FprEN 15015

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2011
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Plastics piping systems - Hot and cold water piping components - Requirements and
test/assessment methods for pipes and fittings
Kunststoff-Rohrleitungssysteme - Bauteile für den Einsatz in Rohrleitungen für Warm-
und Kaltwasser - Anforderungen und Prüf /Bewertungsverfahren für Rohre und
Formstücke
Systèmes de canalisations en plastique - Composants de canalisations pour eau chaude
et froide non destinée à la consommation humaine - Exigences et méthodes
d'essais/d'évaluation pour tubes et raccords
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 15015
ICS:
23.040.20 Cevi iz polimernih materialov Plastics pipes
23.040.45 Fitingi iz polimernih Plastics fittings
materialov
91.140.60 Sistemi za oskrbo z vodo Water supply systems
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
DRAFT
prEN 15015
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
March 2011
ICS 23.040.01 Will supersede EN 15015:2007
English Version
Plastics piping systems - Hot and cold water piping components
- Requirements and test/assessment methods for pipes and
fittings
Systèmes de canalisations en plastique - Composants de Kunststoff-Rohrleitungssysteme - Bauteile für den Einsatz
canalisations pour eau chaude et froide non destinée à la in Rohrleitungen für Warm- und Kaltwasser -
consommation humaine - Exigences et méthodes Anforderungen und Prüf /Bewertungsverfahren für Rohre
d'essais/d'évaluation pour tubes et raccords und Formstücke
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 155.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language
made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to
provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 15015:2011: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

prEN 15015:2011 (E)
Contents Page
Foreword .4
Introduction .5
1 Scope .6
2 Normative references .6
3 Terms and definitions .7
4 Requirements .8
4.1 Reaction to fire .8
4.2 Internal pressure strength .8
4.2.1 Determination of design pressure P .8
D
4.2.2 Verification of pressure strength .8
4.3 Dimensional tolerances .8
4.4 Tightness .8
4.5 Durability .9
4.5.1 Durability of internal pressure strength related to the material .9
4.5.2 Durability of the internal pressure strength of pipes and fittings .9
4.5.3 Durability of tightness of connections .9
4.6 Release of dangerous substances .9
5 Test methods .9
5.1 Reaction to fire .9
5.2 Determination of the design pressure .9
5.2.1 Determination of design pressure for thermoplastics pipes and plastic fittings .9
5.2.2 Determination of design pressure for multilayer pipes . 10
5.3 Internal pressure strength . 10
5.4 Dimensional tolerances . 10
5.5 Tightness . 10
5.6 Durability . 10
5.6.1 Durability related to internal pressure strength related to material . 10
6 Evaluation of conformity . 11
6.1 General . 11
6.2 Initial Type Testing – Type Testing . 11
6.2.1 General . 11
Tests previously performed in accordance with the provisions of this standard, respectively
standards as listed in Annex B, may be taken into account provided that they were made
to the same or a more rigorous test method, under the same system of attestation of
conformity on the same product or products of similar design, construction and
functionality, such that the results are applicable to the product in question. . 13
6.2.2 Test samples, testing and compliance . 13
6.2.3 Test reports . 14
6.3 Factory production control (FPC) . 14
6.3.1 General . 14
6.3.2 Requirements . 14
6.3.3 Product specific requirements . 17
6.3.4 Procedure for modifications . 18
6.3.5 One-off products, pre-production products (e.g. prototypes) and products produced in
very low quantity. 18
Annex A (normative) Overall service (design) coefficients . 20
A.1 General . 20
prEN 15015:2011 (E)
A.2 Overall service (design) coefficients . 20
Annex B (normative) Application class S . 21
B.1 General . 21
B.2 Test parameters for temperature cycling . 21
Annex C (informative) Product standards for hot and cold water installations inside buildings . 22
Annex D (informative) Standards for assessment of conformity for hot and cold water
installations inside buildings . 24
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing the provisions of the EU
Construction Products Directive (CPD) . 25
ZA.1. Scope and relevant characteristics . 25
ZA.2. Procedure for attestation of conformity of plastics pipes and fittings . 26
ZA.2.1 System of attestation of conformity . 26
ZA.2.2.CE Certificate and Declaration of conformity . 28
ZA.3. CE marking and labelling. 29
ZA.3.1 CE marking requirements . 29
Bibliography . 33

prEN 15015:2011 (E)
Foreword
This document (prEN 15015:2011) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 155 “Plastics piping
systems and ducting systems”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document has been prepared under the mandate M/131 “Pipes, tanks and ancillaries not in contact with
water intended for human consumption” given to CEN by the European Commission and the European Free
Trade Association and support essential requirements of EU Directives.
