Aerator
An aerator mixes air into a stream of water in order to smooth the flow of water and to reduce splashing
Aerator marking
Spout-end devices must bear a permanent legible marking «A112.18.1M» and the flow rate in gpm or gpc or in liters per minute (FTC rule 305.11)
Air gap
Unobstructed vertical distance between the faucet spout end (aerator) and the flood rim of the sink or lavatory. Some plumbing codes require a minimum distance of e.g. 1 inch
ANSI
American National Standard Institute
ASME
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
CSA
Canadian Standard Association International
Flow regulator
Pressure compensating flow regulators maintain a constant flow rate regard-less of variations in line pressure. Precise flow control improves system performance and in the case of plum-bing systems provides comfort of use at low pressure as well as water and energy saving at high pressure
gpc
gallons per cycle
gpm
gallons per minute
1 gallon = 3.785 liters
IAPMO
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
LEED®
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Metering faucet
When actuated mechanical or electronic metering faucets dispense water for a pre-determined period of time. Combined with a PCA aerator, metering faucets deliver a pre-defined volume of water to meet code require-ments (0.25 gpc)
NSF
National Sanitation Foundation
PCA®
Aerator with pressure compensating flow regulator
psi
pounds per square inch
1 psi = 0.06895 bar
Public Lavatory faucet
Faucet installed in non-residential bathrooms exposed to walk-in traffic
Restrictor
Refers to a fixed orifice. A restrictor produces higher flow at higher pressure (excess flow) and lower flow at lower pressure (insufficient flow)
Stream quality
Factors to consider when comparing stream quality include effective aeration, stream straightness, stream diameter, side splash and of course actual flow performance (flow rate across the pressure range)
Watercolours®
Color coding system of NEOPERL® aerators for easy identification of the respective model
WELS
Australian Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme