ISO/TS 16486-7:2023

© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)
Date: 2023-02-23
ISO TC 138/SC 4/WG 7
Secretariat: NEN
Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels —
Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems with fusion
jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 7: Assessment of
Conformity
Systèmes de canalisations en matières plastiques pour la distribution de combustibles
gazeux — Systèmes de canalisations en polyamide non plastifié (PA-U) avec assemblages
par soudage et assemblages mécaniques — Partie 7: L'évaluation de la conformité


DTS stage

Warning for WDs and CDs
This document is not an ISO International Standard. It is distributed for review and comment. It is subject to
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Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of
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© ISO 2022
Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping
systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 7: Assessment of conformity
Systèmes de canalisations en matières plastiques pour la distribution de combustibles gazeux — Systèmes
de canalisations en polyamide non plastifié (PA-U) avec assemblages par soudage et assemblages
mécaniques — Partie 7: L'évaluation de la conformité

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ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)
© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no
part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without
prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or
ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland


iv © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
iv © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

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ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)
Contents
Foreword . vi
Introduction. vii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Abbreviated terms . 6
5 General . 6
6 Testing and inspection . 6
6.1 Grouping . 6
6.1.1 General . 6
6.1.2 Size groups . 6
6.1.3 Fitting groups . 7
6.1.4 Fitting types . 7
6.2 Type testing . 7
6.3 Batch release testing . 16
6.4 Process verification tests . 20
6.5 Audit tests . 23
6.6 One-off products and products produced in very low quantity . 26
6.6.1 Type test results. 26
6.6.2 Test records . 26
6.6.3 Technical file for certification purposes . 27
Annex A (normative) Change of compound . 28
A.1 General . 28
A.2 Change . 28
A.2.1 Change of base polymer . 28
A.2.2 Change of grade . 28
A.2.2.1 Any change of viscosity number of granules outside of the following limit: . 28
A.2.2.2 Production of the same base polymer at a different site . 29
A.2.2.3 Production of the same base polymer with a new production line at the same site . 29
A.2.3 Change of pigment . 29
A.2.3.1 Change of chemical nature or colour of pigment . 29
A.2.3.2 Increase of pigment level by > 30 % . 29
A.2.4 Change of additives other than pigments . 29
A.2.4.1 Change of chemical nature or addition or deletion of any additive . 29
A.2.4.2 Change of any additive (other than UV-stabilisers) level by > 30 % . 29
A.2.4.3 Decrease of UV-stabilisers by > 30 % or increase by > 50 % . 29
A.3 Type testing required for re-evaluation . 29
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© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved v

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ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)
A.3.1 Changes A.2.1 and A.2.3.1 . 29
A.3.2 Changes A.2.2.1, A.2.2.2, A.2.2.3, A.2.3.2, A.2.4.1, A.2.4.2 and A.2.4.3 . 29
Annex B (informative) Basic test matrix for PA-U compounds and piping products . 31
Bibliography . 38
Foreword . vii
Introduction. viii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 2
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Abbreviated terms . 6
5 General . 6
6 Testing and inspection . 7
6.1 Grouping . 7
6.1.1 General . 7
6.1.2 Size groups . 7
6.1.3 Fitting groups . 7
6.1.4 Fitting types . 7
6.2 Type testing . 8
6.3 Batch release testing . 22
6.4 Process verification tests . 28
6.5 Audit tests . 32
6.6 One-off products and products produced in very low quantity . 36
6.6.1 Type test results. 36
6.6.2 Test records . 36
6.6.3 Technical file for certification purposes . 36
Annex A (normative) Change of compound . 38
Annex B (informative) Basic test matrix for PA-U compounds and piping products . 1
Bibliography . 7

vi © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
vi © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

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ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO
collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
In addition to text written in the official ISO languages (English, French, Russian), this document gives
text in German. This text is published under the responsibility of the Member Body for DE and is given
for information as regional CEN requirement only. Only the text given in the official languages can be
considered as ISO text.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any
patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on
the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World
Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC138TC 138, Plastics pipes, fittings and valves
for the transport of fluids, Subcommittee SC 4, Plastics pipes and fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels., in
collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC
155, Plastics piping systems and ducting systems, in accordance with the Agreement on technical
cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
A list of all parts in the ISO 16486 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved vii
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved vii

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ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)
Introduction

This part of ISO 16486document specifies requirements and guidance for the assessment of conformity
(AoC) for a piping system and its components made from unplasticized polyamide (PA-U), and which is
intended to be used for the supply of gaseous fuels.