For relationship with EC Directives, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
prEN 15015:2011 (E)
Introduction
This European Standard specifies only those characteristics of pipes and fittings for hot and cold water
applications with the exception of water intended for human consumption that need to be known to determine
if the works in which these are to be installed can satisfy the essential requirements of the EU Directive(s).
Additional characteristics are specified in the documents listed in Annex A or in other appropriate product
specifications.
This harmonised European Standard covers pipes and fittings for hot and cold water installations.
prEN 15015:2011 (E)
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies requirements for plastics pipes and fittings for hot and cold water
installations.
It is intended to be used for distribution of hot and cold water and for heating systems inside buildings with the
exception of water intended for human consumption.
It gives associated test/assessment methods.This standard does not cover adhesives joint sealings and
gasket
NOTE 1 For this standard the term fitting includes the term joint as meant by mandate M 131.
NOTE 2 Products complying with this document may be used for the transport of water intended for human
consumption if they comply with the relevant national, regional or local regulatory provisions applicable in
place of use. Compliance of a product with this document does not confer a presumption of fitness of the
product for the transport of water intended for human consumption within the meaning of the Directive
89/106/EEC.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 681-1, Elastomeric seals — Materials requirements for pipe joint seals used in water and drainage
applications — Part 1: Vulcanized rubber
EN 681-2, Elastomeric seals — Materials requirements for pipe joint seals used in water and drainage
applications — Part 2: Thermoplastic elastomers
EN 12293, Plastics piping systems — Thermoplastics pipes and fittings for hot and cold water — Test method
for the resistance of mounted assemblies to temperature cycling
EN 13501-1, Fire classification of construction products and building elements — Part 1: Classification using
test data from reaction to fire tests
EN 13823  Reaction to fire tests for building products — Building products excluding floorings exposed to the
thermal attack by a single burning item
EN 16000, Plastics piping systems — Systems within the building structure — Mounting and fixing of
components in the test apparatus to thermal attack by a single burning item
EN ISO 1167-1, Thermoplastics pipes, fittings and assemblies for the conveyance of fluids — Determination
of the resistance to internal pressure — Part 1: General method (ISO 1167-1:2006)
EN ISO 1167-2, Thermoplastics pipes, fittings and assemblies for the conveyance of fluids — Determination
of the resistance to internal pressure — Part 2: Preparation of pipe test pieces (ISO 1167-2:2006)
prEN ISO 1167-3, Thermoplastics pipes, fittings and assemblies for the conveyance of fluids —
Determination of the resistance to internal pressure — Part 3: Preparation of components (ISO/DIS 1167-
3:2005)
prEN ISO 1167-4, Thermoplastics pipes, fittings and assemblies for the conveyance of fluids —
Determination of the resistance to internal pressure — Part 4: Preparation of assemblies (ISO/DIS 1167-
4:2006)
prEN 15015:2011 (E)
EN ISO 3126, Plastics piping systems — Plastics components — Determination of dimensions
(ISO 3126:2005)
EN ISO 9080, Plastics piping and ducting systems — Determination of the long-term hydrostatic strength of
thermoplastics materials in pipe form by extrapolation (ISO 9080:2003)
EN ISO 15874-2 Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations — Polypropylene (PP) — Part 2:
Pipes
EN ISO 15874-3: Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations — Polypropylene (PP) — Part 3:
Fittings
EN ISO 15875-2 Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations — Crosslinked polyethylene
(PE-X) — Part 2: Pipes
EN ISO 15875-3 Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations — Crosslinked polyethylene
(PE-X) — Part 3: Fittings
EN ISO 15876-2 Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations — Polybutylene (PB) — Part 2:
Pipes
EN ISO 15876-3 Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations — Polybutylene (PB) — Part 3:
Fittings
EN ISO 15877-2 Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations — Chlorinated poly(vinyl
chloride) (PVC-C) — Part 2: Pipes
EN ISO 15877-3 Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations — Chlorinated poly(vinyl
chloride) (PVC-C) — Part 3: Fittings
EN ISO 21003-2 Multilayer piping systems for hot and cold water installations inside buildings — Part 2:
Pipes (ISO 21003-2:2008/DAM 1:2010)
EN ISO 22391-2, Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations — Polyethylene of raised
temperature resistance (PE-RT) — Part 2: PipesEN ISO 22391-3 Plastics piping systems for hot and cold
water installations — Polyethylene of raised temperature resistance (PE-RT) — Part 3: Fittings
ISO 1133 Plastics—Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and the melt volume-flow (MVR) of
thermoplastics
ISO 10508:2006, Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations — Guidance for classification
and design
ISO 17456, Plastics piping systems — Multilayer pipes — Determination of the long-term strength
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms, definitions and symbols apply.
