Take Action: Protect HVACR from Burdensome Code Regulations

Take Action: Submit Comments Here

HVACR and water heating equipment are currently regulated through UL codes because of an exemption to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), which is considering a proposal to their Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) Code for Section VIII that would increase compliance costs for equipment and make thousands of contractors ineligible to work on equipment. Under Proposal 07-245, the ASME BPV Code would remove Section VIII exemptions for pressure vessels under 6 inches in diameter, vessels containing heated water below 210 degrees, and water heating vessels below 210 degrees and 120 gallons. By removing the exemptions, ASME would become the nationwide standard for all, forcing manufacturers to follow the stricter standard for all internationally mass-produced goods. HVACR distributors and contractors must also follow the ASME code, forcing thousands of contractors out of the industry. The committee overseeing the proposal is currently accepting comments from the public. Make your voice heard by opposing the removal of these exemptions from the ASME boiler and pressure vessel code.

Under ASME, manufacturers would be forced to use thicker and costlier material for the pressure vessel, adding to the cost and difficulty of transporting. This means repair technicians trained under the UL standard would be forced to be certified to the ASME safety code and prohibit distributors from supplying parts and equipment to non-ASME-certified technicians. Every installer and servicer of HVACR equipment would have to be re-certified. The re-certification would be required for licensing and needed since it would lead to additional testing requirements that affect the field installation, making every job more difficult. Beyond additional steps and re-certification for installers, the ASME code would force installers to sell a more expensive product to customers without increasing actual safety for the customer.

Proposal 07-245 will harm your HVACR business, regardless of your state or country of residence. Make your voice heard by submitting comments. After you submit comments, please share this post and the submit comments link to ensure everyone has a chance to let their voices be heard before code changes harm your business!

Contact Todd Titus, Director of State and Public Affairs, with additional questions.