# API 607 vs API 608: Key Differences Explained

Introduction

When it comes to industrial valves, understanding the differences between API 607 and API 608 standards is crucial for engineers, procurement specialists, and safety professionals. These two American Petroleum Institute (API) standards govern different aspects of valve performance and testing, but they’re often confused due to their similar numbering.

What is API 607?

API 607 is the standard for fire testing of quarter-turn valves and valves equipped with non-metallic seats. This standard specifies the fire test requirements that valves must meet to ensure they can maintain structural integrity and limited operability during and after exposure to fire.

Key characteristics of API 607:

• Focuses on fire safety performance
• Applies to quarter-turn valves (ball, butterfly, plug)
• Tests valve’s ability to contain fluid during fire exposure
• Includes external and internal fire testing

What is API 608?

API 608 covers the design and manufacturing requirements for metal ball valves used in petroleum and natural gas industries. This standard specifies dimensions, materials, pressure-temperature ratings, and testing requirements for flanged, threaded, and welded end ball valves.

Key characteristics of API 608:

• Focuses on general design and manufacturing
• Applies specifically to metal ball valves
• Includes requirements for pressure testing
• Specifies materials and dimensions

Key Differences Between API 607 and API 608

Feature	API 607	API 608
Primary Focus	Fire testing and safety	Design and manufacturing
Valve Types Covered	Quarter-turn valves with non-metallic seats	Metal ball valves
Testing Requirements	Fire resistance testing	Pressure testing and material verification
Application	Safety-critical applications where fire risk exists	General industrial applications

When to Use Each Standard

API 607 valves should be specified in applications where fire safety is a primary concern, such as:

• Petrochemical plants
• Oil refineries
• Gas processing facilities
• Any high-risk fire environment

API 608 valves are appropriate for general service applications where standard ball valve performance is sufficient, including:

• Pipeline systems
• General process applications
• Utility services
• Non-critical applications

Can a Valve Meet Both Standards?

Yes, it’s possible for a valve to meet both API 607 and API 608 requirements. Many manufacturers produce API 608-compliant ball valves that also undergo API 607 fire testing. These dual-certified valves offer both the general performance characteristics of API 608 and the fire safety assurance of API 607