3.1
nominal outside diameter
d
n
specified outside diameter, in millimetres, assigned to a nominal size
prEN 15015:2011 (E)
3.2
design pressure
P
D
highest pressure related to the circumstances for which the pipe or fitting has been designed and is intended
to be used
3.3
Connection
assembly of pipe(s) and fitting(s)
4 Requirements
4.1 Reaction to fire
The contribution of fire development of products falling under the scope of this EN is verified according to the
provisions of clause 5.1.
Test results shall be classified according to EN 13501-1
4.2 Internal pressure strength
4.2.1 Determination of design pressure P
D
When determined in accordance with 5.2, the internal pressure strength of the pipe and fitting shall be
expressed as a design pressure P of 4 bar, 6 bar, 8 bar or 10 bar for a given class of application according
D
to ISO 10508:2006 and shall be declared by the manufacturer.
4.2.2 Verification of pressure strength
The verification of the internal pressure strength of pipes and fittings shall be done in accordance with 5.2.3.
4.3 Dimensional tolerances
The manufacturer shall declare the relevant dimensional tolerances for the connection of pipes and fittings by:
a) reference to a specific European Standard listed in Clause 2
b) in the absence of a) , reference to a specific European product specification published by a recognized
European organization,
c) in the absence of a) and b), reference to an International Standard,
d) in the absence of a), b) and c), by stating the values of his own specification and associated jointing
method.
Dimensions shall be measured in accordance with 5.3 and shall be within the declared tolerances.
4.4 Tightness
For products in accordance with this standard tightness is required. Pipes and fittings covered by this standard
and having passed the type testing in accordance with the assessment of conformity clause, are deemed to
be tight.Connections between pipes and fittings shall be tested in accordance with 5.5. No leakage shall occur
during the test period.
prEN 15015:2011 (E)
4.5 Durability
4.5.1 Durability of internal pressure strength related to the material
The durability of internal pressure strength related to the material, from which the pipes and fittings are
manufactured, shall be assessed by testing in accordance with 5.6.1.
4.5.2 Durability of the internal pressure strength of pipes and fittings
The pipes and fittings for which the design pressure P is declared in accordance with 4.2.1 and which have
D
been made of material meeting the requirements of 5.5.1, are deemed to have a reasonable economic
working life.
4.5.3 Durability of tightness of connections
The tightness of connections is deemed to be durable when the requirements of 5.5 are met. Any sealing
elements used, shall conform to EN 681-1 or EN 681-2, as applicable.
NOTE 1 The piping components are expected to last at least the lifetime of the network where they are
installed.
4.6 Release of dangerous substances
The products covered by this standard should not contain or release any of the substances considered
dangerous according to the existing national provisions.
5 Test methods
5.1 Reaction to fire
The reaction to fire is tested according to the applicable test methods
When tested in accordance with EN 13823 (SBI test), the mounting and fixing conditions of samples to be
tested shall be in accordance with EN 16000.
