Buyers of plumbing components regularly ask for "DZR or lead-free brass" as though they were alternatives. They are two separate properties, and the right choice depends on where the product will be used.
What DZR brass does
Dezincification is selective corrosion: in certain water conditions, zinc is removed from the alloy and a porous, weak copper structure remains. DZR (dezincification-resistant) brass, such as CW602N, adds a small amount of arsenic and relies on a controlled microstructure to resist this. Resistance is normally demonstrated with a laboratory test such as ISO 6509.
What lead-free means
Lead-free brass limits the lead content, mainly for products that contact drinking water. Definitions differ by market. In the United States, for example, "lead free" plumbing is defined by a weighted-average lead content of no more than 0.25% on wetted surfaces. Europe is moving toward harmonised approved-material lists for products in contact with drinking water.
The point that is often missed
Traditional DZR brasses are still leaded alloys — CW602N typically contains roughly 2% lead — so DZR does not automatically mean lead-free. Some lead-free silicon brasses also show good dezincification resistance, but this should be verified against the specific alloy and test standard you require.
Which should you specify?
| Your situation | Typically specify |
|---|---|
| Aggressive water, no lead restriction | DZR brass (CW602N) |
| Drinking-water product in a lead-restricted market | Lead-free brass (e.g. CW724R) |
| Both requirements apply | Lead-free alloy verified for dezincification resistance |
| Gas, compressed air or general hardware | CW617N or CW614N |
Tell us the destination country, the water or media involved and any test standard on your purchase specification, and we will confirm a suitable grade. Our plumbing fittings range is available in all of the grades above.
Have a drawing or specification in mind? Send it to our export desk and we will respond with a clear quotation.