Regulations
THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIRECTIVE 97/23/EC and CE MARKING
The Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/2001) have now been introduced into United Kingdom law.
Valves with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar are covered by these new Regulations. Valves are categorised according to their maximum working pressure, size and rising level of hazard. The level of hazard varies according to the fluid being carried. Fluids are classified as Group 1, dangerous fluids or Group 2, all other fluids including steam. The Categories designated are SEP (sound engineering practice). Valves up to and including 25mm (1”) are designated SEP regardless of the fluid group. Those identified as having increased hazard are Categorised as, I, II, III or IV. All valves designated as SEP do not bear the CE mark nor require a Declaration of Conformity. Categories I, II, III or IV carry the CE mark and require a Declaration of Conformity. Valves classified from the piping chart would not be included in Category IV.