SIST EN 1716:1999

Overview

EN 1716:1997 is a CEN standard that specifies a test method for the impact resistance of assembled polyethylene (PE) tapping tees. The standard applies to PE tapping tees used in plastics piping systems for the transport of fluids. Its purpose is to define a reproducible laboratory procedure to assess how an assembled tapping tee withstands mechanical shock or impact loads that can occur during installation, handling or in-service incidents.

Key topics and technical requirements

This standard focuses on the following technical elements (high level, without specific numeric values included in the source):

• Scope and applicability - clarifies the types of tapping tees covered (PE materials) and that the test is for assembled fittings intended for fluid transport.
• Specimen preparation - instructions for preparing a representative assembled tapping tee for testing, including any conditioning required prior to impact.
• Test apparatus and setup - description of the equipment and configuration used to apply a controlled impact to the assembled tapping tee.
• Impact procedure - method for delivering an impact load to the fitting, including positioning, repeatability and observation points.
• Inspection and assessment criteria - guidance on how to evaluate damage after impact (visual inspection, leakage, functional failure), and what constitutes failure for the tested assembly.
• Test reporting - required documentation of test conditions, specimen details, test results and any deviations.

Because the publicly provided extract does not include numeric test parameters or acceptance limits, users should consult the full EN 1716:1997 document for the precise values and procedural details required for certification or compliance testing.

Applications

EN 1716 is directly relevant to:

• Manufacturers of PE tapping tees seeking to demonstrate mechanical robustness and product reliability.
• Test laboratories performing standardized impact resistance testing of fittings.
• Utilities and network owners (water, gas, other fluid distribution) who specify fittings for service connections that must resist handling and field impacts.
• Design and installation engineers evaluating suitability of tapping tees for specific service conditions.
• Certification bodies and specifiers needing a repeatable method to compare products.

Common real-world contexts include service connections, branch fittings for distribution networks, repair and tapping operations where mechanical impacts may occur.

Related standards

EN 1716 complements other CEN standards covering plastics piping systems and PE materials, including those addressing raw material properties, dimensional requirements, jointing methods and system testing. For complete compliance and system design, consult related PE piping standards and product-specific normative references.

Keywords: EN 1716, polyethylene tapping tees, PE tapping tees, impact resistance test, plastics piping systems, tapping tee test method.