Innovation has been described as making necessary changes to meet customers’ needs. In the world of plumbing, we’ve seen a significant amount of innovation over the past few decades. Improvements in materials have helped us achieve higher standards in water quality. Electronics help us better control the water supply, as well as monitor and gather data about our water usage. The list of technological improvements is a long one indeed. The positive effects of innovation can seem obvious at first, but over time, innovation can also reveal shortcomings if not looked at under scrutiny. In this article, we’ll look at how technological advances can affect the certification process of plumbing products.
ASSE certifies products to various plumbing standards. While these standards are updated regularly, they often lag the pace of technological advancements. When this happens, a certifier must be prepared to account for the latest innovations while maintaining the high quality demanded by the industry. So, how is this done?
As a case study, we’ll look at how advancements in end connections are handled. End connections are one area where technological advancements have often outpaced the revision process of plumbing standards. While many common end connections have been tested for decades and are specifically mentioned in various plumbing standards, what happens if a product meets every other criterion of a standard, but the standard is silent on the type of end connection being used? Older standards will often list specific end connection types, as well as the corresponding reference standards. An example of this kind of wording would be something like below:
1.2.3 Adapter/Transition Fitting Connections
1.2.3.1 Taper pipe threads, except dryseal, shall be in compliance with ASME B1.20.1 or ASTM F1498.
1.2.3.2 Dryseal pipe threads shall be in compliance with ASME B1.20.3.
1.2.3.3 Cast copper alloy, wrought copper alloy and copper alloy solder joint connections shall comply with the dimensional requirements of ASME B16.18 or ASME B16.22.
While in the past this may have seemed appropriate, it requires due diligence by the author of the standard to frequently update the specific reference standard(s). To make sure the standard is “current,” the updating of reference standards would often require changes to be made outside the normal revision cycle. This level of due diligence can be a burden to standards bodies, as well as those seeking to certify products, and is highly inefficient. Additionally, waiting for the next standard revision cycle so that additional end connections may be added can create a barrier for manufacturers and new products entering the market. The inability to receive product certification until a revision cycle has been completed benefits no one.
To combat this, an ever-increasing number of standards are being revised with much broader language. Instead of specifically mentioning an end connection type, these revised product standards are increasingly using phraseology such as the use of “alternate materials.” This type of wording allows certifiers to seek out testing validation specific to a proposed end connection.
An example of this broader way to handle end connections can be found in ASSE 1003-2020, Performance Requirements for Water Pressure Reducing Valves for Potable Water Distribution Systems.
Pipe Threads
Connections shall conform with nationally or internationally recognized standards.
This language allows a certifier to seek out testing to an applicable standard that covers the chosen end connection. If a push fit end connection is selected, the certifier can use ASSE 1061, Performance Requirements for Push-Fit Fittings, as guidance. If a press-fit connection is used, IAPMO/CAN Z1117, Standard for Press Connections, or ASME B16.51, Copper and Copper Alloy Press-Connect Pressure Fittings, might be helpful for the certifier. The table above from the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)® gives several examples of where a certifier may go for guidance when handling various end connections.
As the list of approved standards in codes grows larger, the way in which the industry writes standards and certifies products will need to adapt to account for the technological advances brought about by future innovations.
To have your product certified with us, please contact ASSE at listingcordinator@asse-plumbing.org. To purchase any ASSE standard, please visit www.assewebstore.com.
