The standards included in the agreement address automatic compensating valves, anti-siphon fill valves, trap seal primers, pressurized flushing devices (flushometers), and water temperature limiting devices.
The organizations' goal in harmonizing the 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.
The harmonized standards will help assure high quality and consistent products, reduce costs for producers and consumers, and provide a common basis for product comparisons in the U.S. and Canadian markets. They will provide a fair process for assessment for manufacturers and buyers in different countries, and help improve product performance. The standards will also be maintained on an ongoing basis to address new technologies, allow for regional or regulatory differences, and move towards performance-based requirements and standards wherever possible.
The first standard to be addressed under this new agreement will cover performance requirements for automatic compensating valves for individual showers and tub/shower combinations. It is expected to be completed and ready for distribution later this year.
For more information, see the ASME, ASSE, and CSA press release.