5.2 Determination of the design pressure
5.2.1 Determination of design pressure for thermoplastics pipes and plastic fittings
The hydrostatic stress properties of the material shall be determined by testing in accordance with
EN ISO 9080. Alternatively the hydrostatic stress properties may be determined by proving that the material
conforms to the reference lines specified in the basic material standards. The test results from EN ISO 9080
or the reference lines from the material standards shall be used to calculate the design pressure by using an
established method for calculating or determining the maximum allowable hoop stress applicable to pipes
and/or fittings exposed to a range of internal pressures and/or temperatures during their expected lifetime with
[1]
the service coefficients given in Annex A. One established method is described in EN ISO 13760 taking into
account an applicable class of service condition according to ISO 10508:2006 and service coefficients
according to Annex A. Other national established methods may be used.
[2] [3] [4]
NOTE For advice see the material standards ISO 3213 for PP, ISO 10146 for PE-X, ISO 12230 for PB,
[5]
EN ISO 24033 for PE-RT and product standard EN ISO 15877-2 (see Annex B) for PVC-C.
For material not covered by Annex A the manufacturer shall declare overall service coefficients with
appropriate verification methods, e.g. by making reference to a European product specification [see 4.3 b)].
prEN 15015:2011 (E)
5.2.2 Determination of design pressure for multilayer pipes
For multi-layer pipes the hydrostatic stress properties shall be determined according to ISO 17456. The result
shall then be used as described in 5.2.1.The design pressure for designs where single dimensions are
pressure rated at specific temperatures can be calculated using the same procedure as in 5.2.1 but based on
pressure instead of hydrostatic stress.
5.3 Internal pressure strength
For checking the internal pressure strength testing shall be done in accordance with the appropriate parts of
EN ISO 1167 using temperatures and hoop stresses relevant for the material as given in the relevant product
standards in clause 2-
5.4 Dimensional tolerances
The dimensions shall be measured in accordance with EN ISO 3126.
5.5 Tightness
The leak tightness of connections between pipes and fittings shall be tested in accordance with EN 12293
taking the design pressure P and the declared classification of service conditions as in ISO 10508:2006,
D
using parameters given in Table 1. For class 1S and 5S, see Annex B. The S classes have a highest test
temperature of 114°C instead of the ones in Table 1.
Table 1 — Test parameters for service classes (ISO 10508:2006)
Class 4 Class 5
Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
Highest test temperature, in °C 90 90 60 80 95
Lowest test temperature, in °C 20 20 20 20 20
Test pressure, in bar
P P P P P
D D D D D
a
5 000 5 000 5 000 5 000 5 000
Number of cycles
Number of test pieces One set of fittings in accordance with the configuration shown in EN 12293
b b b b b
Pre-stress force
+1 +1
a
Each cycle shall comprise of 15 min at the highest test temperature and 15 min at the lowest test temperature.
0 0
b
The tensile stress to calculate the pre-stress force is calculated using the following equation:
σ = α × ∆T × E
t
where
σ is the tensile stress, expressed in megapascals ( MPa);
t
α is the coefficient of thermal expansion, expressed per Kelvin (1/K);
∆T is the temperature difference, expressed in Kelvins (K);
E is the modulus of elasticity, expressed in megapascals (MPa).

5.6 Durability
5.6.1 Durability related to internal pressure strength related to material
Depending on the type of material from which the pipes or fittings are manufacturerd, the following tests shall
be performed:
a) PP: Melt flow rate using the test method and conditions as given in ENISO 15874-2 and ENISO 15874-3 ,
as applicable.
prEN 15015:2011 (E)
b) PE-X: Degree of crosslinking using the test method and conditions as given in EN ISO 15875-2 and EN
ISO 15875-3 as applicable
c) PB: Melt flow rate using the testmethod and conditions as given in EN ISO 15876-2 and EN ISO 15876-3
as applicable
d) PVC-C: Vicat softening temperature using the test metod and conditions as given in EN ISO 15877-2 and
EN ISO 15877-3,as applicable
e) PE-RT: Melt flow rate using the test method and conditions as given EN ISO 22391-2 and EN ISO 22391-3
f) Multilayer: Melt flow rate of inside and outside layer material according ISO 1133 and conditions as given in
EN ISO 21003.
