAN SOLAR HEATERS
    29 - 4.1 SCOPE OF SECTION
    29 - 4.2 WATER HEATERS
    29 - 4.2.1 Water heaters
    29 - 4.2.2 Selection of anode
    29 - 4.2.3 Working pressure
    29 - 4.2.4 Auxiliary controls
    29 - 4.3 LOCATION
    29 - 4.3.1 Placement
    29 - 4.3.2 Minimum head
    29 - 4.3.3 Accessibility and clearances
    29 - 4.3.4 Ventilation and fluing
    29 - 4.4 PROTECTION AGAINST DAMAGE FROM LEAKING WATER
    29 - 4.4.1 Concealed water containers
    30 - 4.4.2 Unconcealed storage water containers
    30 - 4.4.3 Safe tray construction
    30 - 4.4.4 Safe wastes
    30 - 4.4.5 Placement of water heater or cistern on a safe tray
    30 - 4.5 SUPPORT
    30 - 4.5.1 Support of water containers installed in a roof
    31 - 4.5.2 Support of water containers installed above a roof
    31 - 4.5.3 Support of water containers installed other than in a roof space or above a roof
    31 - 4.6 CORROSION PREVENTION AND WEATHER PROTECTION
    31 - 4.6.1 Water heater base-corrosion avoidance
    32 - 4.6.2 Weather protection of externally installed water heaters
    32 - 4.7 CONNECTIONS TO WATER HEATERS
    32 - 4.8 PRESSURE RELIEF AND VENTING OF WATER HEATERS AND CONTAINERS
    32 - 4.9 VALVES
    32 - 4.9.1 General
    32 - 4.9.2 Required set pressure of valves (for unvented water heaters)
    38 - 4.9.3 Installation of valves
    39 - 4.10 MULTIPLE INSTALLATIONS OF PRESSURE-TYPE STORAGE WATER HEATERS
    39 - 4.10.1 General
    39 - 4.10.2 Balanced flow conditions
    40 - 4.10.3 Positioning and sizing of pressure control valves
    40 - 4.11 MULTIPLE INSTANTANEOUS WATER HEATERS
    40 - 4.12 RELIEF AND EXPANSION VALVE DRAIN LINES
    40 - 4.12.1 Size and material
    40 - 4.12.2 Interconnection of drain lines
    41 - 4.12.3 Installation
    41 - 4.12.4 Common stack discharge
    42 - 4.12.5 Tundish drain lines
    42 - 4.12. 6 Areas subject to freezing
    42 - 4.13 VENT PIPES
    42 - 4.13.1 Installation
    42 - 4.13.2 Termination of vent pipe
    42 - 4.13.3 Cistern-fed water heaters (other than side-fed types)
    42 - 4.13.4 Vented storage water heaters, inlet pressure-controlled
    52 - SECTION 5 SOL AR HOT WATER SYSTEMS
    52 - 5.1 SCOPE OF SECTION
    52 - 5.2 GENERAL
    52 - 5.2.1 Solar hot water systems
    52 - 5.2.2 Location
    52 - 5.3 INSTALLATION OF SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM CONTAINER
    52 - 5.3.1 Solar hot water system containers
    52 - 5.3.2 Containers installed on or above a roof
    53 - 5.3.3 Protection against damage from leaking water
    53 - 5.3.4 Connections to containers
    53 - 5.3.5 Pressure relief and venting of containers
    53 - 5.3.6 Valves
    53 - 5.3.7 Relief and expansion valve drain lines
    53 - 5.3.8 Vent pipes
    53 - 5.4 INSTALLATION OF COLLECTORS
    53 - 5.4.1 Positioning
    54 - 5.4.2 Provision for removal of collector
    54 - 5.4.3 Mountings
    54 - 5.4.4 Precautions
    57 - 5.5 INSTALLATION OF CLOSE-COUPLED AND INTEGRAL SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS
    57 - 5.5.1 General
    57 - 5.5.2 Roof mountings and supports
    57 - 5.5.3 Supplementary heating connections
    58 - 5.6 THERMOSIPHON FLOW SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS WITH REMOTE CONTAINERS
    58 - 5.6.1 General
    58 - 5.6.2 Supplementary heating connections
    58 - 5.6.3 Primary circuit flow and return pipes
