ASME, ASSE, AND CSA Signal Harmonization Settlement Necessities for Chosen Plumbing Parts
Three major North American standards organizations, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) and CSA Standards have an agreement to harmonize five standards on automatic equalizing valves, anti-siphon fill valves, trap seal primers, pressure flushing devices (flushometers ) and water temperature limiters. This harmonization agreement is intended to help bring clarity to the sanitary industry; especially to the manufacturers of devices that fall under the harmonized standards.
The agreement between the three organizations states that the purpose of the harmonized standards is to help U.S. and Canadian manufacturers by avoiding the duplication of effort in writing standards for the same products in different countries. This means that every product can be designed, manufactured and tested according to a common standard. This will help ensure consistent, high quality products, reduce costs (for manufacturers and consumers) and also help create a common basis for product comparisons.
The first harmonized standard for performance requirements for automatic equalizing valves for individual showers and bathtub / shower combinations is expected to be completed and ready for delivery this year.
Each of the harmonized ASME / ASSE / CSA standards will enable comparable testing of products for the US and Canadian markets. The harmonized standards have the ultimate goal of requiring compliance with a standard and a test, providing a fair assessment process for manufacturers and buyers in different countries, and helping to maintain or improve the current level of product performance. The harmonized standards will be maintained on an ongoing basis to take account of new technologies, regional or regulatory differences and, where practicable and possible, to move towards performance-based requirements and standards.
The signed harmonization agreement between CSA, ASME and ASSE came into force on December 1, 2009. The first efforts to develop common standards began in October 1991 when the CSA and ASSE signed a letter of intent. After several years of cooperation, a Joint Harmonization Task Group was formed in 2007 to meet the requirements of ASME A112.18.1-2005 / CSA B125.1-05, sanitary fittings, and ASSE 1016, Performance Requirements for Automatic Compensing Valves for Individual. to harmonize showers and bathtub / shower combinations. At these meetings it became clear that an agreement between CSA, ASME and ASSE would be needed to lay down the basic rules for harmonizing documents. Representatives of the three organizations met on April 22, 2009 to get the agreement in motion and to initiate the harmonization process that ultimately led to the joint agreement.
Via the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real-world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a non-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skills development in all engineering disciplines while promoting the important role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, educational and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.
More information is available at http://www.asme.org.
Via the American Society of Sanitary Engineering
ASSE is an ANSI accredited standards developer and professional qualifications body composed of individual and supportive members representing all disciplines of the plumbing industry. Their mission is to continuously improve the performance, reliability and safety of plumbing systems. ASSE’s product performance standards, professional qualification standards, professional certification and product listing programs are developed in the interest of public health and the company’s motto: “Prevent Not Cure”.
Further information can be found at http://www.asse-plumbing.org
About CSA standards
CSA Standards is a leading standards-based solutions organization serving industry, government, consumers and other interested parties in North America and the global marketplace. The organization focuses on the development of standards and codes, application products, training, counseling and personnel certification services, and aims to improve public safety, improve the quality of life, protect the environment and facilitate trade. CSA Standards is a division of the CSA Group, also made up of CSA International, which provides testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services to retailers and manufacturers.
Further information is available at http://www.csa.ca