Requirements and test methods for material and components of the piping system are specified in
ISO 16486-1, ISO 16486-2, ISO 16486-3, and ISO 16486-4.

Characteristics for fitness for purpose of the system and generic fusion parameters are covered in
ISO 16486-5.

Recommended practice for installation is givenprovided in ISO 16486-6, which will not be implemented
as European Standard under the Vienna Agreement.

[1]
NOTE 1 Recommended practice for installation is also given in will be givenprovided in CEN/TS 12007-6 ,
Gas infrastructure — Pipelines for maximum operating pressure up to and including 16 bar — Part 6: Design,
handling, installation and operation of unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems with fusion joining and
[1]
mechanical jointing - Functional recommendation, that has been, prepared by Technical Committee
CEN/TC234TC 234, Gas infrastructure.

Training and assessment of fusion operators is given in ISO /TS 16486-8.

This part ofNOTE While ISO 16486 covers guidance for the assessment of conformity of the
system.

Parts -1, ISO 16486-2, ISO 16486-3, ISO 16486-5, 6, ISO 16486-6 and ISO/TS 16486-7 (this part),document) and
ISO/TS 16486-8 have been prepared by ISO/TC138/SC4. Part TC 138, SC 4, ISO 16486-4 has been prepared by
ISO/TC138/TC 138, SC 7.
This document details the applicable characteristics to be assessed for type testing (TT), batch release
testtesting (BRT), process verification testtesting (PVT),) and audit testtesting (AT), as well as the
frequency and sampling for testing.
The concept of testing and organisationorganization of those tests used for the AoC is shown, without or
with certification, in Figures 1 and 2.
[2]
NOTE 2 Figures 1 and 2 are taken over from ISO/TS 15874-7 .
A typical scheme for the assessment of conformity of materials, compounds, pipes, fittings, valves, joints
or assemblies by product manufacturers is given in Figure 1.
viii © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
viii © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

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ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)


Figure 1
SOURCE: ISO/TS 15874-7, reproduced with the permission of the authors.
Figure 1 — Typical scheme for the AoC by a manufacturer, without certification
A typical scheme for the assessment of conformity of compounds, pipes, fittings, valves, joints or
assemblies by manufacturers, including certification, is given in Figure 2.
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved ix
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved ix

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ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)


SOURCE: ISO/TS 15874-7, reproduced with the permission of the authors.
Figure 22 — Typical scheme for the AoC by a manufacturer, including certification
x © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
x © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

