March 2026: New Standards Advance Fluid Systems and Components

In March 2026, the international standards landscape for fluid systems and components has evolved with the release of five pivotal standards. These latest publications respond to the growing demand for reliability, efficiency, and safety in the design, testing, and deployment of hoses, fans, refrigerant compressors, and related assemblies in critical applications. This article—Part 2 of our four-part series—delivers actionable analysis and direct links to the new standards shaping best practices for industry professionals.

Overview / Introduction

Fluid systems and their components play a foundational role across sectors such as manufacturing, process industries, HVAC, and environmental engineering. Standards in this area ensure the integrity of hoses, fans, compressors, and air-handling devices—directly impacting product safety, system performance, compliance, and environmental impact.

This article will provide a deep dive into five newly published standards from March 2026, focusing on key updates, requirements, and practical implications. Whether you are a quality engineer, compliance officer, system designer, or procurement specialist, understanding these updates is vital for regulatory compliance and optimal system design.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN ISO 3994:2026 - Helical-Reinforced Thermoplastic Hoses for Suction and Discharge

Plastics hoses - Helical-thermoplastic-reinforced thermoplastics hoses for suction and discharge of aqueous materials - Specification (ISO 3994:2026)

This standard defines requirements for three classes of helical-thermoplastic-reinforced hoses intended for suction and discharge of water, weak chemical solutions, and abrasive materials. It applies to hoses used within the temperature range from −10 °C to 55 °C, excluding applications with flammable or aromatic compounds.

The document details:

• Materials and construction (thermoplastics with spiral reinforcement)
• Performance requirements (hydrostatic tests, tensile strength, vacuum resistance)
• Classification by duty (light, medium, heavy)
• Dimensional tolerances, minimum bend radii, and durability tests (including exposure to heat and light)
• Packing, marking, and documentation

Who Should Comply: Process industry operators, equipment manufacturers, water treatment facilities, and procurement teams handling flexible fluid transport.

Practical impact: This revision unifies international expectations for water and chemical transfer hoses, reducing failure risk and aiding in compliance audits.

Key highlights:

• Three hose types based on pressure and duty cycle
• Rigorous hydrostatic and mechanical testing at specified temperatures
• Unified nomenclature and tolerance requirements for sizing and performance

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 3994:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 13347-3:2026 – Determination of Fan Sound Power Levels

Fans — Determination of fan sound power levels under standardized laboratory conditions — Part 3: Enveloping surface methods

ISO 13347-3:2026 provides laboratory methods to determine the airborne sound power level of fans, using enveloping surface techniques. This part is crucial for manufacturers and specifiers aiming for precise, reproducible sound emission data during design and procurement.

Scope and Coverage:

• Applies to all fan types under ISO 13349-1
• Specifies acoustic test environments and ducting configurations
• Addresses categories (free inlet/outlet, ducted configurations)
• Emphasizes laboratory (not field) measurement reliability
• Details uncertainty estimates, calculation methods, and environmental corrections

Who Should Comply: Fan manufacturers, acoustic engineers, HVAC designers, compliance professionals, and OEM integrators.

Practical impact: Enables comparable, standardized fan sound data, improving workplace noise control and product selection.

Key highlights:

• Five installation/test categories for realistic set-ups
• Standardized surface measurement and microphone placement
• Methods for both small and large fans, including ducted sound power estimation

Access the full standard:View ISO 13347-3:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 25308:2026 – Gas Leakage by Assembly Fault in Hose and Tubing Assemblies

Rubber and plastics hose assemblies and tubing assemblies — Determination of gas-leakage by assembly fault

ISO 25308:2026 introduces a precise method for measuring gas leakage resulting from assembly faults at hose or tubing interfaces. It is especially relevant for applications where gas integrity is critical—such as in chemical processing, medical equipment, and pneumatic control systems.

Key requirements:

• Defines standardized test apparatus and sample preparation
• Specifies allowed temperatures, pressures, and test gases
• Provides clear reporting structure for leakage volume
• Recognizes that fitting type and assembly method significantly influence test outcomes

Who Should Comply: Manufacturers and users of hose/tube assemblies in gas service, maintenance teams, quality assurance professionals.

Practical impact: Enhanced safety and reliability for gas-handling assemblies, reducing the risk of undetected leaks due to faulty installation.

