What is NSF Certification?

If you manufacture, distribute, or use  valves for potable water or food processing, you most likely have come across the acronym NSF.  A valve that does not clearly have a NSF rating should not be used for distributing potable water or in food processing.  Using a valve that isn't certified when you have an application that calls for a NSF Certification will not pass state and federal inspections, and is simply against the law.

What is NSF?

NSF stands for the  National Sanitation Foundation.  When a valve, fitting, or pipe is NSF certified, it meets or exceeds particular standards enforced by state and federal laws.  Not all NSF standards pertain to food or water.  There are numerous standards for a variety of medias.  Many relate to commercial and residential plumbing.  Others are for pharmaceutical safety, etc.  The point is, if the valve you want to purchase and use in your application does not carry an NSF certification and the applications requires one, you should contact a valve expert before installation.  It's all about safety and protecting yourself from possible liability and suit.  An inspection that fails to identify NSF certified valves in places where they should be could be very costly, even devastating to a business or municipality, depending on how many valves and other line components would have to be immediately replaced. 

Identifying NSF Certification

Most manufactures will have the NSF seal of approval on their submittal sheets or specification sheets to inform you upfront as to whether or not a valve is NSF certified.  Some will list valves as being certified, while others will let you know which valves are not certified.  If an NSF certification isn't mentioned on the manufacturer data sheet, it's best to contact them directly.  In addition, since there are so many different reasons for a product to be NSF certified, the acronym NSF may be followed by a series of numbers specifying its specific media certification.  For instance, a marking of  NSF-61, or NSF/ANSI 61, indicates the valve or other related product has been approved for a potable water application.

Shop NSF Certified Valves

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NSF Certification Chart

When in doubt, of course, just ask professional  valve store and distributor that you can trust like ValveMan.com.  They have been in the industrial valve business for over 50 years.  They can provide you with what you want to know regarding standards and regulations.  This is because all we sell are valves.  It's simply all they do, and they do it better than anyone else.

If you found this article informative, and would like to read another, you might also want to check out:

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Jason Welsford

Valve industry Business operations and leadership Sales and customer service Product knowledge Sector-specific knowledge Project management Innovation and technology

Jason Welsford is the third-generation owner of the FS Welsford Company and a highly regarded expert in the valve industry. Under his leadership, ValveMan.com has grown into a leading online platform for valves and valve-related products. Leveraging his extensive knowledge of business operations and various valve systems, Jason offers tailored solutions across diverse sectors. Known for his collaborative approach and leadership skills, he consistently ensures successful project outcomes. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Jason continues to shape the future of the valve industry.