EN 917:1997

Overview

EN 917:1997 (adopted as SIST EN 917:1999) is a CEN standard for plastics piping systems that specifies laboratory test methods for thermoplastics valves. The standard defines two principal test methods: Method A for resistance to internal pressure and Method B for leaktightness. It applies to thermoplastic valves intended for the transport of fluids and is used to assess mechanical integrity and sealing performance under internal pressure conditions.

Key Topics

• Scope and applicability: Covers thermoplastics valves used in fluid transport systems; intended as a harmonized approach for testing valve pressure resistance and sealing performance.
• Method A - Resistance to internal pressure: Procedure to evaluate the valve body and components for structural integrity under internal pressure loading.
• Method B - Leaktightness: Procedure to assess valve sealing performance and permissible leakage under defined conditions.
• Test specimen preparation and conditioning: Requirements for representative samples and pre-test conditioning to ensure meaningful results (as specified in the standard).
• Test execution and result reporting: Defines how tests are carried out and how outcomes, failures and observations are recorded for conformity assessment and quality control.
• Use for conformity and quality assurance: Intended to provide consistent test data for manufacturers, testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies.

Applications

EN 917 is practical for:

• Valve manufacturers - to validate product designs, perform routine production checks and demonstrate compliance with recognized test methods.
• Test laboratories - to perform standardized pressure and leak tests used in certification and R&D.
• Specifiers and procurement teams - to set objective performance requirements for thermoplastic valves used in water, wastewater, industrial fluids and other piping systems.
• Regulators and certification bodies - to verify that valves meet minimum performance expectations for safe fluid transport.
• Engineers and asset owners - to compare valve performance, select appropriate components, and reduce risk of failure in service.

Related standards

• Other CEN/EN standards covering plastics piping systems, thermoplastic fittings, and valve design and materials. For comprehensive compliance, EN 917 is often used alongside material-specific and system-specific standards and relevant national adoptions (e.g., SIST EN adoption).

Keywords: EN 917, thermoplastics valves, plastics piping systems, test methods, resistance to internal pressure, leaktightness, CEN standard, valve testing, fluid transport.