In 2021, ASSE International was pleased to announce the publication of ASSE 1013-2021, Performance Requirements for Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assemblies, ASSE 1015-2021, Performance Requirements for Double Check Backflow Prevention Assemblies, ASSE 1047-2021, Performance Requirements for Reduced Pressure Detector Backflow Prevention Assemblies, and ASSE 1048-2021, Performance Requirements for Double Check Detector Backflow Prevention Assemblies. Commonly referred to as the RP/DC (reduced pressure/double check valve) standards, these standards are the preeminent standards for backflow protection assemblies. For a more in depth look at the functionality of these devices, please see the “Product Standards” column in this issue of Working Pressure.
After a nearly ten-year span between revisions, the 2021 editions of these standards promise to ensure that the latest technologies and industry practices are accounted for in properly certifying RP/DC assemblies.
Below is an incomplete list of changes common to all four standards:
- Cold water applications have been separated from hot water applications
- Hot water testing has been raised to 180ºF (formerly 140ºF)
- Max working pressure shall be at least 175psi (vs 150psi in previous revisions)
- The life cycle test has changed. The flowing pressure has been raised to 60psi (formerly 30psi.) with a maximum working pressure of 175psi (vs 150 psi in the past)
- Fire protection devices are no longer covered by the RP/DC standards
- Manifolds are no longer covered by the RP/DC standards. As a result, the manifold tests have been removed.
- All assemblies must be designed to be serviced with commercially available tools
What do the changes in these standards mean for currently certified listees? For most listees, the above changes will require updated testing to be performed on currently listed models to ensure they conform to the revised standards. Most notably, compliance to the revised life cycle requirements will be necessary to upgrade certifications from the 2011 edition of the standard to the 2021 edition. In addition to the revised life cycle requirements, models will need to comply with sections of the standards routinely checked during the normal five-year test cycle, which is part of the usual continuous compliance check. The notable changes will be the revised pressures and temperatures mentioned above.
The latest revision of the RP/DC standards reiterates ASSE’s unique standing as the only ANSI- and SCC-accredited One Year Field Test (1YT) program. ASSE’s 1YT certification program was developed for jurisdictions that require both one-year field test certification and adherence to the Uniform Plumbing Code® (UPC) and/or the International Plumbing Code® (IPC) – both of which require certification bodies to be accredited.
To review all changes to the revised RP/DC standards, you may obtain a copy at: https://www.asse-plumbing.org/asse/standards/product/current-standards.
To update your ASSE certifications, contact: listingcoordinator@asse-plumbing.org.