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ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)
Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels —
Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems with fusion
jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 7: Assessment of
Conformity
Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels —
Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems with fusion
jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 7: Assessment of
Conformity
1 Scope
This document gives guidance and requirements for the assessment of conformity of compounds,
products, joints and assemblies in accordance with the applicable part(s) of the ISO 16486 series which
are intended to be included in the manufacturer’s quality plan as part of the quality management system
and for the establishment of certification procedures.
NOTE 1 A basic test matrix in Annex B provides an overview of the testing scheme in Annex B.
[4]
It is recommended that the manufacturer hashave a management system such as ISO 9001 or
equivalent.
NOTE 2 If certification is involved, the certification bodybodies and inspection bodybodies operating according to
[5] [6]
ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17020 are considered to be competent.
In conjunction with the other parts of the ISO 16486 series (see clause Clause 2 Normative References), this
Technical Specificationdocument is applicable to unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems intended
to be buried and used for the supply of gaseous fuels. It is applicable to PA-U pipes, fittings, and valves, as
well as to their joints and to joints with components of other materials intended to be used under the
following conditions:
1) 1
a) a maximum operating pressure, (MOP,) up to and including 18 bar bar (the MOP is limited to
16 bar for CEN member countries, where part 6 of this standardISO 16486-6 is replaced by CEN /TS
[1]
12007-6 );
b) an operating temperature of 20 °C as the reference temperature.
NOTE 3 For operating temperatures different to 20 °C, derating coefficients can be used, (see ISO 16486-6.). CEN
[1]
member countries have to base onuse CEN/TS 12007-6 and ISO /TS 16486-7 (this specification),document) as a
basis, but they can ask foralso request additional requirements. For non-CEN member countries orientation,
information for dealing with special cases for PA-U can also be found in ISO /TS 16486-7 (this
[ [7] ]
specificationdocument) and PPI TR-3 . .
For mechanical fittings conforming to ISO 17885, guidance for assessment of conformity is not given in
this part of ISO 16486.document. When requested, a quality plan based on the tests mentioned shouldcan
be set up in agreement between user and manufacturer.
The ISO 16486 series covers a range of maximum operating pressures and gives requirements concerning
colours.

1 5 2
1 bar = 0,1 MPa = 10 Pa; 1 MPa = 1 N/mm .
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ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)
NOTE 4 It is the responsibility of the purchaser or specifier to make the appropriate selections from these aspects,
taking into account their particular requirements and any relevant national regulations and installation practices
or codes.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
1) 1 bar = 0,1 MPa. = 105 Pa; 1 MPa = 1 N/mm2
ISO 6259-1, Thermoplastics pipes ― Determination of tensile properties ― Part 1: General test method
ISO 12162, Thermoplastics materials for pipes and fittings for pressure applications ⎯— Classification,
designation and design coefficient
ISO 13477, Thermoplastics pipes for the conveyance of fluids ⎯— Determination of resistance to rapid
crack propagation (RCP) ⎯— Small-scale steady-state test (S4 test) )
ISO ISO 16486-1-1:2020, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide
(PA-U) piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 1: General
ISO 16486-2:2020, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-
U) piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 2: Pipes
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 1: General
ISO 16486-2-3:2020, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide
(PA-U) piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 3: Fittings
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 2: Pipes
ISO 16486-3-4:2022, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide
(PA-U) piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 4: Valves
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 3: Fittings
ISO 16486-4-5:2021, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide
(PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 4: valves
ISO 16486-5, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 5: Fitness for purpose of the system
ISO 16486-6, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U piping
systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 6: Code of practice for design, handling and
installation
ISO 17885, Plastics piping systems — Mechanical fittings for pressure piping systems — Specifications
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 16486-1, ISO 16486-2,
ISO 16486-3, ISO 16486-4 and ISO 16486-5 and the following apply.
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ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)
ISO and IEC maintain terminologicalterminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
certification body
third-party conformity assessment body operating certification schemes
Note 1 to entry: A certification body can be non-governmental or governmental (with or without regulatory
authority).
3.2
laboratory

body that performs one or more of the following activities:
—
— testing;
—
— calibration;
—
— sampling, associated with subsequent testing or calibration