    58 - 5.7 SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS WITH FORCED PRIMARY CIRCULATION
    58 - 5.7.1 General
    58 - 5.7.2 Primary circulation pump
    59 - 5.7.3 Pump installation
    59 - 5.7.4 Primary circuit flow and return pipes
    59 - 5.7.5 Supplementary external heating
    59 - 5.8 SOLAR WATER HEATERS USED AS PREHEATERS
    59 - 5.8.1 General
    59 - 5.8.2 Installation of solar preheaters-cistern-fed water heaters
    59 - 5.8.3 Installation of solar preheaters-mains pressure and reduced-pressure water heaters
    60 - 5.8.4 Suitable types of existing heaters
    60 - 5.9 MULTIPLE SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS INSTALLATIONS
    60 - 5.9.1 General
    60 - 5.9.2 Thermosiphon systems-series connection
    60 - 5.9.3 Thermosiphon systems-parallel connection of more than five units
    60 - 5.9.4 Pumped systems-series and series-parallel connection
    60 - 5.9.5 Pumped systems-parallel connection
    61 - 5.10 SUPPLEMENTARY HEATING
    61 - 5.10.1 Thermal capacity
    61 - 5.10.2 Thermostat setting
    61 - 5.10.3 Drain connection
    61 - 5.10.4 Heating tube
    61 - 5.10.5 Heating by instantaneous water heater
    61 - 5.11 UNCONTROLLED SUPPLEMENTARY HEATERS
    61 - 5.12 INSTALLATION OF SOLAR/ ELECTRIC WATER HEATING SYSTEMS
    61 - 5.12.1 Circuit
    61 - 5.12.2 Isolation switch label
    61 - 5.13 INSTALLATION OF SOLAR/GAS WATER HEATING SYSTEMS
    61 - 5.14 INSTALLATION OF SOLAR/SOLID FUEL WATER HEATING SYSTEMS (INCLUDING SLOW COMBUSTION COOKERS FITTED WITH WATER-HEATING...
    61 - 5.15 INSTALLATION OF SOLAR/OIL- FIRED WATER HEATING SYSTEMS
    72 - SECTION 6 ENERG Y SOURCES AND HEAT RETENTION
    72 - 6.1 CONTROLLED ENERGY SOURCES
    72 - 6.1.1 Scope of Section
    72 - 6.1.2 Electric supply
    72 - 6.1.3 Gas-fired water heaters
    72 - 6.1.4 Oil-fired water heaters
    72 - 6.2 WATER HEATERS WITH UNCONTROLLED ENERGY SOURCE
    72 - 6.2.1 Installation
    73 - 6.2.2 Supplementary external heating
    73 - 6.2.3 Provision for drainage
    73 - 6.3 HEAT RETENTION
    73 - 6.3.1 General
    73 - 6.3.2 Lagging to be provided
    73 - 6.3.3 Lagging exposed to the weather
    73 - 6.3.4 Lagging of buried piping
    73 - 6.3.5 Lagging of encased piping
    73 - 6.3.6 Piping to be lagged
    75 - SECTION 7 HOT WATER SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED
    75 - 7.1 SCOPE OF SECTION
    75 - 7.2 GENERAL
    75 - 7.3 BASINS
    75 - 7.4 SHOWERS
    76 - SECTI ON 8 TESTING AND COMMISSIONING
    76 - 8.1 SCOPE OF SECTION
    76 - 8.2 FLUSHING
    76 - 8.3 TESTING
    76 - 8.4 COMMISSIONING
    76 - 8.5 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
    77 - SECTION 9 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
    77 - 9.1 SCOPE OF SECTION
    77 - 9.2 GENERAL
    77 - 9.3 MAINTENANCE OF HOT WATER SERVICES
    78 - APPENDIX A - REFERENCED DOCUMENTS-MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS
    79 - APPENDIX B - REFERENCED DOCUMENTS-INSTALLATION
    79 - APPENDIX C - REFERENCED DOCUMENTS-MISCELLANEOUS
    80 - APPENDIX D - WATER ANALYSIS
    80 - D1 WATER ANALYSIS
    80 - D2 TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS)
    80 - D3 SCALING PROPERTIES
    80 - D4 WATER pH
    80 - APPENDIX E - TYPICAL RATES OF FLOW
    81 - APPENDIX F - PREFERRED SIZES OF PIPE FOR NON-CIRCULATORY AVERAGE SINGLE-STOREY TYPE HOUSEHOLD INSTALLATIONS...
