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Lead-free chrome-plated brass ball valve

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mrev23

Mechanical
Mar 20, 2014
26
Is the industry moving away from lead-free chrome-plated brass ball valves for domestic water systems?

As there was some confusion during a conversation with one supplier, I am referring to the ball being chrome-plated, not the valve body.

A Brand-X supplier said they stopped making them because chrome is not lead-free.

A Brand-Y supplier said when they say "chrome-plated," they actually mean "nickle-plated." And they claimed everyone else uses this terminology.

That is contrary to what I see here:

"Chromium carbide gives a Rockwell scale (Rc) hardness of about 65 and resists erosion and extreme temperatures."

So what is reality for domestic water valves in a commercial/institutional project?
[ul]
[li]Is the chrome plating not lead-free?[/li]
[li]Do all the manufacturers tell us fiction when they use "chrome-plated" as code for "nickle plated?"[/li]
[/ul]
 
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If by 'supplier', you mean salesperson, you cannot rely on anything they say.

Under pressure, they may provide cut sheets or other documentation, which can usually be trusted, after cross-checking that you are looking at the correct document for the correct product.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
 
For our lead free ball valves we specify either a silicon bronze or stainless steel ball.

We still specify chrome plated for non lead free versions.
 
It is possible for chrome plating to meet the "Surfaces in contact with water contain less the 0.25% lead as set by the EPA" standard.

Chrome plating and nickel plating are different finishes.

Contact the manufacturer directly for technical information.
 
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