What is BS EN 1487 – Hydraulic safety groups about?
Hydraulic safety group are safety device that limits the pressure in hot water heaters, prevents the backflow of water into the main circuit, prevents the discharged water from coming into contact with the water in the water heater, allows the function of the backflow prevention to be controlled and isolates and drains the water heater for maintenance services.
BS EN 1487 is a European Standard that discusses hydraulic safety groups. The main objective of BS EN 1487 is to ensure safe, reliable and effective performance of hydraulic safety groups.
BS EN 1487 specifies dimensions, materials and performance requirements (including methods of test) for hydraulic safety groups, of nominal sizes from DN 15 to DN 25, having working pressures1) from 0,1 MPa (1 bar) to 0,7 MPa (7 bar).
Hydraulic safety groups are intended for fitting to the potable water supply of storage water heaters, having a maximum storage temperature of 95°C.
Hydraulic safety groups limit the pressure in hot water heaters, prevent the backflow of water into the main circuit and prevent the discharged water to get into contact with the water in the water heater.
Hydraulic safety groups do not control the temperature. They ensure the hydraulic safety of water heaters if the mechanical resistance of the water heater remains at least equal to the rating pressure.
Note: The use of the device specified in BS EN 1487 does not override the need to use controls (e.g., thermostats and cut-outs) which act directly on the power sources of water heaters.
Who is BS EN 1487 - Hydraulic safety groups? 
BS EN 1487 on hydraulic safety groups is relevant to: 
- Manufacturers of hydraulic safety groups
- Manufacturers of water heaters
- Product design engineers
- Quality control and testing personnel
- Maintenance and installation personnel
- Mechanical engineers
- Local authorities
Why should you use BS EN 1487 - Hydraulic safety groups?
Hydraulic safety groups are an important requirement in domestic water systems for controlling the temperature of water in hot water storage heaters. However, malfunctioning of these devices can ultimately lead to severe injury to individuals operating hydraulic safety groups and to the overall performance of water heaters.
To avoid such incidents, it is vital that manufacturers adopt BS EN 1487 compliant best industry practices to determine whether their products are fit for use.
To facilitate the safe and efficient use of hydraulic safety groups, BS EN 1487 provides the best industry guidance on design and dimensional requirements, surface finish and the nature of the material required for its longevity and endurance.
As a result, if you are a manufacturer of hydraulic safety groups, adopting BS EN 1487 requirements and test methods can help you to determine whether or not your products are safe, reliable and effective at the point of use. Consequently, risks arising from temperature control failure and backflow can be prevented.
