In keeping with its motto, “Prevention Rather Than Cure,” ASSE International is in the final stage of review and publication of four of its most important backflow prevention product performance standards.
- ASSE 1013, Performance Requirements for Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventers
- ASSE 1015, Performance Requirements for Double Check Backflow Prevention Assemblies
- ASSE 1047, Performance Requirements for Reduced Pressure Detector Backflow Prevention Assemblies
- ASSE 1048, Performance Requirements for Double Check Detector Backflow Prevention Assemblies
ASSE International periodically reviews and revises its standards to keep them current with new technologies, best practices, and the needs of the plumbing industry. These standards are developed in the interest of consumer safety. ASSE International considers product performance standards to be of great value in the development of improved plumbing systems and public health.
ASSE International standards are developed following the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) consensus process. Volunteers who are knowledgeable in their fields and who have the responsibility of protecting our potable water supplies help write these standards. Together, engineers who design products, plumbers who install and repair products, officials who enforce regulations, and educators who teach our nation’s plumbers join together to offer their expertise and collectively reach consensus on product requirements. The above standards are all ANSI approved.
In addition to updating the requirements of the above standards, there was an emphasis on the optional one year field testing section in preparation for ASSE’s launch of the nation’s first and only ANSI- and SCC-accredited One Year Field Test (1YT) program for backflow prevention assemblies. In many jurisdictions, 1YT testing is required in addition to plumbing code requirements for products to be third-party certified. This addition to the standards allows manufacturers to include one year field testing and the 1YT mark to their certifications.
ASSE International product performance standards serve as the basis for much of ASSE’s certification activities. ASSE International, as a certification body, is accredited by ANSI and SCC to certify backflow preventor products. ASSE certified products are required to bear the ASSE Seal, which is respected and recognize by the industry as a mark of integrity. The ASSE Seal signifies that a product has been thoroughly evaluated to ensure that it complies with industry standards. With the upcoming standards updates, ASSE can provide additional 1YT marks of compliance.
ASSE International believes that the ability to acquire certification to both performance standards and 1YT testing through one standard and one organization provides convenience and consistency to the process of bringing safe and compliant products into the plumbing industry.