    82 - APPENDIX G - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF UNRATED SOLAR HOT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
    82 - G1 GENERAL
    82 - G2 VOLUMETRIC STORAGE CAPACITY
    82 - G3 RECOMMENDED OPERATING TEMPERATURE
    82 - G4 COMBINED TEMPERATURE/PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
    82 - G5 COLLECTOR/CONTAINER SIZE RATIO
    82 - G5.1 Normal conditions
    82 - G5.2 Non-optimum conditions
    83 - APPENDIX H - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF CLOSE- COUPLED AND INTEGRAL SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS ON ROOFS
    83 - H1 GENERAL
    83 - H2 SUPPORT
    83 - H2.1 ‘With pitch’ installations
    83 - H2.2 ‘Against pitch’ installations
    83 - H2.3 ‘Cross pitch’ installations
    83 - H3 POINTS TO NOTE
    86 - APPENDIX I - ESTIMATION OF SHADING OF COLLECTORS
    86 - I1 GENERAL
    86 - I2 SUN LOCATOR
    87 - I3 APPROXIMATE METHOD OF DETERMINING SOLAR ALTITUDE
    90 - APPENDIX J - EFFECT OF INCLINATION AND ORIENTATION ON SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
    95 - APPENDIX K - MAP OF REGIONAL BASIC DESIGN WIND SPEEDS
    96 - APPENDIX L - SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS SUGGESTED COMPONENT SIZES (UNRATED SYSTEMS)
    96 - L1 GENERAL
    96 - L2 ANTICIPATED SOLAR FRACTION
    96 - L3 SOLAR RADIATION DATA

    Abstract - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    Specifies uniform requirements for the installation of water heaters and hot water reticulation. Account has been taken of the current regulations of the water, gas and electricity supply authorities and local government bodies in each State and Territory of Australia.

    Scope - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    This Standard sets out the requirements for the installation of piping and apparatus for single and multiple domestic-type water heaters, from and including the isolating valve on the cold water inlet and the reticulation of hot water. This Standard applies to the installation of the following types of water heaters which comply with Clause 4.2.1 or Clause 5.3.1:(a) Electric storage water heaters with a rated delivery of up to 630 L per heater.(b) Other types of storage water heaters with a capacity of up to 700 L per heater.(c) Solar water heaters with a capacity of up to 700 L per heater.(d) Heat exchange water heaters in accordance with AS 1361.(e) Instantaneous water heaters.(f) Other water heaters authorized by the relevant regulatory authority.NOTE: The reference to AS 1361 in Item (d) is made to positively identify the particular type of heat exchange water heater to which this Standard applies.This Standard applies to hot water systems using potable water only and does not apply to space heating or swimming pool heating.Illustrations used in this Standard are diagrammatic only and have been chosen without prejudice.1.2

    General Product Information - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    Committee WS-014
    Document Type Standard
    Product Note See also AS/NZS 3500.4.2:1997. (In Rul PL/1)
    Publisher Standards Australia
    Status AvailableSuperseded
    Superseded By
    Supersedes

    History - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    Available SupersededUnder Revision see DR 96401 AS 3500.4 first published in part as AS CA51-1968.Revised and redesignated AS 1529-1974.AS 2002 first published 1979.Second edition 1981.Third edition 1987.AS 1529-1974 and AS 2002-1987 revised, amalgamated and redesignated AS 3500.4-1990.Second edition 1994. AS 3500.4 first published in part as AS CA51-1968. Revised and redesignated AS 1529-1974. AS 2002 first published 1979. Second edition 1981. Third edition 1987. AS 1529-1974 and AS 2002-1978 revised, amalgamated and redesignated AS 3500.4-1990. Second edition 1994. Incorporating: Amdt 1-1996

    Standards Referenced By This Book - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    AS 3500.0-1990 National Plumbing and Drainage Code Glossary of terms
    AS 1432-1996 Copper tubes for plumbing, gasfitting and drainage applications
    AS 1691-1985 Domestic oil-fired appliances - Installation
    AS 2492-1994 Cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X) pipe for hot and cold water applications
    AS 2129-1994 Flanges for pipes, valves and fittings
