Lead-free chrome-plated brass ball valve

Question

Lead-free chrome-plated brass ball valve

mrev23 (Mechanical)

(OP)

27 Sep 16 22:51

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:
http://www.valvemagazine.com/web-only/categories/t...

"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?

Is the chrome plating not lead-free?
Do all the manufacturers tell us fiction when they use "chrome-plated" as code for "nickle plated?"

MikeHalloran (Mechanical) · Answer 1 · 2016-09-28 00:50:11

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

PEDARRIN2 (Mechanical) · Answer 2 · 2016-09-28 12:09:24

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.

bimr (Civil/Environmental) · Answer 3 · 2016-09-28 21:21:30

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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Lead-free chrome-plated brass ball valve