The ASSE International Product Listing Program can now certify water heaters with integral water temperature safety controls to ASSE’s new suite of water heater product performance standards: ASSE 1082, Performance Requirements for Water Heaters with Integral Temperature Control Devices for Hot Water Distribution Systems, ASSE 1084, Performance Requirements for Water Heaters with Temperature Limiting Capacity, and ASSE 1085, Performance Requirements for Water Heaters for Emergency Equipment. This article will explain why the standards were developed and what water heaters should be certified. Water heaters have changed a lot over the years, and they can do a lot more now than they could in the past – performance standards for these additional water heater capabilities are defined in ASSE 1082, 1084, and 1085 and they have been needed for some time. These new standards will help plumbing codes accept water heaters with new capabilities and certification to these standards will provide much-needed market access for manufacturers.
In the past, water heaters could not accurately control the temperature output of water. With advancements in technology, the water output temperature can now be controlled by several different types of water heaters. This includes tank and tankless water heaters for water distribution systems or point-of-use-devices. Because of these advancements, the plumbing industry needed standards to set requirements for controlling water output temperature.
Another reason for these standards is that point-of-use water heaters need to provide scald protection. Mixing valves have been providing scald protection for quite some time, but several of the new point-of-use waters heaters don’t need to mix water – the heater simply heats cold water and delivers the hot water to a faucet. Because scald protection is so important, plumbing codes do not allow water heaters to provide scald protection. This is another reason for ASSE’s new water heater standards – point-of-use water heaters need to provide scald protection.
What water heaters can be certified to ASSE 1082?
Waters heaters that control the water output temperature for water distribution systems. An ASSE 1082 compliant device heats and controls water temperature like a water heater in line with an ASSE 1017 compliant temperature actuated mixing valve.
The scope of ASSE 1082 includes typical residential water heaters, with or without tanks, that supply distribution systems (not point-of-use). Certification to ASSE 1082 means the water heater will control the output temperature of the water under normal operating conditions. ASSE 1082 doesn’t provide scald protection, but being able to change the water temperature of an entire distribution system with a simple adjustment is a new and interesting feature for water heaters. I can think of many situations where it would be advantageous to lower or raise the maximum water temperature of all water fixtures in a home or building with one adjustment.
What water heaters can be certified to ASSE 1084?
Water heaters that heat water, control the water temperature, and provide scald protection at the point-of-use. An ASSE 1084 compliant device performs like a water heater in line with an ASSE 1070/ASME A112.1070/CSA B125.70 compliant water temperature limiting device.
The scope of ASSE 1084 includes water heaters found in kitchens, bathrooms, or any other point-of-use application. The testing of an ASSE 1084 device is like the testing of an ASSE 1082 device, however, the 1084 device must also quickly compensate for significant changes in the supply pressure and temperature while keeping the maximum output temperature under 120°F (49°C). While an ASSE 1084 compliant water heater provides scald protection, it may not replace an ASSE 1016 compliant valve.
What water heaters can be certified to ASSE 1085?
Devices that heat water for eye-wash, eye/face-wash, or shower stations. An ASSE 1085 compliant water heater performs like a point-of-use water heater used for plumbed emergency equipment in line with an ASSE 1071 compliant temperature actuated mixing valve.
The ASSE 1085 standard shares similar performance requirements as ASSE 1084 and is for emergency wash stations. In addition to the requirements of ASSE 1084, ASSE 1085 also has flow requirements and compliant devices must heat the water to temperature within 60 seconds, with a maximum temperature of 95°F (35°C).
If you have any questions or would like to apply for certification to any of the new water heater standards – or other plumbing standards from ASSE, NSF International, CSA Group, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) – please contact me at tim.reising@asse-plumbing.org or (708) 995-3310.
