NSF/ANSI 14, “Plastics Piping System Components and Related Materials,” has just been updated. The new 2015 Edition is available now from Document Center Inc. This NSF International (formerly the National Sanitation Foundation) standard has been adopted as part of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), International Plumbing Code, International Residential Code and National Standard Plumbing Code. All plastic piping products must comply with this document.
What kinds of plastic piping are covered by the NSF/ANSI 14? It appies to thermoplastic and thermoset plastic piping system components, like pipes, fittings, valves, joining materials, gaskets, and appurtenances. The physical, performance, and health effects requirements also apply to materials (resin or blended compounds) and ingredients used to manufacture these components.
What will you find in this standard? First, there are definitions and requirements for materials, ingredients, products, quality assurance, marking, and record-keeping. It also addresses any material used in a plastic piping system as well as brass, copper, composites, and other materials. Additionally, the standard includes criteria for PVC ingredients. Here are some examples of items that are included:
- Thermoplastic materials
- Thermoset materials
- Non-plastic components
- Piping and tubing
- Fittings and valves
- Appurtenances
- Joining materials and gaskets
- Ingredients of materials
- Special engineered products and materials
What kinds of systems are not covered by NSF/ANSI 14? Plastic piping system components which are manufactured to one of the normative references found in Clause 2 and do not have integral connections specifically intended for plastic piping systems are not covered. And if you’re planning on using a plastic piping system for drinking water applications, you’ll need to comply with NSF/ANSI 61 as well.
Can my products be certified to NSF/ANSI 14? Yes, they most certainly can. The NSF Plastic Certification Program is based on the NSF/ANSI 14. An inspection of your manufacturing facility and testing of your product(s) will be made by NSF International. Upon successful completion of the process, you’ll receive your certification and the right to use the NSF Certification Mark on your product.
The NSF/ANSI 14 is updated annually. And since it is a copyright document, you’ll want to get an authorized edition from a source like Document Center Inc. You can order all NSF International standards at the Document Center webstore, www.document-center.com. Or contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). We’re here to help you stay compliant with the standards you use. Make us your Standards Experts!