Note 1 to entry: InWithin the context of this document, the materials and products can be subjected to type
testing, batch release testing, process verification testing and audit testing, as applicable.
3.3
quality management system
part of a management system with regard to quality
[8]
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2015 , definition 3.5.4]
[4]
Note 1 to entry: Requirements for quality management systems are given in ISO 9001 .
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2015, 3.5.4, modified — Note 1 to entry added.]
3.4
quality plan
document setting out the specific quality practices, responsibilities, resources and sequence of activities
relevant to a particular product or range of products
3.5
type testing
TT
test performed to prove that the material, component, product, joint or assembly is capable of conforming
to the requirement(s) given in the relevant standard
3.6
batch release test
BRT
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ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)
test performed on a batch of material, components, products, joints or assemblies which has to be
satisfactorily completed before the batch can be released
Note 1 to entry: A batch release test can be performed by the manufacturer or outsourced on behalf of the
manufacturer.
3.7
process verification test
PVT
test performed on material, component, product, joint or assembly at specific intervals to confirm that
the process continues to be capable of producing components, products which conform to the
requirements given in the relevant standard
Note 1 to entry: Process verification tests can be performed by the manufacturer or outsourced on behalf of the
manufacturer.
Note 2 to entry: Process verification tests are regularly performed to demonstrate that the product remains
compliant with the type test results.
2
[3] [9]
Note 3 to entry: ISO/WD AWI 8149 :— presents the stress rupture curves for PA-U and PPI TR-4 listlists the
long-term hydrostatic strength at different temperatures for a number of different PA-U piping materials.
3.8
audit test
AT
test performed on behalf of a certification body
Note 1 to entry: Audit tests are generally required to confirm that the compound, components, product, joint or
assembly continues to conform to the requirements given in the relevant standard and to provide information to
assess the effectiveness of the quality management system.
3.9
indirect test
IT
batch release test performed which differs from that specified test for that particular characteristic,
having previously verified its correlation with the specified test
Note 1 to entry: Indirect tests can be performed by the manufacturer or outsourced on behalf of the
manufacturer.
3.10
witness test
WT
type test or audit test which is performed in the presence of a representative of the certification body
3.11
material
generic term for compounds grouped by families, expressed by generic names
Note 1 to entry: Examples of generic names are PA-U 11, PA-U 12.
3.12
compound

2
Under preparation. Stage and the time of publication: ISO/AWI 8149:2023.
4 © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

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ISO/DTS 16486-7:20222023(E)
homogenous mixture of substances used for the manufacture of the product as defined in the referring
product standard
Note 1 to entry: Annex A gives testing requirements for changes made to the compound.
3.13
material batch
batch of material
quantity of a given homogeneous compound manufactured under uniform conditions defined and
identified by the compound manufacturer
3.14
product
item as defined in the scope of the standardthis document, e.g. pipe, fitting, valve
3.15
product batch
batch of products
clearly identified collection of products, manufactured consecutively or continuously under the same
conditi
...

FINAL
TECHNICAL ISO/DTS
DRAFT
SPECIFICATION 16486-7
ISO/TC 138/SC 4
Plastics piping systems for the supply
Secretariat: NEN
of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized
Voting begins on:
2023-03-13 polyamide (PA-U) piping systems
with fusion jointing and mechanical
Voting terminates on:
2023-06-05
jointing —
Part 7:
Assessment of conformity
Systèmes de canalisations en matières plastiques pour la distribution
de combustibles gazeux — Systèmes de canalisations en polyamide
non plastifié (PA-U) avec assemblages par soudage et assemblages
mécaniques —
Partie 7: Evaluation de la conformité
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN-
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2023

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ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
FINAL
TECHNICAL ISO/DTS
DRAFT
SPECIFICATION 16486-7
ISO/TC 138/SC 4
Plastics piping systems for the supply
Secretariat: NEN
of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized
Voting begins on:
polyamide (PA-U) piping systems
with fusion jointing and mechanical
Voting terminates on:
jointing —
Part 7:
Assessment of conformity
Systèmes de canalisations en matières plastiques pour la distribution
de combustibles gazeux — Systèmes de canalisations en polyamide
non plastifié (PA-U) avec assemblages par soudage et assemblages
mécaniques —
Partie 7: Evaluation de la conformité
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
ISO copyright office
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
DOCUMENTATION.
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
Email: copyright@iso.org
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
Website: www.iso.org
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
Published in Switzerland
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN-
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
ii
  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2023

