ASME A112.4.

1-2009
[Revision of ASME A112.4.1-1993 (R2008)]

Water Heater
Relief Valve
Drain Tubes
REAFFIRMED 2014
FOR CURRENT COMMITTEE PERSONNEL
PLEASE E-MAIL [email protected]

A N A M E R I C A N N AT I O N A L STA N DA R D

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 ASME A112.4.1-2009
[Revision of ASME A112.4.1-1993 (R2008)]

Water Heater

No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

Relief Valve
Drain Tubes

AN AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

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 Date of Issuance: January 11, 2010

This Standard will be revised when the Society approves the issuance of a new edition. There will
be no addenda or written interpretations of the requirements of this Standard issued to this edition.

Periodically certain actions of the ASME A112 Committee may be published as Cases. Cases are
published on the ASME Web site under the Committee Pages at http://cstools.asme.org as they are
issued.

ASME is the registered trademark of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

This code or standard was developed under procedures accredited as meeting the criteria for American National
Standards. The Standards Committee that approved the code or standard was balanced to assure that individuals from
competent and concerned interests have had an opportunity to participate. The proposed code or standard was made
available for public review and comment that provides an opportunity for additional public input from industry, academia,
regulatory agencies, and the public-at-large.
ASME does not “approve,” “rate,” or “endorse” any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.
ASME does not take any position with respect to the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any
items mentioned in this document, and does not undertake to insure anyone utilizing a standard against liability for
infringement of any applicable letters patent, nor assumes any such liability. Users of a code or standard are expressly
advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, is
entirely their own responsibility.
Participation by federal agency representative(s) or person(s) affiliated with industry is not to be interpreted as
government or industry endorsement of this code or standard.
ASME accepts responsibility for only those interpretations of this document issued in accordance with the established
ASME procedures and policies, which precludes the issuance of interpretations by individuals.

No part of this document may be reproduced in any form,

in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Three Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990

Copyright © 2010 by
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
All rights reserved
Printed in U.S.A.

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 CONTENTS

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Committee Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Correspondence With the A112 Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

2 Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
3 Test Methods and Performance Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

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 FOREWORD

There are potential hazards associated with the heating of water in a closed vessel, as the
potential for excessive temperature or pressure development within such closed systems is always
present. In order to reduce the hazards associated with water heating, two special amendments
have been added to the plumbing codes and standards over the past few decades that have
resulted in much safer installations. The first requirement involved the installation of a high limit
control in the water heating assembly, which deactivates the fuel gas control mechanism if
the water heating device exceeds a specific temperature. The second requirement involved the
installation of a temperature and pressure relief valve, which is designed to open to atmosphere
if the water temperature or pressure within a vessel exceeds the defined specifications of the
valve. Properly inspected and maintained, these devices provide the "state-of-the-art" in water
heater safety.
For many years, relief valve drains were field-fabricated from metallic piping. With the increas-
ing use of plastics and the need for more expedient installations of plumbing components, the
ASME A112 Committee undertook the task of developing criteria for the performance of water
heater relief valve drains.
It is intended that this Standard serve as a uniform reference document for use by manufacturers,
inspectors, contractors, and installers to identify criteria applicable to water heater relief valve
drain tubes.
When this Standard was first developed in 1993, the standard relief valve rating of residential
water heaters was 100,000 Btu/hr. Today the common industry rating is 105,000 Btu/hr for the
relief valves. This revision reflects this change.
Suggestions for improvement of this Standard are welcome. They should be sent to The
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Attn: Secretary, A112 Standards Committee, Three
Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990. The ASME A112 Standards Committee approved the
Standard and it was subsequently adopted as an American National Standard by the American
National Standards Institute on July 10, 2009.

iv
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 ASME A112 COMMITTEE
Standardization of Plumbing Materials and Equipment
(The following is the roster of the Committee at the time of approval of this Standard.)

