ASA opposes potential ban on press-connect and mechanical joins in refrigeration systems
On Oct. 15, the American Supply Association submitted public comments opposing two Tentative Interim Amendments (TIA) that if passed, would remove the use of press-connect and mechanical joints in refrigeration systems under the 2018 and 2021 versions of the IAPMO Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC). The UMC is not a widely adopted model code however, it is the model code used by California. Additional opposition to the proposed TIAs included the Copper Development Association, AHRI, HARDI and UL.
The balloting of the TIAs by the IAPMO Technical Committee was completed on Oct. 15. The Technical Committee members have been provided the public comments received to determine, based on the public comments, if they wish to change their vote. The actual vote of the TC has not been published.
As background, both the 2018 and 2021 versions of the UMC allow for the use of press-connect and mechanical joints in refrigeration systems.
A TIA is intended to be a tool to bypass the normal deliberative consensus process when there is a documented emergency.
HARDI opposed the TIAs based on no documented evidence of an emergency existing and also lack of technical merit.
The next steps in the process is to complete the TC member review of public comments. Following public comment review, the results of the TC ballots along with the public comments will be submitted to the IAPMO Standards Council for final consideration and action. ASA will remain on top of this issue as it moves forward.
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