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ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Abbreviated terms . 5
5 General . 5
6 Testing and inspection .5
6.1 Grouping . 5
6.1.1 General . 5
6.1.2 Size groups . 5
6.1.3 Fitting groups . 6
6.1.4 Fitting types . 6
6.2 Type testing . 6
6.3 Batch release testing . 13
6.4 Process verification tests . 17
6.5 Audit tests . 21
6.6 One-off products and products produced in very low quantity .23
6.6.1 Type test results . 23
6.6.2 Test records . 24
6.6.3 Technical file for certification purposes . 24
Annex A (normative) Change of compound .25
Annex B (informative) Basic test matrix for PA-U compounds and piping products .27
Bibliography .33
iii
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ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 138, Plastics pipes, fittings and valves
for the transport of fluids, Subcommittee SC 4, Plastics pipes and fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels,
in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/
TC 155, Plastics piping systems and ducting systems, in accordance with the Agreement on technical
cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
A list of all parts in the ISO 16486 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

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ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
Introduction
This document specifies requirements and guidance for the assessment of conformity (AoC) for a piping
system and its components made from unplasticized polyamide (PA-U), and which is intended to be
used for the supply of gaseous fuels.
Requirements and test methods for material and components of the piping system are specified in
ISO 16486-1, ISO 16486-2, ISO 16486-3 and ISO 16486-4.
Characteristics for fitness for purpose of the system and generic fusion parameters are covered in
ISO 16486-5.
Recommended practice for installation is provided in ISO 16486-6, which will not be implemented as
European Standard under the Vienna Agreement.
[1]
Recommended practice for installation is also provided in CEN/TS 12007-6, prepared by Technical
Committee CEN/TC 234, Gas infrastructure.
Training and assessment of fusion operators is given in ISO/TS 16486-8.
NOTE While ISO 16486-1, ISO 16486-2, ISO 16486-3, ISO 16486-5, ISO 16486-6 and ISO/TS 16486-7 (this
document) and ISO/TS 16486-8 have been prepared by ISO/TC 138, SC 4, ISO 16486-4 has been prepared by
ISO/TC 138, SC 7.
This document details the applicable characteristics to be assessed for type testing (TT), batch release
testing (BRT), process verification testing (PVT) and audit testing (AT), as well as the frequency and
sampling for testing.
The concept of testing and organization of those tests used for the AoC is shown, without or with
certification, in Figures 1 and 2.
A typical scheme for the assessment of conformity of materials, compounds, pipes, fittings, valves,
joints or assemblies by product manufacturers is given in Figure 1.
SOURCE ISO/TS 15874-7, reproduced with the permission of the authors.
Figure 1 — Typical scheme for the AoC by a manufacturer, without certification
A typical scheme for the assessment of conformity of compounds, pipes, fittings, valves, joints or
assemblies by manufacturers, including certification, is given in Figure 2.
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ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
SOURCE ISO/TS 15874-7, reproduced with the permission of the authors.
Figure 2 — Typical scheme for the AoC by a manufacturer, including certification
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels —
Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems with fusion
jointing and mechanical jointing —
Part 7:
Assessment of conformity
1 Scope
This document gives guidance and requirements for the assessment of conformity of compounds,
products, joints and assemblies in accordance with the applicable part(s) of the ISO 16486 series which
are intended to be included in the manufacturer’s quality plan as part of the quality management
system and for the establishment of certification procedures.
NOTE 1 A basic test matrix in Annex B provides an overview of the testing scheme.
[4]
It is recommended that the manufacturer have a management system such as ISO 9001 or equivalent.
NOTE 2 If certification is involved, certification bodies and inspection bodies operating according to
ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17020 are considered to be competent.
In conjunction with the other parts of the ISO 16486 series (see Clause 2), this document is applicable
to unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems intended to be buried and used for the supply of
gaseous fuels. It is applicable to PA-U pipes, fittings and valves, as well as to their joints and to joints
with components of other materials intended to be used under the following conditions:
1)
