6 ASSOCIATIONS
Beware : non-compliance could cost you your livelihood !
By
The executive director of IOPSA
We have issued warnings around and about non-compliance , but a main concern is the non-SANS 460 copper tubes .
Copper tubes are an essential element of plumbing work and cannot be compromised in any way . Unscrupulous suppliers do not care about your reputation or the quality of work you do - only about their own back pocket . Such suppliers will provide the necessary paperwork that shows the tube is compliant and price it correctly but supply noncompliant tubes .
Let ’ s make it simple : 1 . An order is placed with supplier for SANS 460 Class X size Y 2 . This goes on account or payment is made at full price 3 . The plumber goes to collect the tubes 4 . The plumber signs the acceptance or delivery note , which shows 460 Class X at full price 5 . Meanwhile the non-compliant tube is being loaded in the bakkie or vehicle 6 . With all paperwork completed , the plumber gets into the bakkie and drives off to complete the job 7 . The plumber installs the tubes and returns , believing that they have completed the job
8 . Time passes ( usually short ), and a complaint is received from the customer – the dreaded leak and consequential damage has occurred
9 . The plumber returns and complains to the supplier who shows the receipt that clearly states compliant tubes were supplied
10 . The plumber has no legal ( or other ) leg to stand on , and it is unlikely that insurance will cover the damage
Mistake made : the plumber did not check what was loaded on bakkie - in this case non-compliant copper tubes . The plumber may lose their job !
As shown in the photo , a complaint pipe carries a clear and indelible marking as follows . 1 . Manufacturer ’ s name - trade name or trademark 2 . States SANS 460 , 22mm OD , class X , month and year of manufacture 3 . NO MARKING = NON – COMPLIANT
Compulsory Standard SANS 460- : 2011 Whilst all SABS Standards are voluntary , it may be deemed necessary for a government department to make a standard or standards compulsory . This is done through an Act of Parliament , which allows the Minister to create acts and regulations , in this case SANS 10252 parts 1 and 2 which bring in SANS 460 – Plain-ended solid drawn copper tubes for potable water . The product itself has undergone extensive testing to perform in a manner that is fit for purpose and is audited by the factory and laboratory regularly . Anything less will NOT perform as the standard requires . Common sense tells us that ! The JASWIC listing will confirm the status as well .
All photos by © Rory Macnamara | Plumbing Africa
Clear and indelible markings on compliant copper tube .
Copper tubes come in different classes . Which one to use will depend on the application and could be influenced by environmental factors such as water , chemistry and soil conditions . If at any time you have any concerns , discuss these with the technical team at IOPSA or the manufacturer .
Annex B in the standard provides guidance on the different classes :
1 . Class 0 and 1 tubes are extra light and have a light gauge respectively . They are suitable for general use in domestic plumbing services with the following limitations : a . Class 0 tubes are not recommended for use with flare type compression fittings b . Class 0 tubes should be used only for straight line connections - not bending c . Class 1 tubes are such that the workman required to perform any bending work on them should be trained
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline October 2023 Volume 29 I Number 8