There are a number of regulatory approval schemes available across the UK which are accepted by the wider industry. The approval schemes include WRAS, KUKreg4 and NSF. These approval schemes ensure water products are compliant with regulation 4.
Who’s at Risk?
It is the responsibility of the end-user to prove to the water regulators that your water product is compliant, should they wish to inspect or interrogate your installation.
We advise all end-users to ensure they check the compliance status of their water heater units with a recognised body. If you are legally responsible for a water fitting in a property, it is a criminal offence if you fail to comply with the requirement to provide evidence of compliance. Evidence may be obtained from a variety of sources including, the water fitting manufacturer, suppliers, installers, specifiers, certification schemes and test laboratories.
What is Regulation 4?
(1) Every water fitting shall–
- be of an appropriate quality and standard; and
- be suitable for the circumstances in which it is used.
(2) For the purposes of this regulation, a water fitting is of an appropriate quality or standard only if–
- it conforms to an appropriate British Standard or some other national specification which provides an equivalent level of protection and performance; or
- it conforms to a specification approved by the regulator.
What You Can Do
Check your water heating product is listed as an approved product on WRAS, KUKreg4 or NSF, if it is listed this is evidence of your compliance. If you can’t find your product on the industry recognised certification bodies listed, you should contact your installer for evidence of compliance or the supplier. The installer or supplier may refer you to the manufacturer who may be able to provide test results however, it’s worth noting that self-certification through internal testing is no longer accepted by the regulators as a form of evidencing compliance.
A. O. Smith Secures WRAS Approval
This endorsement underscores A. O. Smith’s commitment to providing high-quality, efficient, and reliable products that comply with stringent water safety and hygiene standards, and helps take the burden of proving compliance away from our customers for additional peace-of-mind.
A. O. Smith are delighted to announce it has recently received WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approval for an impressive lineup of products, including the BFC Cyclone, Innovo, Twister, SGE, SGS, IT, ITE, ITS, and ST.
Understanding WRAS and KUKreg4 Approval
WRAS approval was historically the only industry recognised certification body for any product intended to connect to the UK’s water supply. Kiwa is an independent certification body who offer an equivalent certification which demonstrates compliance with UK Water Regulations. Both WRAS and Kiwa product approvals demonstrate that the materials and components used do not contaminate drinking water and that the products meet rigorous safety and performance standards. For A. O. Smith, receiving WRAS approvals and Kiwa’s KUKreg4 product certification is a testament to the quality and reliability of their products, reinforcing their position as a leading provider of heating and hot water solutions.
For A.O.Smith, achieving this milestone across such a broad range of products highlights their dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction. It provides assurance to installers, specifiers, and end-users that these products meet the highest standards of safety and quality.
Contact A. O. Smith for further details
With WRAS approval now secured for the BFC Cyclone, Innovo, Twister, SGE, SGS, IT, ITE, ITS, and ST. A.O. Smith continues to lead the way in providing top-tier heating and hot water solutions. This achievement not only reinforces the quality and safety of their products but also demonstrates their unwavering commitment to advancing technology and sustainability in the heating industry. Our team are here to support you and advise the regarding your water heating system whether it’s our system or not. Contact your Area Sales Manager for more information.