6 Evaluation of conformity
6.1 General
The conformity of pipes and fittings with the requirements of this standard and with the declared values
(including classes) shall be demonstrated by:
 initial type testing;
 factory production control by the manufacturer, including product assessment.
The manufacturer shall always retain the overall control and shall have the necessary means to take
responsibility for the product.
6.2 Initial Type Testing – Type Testing
6.2.1 General
Initial Type Testing and Type Testing shall be performed to demonstrate compliance with this European
Standard.
All essential characteristics for which the manufacturer declares performance, are subject to Initial Type
Testing. In addition, the need to perform Type Tests applies to all other characteristics included in a standard
when the manufacturer claims compliance, unless the standard gives provisions (e.g. use of previously
existing data, CWFT and conventionally accepted performance) for declaring performances without
performing tests
For the purposes of testing, the manufactures products may be grouped into families, where it is considered
that the results for one or more characteristics from any one product within the family are representative for
the same characteristics for all products within that family.
NOTE 1 p Products may be in different families for different characteristics.
For type testing the following family groups applies.
a) Pressure groups for pipes and fittings as given in Table 2.
prEN 15015:2011 (E)
Table 2 — Pressure groups
Pressure group Design pressure, P
D
bar
≤ 6
> 6
b) Size groups for pipes and fittings as given in Table 3.
Table 3 — Size groups
Size group Range of nominal diameters,
d
n
d ≤ 63
n
63 < d ≤ 160
n
c) Product groups for fittings as given in Table 4.
Table 4 — Product groups
Group Product
1 Pipes
2 Elbows and tees
3 All fittings except those included in group 1
and group 2.
In addition, Type Tests or Initial Type Testing shall be performed for all characteristics included in the
standard for which the manufacturer declares performances:
 at the beginning of the production of a new or modified pipe or fitting design, the raw material or supplier
of the components;
 at the beginning of a new or modified method of production (where this may affect the stated properties);
or
they shall be repeated for the appropriate characteristic(s), whenever a change occurs in the pipe and fitting
design, in the raw material or in the supplier of the components, or in the production process (subject to the
definition of a family), which would affect significantly one or more of the characteristics.
This is not applicable for routine in-process adjustment and extension of the product range (see Table 3).
A change of supplier of a material or stabiliser does not lead to a change in performance if the chemical
composition remains the same.
Material modifications within certain limits are not considered as a change of material. Guidance for these
limits can be found in the standards given in Annex B.
prEN 15015:2011 (E)
Tests previously performed in accordance with the provisions of this standard, respectively standards as listed
in Annex B, may be taken into account provided that they were made to the same or a more rigorous test
method, under the same system of attestation of conformity on the same product or products of similar design,
construction and functionality, such that the results are applicable to the product in question.
Products marked in accordance with appropriate harmonised European specifications may be presumed to
have the performances stated with that marking, although this does not replace the responsibility on the
plastic pipe and fitting designer to ensure that the plastic piping system as a whole is correctly designed and
its components products have the necessary performance values to meet the design.
6.2.2 Test samples, testing and compliance
The initial type testing of the characteristics according to Clause 4 shall be performed in accordance with the
sampling procedure given under type tests (TT) of the applicable product specific standards for assessment of
conformity as given in Annex C. If the standard does not contain one or the other of the characteristics, then
testing as given in Table 5 shall apply.
For products where no such standard exists Table 5 shall apply.
Table 5 — Type testing of pipes and fittings
a
Requirement Testing relevant to
clause of this Sampling procedure
Characteristics I M D E Compliance criteria
European (minimum sampling)
Standard
b b
Reaction to fire 4.1 — — Once/compound or  See classification in EN 13501-1
+ +
Internal pressure 4.2.2 + + — — One diameter / Pass/fail
strength pressure group / size
group / product group /
material or formulation
Dimensional 4.3 + + + + One diameter / Pass/fail
tolerances pressure group/size
group / product group /
material or formulation
Tightness 4.4 + + + + One diameter / Pass/fail
pressure group / size
group / jointing system
/ material or
formulation
Durability related to 4.5.1 + + + + Once/compound or Pass/fail
internal pressure formulation
strength of
compound or
formulation
Durability of internal 4.5.2 + + + + Once/material or By the classification of the long-
pressure strength of formulation  term strength performance
pipes and fittings
a
I is initial type test in case of new system;
M is change of material;
D is change of fitting design;
E is extension of the product range with new pressure group, size group or fitting group;
+ denotes testing relevant for the characteristic-occurrence-combination.
b
Only obligatory if subject to regulatory requirements applicable in the place of use.

