Lead Free Intiative
Elkhart Products Corporation has implemented a low-lead initiative to ensure our customers have products that comply with new lead-free laws in USA. This page is provided as an information resource to address questions about the lead-free laws that take effect on January 1, 2014.
California has enacted AB1953 which amends the Health and Safety Code (ยง116875, subd. (d).), changing the definition of "Lead-Free" in the code. Vermont has enacted similar legislation (S152).
Starting January 1, 2014, the maximum allowable lead content in "low-lead" also known as "lead-free" pipes, pipe or plumbing fittings, and fixtures intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking or cooking is as follows: 0.25 percent lead in wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures, as determined by a weighted average.
Please Note: Copper is naturally lead-free, meaning all Wrot Copper fittings produced at Elkhart Products Corporation comply with the new lead laws.
Products Affected by the New Laws
The requirements specifically apply to pipes, pipe or plumbing fittings, fixtures, solder, or flux intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption.
Products Excluded by the New Laws
Excluded Products: service saddles, backflow preventers for non-potable services such as irrigation and industrial, water distribution main gate valves that are two inches in diameter and above are excluded.
How to Identify Lead Law Compliant Material
All products supplied by EPC that are manufactured from either brass or bronze will be made from low lead material effective January 1, 2014. As a Wrot manufacturer, EPC purchases cast and forged brass and bronze products from a variety of suppliers. As there is no standard for marking low lead material each individual supplier may mark in one or more of the following ways:
Generic Marking
"Bi", "Si" or "C89836"
Material Type Marking
NSF 61-G or NSF 372
Standards Marking
Please Note: Inner packaging and master cartons containing product made with low lead material will be marked with LL and may also be marked ANSI/NSF 61-G .