Key highlights:

• Standardized leakage testing for quality assurance
• Test method covers both initial type tests and routine inspections
• Focus on assembly-induced faults, supporting process improvement

Access the full standard:View ISO 25308:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN 12693:2026 – Safety & Environmental Requirements for Positive Displacement Refrigerant Compressors

Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Positive displacement refrigerant compressors

EN 12693:2026 outlines comprehensive safety and environmental requirements for refrigerant compressors in stationary and mobile equipment, including commercial and industrial heat pumps. The standard applies to a broad array of compressor types, excluding those intended for household appliances or special refrigerants.

Key coverage:

• Identifies significant hazards and prescribes mitigation strategies (protection of moving parts, rupture risks, electrical safety, emissions control)
• Sets rigorous criteria for design verification, strength and pressure tests, and type certification
• Dictates documentation, marking, user instructions, and compliance with relevant accessory standards
• Environmental and safety verification for new installations and operational changes

Who Should Comply: Compressor manufacturers, system integrators, HVAC system designers, industrial refrigeration operators, safety and environmental compliance teams.

Practical impact: Aligns safety and operational requirements EU-wide, streamlining market access and risk management.

Key highlights:

• Covers design, construction, testing, and documentation requirements
• Applicable to both hermetic and open drive compressors with electrical supplies up to 1,000VAC/1,500VDC
• Mandates routine and type tests for safety-critical features

Access the full standard:View EN 12693:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 60704-2-19:2026 – Noise Measurement for Household and Similar Air Cleaners

Household and similar electrical appliances - Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise - Part 2-19: Particular requirements for air cleaners

This standard supplements general noise measurement codes (IEC 60704-1) with specific requirements for stationary air cleaners. It covers units powered by mains, low voltage DC (≤48V), or battery, and combined products where air cleaning is the primary function.

Key requirements:

• Specifies acoustic test environments (free field, reflecting planes)
• Covers measurement instrumentation, sample conditioning, and operational protocols
• Requirements for uncertainty calculation, data reporting, and labeling
• Excludes mobile/fresh-air units and focuses exclusively on airborne (not structure-borne) noise

Who Should Comply: Air cleaner and appliance manufacturers, acoustic testing labs, technical assessors, product certifiers.

Practical impact: Uniform and repeatable noise emission data for product comparison, regulatory labeling, and improvement of indoor environments.

Key highlights:

• Applies to both freestanding and wall-mounted air cleaners
• Detailed measurement and reporting process enhances consumer transparency
• Integrates seamlessly with broader electrical appliance noise standards

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60704-2-19:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The publication of these five standards advances the precision, safety, and environmental compliance of fluid systems and related equipment. Organizations implementing these standards will gain:

• Improved reliability and extended service life for hoses, compressors, and fans
• Consistency in product testing and specification, reducing procurement and integration risk
• Enhanced workplace and end-user safety through robust risk mitigation
• Easier navigation of regulatory frameworks, particularly within international supply chains
• A clear competitive edge with products verified to current best practices

Compliance considerations:

• Review timelines for updating internal documentation and supplier requirements
• Schedule employee training and product re-certification where relevant
• Engage with testing laboratories familiar with the new methods

Non-compliance risks:

• Product recalls or bans in regulated markets
• Increased failure rates and liability exposure
• Loss of customer trust and missed business opportunities

Technical Insights

A review of these March 2026 standards reveals several commonalities and best practices:

• Testing and Certification: Each standard establishes rigorous test protocols—hydrostatic, acoustical, gas leakage, and mechanical—with defined reporting requirements. Collaboration with accredited labs is essential.
• Material and Design Requirements: Whether specifying thermoplastics for hoses, insulation for compressors, or sound-absorbing test environments for fans and air cleaners, materials must be chosen carefully to meet each standard's criteria.
• Documentation and Marking: Consistent labeling, traceable documentation, and comprehensive test reports are emphasized, aiding both compliance audits and post-market surveillance.

Best practices for implementation:

1. Audit existing equipment and documentation for alignment with new requirements.
2. Integrate updated test methods into quality assurance protocols.
3. Maintain close communication with suppliers and testing bodies about latest standards.
4. Monitor for related updates (see upcoming Parts 3 and 4 of this series).

Conclusion / Next Steps

March 2026 marks a significant evolution in standards for fluid systems and components, with new documents covering hoses, fans, compressors, and air-handling units. These updates are not just regulatory box-checking—they represent a pragmatic foundation for safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible operations.

Key takeaways:

• Incorporate new requirements into procurement specifications and product design workflows.
• Audit and re-train teams on updated compliance and verification processes.
• Leverage iTeh Standards for seamless access to full-text documents and future updates.

Stay ahead in your industry by reviewing these standards in detail, implementing changes, and following the remaining parts of our March 2026 analysis series.