a) a maximum operating pressure (MOP) up to and including 18 bar (the MOP is limited to 16 bar for
[1]
CEN member countries, where ISO 16486-6 is replaced by CEN/TS 12007-6 );
b) an operating temperature of 20 °C as the reference temperature.
NOTE 3 For operating temperatures different to 20 °C, derating coefficients can be used (see ISO 16486-6).
[1]
CEN member countries use CEN/TS 12007-6 and ISO/TS 16486-7 (this document) as a basis, but they can also
request additional requirements. For non-CEN member countries, information for dealing with special cases for
[7]
PA-U can be found in ISO/TS 16486-7 (this document) and PPI TR-3.
For mechanical fittings conforming to ISO 17885, guidance for assessment of conformity is not given in
this document. When requested, a quality plan based on the tests mentioned can be set up in agreement
between user and manufacturer.
The ISO 16486 series covers a range of maximum operating pressures and gives requirements
concerning colours.
NOTE 4 It is the responsibility of the purchaser or specifier to make the appropriate selections from these
aspects, taking into account their particular requirements and any relevant national regulations and installation
practices or codes.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
5 2
1) 1 bar = 0,1 MPa = 10 Pa; 1 MPa = 1 N/mm .
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ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
ISO 12162, Thermoplastics materials for pipes and fittings for pressure applications — Classification,
designation and design coefficient
ISO 13477, Thermoplastics pipes for the conveyance of fluids — Determination of resistance to rapid crack
propagation (RCP) — Small-scale steady-state test (S4 test)
ISO 16486-1:2020, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-
U) piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 1: General
ISO 16486-2:2020, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-
U) piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 2: Pipes
ISO 16486-3:2020, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-
U) piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 3: Fittings
ISO 16486-4:2022, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-
U) piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 4: Valves
ISO 16486-5:2021, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-
U) piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 5: Fitness for purpose of the system
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 16486-1, ISO 16486-2,
ISO 16486-3, ISO 16486-4 and ISO 16486-5 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
certification body
third-party conformity assessment body operating certification schemes
Note 1 to entry: A certification body can be non-governmental or governmental (with or without regulatory
authority).
3.2
laboratory
body that performs one or more of the following activities:
— testing;
— calibration;
— sampling, associated with subsequent testing or calibration
Note 1 to entry: Within the context of this document, the materials and products can be subjected to type testing,
batch release testing, process verification testing and audit testing, as applicable.
3.3
quality management system
part of a management system with regard to quality
Note 1 to entry: Requirements for quality management systems are given in ISO 9001.
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2015, 3.5.4, modified — Note 1 to entry added.]
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ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
3.4
quality plan
document setting out the specific quality practices, responsibilities, resources and sequence of activities
relevant to a particular product or range of products
3.5
type testing
TT
test performed to prove that the material, component, product, joint or assembly is capable of
conforming to the requirement(s) given in the relevant standard
3.6
batch release test
BRT
test performed on a batch of material, components, products, joints or assemblies which has to be
satisfactorily completed before the batch can be released
Note 1 to entry: A batch release test can be performed by the manufacturer or outsourced on behalf of the
manufacturer.
3.7
process verification test
PVT
test performed on material, component, product, joint or assembly at specific intervals to confirm
that the process continues to be capable of producing components, products which conform to the
requirements given in the relevant standard
Note 1 to entry: Process verification tests can be performed by the manufacturer or outsourced on behalf of the
manufacturer.
Note 2 to entry: Process verification tests are regularly performed to demonstrate that the product remains
compliant with the type test results.
2) [9]
Note 3 to entry: ISO/AWI 8149:— presents the stress rupture curves for PA-U and PPI TR-4 lists the long-
term hydrostatic strength at different temperatures for a number of different PA-U piping materials.
3.8
