ASTM F444-88(2023)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F444 − 88 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Consumer Safety Specification for
Scald-Preventing Devices and Systems in Bathing Areas
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F444; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This consumer safety specification addresses certain hazards in connection with bathtub areas as
identified by the Abt Associates, Inc., final report, “A Systematic Program to Reduce the Incidence and
Severity of Bathtub and Shower Area Injuries,” June 4, 1975, to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC).
This consumer safety specification is directed towards scalds. The general requirements of this
specification are intended to establish a maximum allowable discharge temperature and to provide for
automatic compensation if that temperature is exceeded.
This specification establishes the necessary requirements to ensure safety from scalds for both the
normal user capacity and limited user capacity of some aged, infirm, or young. These requirements can
be attained through the utilization of devices, series of devices, or plumbing system designs that are
available in the marketplace. Many of these devices are applicable to both new construction and
retrofit installations. Specifications for the reliability and testing of these devices and systems are
available in most cases from organizations such as the American National Standards Institute or the
American Society of Sanitary Engineering.
1. Scope 2. Terminology
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers scald-
2.1 bathing area—bathing space that consists of a tub,
preventing devices and systems delivering water in bathing
tub-shower, or shower stall bounded by four walls, real or
areas.
imaginary, extending vertically to the ceiling from the outside
edge of the tub or stall.
1.2 This specification establishes the minimum performance
requirements for the devices and systems to minimize the risks
2.2 check valve—valve designed to allow the flow of water
associated with the hazards of scalds.
in one direction only.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
2.3 device—piece of equipment or mechanism designed to
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
serve a special purpose or perform a special function.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
2.4 mixing valve—device for mixing cold and hot water to
and are not considered standard.
produce an intermediate temperature as required, either
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
manually, pressure-equalizing, or thermostatically controlled,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
and which is adjustable manually or by other means.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
2.5 safety shut-off device—maximum temperature-limiting
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
device that reduces the flow of water to a specified amount.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2.6 scald—first-, second-, or third-degree burn injury caused
by the contact of hot water on the skin.
2.7 stop-check valve—valve designed to allow the flow of
This consumer safety specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Commit-
water in one direction only and which also has the capability to
tee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
control the supply of water.
F15.03 on Safety Standards for Bathtub and Shower Structures.
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved
2.8 stop valve—valve used for the control of water supply.
in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as F444 – 88 (2017). DOI:
10.1520/F0444-88R23.
2.9 water outlet—discharge opening through which water is
Available from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 4330
East-West Hwy., Bethesda, MD 20814. supplied to a bathing area.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F444 − 88 (2023)
3. Compliance stop and check valves on the inlets or in the water distribution
piping to the mixing valve. On multiple installations when
3.1 No device or system produced after the approval date of
equipped with integral shut-off, there shall be service stop
this consumer safety specification shall either by label or other
valves on the inlets.
means indicate compliance with this specification unless it
6.1.4 Instructions for adjusting devices or systems, where
conforms to all requirements contained herein.
required, shall include information on temperature settings
based on cold-water variations and hot-water capabilities as a
4. Materials
guide to allow the insta
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