prEN 15015:2011 (E)
6.2.3 Test reports
All Type Tests and/or Initial Type Tests and their results shall be documented in test reports.
Test reports shall be retained by the manufacturer for at least 10 years after the last date of production of the
pipes and fittings to which they relate.
6.3 Factory production control (FPC)
6.3.1 General
The manufacturer shall establish, document and maintain an FPC system to ensure that the products placed
on the market conform to the stated performance characteristics.
The FPC system shall consist of procedures, regular inspections and tests and/or assessments and the use
of the results to control raw and other incoming materials or components, equipment, the production process
and the product.
All the elements, requirements and provisions adopted by the manufacturer shall be documented in a
systematic manner in the form of written policies and procedures.
This production control system documentation shall ensure a common understanding of conformity evaluation
and enable the achievement of the required component characteristics and the effective operation of the
production control system to be checked.
Factory production control therefore brings together operational techniques and all measures allowing
maintenance and control of the conformity of the product with European standard.
6.3.2 Requirements
6.3.2.1 General
The manufacturer is responsible for organizing the effective implementation of the FPC system.
Tasks and responsibilities in the production control organization shall be documented and this documentation
shall be kept up-to-date.
The responsibility, authority and the relationship between personnel that manages, performs or verifies work
affecting product conformity, shall be defined. This applies in particular to personnel that needs to initiate
actions preventing product non-conformities from occurring, actions in case of non-conformities and to identify
and register product conformity problems. Personnel performing work affecting product conformity shall be
competent on the basis of appropriate education, training, skills and experience for which records shall be
maintained.In each factory the manufacturer may delegate the action to a person having the necessary
authority to:
 identify procedures to demonstrate conformity of the product at appropriate stages;
 identify and record any instance of non-conformity;
 identify procedures to correct instances of non-conformity.
The manufacturer shall draw up and keep up-to-date documents defining the factory production control.
The manufacturer's documentation and procedures should be appropriate to the product and manufacturing
process.
The FPC system should achieve an appropriate level of confidence in the conformity of the product. This
involves:
prEN 15015:2011 (E)
a) the preparation of documented procedures and instructions relating to factory production control
operations, in accordance with the requirements of the reference technical specification to which
reference is made;
b) the effective implementation of these procedures and instructions;
c) the recording of these operations and their results;
d) the use of these results to correct any deviations, repair the effects of such deviations, treat any resulting
instances of non-conformity and, if necessary, revise the FPC to rectify the cause of non-conformity.
Where subcontracting takes place, the manufacturer shall retain the overall control of the product and ensure
that he receives all the information that is necessary to fulfill his responsibilities according to this European
Standard.
If the manufacturer has part of the product designed, manufactured, assembled, packed, processed and/or
labeled by subcontracting, the FPC of the subcontractor may be taken into account, where appropriate for the
product in question.
The manufacturer who subcontracts all of his activities may in no circumstances pass these responsibilities on
to a subcontractor.
NOTE Manufacturers having an FPC system, which complies with EN ISO 9000 series [2] standard and which
addresses the requirements of this European standard are recognized as satisfying the FPC requirements of the Council
Directive 89/106/EEC.
6.3.2.2 Equipment
6.3.2.2.1 Testing
All weighing, measuring and testing equipment shall be calibrated or verified and regularly inspected
according to documented procedures, frequencies and criteria.
6.3.2.2.2 Manufacturing
All equipment used in the manufacturing process shall be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure use,
wear or failure does not cause inconsistency in the manufacturing process.
Inspections and maintenance shall be carried out and recorded in accordance with the manufacturer’s written
procedures and the records retained for the period defined in the manufacturer's FPC procedures.