audit test
AT
test performed on behalf of a certification body
Note 1 to entry: Audit tests are generally required to confirm that the compound, components, product, joint or
assembly continues to conform to the requirements given in the relevant standard and to provide information to
assess the effectiveness of the quality management system.
3.9
indirect test
IT
batch release test performed which differs from that specified test for that particular characteristic,
having previously verified its correlation with the specified test
Note 1 to entry: Indirect tests can be performed by the manufacturer or outsourced on behalf of the manufacturer.
3.10
witness test
WT
type test or audit test which is performed in the presence of a representative of the certification body
2) Under preparation. Stage and the time of publication: ISO/AWI 8149:2023.
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ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
3.11
material
generic term for compounds grouped by families, expressed by generic names
Note 1 to entry: Examples of generic names are PA-U 11, PA-U 12.
3.12
compound
homogenous mixture of substances used for the manufacture of the product as defined in the referring
product standard
Note 1 to entry: Annex A gives testing requirements for changes made to the compound.
3.13
material batch
batch of material
quantity of a given homogeneous compound manufactured under uniform conditions defined and
identified by the compound manufacturer
3.14
product
item as defined in the scope of this document, e.g. pipe, fitting, valve
3.15
product batch
batch of products
clearly identified collection of products, manufactured consecutively or continuously under the same
conditions, using the same compound conforming to the same specification
Note 1 to entry: The production batch is defined and identified by the product manufacturer.
3.16
lot
clearly identifiable sub-division of a batch for inspection purposes
3.17
sample
one or more units or products drawn from the same production batch or a lot, selected at random
without regard to their quality
3.18
group
collection of similar components or products from which samples are selected for testing purposes
3.19
component
item manufactured out of a specific compound, supplied as part of a product or as a spare part for that
product
Note 1 to entry: Depending on the context, components can potentially be considered as products and be
individually approved (e.g. o-ring, gasket) or they are tested as an integral part of a finished product (e.g. in a
valve).
3.20
joint
connection between two or more products
3.21
assembly
set of components that forms a product or a test piece
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ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
3.22
product type
generic description of a product
EXAMPLE A pipe or fitting or valve or their main parts, of the same design, from a particular compound.
3.23
body type
generic description of a valve body
Note 1 to entry: A valve body is of a particular design which can have different end connections.
3.24
cavity
space within a mould to be filled to form the moulded product
EXAMPLE That part of an injection mould which gives the form to the injection-moulded product.
4 Abbreviated terms
To avoid misunderstanding, the abbreviated terms listed in this Clause are defined as being equivalent
in each language. For the same reason, the terms are given in the languages, English, French, Russian
and German; see Table 1.
Table 1 — Abbreviated terms in English, French, Russian and German
Term EN FR RU DE
AT audit test essai d’audit Инспекционные Überwachungsprüfung
испытания
BRT batch release test essai de libération de Приемо-сдаточные Freigabeprüfung einer
campagne de fabrication испытания Charge
PVT process verification test essai de vérification du Периодические Prozessüberprüfung
procédé de fabrication испытания
TT type test essai de type Типовые испытания Typprüfung
5 General
Materials, products and fitness for purpose shall conform to the requirements given in ISO 16486-1,
ISO 16486-2, ISO 16486-3, ISO 16486-4 and ISO 16486-5.
Materials and products shall be produced by the manufacturer under a quality management system
which includes a quality plan.
6 Testing and inspection
6.1 Grouping
6.1.1 General
For the purpose of this document, the groups specified in 6.1.2 to 6.1.4 apply.
6.1.2 Size groups
Three size groups are defined for pipes and fittings, as given in Table 2.
For testing purposes, one individual nominal diameter, d , shall be selected from each group.
n
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ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
Table 2 — Size groups
Size group Nominal diameter
d
n
mm
1 16 ≤ d ≤ 63
n
2 63 < d ≤ 225
n
3 225 < d ≤ 630
n
6.1.3 Fitting groups
Three groups of fittings each having a similar design are defined, as given in Table 3.
For testing purposes, one individual fitting shall be selected from each group.