STANDARDS COMMITTEE OFFICERS

D. W. Viola, Chair
S. A. Remedios, Vice Chair
F. Constantino, Secretary

STANDARDS COMMITTEE PERSONNEL

R. H. Ackroyd, Rand Engineering J. M. Koeller, Koeller and Co.
S. R. Aridi, NSF International N. M. Kummerlen, Moen, Inc.
A. Ciechanowski, Alternate, NSF International J. W. Lauer, Sloan Valve Co.
J. A. Ballanco, JB Engineering & Code Consulting J. C. Watson, Alternate, Sloan Valve Co.
J. Bouwer, Euro Sales, Inc. R. M. Martin, California Energy Commission
M. N. Burgess, Burgess Group, Inc. L. A. Mercer, Moen, Inc.
S. L. Cavanaugh, Consultant J. E. Bertrand, Alternate, Moen, Inc.
F. Constantino, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers T. C. Pitcherello, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
S. M. Corcoran, American Society of Sanitary Engineering S. Rawalpindiwala, Kohler Co.
P. V. DeMarco, International Association of Plumbing and S. A. Remedios, Delta Faucet Co.
Mechanical Officials G. L. Simmons, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry
D. E. Holloway, Alternate, International Association of Plumbing W. B. Morris, Alternate, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry
and Mechanical Officials W. M. Smith, Jay R. Smith Manufacturing Co.

No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

G. S. Duren, Code Compliance, Inc. M. Weiss, Alternate, Weiss Research
R. Emmerson, Consultant D. W. Viola, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical
K. Fromme, Bradley Corp. Officials
L. S. Galowin, Consultant M. Campos, Alternate, International Association of Plumbing and
R. I. Greenwald, Consultant Mechanical Officials
G. W. Harrison, Consultant W. C. Whitehead, Consultant

A112 PROJECT TEAM 4.1 — RELIEF VALVE DRAINS

R. H. Ackroyd, Chair, Rand Engineering R. L. George, Ron George Design & Consulting
M. Campos, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical B. Pines, C&R Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Officials

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 CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE A112 COMMITTEE

General. ASME standards are developed and maintained with the intent to represent the
consensus of concerned interests. As such, users of this Standard may interact with the committee
by requesting interpretations, proposing revisions, and attending committee meetings.
Correspondence should be addressed to:
Secretary, A112 Standards Committee
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Three Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016-5990
http://go.asme.org/Inquiry

Proposing Revisions. Revisions are made periodically to this Standard to incorporate changes
that appear necessary or desirable, as demonstrated by the experience gained from the application
of the standard. Approved revisions will be published periodically.
The Committee welcomes proposals for revisions to this Standard. Such proposals should be
as specific as possible, citing the edition, the paragraph number(s), the proposed wording, and
a detailed description of the reasons for the proposal including any pertinent documentation.
When appropriate, proposals should be submitted using the A112 Project Initiation Request Form.
Proposing a Case. Cases may be issued for the purpose of providing alternative rules when
justified, to permit early implementation of an approved revision when the need is urgent, or to
provide rules not covered by existing provisions. Cases are effective immediately upon ASME
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approval and shall be posted on the ASME Committee Web page.

Requests for Cases shall provide a Statement of Need and Background Information. The request
should identify the standard, the paragraph, figure or table number(s), and be written as a
Question and Reply in the same format as existing Cases. Requests for Cases should also indicate
the applicable edition(s) of the standard to which the proposed Case applies.
Interpretations. Upon request, the Committee will render an interpretation of any requirement
of the standard. Interpretations can only be rendered in response to a written request sent to the
Secretary of the A112 Standards Committee.
The request for interpretation should be clear and unambiguous. It is further recommended
that the inquirer submit his/her request in the following format:

Subject: Cite the applicable paragraph number(s) and the topic of the inquiry.
Edition: Cite the applicable edition of the Standard for which the interpretation is
being requested.
Question: Phrase the question as a request for an interpretation of a specific requirement
suitable for general understanding and use, not as a request for an approval
of a proprietary design or situation. The inquirer may also include any plans
or drawings that are necessary to explain the question; however, they should
not contain proprietary names or information.

Requests that are not in this format will be rewritten in this format by the Committee prior
to being answered, which may inadvertently change the intent of the original request.
ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of any interpretation when or if additional
information that might affect an interpretation is available. Further, persons aggrieved by an
interpretation may appeal to the cognizant ASME Committee or Subcommittee. ASME does not
“approve,” “certify,” “rate,” or “endorse” any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.
Attending Committee Meetings. The A112 Standards Committee regularly holds meetings,
which are open to the public. Persons wishing to attend any meeting should contact the Secretary
of the A112 Standards Committee.

