Performance of Showers for Bathing – AS/NZS 3662:2013 Guide

AS/NZS 3662 recognises that showers are significant consumers of water. Therefore, the shower flow rate is encouraged by this Standard to be as low as possible while still delivering a comfortable and effective shower.

This article is an informative guide about AS/NZS 3662:2013 (which superseded AS/NZS 3662:2005) and is designed to educate homeowners, renovators, and industry professionals about choosing compliant shower products.

What is AS/NZS 3662?

In general, Standards are voluntary documents that set out specifications, procedures and guidelines that aim to ensure products, services, and systems are safe, consistent, and reliable. These can include areas such as the environment, construction, consumer products, energy, water utilities, and more.

The full name of this Standard is AS/NZS 3662:2013 Performance of showers for bathing. This current version of the joint Standard was issued in 2013 by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand. Its scope is to specify “requirements for the performance of showers for bathing”. It regulates product quality and takes into account factors such as water flow rate, temperature drop, temperature stability, spray pattern, comfort, and effectiveness.

What Does AS/NZS 3662 Cover?

AS/NZS 3662 covers these key areas:

• Flow Rate: This refers to the amount of water flow through the shower head and is measured in litres per minute. For sustainability reasons, this Standard encourages low-flow, high-performance showers.

• Mean Spray Spread Angle: This simply means the average angle that the water sprays out of the shower head. The Standard provides guidelines for this angle to provide maximum user comfort and coverage.

• Temperature Drop: AS/NZS 3662 limits the allowable temperature drop in order to maintain comfort and provide a more consistent shower temperature.

• Shower Hoses: The Standard sets out the durability, strength, flexibility, and watertightness requirements of shower hoses.
• Flow Controllers: AS/NZS 3662 shower Standards outline the performance and endurance testing procedures for flow controllers..

• Different Shower Types: This Standard encompasses a range of shower types, including fixed, handheld, and mixing valve.

Key Differences Between AS/NZS 3662:2005 and AS/NZS 3662:2013

Why did AS/NZS 3662:2005 need to be updated? Standards are living documents that reflect progress in science, technology and systems, they are periodically reviewed, and new editions are published. This was the case in 2013, when AS/NZS 3662:2013 was issued, and here are some of the main differences:

• Component Testing:
 In the 2005 Standard, all parts were tested separately. The 2013 Standard requires testing components together (e.g., hoses, flow controllers, showerheads) to ensure overall performance.

• Expanded Requirements:
 The 2013 update added durability, watertightness, and flexibility tests for shower hoses.
 Flow controllers are also covered in more detail.

• Clarity on Shower Types:
 In 2013, the definitions were expanded to include different shower configurations (fixed, handheld, with mixing valves).

• Alignment with Water Efficiency Goals:
 The 2013 revision is better aligned with WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme).
 WELS is a government scheme that provides labels to help consumers easily compare water-efficient products, which save water and money.

What does the 2013 Standard mean for your compliance? Products tested to the 2005 Standard might not meet current expectations. The 2013 Standard is the “gold Standard” for both performance and sustainability.

Why AS/NZS 3662 Matters for You

Complying with the AS/NZS 3662:2013 Standard provides many benefits (and prevents problems):

• Better Performance: Showers that comply with the latest Standard provide a reliable and comfortable shower experience.

• Better Water Efficiency: Compliant shower designs support conservation (sustainability) and lower your water bills.

• Component Integration: With the 2013 Standard, products are tested together to show the true performance of your shower system.

The Link Between AS/NZS 3662 and Water Efficiency

Why is compliance with AS/NZS 3662 both a performance and eco-friendly choice? Because the Standard complements the government’s WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) requirements, it’s easy for consumers to identify products with the most efficient water usage. Because plumbing products such as showers are likely to be used for 10 years or more, this can have a very beneficial effect on your long-term water and energy bills.

Where to Access AS/NZS 3662:2013

Intertek Inform is an authorised reseller of Australian Standards, purchase and access this Standard immediately with one click.

While access to the full Standard is paid, it is hoped that summaries (like this article) will help readers understand its essentials.

Choosing the Right Shower for Your Home or Project

Whether you’re a homeowner or a builder, a good practical tip is to look at the certification and compliance labels on each component that you are considering. The WELS system of efficiency “stars” will help you select the most eco-friendly (and money-saving!) products for your shower. You should also consider the comfort of your shower and match the shower type (fixed, handheld, mixer) with your needs. If you have any enquiries about compliant products, contact us.

Next Steps – Ensure Compliance and Comfort

The wonderful thing about a compliant shower (conforming with AS/NZS 3662:2013) is that it is durable, comfortable, effective and water-efficient, which lowers your bills! At Intertek Inform, we’ll help you with fast and secure access to Standards, discover our entire collection today.