Table 3 — Fitting groups
Fitting groups
(A) Electrofusion socket fitting
(B) Electrofusion saddle fitting
(C) Spigot end fitting
6.1.4 Fitting types
Fitting groups are divided into fitting types.
Fitting group (A) includes the following fitting types: electrofusion couplers, electrofusion 45° elbows,
electrofusion 90° elbows, electrofusion tees, electrofusion reducers, electrofusion end caps, etc.
Fitting group (B) includes the following fitting types: electrofusion tapping saddles, electrofusion
branch saddles, etc.
Fitting group (C) includes the following fitting types: 45° elbows, 90° elbows, tees, reducers, end caps,
etc.
6.2 Type testing
Type testing is intended to demonstrate the ability of the product to fulfil the intended use and
characteristics detailed in the referring product standard.
Type testing shall be performed as described in Tables 4, 5, 6 and 7 whenever there is:
a) a new system (N);
b) a change in design (D);
c) a change in material (M);
d) an extension of the product range (E).
It can be necessary to revalidate type testing in the case of process verification test deviation (see 6.4).
When a change of production site occurs, the manufacturer shall determine which type tests need to be
revalidated.
Unless any of the conditions described in points a) to d) occurs, the type test results remain valid.
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ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
A type test may be performed by the manufacturer or outsourced on behalf of the manufacturer.
NOTE It is recommended that the location of the test be made available if certification is involved.
Type tests shall demonstrate that the products conform to all requirements for the characteristics
given in Tables 4 to 7, as applicable.
In case of a change in compound as defined in Clause A.2, relevant type testing requirements as defined
in Clause A.3, and in Tables 4 to 7 as applicable, shall apply.
For the purposes of a change:
a) dimensions and geometry (see column D1 of Tables 6 and 7), are defined as: change of visual and
functional optimizations, change of overall dimensions, change of a non-PA part;
b) jointing system joint affected part (see column D2 of Tables 6 and 7), is defined as: change of the
dimensions of the fusion zone (e.g. wire pitch, wire depth), the electrical characteristics (e.g. wire,
resistance), the fusion parameters (e.g. time, voltage).
For the extension of the production range, the relevant characteristics given in Table 6 and Table 7,
column E, as applicable, shall be retested. If certification is involved, retesting shall be agreed between
the certification body and the manufacturer.
Table 4 — Characteristics of compounds that require type testing (TT) by the compound
manufacturer
Characteristic Reference Sampling procedure
Compound density ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
5.2.5
Viscosity number ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
5.2.5
Water content ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
5.2.5
a
Carbon black content ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
5.2.5
a
Carbon black dispersion ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
5.2.5
b
Pigment dispersion ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
5.2.5
Chemical resistance (or re- ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
sistance to gas condensate) 5.2.5
c
Resistance to weathering ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
5.2.5
d
Resistance to rapid crack ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
propagation (Critical pres- 5.2.5
e
according to ISO 13478 (withdrawn)
sure, p )
c
(e ≥ 5 mm)
(Full-scale test)
f,g
Resistance to rapid crack ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
propagation (critical pres- 5.2.5
according to ISO 13477
sure, p )
c,S4
(S4 test)
Resistance to slow crack ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
growth (d : 110 mm SDR 11) 5.2.5
n
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ISO/DTS 16486-7:2023(E)
TTabablele 4 4 ((ccoonnttiinnueuedd))
Characteristic Reference Sampling procedure
Determination of the ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
failure mode in a tensile 5.3,
test on a butt fusion weld
ISO 16486-5:2021,
(d : 110 mm SDR 11)
n
5.2.1.1 and Table 5
ISO 16486-1:2020, Once/compound
5.3,
ISO 16486-5:2020,
5.2.1.2 and Table 5
Classification ISO 16486-1:2020, Shall conform to ISO 12162, Once/com-
5.4 pound
a
Only applicable for black compound.
b
Only applicable for non-black compound.
c
Three pieces for elongation at break/Three pieces for hydrostatic strength/One sam-
ple for decohesion of an electrofusion joint.
d
And for every pipe dimension with d > 90 mm.
n
e
Cooling for crack initiation according to ISO 16486-1:2020, 5.2.5.
f
Relation between pipe sample for FS- and S4-test according to ISO 16486-1:2020, 5.2.5
g
Reference value definition according to ISO 16486
...