From simple pieces of folded paper to sleek, bladeless appliances, fans have provided cooling relief for ages. One American National Standard (ANS) developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) assures that fans of the electrical variety are safe. UL 507-2010, Standard for Safety for Electric Fans, addresses a number of aspects of fan safety, from the proper installation of ceiling fans to specifications for outdoor fans. UL is an audited designator and member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
When a fan's simple breeze just won't cut it, many rely on air conditioning for a refreshing chill. Numerous ANS address the design, functioning, and safety of the air conditioners found in homes and businesses nationwide, including:
ANSI/AHRI Standard 350-2009, Sound Performance Rating of Non-Ducted Indoor Air-Conditioning Equipment; developed by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer
AHAM RAC-1-1982 (R2008), Room Air Conditioners; developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer
ANSI/ASHRAE 128-2011, Method of Rating Portable Air Conditioners; developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), an ANSI member and audited designator
For the most intelligent and practical Americans, the heat is a perfectly good reason to indulge in a scoop of ice cream. An ANS developed by NSF International, an ANSI member and audited designator, details requirements for appliances that dispense ice cream, frozen yogurt, and custard. NSF/ANSI 6-2007, Dispensing Freezers, provides requirements for the dispensing freezers that process and freeze previously pasteurized product and dispense it directly into the consumer's container; dispensing freezers that dispense pre-manufactured frozen product directly into the consumer's container; and batch dispensing freezers.
With several days of intense heat behind us and more to come this summer, Americans are relying on standards more than ever to keep their cool.