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1 General
1.1 Purpose: This standard shall regulate the hot water outlet temperature for plumbing
fixtures and appliances. The standard shall also specify the acceptable methods for
controlling the hot water temperature at the fixture or appliance outlet. The
regulation and control of hot water and thermal shock shall reduce the possibility of
scalds and burns with hot water and slips and falls due to a sudden change in water
temperature caused by a pressure disturbance within the domestic water distribution
system.
1.2 Intent: This standard shall provide the minimum requirements to regulate the hot
water temperature and pressure disturbances within the piping system in a plumbing
installation to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The intent of this standard is
to be a mandatory regulation applicable to all new and renovated plumbing
installations. This standard is not intended to apply to existing installations.
However, additional controls to regulate hot water in existing installations, in
accordance with this standard, will result in a safer plumbing installation.
1.3 Severability: If any section, subsection sentence, clause, or phrase of this standard
is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the
validity of the remaining parts of this standard.
2 Definitions
2.1 The following words or terms used in this standard shall have the meaning as
defined; words or terms not listed shall have their commonly accepted meaning.
2.2 Faucet: A valve end of a water pipe by which the flow of water is controlled.
2.3 Hot Water: Water having a temperature equal to or greater than 43°C (110°F).
2.4 Plumbing Appliance: A special class of plumbing fixture intended to perform a special
function, that operate or are controlled by one or more energized components, such
as motors, controls, or heating elements.
2.7 Tempered Water: Water having a temperature greater than or equal to 27°C (80°F)
and less than 43°C (110°F).
2.8 Thermal Shock: The sudden unanticipated change in water temperature, either
hotter or colder, great enough to cause the user to react in a physical way to remove
themselves from the water flow, thus creating the potential for injury due to slips,
falls, or scalding.
2.9 User(s): An individual who can adjust the outlet water temperature at the point of
use while in contact with the outlet water.
3 Referenced Standards
3.1 Standards: Various national consensus standards are referenced in this standard.
The applicable referenced standards shall be the latest edition of the standard. The
standards referenced in this document are as follows:
4 Temperature Requirements
Tub only
Residential 49°C 38°C–43°C ASSE 1070
bathtub (120°F) (100F–110°F)
Whirlpool tub 49°C 38°C–40°C ASSE 1070 Temperature range is
(120°F) (100F–104°F) based on Consumer
Product Safety
Commission and
National Spa and Pool
Institute.
Accessible tub 49°C 38°C–43°C ASSE 1070 Refer to ICC/ANSI
(120°F) (100F–110°F) A117.1.
Therapeutic tub 49°C See note. ASSE 1070 Consult medical
(120°F) professional.
Bidet 43°C 38°C–40.5°C ASSE 1070
(110°F) (95F–105°F) CSA B125.3
Appliances See note. 60°C N/A As per manufacturer’s
(140°F) instructions.
Medical and Healthcare Facilities Fixtures
Surgeon’s 49°C 40.5°C–43°C ASSE 1070 For ASSE 1069, single
scrub sink (120°F) (105F–110°F) ASSE 1069 pipe and temperature
applications only.
Patient 49°C 38°C–43°C ASSE 1016,
showers (120°F) (100F–110°F) ASME
A112.18.1/
CSA B125.1
Patients room 49°C 43°C–46°C ASSE 1070 ASSE 1017 can be
sinks (120°F) (110F–115°F) used in junction with
an ASSE 1070 device.
Infant baths 43°C 33°C–38°C ASSE 1069, For ASSE 1069, single
(110°F) (92F–100°F) ASSE 1070 pipe and temperature
applications only.
Patient tubs 43°C 38°C–43°C ASSE 1069, For ASSE 1069, single
(110°F) (100F–110°F) ASSE 1070 pipe and temperature
applications only.
Perineal (sitz) 43°C 35°C–40.5°C ASSE 1069 For ASSE 1069, single
bath (110°F) (95F–105°F) pipe and temperature
applications only.
5.1 The devices shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions and referenced standards.
5.2 Plumbing fixtures noted in this standard are to be used for their intended purpose.
5.3 Discharge temperatures shall be verified to be less than the maximum limits defined
in this standard.
The maximum outlet discharge temperature for fixtures utilizing hot water shall be verified
quarterly by the Owner or responsible person to ensure the safety of the user. The results
of the test shall be recorded with the date, time, temperatures, and the name of the person
conducting the test. Such records shall be maintained to validate the proper operation of
the temperature-control device.
There have been numerous charts and studies done on the time/temperature exposure of
hot water and the resulting burn injuries. The testing has been done primarily on animals
and the results have been correlated to potential for burns in adult humans. There have
also been papers published that suggest the thickness of the epidermis in children and the
elderly could cause burns to occur at lower temperatures than that for the average adult.
The following is a representative example of the time/temperature chart showing the time
required to produce serious scald burns at various temperatures.
Domestic Water Heating Design Manual II, American Society of Plumbing Engineers