With this issue of Working Pressure focusing on safety, I thought it would be a good time to revisit a topic previously discussed back in 2019 — the ASSE suite of standards that cover the certification of water heaters with integral water temperature safety controls.
ASSE 1082, Performance Requirements for Water Heaters with Integral Temperature Control Devices for Hot Water Distribution Systems, ASSE 1084, Performance Requirements for Water Heaters with Temperature Limiting Capacity, and ASSE 1085, Performance Requirements for Water Heaters for Emergency Equipment, make up the collection. This article will explain why the standards were developed and which water heaters should be certified.
Water heaters have changed significantly over the years and are now capable of much more than in the past. Performance standards for these expanded capabilities are defined in ASSE 1082, 1084 and 1085. The need for these standards has been apparent for some time, as they help plumbing codes accept water heaters with new capabilities. Certification to these standards also provides much-needed market access for manufacturers.
In the past, water heaters could not accurately control the temperature output of water. With advancements in technology, several different types of water heaters can now control water output temperature. This includes tank and tankless water heaters for distribution systems or point-of-use devices. Because of these advancements, the plumbing industry needed standards to set requirements for controlling water output temperature.
Another reason for these standards is the need for point-of-use water heaters to provide scald protection. While mixing valves have provided scald protection for quite some time, several new point-of-use waters heaters don’t need to mix water — they simply heat cold water and deliver hot water to a faucet. Because scald protection is so important, plumbing codes did not allow water heaters to serve that function. This was another reason for ASSE’s new water heater standards — point-of-use water heaters’ need to provide scald protection.
WHICH WATER HEATERS CAN BE CERTIFIED TO ASSE 1082?
Water heaters that control the water output temperature for distribution systems. An ASSE 1082-compliant device heats and controls water temperature like a water heater in line with an ASSE 1017-compliant temperature actuated mixing valve.
The scope of ASSE 1082 includes typical residential water heaters, with or without tanks, that supply distribution systems (not point-of-use). Certification to ASSE 1082 means the water heater will control output temperature under normal operating conditions. While ASSE 1082 does not provide scald protection, the ability to change the temperature of an entire distribution system with a simple adjustment is a new and interesting feature for water heaters. There are many situations in which it would be advantageous to lower or raise the maximum water temperature of all water fixtures in a home or building with one adjustment.
WHICH WATER HEATERS CAN BE CERTIFIED TO ASSE 1084?
Water heaters that heat water, control water temperature, and provide scald protection at the point of use. An ASSE 1084-compliant device performs like a water heater in line with an ASSE 1070/ASME A112.1070/CSA B125.70-compliant water temperature-limiting device.
The scope of ASSE 1084 includes water heaters found in kitchens, bathrooms, or any other point-of-use application. The testing of an ASSE 1084 device is similar to the testing of an ASSE 1082 device; however, the 1084 device must also quickly compensate for significant changes in the supply pressure and temperature while keeping the maximum output temperature under 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). While an ASSE 1084-compliant water heater provides scald protection, it may not replace an ASSE 1016-compliant valve.
WHICH WATER HEATERS CAN BE CERTIFIED TO ASSE 1085?
Devices that heat water for eye-wash, eye/face-wash, or shower stations. An ASSE 1085-compliant water heater performs like a point-of-use water heater used for plumbed emergency equipment in line with an ASSE 1071-compliant temperature-actuated mixing valve. ASSE 1085 standard shares performance requirements with ASSE 1084 but is intended for emergency wash stations. In addition to the requirements of ASSE 1084, ASSE 1085 includes flow rate requirements and mandates that compliant devices must reach temperature within 60 seconds, with a maximum output of 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).
If you wish to have your product certified with ASSE, please contact ASSE International at listingcoordinator@asse-plumbing.org. To purchase a copy of ASSE 1082, 1084 or 1085, please visit the ASSE International Webstore at www.assewebstore.com.
For questions regarding the standards, contact Christopher White, ASSE senior manager of Product Certification and Standards, at chris@asse-plumbing.org.
