This Part of EN 13244 specifies the characteristics of valves or valve bodies made from polyethylene (PE) intended for buried and above-ground pressure systems for water for general purposes, drainage and sewerage. It is also applicable for vacuum sewer systems. NOTE 1 Water for general purposes is not intended for human consumption and components conforming to this standard should not be used in systems conveying water for human consumption. For PE components intended for the conveyance of water intended for human consumption and raw water prior to treatment, see EN 12201 [1] . NOTE 2 Valves made from material other than polyethylene (PE) designed to (a) relevant standard(s) can be used in PE piping systems conforming to EN 13244 when they have relevant PE connection ends for butt fusion or electrofusion (see EN 13244 -3). It also specifies the test parameters for the test methods referred to in this standard. In conjunction with other Parts of EN 13244 (see Foreword), it is applicable to PE valves, their joints and to joints with components of other materials intended to be used as follows: -- buried in the ground; -- sea outfalls; -- laid in water; -- above-ground, including pipes suspended below bridges; -- a maximum operating pressure, MOP, up to and including 25 bar; -- an operating temperature of 20 °C as a reference temperature. NOTE 3 For applications operating at constant temperatures greater than 20 °C and up to 40 °C, see annex A of EN 13244 -1:2002. EN 13244 covers a range of maximum operating pressures and gives requirements concerning colours and additives. NOTE 4 It is the responsibility of the purchaser or specifier to make the appropriate selections from these aspects, taking into account their particular requirements and any relevant national guidance or regulations and installation practices or codes. This Part of EN 13244 covers valves for pipes with a nominal outside diameter dn <=225 mm.