GB28378-2019
Minimum allowable values of water efficiency and water efficiency grades for showers
淋浴器水效限定值及水效等级
GB 28378-2019 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Minimum allowable values of water efficiency and water efficiency grades for showers. It appears in the Construction compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Jan 1, 2021.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard applies to showers (including showerheads or showerhead combinations) installed at the end of cold and hot water supply pipelines in buildings, with a nominal pressure (static pressure) not exceeding 1.0 MPa and a medium temperature of 4°C to 90°C. It covers sanitary facilities such as washrooms, bathrooms, and shower rooms. This standard is not applicable to showers with built-in heating devices or thermostatic showers. It is crucial for manufacturers of bathroom fixtures and plumbing hardware targeting the Chinese market.
Technical requirements
GB 28378-2019 establishes a 3-tier water efficiency grading system for showers, where Grade 3 represents the lowest efficiency. The standard specifies the maximum allowable flow rates for both handheld showerheads and fixed showerheads to qualify for each grade. In addition to flow rate limits, the standard introduces a new requirement for spray force (喷射力), mandating that handheld showerheads maintain a minimum average impact force to ensure user experience while saving water. The standard also sets strict limits on flow uniformity (流量均匀性), requiring that the difference between the maximum and minimum average flow rates under varying test pressures does not exceed a specified threshold. The minimum allowable value of water efficiency corresponds to Grade 3, while the water-saving evaluation value corresponds to Grade 2.
Testing methods
The testing procedures are detailed in the normative appendix and cover three main evaluations: 1. Spray Force Test: Measures the impact force of handheld showerheads using a specialized testing device with a spray disc, conducted at specific dynamic pressures (0.30 MPa, 0.20 MPa, and 0.10 MPa). 2. Flow Rate Test: Determines the maximum flow rate by testing the showerhead at various handle positions (cold, hot, mixed) under a dynamic pressure of 0.10 MPa and a controlled water temperature. 3. Flow Uniformity Test: Evaluates the consistency of flow rates by measuring the output at three different dynamic pressures (0.30 MPa, 0.20 MPa, 0.10 MPa) and calculating the difference between the highest and lowest average flows.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 28378-2019?
GB 28378-2019 regulates showers (including handheld and fixed showerheads) used in building sanitary facilities, operating at a static pressure up to 1.0 MPa and temperatures between 4°C and 90°C. It excludes showers with built-in heaters and thermostatic showers.
Are there any updates from the previous version of GB 28378-2019?
Yes, compared to the 2012 version, GB 28378-2019 modifies the scope, basic requirements, water efficiency grade indicators, and flow uniformity indicators. Notably, it adds a new requirement for spray force to ensure a balance between water conservation and user experience.
What is the minimum water efficiency requirement for showers in China?
The minimum allowable value of water efficiency for showers is Grade 3. To be certified as a water-saving product, a shower must meet the Grade 2 requirements. Manufacturers must ensure their products meet at least Grade 3 to enter the Chinese market.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 28378-2019. To ensure complete compliance for your products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 28378-2019 today to access all detailed parameters, tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Safety
- CCS
- Y71
- ICS
- 91.060
- Competent department
- Standardization Administration of China
- Technical committee
- National Technical Committee on Water Conservation of Standardization Administration of China
Relationships
Replaces:GB 28378-2012