My colleague Terry Burger has written in detail about the evolution and benefits of writing harmonized standards (see pages 10-12). Often the next question asked is “How does this ultimately affect the ability to certify products?” First, a potential listee can design their product(s) to adhere to one set of testing criteria. With harmonized standards, gone are the quirky issues that might arise from slightly different testing criteria. This simplification also leads to listees being able to choose one certification body to cover both the Canadian and U.S. markets, assuming the certification body is recognized in both jurisdictions.
In 2021, ASSE International was proud to announce the registration of its trademarked cASSE seal for Canada. As ASSE is accredited by both the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), ASSE can certify products to a variety of standards from across the industry. These include standards authored by ASME, IAPMO, AWWA, CSA, NSF, and of course, ASSE. The cASSE Seal is used for certification to recognize Canadian standards. When you display the cASSE seal, you demonstrate that your products have gone through a single, rigorous, bi-national process. It is a distinct mark that’s used to show that products are compliant to both U.S. and Canadian requirements.
One of the benefits to using one certification body such as ASSE is the ability to eliminate redundant factory audits. Since each certification body is required to employ independent inspections, certifying products to a harmonized standard with a single certification body can reduce the number of annual factory audits. Likewise, continuous compliance testing can be redundant and not on the same schedule when multiple certification bodies are employed. Choosing a certification body that can list products to both markets can eliminate this costly superfluous expense.
For certain standards, ASSE is considered to be exemplary. Often plumbing inspectors have a preference for the ASSE symbol when certified to certain standards. Certifying with ASSE to such standards as those below can help to address this.
- ASSE 1002 / ASME A112.1002 / CSA B125.12, Anti-Siphon Fill Valves for Water Closet Tanks
- ASSE 1016 / ASME A112.1016 / CSA B125.16, Performance Requirements for Automatic Compensating Valves for Individual Showers and Tub/Shower Combinations
- ASSE 1070 / ASME A112.1070 / CSA B125.70, Performance Requirements for Water Temperature Limiting Devices
One area ASSE is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ is backflow prevention. ASSE 1013, Performance Requirements for Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assemblies, and ASSE 1015, Performance Requirements for Double Check Backflow Prevention Assemblies, are undergoing the process of being harmonized with their Canadian equivalents, CSA B64.4 and CSA B64.5, respectively. The harmonization process is expected to be completed in early 2024. Once these standards have been harmonized, clients will have the ability to choose one certification body that covers both standards and jurisdictions under one listing. Again, this will allow listees to take advantage of the previously mentioned benefits that come with certifying products to a harmonized standard.
While most harmonized standards discussed in here have focused on Canadian/United States harmonization, domestic harmonization opportunities are also being explored. When these efforts come to fruition, ASSE will be ready to fulfill these listing opportunities as well.
ASSE-listed products are tested by qualified and accredited laboratories to the strict performance requirements of industry standards. Test reports are reviewed by in-house technical services staff and the ASSE Seal Control Board (SCB). The SCB is a cross-section of the plumbing industry — manufacturers, inspectors, contractors, and professional engineers — with no more than one member from each segment allowed to vote on the certification of a product. Listed products are inspected for compliance annually and retested every five years.
ASSE is encouraging current clients to adopt the cASSE mark whenever possible. With the ever-increasing list of harmonized standards, the cASSE mark will become more and more common. The time and money associated with keeping multiple certifications increases with a listee’s ever-changing product portfolio. At ASSE, you have a certification partner who understands the importance of speed to market, simplification, and cost reduction. ASSE’s expanded testing capabilities mean that both new and existing clients can now consolidate all their certifications, to multiple industry standards, under one umbrella — ASSE International.
To update your certifications, contact: listingcoordinator@asse-plumbing.org.
