Industry News
We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to this edition's sponsor -- Delta. With a belief that there is a better way to live with water, Delta has developed smart solutions that meet the unique requirements presented by each commercial environment. Like the most responsive electronic faucets in the industry—Arzo® and Grail®, both featuring Proximity™ Sensing Technology. These stylish faucet bodies act entirely as a sensor, responding when activated. Delta provides individuals with a better way to experience water, while standing up to prolonged, rigorous use.
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ASME, ASSE AND CSA sign harmonization agreement requirements
for selected plumbing components
Three premiere North American standards development organizations, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE), and CSA Standards have signed an agreement to harmonize five standards concerning automatic compensating valves, anti-siphon fill valves, trap seal primers, pressurized flushing devices (flushometers), and water temperature limiting devices. This harmonization agreement is designed to help bring clarity to the plumbing community; especially to the manufacturers of devices covered by the harmonized standards.
The agreement between the three organizations states that the purpose of the harmonized standards is to assist U.S. and Canadian manufacturers by eliminating duplicate efforts of writing standards for the same products in different countries. This will allow each product to be designed, manufactured, and tested to a common standard. This will help provide assurance of consistent, high quality products, help reduce costs (for producers and consumers), and also help to provide a common basis for product comparisons.
The first harmonized standard, for Performance Requirements for Automatic Compensating Valves for Individual Showers and Tub/Shower Combinations, is expected to be completed and ready for distribution later this year.
Each of the ASME / ASSE / CSA harmonized standards will allow comparable testing of products for the U.S. and Canadian markets. The harmonized standards have an ultimate goal of requiring compliance to one standard and one test, providing a fair process for assessment for manufacturers and buyers in different countries, and helping maintain or improve on the current level of product performance. The harmonized standards will be maintained on an ongoing basis to address new technologies, allow for regional or regulatory differences, and move towards performance based requirements and standards where it is practical and possible.
The signed harmonization agreement between CSA, ASME, and ASSE went into effect December 1, 2009. The initial effort to develop joint standards began in October of 1991 when CSA and ASSE signed a Memorandum of Understanding. After several years of collaboration, a Joint Harmonization Task Group was formed in 2007 to harmonize the requirements of ASME A112.18.1-2005 / CSA B125.1-05, Plumbing supply fittings, and ASSE 1016, Performance Requirements for Automatic Compensating Valves for Individual Showers and Tub/Shower Combinations. During these meetings, it became evident that an agreement between CSA, ASME, and ASSE would be necessary to lay the ground rules for harmonizing documents. On April 22, 2009, representatives of the three organizations held a meeting to set the agreement in motion and begin the harmonization process, which ultimately led to the joint agreement.
Ed Begley, Jr. coming to SOLAR 2010
Actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr., is coming to The National Solar Conference SOLAR 2010 in Phoenix, Ariz., to meet with the industry media and tradeshow guests about the latest advances in solar technology for home water heaters.
A. O. Smith invited the prolific TV star and host of Living with Ed to be a guest in its booth on May 20. Begley will be available to talk with attendees during the morning and with the press during the early afternoon. A. O. Smith will also be showcasing the new Cirrex™ Solar Thermal Water Heating System, which the company considers the greenest option available for homeowners in the water heater industry today.
A. O. Smith’s Cirrex is a leap forward in solar thermal water heating. Up to 70 percent of its energy comes from the sun, not from the power company, which can significantly reduce the homeowner’s utility bills. The Cirrex is an all-in-one system, which simplifies specification and installation for the contractor.
Cirrex uses advanced solar thermal collectors, which can generate as much energy as traditional photovoltaic solar panels but at one-eighth the cost. Tank sizes range from 80 to 120 gallons—and a larger tank makes the system more energy efficient and cost-friendly. With a Solar Energy Factor of 2.5, the CIRREX system is ENERGY STAR® qualified and eligible for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the entire installation cost.
Begley will be available to discuss Cirrex and other advances in energy-saving technology for the homeowner. Tradeshow guests can stop by the A. O. Smith booth, #708, on the morning of May 20 to talk with the star, take photos and receive an autograph.
IAPMO solicits proposals for 2012 Solar, Swimming Pool Codes
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
(IAPMO), publisher of the Uniform Solar Energy Code (USEC) and Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (USPSHTC), is calling for formal code proposals toward the development of the 2012 editions of these model codes.
The code proposal form, as well as proposal instructions and background on IAPMO’s ANSI-accredited consensus development process, can be found at www.iapmo.org/Pages/CodeDevelopment.aspx. All proposals recommending new text, revised text or the deletion of text must be written in legislative format and clearly state the reason behind the recommendation.
No proposals will be accepted after the 5 p.m. EDT deadline on Aug. 2. All proposals will be distributed to Technical Committee members in September and reviewed at their meetings on Oct. 18.
The USEC is a model code developed by IAPMO to govern the installation and inspection of solar energy systems as a means of promoting the public's health, safety and welfare. The USPSHTC governs the installation and inspection of both public and private swimming pools, spas and hot tubs to ensure the safety of their operation.
The advantages of these codes, acceptable in various jurisdictions, had long been recognized, prompting IAPMO to pass a resolution at its 1975 annual business conference that directed the president to form committees to develop basic solar energy and swimming pool documents. After months of concerted endeavor, these committees, composed of representatives from industry and public utility companies, inspectors, plumbers and engineers, successfully completed the first editions of the USEC and USPSHTC, which were officially adopted by IAPMO in September 1976.
IAPMO employs a consensus development process accredited by the American National Standards Institute, gathering the largest assembly of plumbing and mechanical experts in the world at its annual education and business conference and technical committee meetings, enabling anyone — members and non-members alike — to have a voice and a vote on proposed changes to the code. The 2009 editions of the USEC and USPSHTC represent the first time these codes were developed in this manner.
IAPMO urges its members and other interested parties to get involved in the code development process to ensure effectiveness in preserving the public health, safety and welfare through strict governance of the Uniform Codes. Installers, plumbing and mechanical officials, the construction industry, engineers and manufacturers all benefit from a cooperative effort in developing codes.
New Products
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H2Optics® Technology |
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Enclosed safety shower |
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Energy efficient potable water recirculator pumps |