WRAS and Cat 5 Explained | Choosing the Right Commercial Washing Machine
Every UK business that uses laundry equipment as part of its operations — from care homes and hotels to schools, councils, vets, kennels and catteries — must ensure their washing machines are compliant with the relevant UK regulations. Inspections by Water Regulations Inspectors mean that getting this right isn’t just good practice; it’s a legal obligation. Compliance isn’t optional — it’s essential — and MAG Laundry Equipment is here to help you get it right.
Putting a typical domestic washing machine into a business environment might seem tempting from a cost perspective, but a basic machine simply doesn’t offer the safety features, durability or compliance required for commercial use. To meet UK water safety and backflow standards ask MAG Laundry Equipment about our professional grade laundry appliances which are more reliable, more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than household machines.
Under the Water Regulations, the concept of fluid categories is key to determining how to protect the water supply. There are five fluid categories ranging from:
Category 1 | Wholesome, drinking water.
Category 2 | Refers to drinking water where quality is impaired by changes in temperature, taste, odour, or appearance, but remains safe for consumption.
Category 3 | Household use like domestic washers/dishwashers.
Category 4 | Commercial and healthcare risks involving contaminated or potentially pathogenic fluids. In most commercial laundry settings (e.g., hotels and schools), washing machines are treated as Fluid Category 4 risks.
Category 5 | The highest contamination risk. Higher-risk environments — particularly where healthcare or animal care is provided — are treated as Cat 5.
A washing machine with Category 5 backflow protection is engineered so that even in a worst-case scenario, contaminated water cannot return to the mains supply, which is critical for patient safety and infection control in healthcare and veterinary environments.
Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999: What You Need to Know
The foundations of UK compliance for any laundry machine connected to the mains water supply are found in the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. These rules are designed to protect public health by preventing contamination of the water supply through backflow and inappropriate fittings.
Commercial washing machines
by MAG are designed to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the mains supply, making them essential for environments such as care homes, hospitals, and commercial premises. These machines ensure compliance with UK water regulations (Fluid Category 5) by incorporating safety features such as air gaps or approved backflow prevention, unlike most domestic washing machines.
Regulation 4 Compliance
At the core of the Water Regulations is Regulation 4, which states that all water fittings must be: of an appropriate quality and standard suitable for the circumstances in which they are used not risk contamination or backflow into the public supply.
In practice this means that commercial washing machines must incorporate adequate backflow prevention or be installed with compliant devices to stop contaminated laundry water re-entering the mains. The friendly team at MAG Laundry Equipment can take care of everything for you including UK-wide delivery and installation.
Add Your Heading Text Here
WRAS Approval and What It Really Means
You’ve likely heard the term WRAS Approved — and it’s an important one — but in the UK regulatory world this needs careful explanation: WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) used to be the go-to scheme for testing and approving products to show compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. Manufacturers subject equipment to WRAS testing so the product is proven appropriate and suitable for commercial use. WRAS approval is widely accepted by local water authorities as evidence of compliance when connected to a water supply.
Note: Regulators have clarified that the minimum legal requirement is compliance with Regulation 4 itself, not necessarily carrying the WRAS logo — and there are alternative schemes (like Kiwa’s UK Regulation 4 approval) that demonstrate the same compliance status. Regardless of the route, what matters to inspectors is that the water-using appliance is fit for purpose, especially in higher-risk environments. It’s better to be safe than sorry, ask MAG to help you select the correct washing machine for your type of business and industry.
KIWA and Regulation 4 Certification
Kiwa UK operates a Regulation 4 approval, often referred to as KUKreg4, that is fully recognised by UK water authorities — and, in many cases, preferred because it explicitly demonstrates conformity with the Water Regulations.
Products carrying a Kiwa UK Regulation 4 approval are independently tested and verified as meeting the required standards for backflow prevention and materials safety. This gives businesses equally strong evidence of compliance to protect their water supply and pass inspections.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Sluice and Medical-Grade Washing Machines
For settings such as care homes, hospitals and veterinary practices, standard commercial machines alone may not be sufficient. These environments frequently require:
Sluice cycles, dedicated programmes for heavily soiled and contaminated textiles
Medical-grade machines - capable of both thermal and chemical disinfection to meet stringent infection control standards
Thermal disinfection - for example holding laundry at 65–71°C for a specified time - is often a requirement for safe processing of clinical waste linen
Machines with validated disinfection cycles reduce infection risk and help your operation meet standards expected by regulators such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
DEFRA and Environmental Responsibilities
While DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) doesn’t directly regulate the machines themselves, it underpins broader environmental and waste-management law in the UK. Businesses must ensure that:
Wastewater is safely discharged — not polluting drains or watercourses
Operating practices align with Environmental Protection Act 1990 obligations for controlled waste disposal
Detergents and chemicals meet UK standards for biodegradability and safe use under the Detergents Regulation, overseen by DEFRA and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
This means careful selection of both machines and consumables — detergents that are compliant with GB law, and plumbing that protects both water quality and the environment.
Safety Beyond Water: PUWER & HSE Compliance
Safety Beyond Water: PUWER & HSE Compliance
Commercial laundry equipment also falls under general workplace health and safety law. For example, PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) requires that machinery:
- Is safe and suitable for its intended use
- Is regularly maintained and inspected
- Includes proper guarding and controls
Additionally, compliance with Health & Safety at Work and machine safety standards such as BS EN ISO ensures protection for operators and duty holders alike.
Selecting The Correct Washing Machine For Your Company
At MAG Laundry Equipment, we recognise that choosing compliant commercial washing machines isn’t just about ticking a box — it’s about safeguarding your business, your residents, your customers, and your reputation.
Whether you’re running a nursing home, bed and breakfast, hostel, school, hospital, or veterinary centre, understanding WRAS / Regulation 4 compliance, fluid categories, backflow prevention, and the right disinfection capabilities is essential.
The team at MAG Laundry Equipment is here to guide you to laundry machines that meet your operational needs and the exacting standards of UK legislation.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Ready to Upgrade Your Laundry Equipment?
Whether you’re replacing outdated units or setting up a brand-new laundry operation, MAG Laundry Equipment is here to help. Our experienced team offers free consultations, helping you choose the best machine for your space, budget, and business. Nationwide delivery & installation available — call us today on 01422 244 733 to find out more.
In the world of commercial and industrial laundry, performance, reliability, and efficiency aren’t optional – they’re essential. With MAG Laundry Equipment, you’re choosing quality machinery, expert support, and a partner that truly understands the needs of UK businesses. Don’t settle for less. Choose MAG – built for business, trusted by professionals.
