New Model Code Development Cycles Begin

Every three years, model building codes governing plumbing and PVF are renewed and adopted by federal, state and local regulatory and legislative bodies as enforceable requirements. 

The model codes impacting the PHCP and PVF supply chains are now open for public comment and revision, and will most likely have an impact on just about every product ASA members produce, distribute and install and therefore, need our attention to make sure the model codes are fair, technically sound and reasonable; resulting in our ability to efficiently supply products throughout the U.S.   

These model codes address the following areas at both residential and commercial levels: buildings, plumbing systems, mechanical systems and fire safety.

While ASA Director of Codes and Standards Jim Kendzel and the association volunteer task groups coordinate the association engagement at the code development level, members can address any concerns or questions related to the codes used in your distribution market by contacting Jim at jkendzel@asa.net and he will present individual comments directly to the ASA Codes and Standards Task Group, comprised of members representing all product areas in our supply chain to develop proposals for change to the model codes, and to also take positions on proposals for change submitted by others. 

This is your opportunity to have a direct impact on the model codes used in the U.S. to determine the types of products you are able to distribute and how those products can and can not be used in the field. 

The two major model code developers, the International Association of Mechanical & Plumbing Officials (IAPMO) and the International Code Council (ICC) have announced the beginning of the code development cycle, which will result in the publication of updated model codes in 2027. Proposals for consideration need to be submitted no later than January 2024. 

The ASA Codes and Standards Task Group will be working on proposal development during the second half of 2023 for submittals in January 2024 and needs your input now in order to consider your issues in developing ASA proposals. 

The ICC and IAPMO model codes are well-recognized throughout the U.S., so it is very likely the state and local codes impacting your businesses are directly adopted from one of the two model code bodies, or at a minimum, based on the model codes with possible revisions due to local preferences.

The following are some examples of issues addressed in the previous code cycle to show you how critical it is for ASA and you to be engaged in the process. ASA took key positions in the following areas that helped to ensure your ability to continue be able to distribute products, while also have positive impacts on our environment:
 

• Took position against the potential banning of certain fittings currently supplied in the marketplace without any documented safety or performance issues.  We were able to successfully win the day in our position by representing our members throughout the development process and being persistent in our message resulting in the 2024 model codes continuing to allow the use of the fittings.
• Worked with other organizations representing various sectors of the HVAC supply chain to update model building, mechanical and fire codes to address the migration to the use of lower greenhouse gas emission refrigerants (e.g. A2L refrigerants). The 2024 model codes will have technically sound and reasonable requirements resulting in the safe use of these refrigerants throughout the supply chain and provide a smooth process for transitioning to the new refrigerants with minimal impact on the supply chain.

The above two examples are taken from more than 70 positions taken by ASA during the code development process where we achieved more than an 80% success rate. We do have an impact and with your direct input, our impact can be even greater! 

ASA is grateful to the support we have from both IAPMO and ICC for being service-provider members of ASA. We appreciate the significant work both organizations do in assisting us in ensuring our supply chains deliver our ultimate goal of protecting public health and safety. 

Please send your comments or questions to Jim Kendzel at jkendzel@asa.net and outline your issue/question and suggested solution, if you have one. Don’t worry if your issue is related to a specific state or local requirement you might be dealing with, more than likely, the issue can be traced back to the published national model codes.