The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is adopting a proposal to its Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) Code for Section VIII. Under Proposal 07-245, the ASME BPV Code for Section VIII removes 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 these exemptions, ASME would become the nationwide standard for all, forcing manufacturers to follow the stricter standard for all of their internationally mass-produced goods. By association, then requiring the HVACR distributors and contractors to follow the ASME code. 

Under ASME, manufacturers will be forced to use additional material for the pressure vessel, which would add to the cost and difficulty of transporting. This means repair technicians who are trained under the UL standard would be forced to learn the ASME safety code, which would prohibit distributors from being able to supply parts and equipment to non-ASME-certified technicians. Every installer of HVACR equipment would have to be recertified. The recertification would be required for licensing purposes, but also be required 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. This regulation must be stopped! 

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