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 ASME A112.4.1-2009

WATER HEATER RELIEF VALVE DRAIN TUBES

1 GENERAL 2.4 Installation Instructions

1.1 Scope Installation instructions, including post-installation
relief valve testing procedures, shall be provided with
This Standard establishes performance requirements
the unit. A permanent tag or label relating to the relief
and test methods applicable to water heater relief valve
valve test procedures shall be provided with the device.
drain (or runoff) tubes for use with relief valves having
a steam rating of 105,000 Btu/hr or less.
2.5 Marking and Identification
1.2 Reference Standards
2.5.1 The manufacturer’s name or trademark shall
The following reference standards shall be used to
be permanently marked on the drain tube.
evaluate the product, and are cited herein. Unless indi-
cated, the latest edition of these standards shall be appli- 2.5.2 For products intended for other than OEM
cable for certification to this Standard. applications, the limitations of installation for the drain
ANSI Z21.22, Relief Valves for Hot Water Supply tube shall be permanently marked on the tube in let-
Systems tering not less than 0.125 in. in height. For example,
Publisher: International Association of Plumbing and “HAND-TIGHTEN ONLY,” “USE ONLY ON T & P
Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), 20001 Walnut Drive, VALVES WITH 105,000 Btu/hr OR LESS RATING,” or
South Walnut, CA 91789-2825 (www.iapmo.org) “NO PIPE SEALANTS.”

ASME B1.20.1, Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch)

Publisher: The American Society of Mechanical 3 TEST METHODS AND PERFORMANCE
Engineers (ASME), Three Park Avenue, New York, NY REQUIREMENTS
10016-5990; Order Dept: 22 Law Drive, P. O. Box 2900,
Fairfield, NJ 07007-2900 (www.asme.org) 3.1 Temperature Test

3.1.1 Test Equipment. A steam-generating source

2 REQUIREMENTS
capable of producing 105,000 Btu/hr at 15 psig pressure
2.1 Size and 250°F temperature shall be used to conduct this test.
The steam source shall be fitted with instruments that
The drain tube shall have a minimum inside diameter
measure pressure and temperature. The steam source
of 3⁄4 in. and a minimum length of 48 in.
shall be connected to a 3⁄4-in. relief valve that complies
2.2 Material with ANSI Z21.22. The relief valve shall be mounted
horizontally and the drain tube shall be installed in a
The material that is used in the composition of the downward position. For drain tubes intended for instal-
drain tube shall be capable of withstanding the tempera- lation in relief valve locations at the top of a water heater,
ture tests cited in section 3 without collapse or perma- the test assembly shall be installed with the relief valve
nent distortion. Materials shall be corrosion resistant. in a vertical position and the drain tube connected and
tested accordingly.
2.3 Joints
Any joints within the tube shall be firmly affixed and 3.1.2 Test Method. Prior to conducting this test, the
shall withstand the temperature tests without separation inside diameter and length of the drain tube shall be
or leakage. Assembly of the drain tube to the relief valve measured and recorded. A thermocouple shall be
shall be possible by hand-tightening only. Connecting attached to the outside surface of the drain tube within
threads shall comply with ASME B1.20.1 for 3⁄4 in. NPT 3 in. ± 0.5 in. of the relief valve in order to measure the
pipe threads. equilibrium temperature. The steam generator shall be

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 ASME A112.4.1-2009

activated and the relief valve shall be manually locked generator shall be deactivated and the drain tube shall
in an open position. Steam discharge conditions of be allowed to cool. The drain tube shall be evaluated
105,000 Btu/hr ± 5% Btu/hr, pressure ratings of 15 psig, against its original baseline dimensions.
and temperature values of 250°F shall be established.
When the thermocouple on the drain tube assembly 3.1.3 Performance Requirements. The drain tube
indicates equilibrium temperature has been attained, the shall maintain its original inside diameter and shall not
test shall continue for 15 min. After 15 min, the steam exceed ±0.25 in. from its original length.
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 ASME A112.4.1-2009

No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

J13709
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