6.3.2.3 Raw materials and components
The specifications of all incoming raw materials and components shall be documented, as shall the inspection
scheme for ensuring their compliance. In case supplied kit components are used, the attestation of conformity
level of the component shall be that given in the appropriate harmonised technical specification for that
component.
6.3.2.4 Design process
The factory production control system shall document the various stages in the design of the products; identify
the checking procedure and those individuals responsible for all stages of design.
During the design process itself, a record shall be kept of all checks, their results, and any corrective actions
taken.
This record shall be sufficiently detailed and accurate to demonstrate that all stages of the design phase, and
all checks, have been carried out satisfactorily.
prEN 15015:2011 (E)
6.3.2.5 Traceability and marking
Individual products and product batches shall be identifiable and traceable with regard to their production
origin. The manufacturer shall have written procedures ensuring that processes related to affixing traceability
codes and/or markings are inspected regularly.
6.3.2.6 Controls during manufacturing process
The manufacturer shall plan and carry out production under controlled conditions.
6.3.2.7 Product testing and evaluation
The manufacturer shall establish procedures to ensure that the stated values of the characteristics he
declares, are maintained.
The FPC of the characteristics according to Clause 4 shall be performed in accordance with the sampling
procedure given under batch release tests (BRT) of the applicable product specific standards for assessment
of conformity as given in Annex B. If the standard does not contain one or more of the characteristics,or if no
such standard exists, then testing as given in Table 6 shall apply.
Table 6 — Factory production control of pipes and fittings
Requirement
clause of
Sampling procedure
Essential characteristics this Test method Acceptance
(minimum sampling)
European
Standard
a
4.1 Identification of compound or Once/batch See
Reaction to fire
formulation classification in
EN 13501-1
Internal pressure strength 4.2.2 EN ISO 1167-1 and Once/batch Pass/fail
EN ISO 1167-2, -3, -4 as
b
appropriate
Dimensional tolerances 4.3 EN ISO 3126 or according to the Once/batch Pass/fail
manufacturers quality plan
Tightness pipe/fitting 4.4 Indirect testing: see dimensional Once/batch Pass/fail
connections tolerances
Durability related to 4.5.1 Indirect testing: see standard Once/batch Pass/fail
internal pressure strength references in clause 5.6.1
related to material
Durability of internal 4.5.2 Indirect testing: see internal Once/batch Pass/fail
pressure strength of pipes pressure strength
and fittings
a
Only obligatory if subject to regulatory requirements applicable in the place of use.
b
The test parameters can be found in the relevant product standard given in Annex B.

prEN 15015:2011 (E)
6.3.2.8 Non-complying products
The manufacturer shall have written procedures which specify how non-complying products shall be dealt
with.
Any such events shall be recorded as they occur and these records shall be kept for the period defined in the
manufacturer’s written procedures.
6.3.2.9 Corrective action
The manufacturer shall have documented procedures that instigate action to eliminate the cause of non-
conformities in order to prevent recurrence.
6.3.2.10 Handling, storage and packaging
The manufacturer shall have procedures providing methods of product handling and shall provide suitable
storage areas preventing damage or deterioration.
6.3.3 Product specific requirements
The FPC system shall:
 address this European Standard
and
 ensure that the products placed on the market comply with the stated performance characteristics.
The FPC system shall include a product specific FPC, which identifies procedures to demonstrate compliance
of the product at appropriate stages, i.e.:
a) the controls and tests to be carried out prior to and/or during manufacture according to a frequency laid
down in the FPC test plan,
and/or
b) the verifications and tests to be carried out on finished products according to a frequency laid down in the
FPC test plan.
If the manufacturer uses only finished products, the operations under b) shall lead to an equivalent level of
compliance of the product as if FPC had been carried out during the production.
If the manufacturer carries out parts of the production himself, the operations under b) may be reduced and
partly replaced by operations under a). Generally, the more parts of the production that are carried out by the
manufacturer, the more operations under b) may be replaced by operations under a).
In any case the operation shall lead to an equivalent level of compliance of the product as if FPC had been
carried out during the production.
NOTE Depending on the specific case, it can be necessary to carry out the operations referred to under a) and b),
only the operations under a) or only those under b).
The operations under a) refer to the intermediate states of the product as on manufacturing machines and
their adjustment, and
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