    AS 1910-1994 Water supply - Float control valves for use in hot and cold water
    AS 1566-1997 Copper and copper alloys - Rolled flat products (Reconfirmed 2018)
    AS 1361-1995 Electric heat-exchange water heaters - For domestic applications (Reconfirmed 2016)
    AS 1415.1-1984 Unplasticized PVC (UPVC) pipes and fittings for soil, waste and vent (SWV) applications - Pipes
    AS 2642.2-1989 Polybutylene pipe systems - Polybutylene (PB) pipe for hot and cold water applications
    AS 1170.2-1989 Minimum design loads on structures (known as the SAA Loading Code) Wind loads
    AS 3142-1994 Approval and test specification - Electric water heaters
    AS 1722.1-1975 Pipe threads of Whitworth form Sealing pipe threads (metric units)
    AS 1449-1994 Wrought alloy steels - Stainless and heat-resisting steel plate, sheet and strip
    AS 1357.1-1992 Water supply - Valves for use with unvented water heaters - Protection valves
    AS 2878-1986 Timber - Classification into strength groups
    AS 3500.1-1992 National Plumbing and Drainage Code - Water supply
    AS 1690-1975 Rules for the safe design, construction and performance of domestic oil-fired appliances (known as the SAA Domestic Oil-fired Appliances Safe Design Code)
    AS 1074-1989 Steel tubes and tubulars for ordinary service (Reconfirmed 2018)
    AS 2712-1993 Solar water heaters - Design and construction
    AS 1604-1997 Timber - Preservative-treated - Sawn and round
    AS 3000-1986 Electrical installations - Buildings, structures and premises (known as the SAA Wiring Rules)
    AS 4032-1998 Thermostatic mixing valves - Materials, design and performance requirements
    AS 3666-1989 Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control
    AS 1056.1-1991 Storage water heaters General requirements
    AS 2813-1985 Solar water heaters - Method of test for thermal performance - Simulator method
    AS 1167.1-1993 Welding and brazing - Filler metals Filler metal for brazing and braze welding
    AS 3688-1994 Water supply - Copper and copper alloy body compression and capillary fittings and threaded-end connectors
    AS 1726-1993 Geotechnical site investigations
    AS 2950-1988 Propylene copolymer pressure pipe
    AS 1167.2-1986 Welding and brazing - Filler metals - Filler metal for welding
    AS 1397-1993 Steel sheet and strip - Hot-dipped zinc-coated or aluminium/zinc-coated
    AS 2984-1987 Solar water heaters - Test for thermal performance - Outdoor test
    AS 1646-1992 Elastomeric seals for waterworks purposes
    AS 1345-1995 Identification of the contents of pipes, conduits and ducts (Reconfirmed 2018)
    AS 1428 SUPP 1-1988 Design for access and mobility - Extracts - Design rules for access by the disabled (Supplement to AS 1428-1977)

    Standards Referencing This Book - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    AS/NZS 3666.2:1995 Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control Operation and maintenance
    AS 1684-1992 National Timber Framing Code
    AS 4037-1992 Boilers and pressure vessels - Examination and testing
    ATS 5200.037.2-2005 Technical Specification for plumbing and drainage products Flow controllers - For use in heated or cold water plumbing systems
    AS/NZS 1200:1994 Pressure equipment
    AS 3500.1-1992 National Plumbing and Drainage Code - Water supply
    AS 3533.1-1997 Amusement rides and devices - Design and construction
    AS 1361-1995 Electric heat-exchange water heaters - For domestic applications (Reconfirmed 2016)
    AS 2712-1993 Solar water heaters - Design and construction
    AS 3498(INT)-1993 Authorization requirements for plumbing products - Water heaters (all types)
    SAA/SNZ HB32:1995 Control of microbial growth in air-handling and water systems in buildings (Reconfirmed 2016)
    AS 3498-1995 Authorization requirements for plumbing products - Water heaters and hot-water storage tanks
    AS 1210-1997 Pressure vessels
    AS/NZS 3666.1:1995 Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control Design, installation and commissioning
    AS 3314-1991 Approval and test specification - Particular requirements for washing machines
    AS 4032-1992 Thermostatic mixing valves - Materials, design and performance requirements
    AS 4032-1995 Thermostatic mixing valves - Materials, design and performance requirements
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