Key Standards/Certifications for Rubber Expansion Fittings

Rubber expansion fittings or rubber expansion joints are thermal expansion and contraction compensators in piping systems. The expansion and contraction of pipes as they heat up or cool down puts tremendous stress on the system. These rubber expansion fittings absorb this movement and prevent leaks, breaks & other costly damage.

As they are used to ensure safe and effective operation of piping systems, rubber expansion fittings must meet exacting standards and certifications. Respected industry organizations set these guidelines to assure the fittings are of the highest quality and work as intended in all applications.

The major standards and certifications that apply to rubber expansion fittings are discussed here, why they are important and how to select the right certified fittings for your application.

EJMA is an international trade association that publishes standards for expansion joints – including rubber expansion fittings. They include standards for:

EJMA standards for rubber expansion fittings are:

They establish standards for rubber used in expansion fittings that are physically and chemically suitable for various operating conditions.

While standards establish guidelines for manufacturing and testing, certifications from outside organizations show a product meets those standards. Here are some important certifications for rubber expansion fittings:

Underwriters Laboratories is a worldwide safety certification company. Their certifications for rubber expansion fittings concern fire safety – the fittings must meet flammability and smoke generation requirements. Key UL certifications include:

Particularly important for rubber expansion fittings used in buildings are these certifications.

Certifications of products for drinking water systems are issued by NSF International and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This certification, NSF/ANSI 61, assures that rubber expansion fittings do not leach contaminants into potable water supplies.

Public health and safety are prerequisites for fittings in plumbing and water distribution systems.

Fire-resistant materials and construction methods are required for fire protection equipment.

FM Approvals is an internationally recognized certification agency that tests and certifies products for use in fire protection systems. Their certifications ensure rubber expansion fittings meet the highest performance and safety standards for critical fire protection applications.

Most rubber expansion fittings used in industrial facilities/power plants and other high risk environments need FM Approvals.

For one thing, following industry standards and getting relevant certifications for rubber expansion fittings is important:

Not following established standards or using non-certified rubber expansion fittings can result in:

Choosing standards and certifications can help owners, engineers & contractors ensure the safe, compliant & efficient operation of their piping systems with minimal risk and low cost over time.

Realizing the importance of standards and certifications allows the selection of the correct certified rubber expansion fittings for your application. A few key factors:

To check that a rubber expansion fitting is certified, look for markings or documentation that the rubber expansion fitting complies with standards or certifications. Respectable manufacturers will list this information clearly on the product data sheets and labeling.

You must also use certified rubber expansion fittings according to the manufacturer and certifying body. Unsafe or unsafe installation, misapplication, or exceeding the rated limits will invalidate the certifications.

Different applications or industries require specific standards or certifications for rubber expansion fittings. Some common examples:

For more information on certified rubber expansion fittings, consult experienced professionals or refer to industry codes and standards.

Rubber expansion fittings are used in safe and effective piping systems in many industries. But their performance and reliability are highly dependent on meeting established standards and certifications.

In this article we’ve reviewed the major standards and certifications for rubber expansion fittings – EJMA, ASTM, UL, NSF/ANSI and FM Approvals. We’ve discussed why such guidelines and third party verifications are important for safety, compliance, quality assurance and longevity.

Choose rubber expansion fittings carefully considering temperature and pressure ratings, movement capabilities, application and regulatory requirements. Ensure the fittings have the relevant certificates and use them as specified by the manufacturer and certifying bodies.

Not following industry standards or using non-certified rubber expansion fittings can result in safety hazards, non-compliance issues, premature product failure and legal liability. Prioritizing standards & certifications may require an upfront investment but it protects your assets / personnel / environment while reducing long-term costs and risks.

You should always seek advice from experienced professionals regarding the standards and certifications required for your application – or consult the relevant industry codes and guidelines if in doubt. They can walk you through rubber expansion fitting standards and certifications so you can make the right decisions for your piping system.

Remember that standards and certifications protect you, your operations and the public. Respecting these guidelines will give you confidence that your rubber expansion fittings will perform and be reliable for the life of your piping system.