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// CODE SNIPPET

603.3 Backflow Prevention Devices, Assemblies, and Methods

California Plumbing Code 2016 > 6 Water Supply and Distribution > 603.0 Cross-Connection Control > 603.3 Backflow Prevention Devices, Assemblies, and Methods
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Backflow prevention devices, assemblies, and methods shall comply with Section 603.3.1 through Section 603.3.9.

603.3.1 Air Gap

The minimum air gap to afford backflow protection shall be in accordance with Table 603.3.1.

TABLE 603.3.1
MINIMUM AIR GAPS FOR WATER DISTRIBUTION4
FIXTURES WHERE NOT AFFECTED BY SIDEWALLS1
(inches)
WHERE AFFECTED BY SIDEWALLS2
(inches)
Effective openings3 not greater than 1/2 of an
inch in diameter
1 11/2
Effective openings3 not greater than 3/4 of an
inch in diameter
11/2 21/4
Effective openings3 not greater than 1 inch in
diameter
2 3
Effective openings3 greater than 1 inch in
diameter
Two times the diameter of effective opening Three times the diameter of effective opening
For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm

Notes:
1  Sidewalls, ribs, or similar obstructions do not affect air gaps where spaced from the inside edge of the spout opening a distance exceeding three times the diameter of the effective opening for a single wall, or a distance exceeding four times the effective opening for two intersecting walls.
2  Vertical walls, ribs, or similar obstructions extending from the water surface to or above the horizontal plane of the spout opening other than specified in Footnote 1 above. The effect of three or more such vertical walls or ribs has not been determined. In such cases, the air gap shall be measured from the top of the wall.
3  The effective opening shall be the minimum cross-sectional area at the seat of the control valve or the supply pipe or tubing that feeds the device or outlet. Where two or more lines supply one outlet, the effective opening shall be the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the individual supply lines or the area of the single outlet, whichever is smaller.
4  Air gaps less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) shall be approved as a permanent part of a listed assembly that has been tested under actual backflow conditions with vacuums of 0 to 25 inches of mercury (85 kPa).

603.3.2 Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)

An atmospheric vacuum breaker consists of a body, a checking member, and an atmospheric port.

603.3.3 Hose Connection Backflow Preventer

A hose connection backflow preventer consists of two independent check valves with an independent atmospheric vent between and a means of field testing and draining.

603.3.4 Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly (DC)

A double check valve backflow prevention assembly consists of two independently acting internally loaded check valves, four properly located test cocks, and two isolation valves.

603.3.5 Pressure Vacuum Breaker Backflow Prevention Assembly (PVB)

A pressure vacuum breaker backflow prevention assembly consists of a loaded air inlet valve, an internally loaded check valve, two properly located test cocks, and two isolation valves. This device shall be permitted to be installed indoors where provisions for spillage are provided.

603.3.6 Spill-Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker (SVB)

A pressure-type vacuum breaker backflow prevention assembly consists of one check valve force-loaded closed and an air inlet vent valve force-loaded open to atmosphere, positioned downstream of the check valve, and located between and including two tightly closing shutoff valves and test cocks.

603.3.7 Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RP)

A reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention assembly consists of two independently acting internally loaded check valves, a differential pressure-relief valve, four properly located test cocks, and two isolation valves.

603.3.8 Double Check Detector Fire Protection Backflow Prevention Assembly

A double check valve backflow prevention assembly with a parallel detector assembly consisting of a water meter and a double check valve backflow prevention assembly (DC).

603.3.9 Reduced Pressure Detector Fire Protection Backflow Prevention Assembly

A reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention assembly with a parallel detector assembly consisting of a water meter and a reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP).

Related Code Sections


603.3 Water Supply and Distribution, Backflow Prevention Devices, Assemblies, and Methods
Backflow prevention devices, assemblies, and methods shall comply with Section 603.3.1 through Section 603.3.9 ...
California Plumbing Code 2016 > 6 Water Supply and Distribution > 603.0 Cross-Connection Control > 603.3 Backflow Prevention Devices, Assemblies, and Methods
603.3 Water Supply and Distribution, Backflow Prevention Devices, Assemblies, and Methods
Backflow prevention devices, assemblies, and methods shall comply with Section 603.3.1 through Section 603.3.9 ...
California Plumbing Code 2019 > 6 Water Supply and Distribution > 603.0 Cross-Connection Control > 603.3 Backflow Prevention Devices, Assemblies, and Methods
603.3.9 Water Supply and Distribution, Reduced Pressure Detector Fire Protection Backflow Prevention Assembly
A reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention assembly with a parallel detector assembly consisting of a water meter and a reduced-pressure ...
California Plumbing Code 2019 > 6 Water Supply and Distribution > 603.0 Cross-Connection Control > 603.3 Backflow Prevention Devices, Assemblies, and Methods > 603.3.9 Reduced Pressure Detector Fire Protection Backflow Prevention Assembly
603.3.4 Water Supply and Distribution, Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly (DC)
A double check valve backflow prevention assembly consists of two independently acting internally loaded check valves, four properly located test ...
California Plumbing Code 2016 > 6 Water Supply and Distribution > 603.0 Cross-Connection Control > 603.3 Backflow Prevention Devices, Assemblies, and Methods > 603.3.4 Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly (DC)
603.3.4 Water Supply and Distribution, Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly (DC)
A double check valve backflow prevention assembly consists of two independently acting internally loaded check valves, four properly located test ...
California Plumbing Code 2019 > 6 Water Supply and Distribution > 603.0 Cross-Connection Control > 603.3 Backflow Prevention Devices, Assemblies, and Methods > 603.3.4 Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly (DC)
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