2012 Uniform Plumbing Code, Section 301.0, Materials- Standards and Alternatives: “Pipe, pipe fittings, traps, fixtures, materials, and devices used in a plumbing system shall be listed or labeled (third-party certified) by a listing agency (accredited conformity assessment body) and shall comply with the approved applicable recognized standards referenced in this code and shall be free of defects.”
Products to be approved by Building Officials in every area of Canada and The United States must meet not only code requirements, but also a few specific labeling requirements. Primary among these is the logo identifying the approved testing agency. In our case that would be QAI, Quality Auditing Institute. Other approved testing agencies include CSA, IAPMO, Intertek/Warnock Hersey, ICC-ES, and others. The logo also indicates that the product is tested to meet qualifying standards in Canada and the United States, indicated by the C and US markings. Unless CSA is the testing agency, a reference to CSA is unnecessary. The product certification agency logo is sufficient.
Without this logo, the product is not recognized by inspectors or code officials as having been tested and certified to meet the standards required. Some manufacturers may utilize what is called “manufacturer’s self-declaration”, claiming in print or on label that the product meets required standards. In these situations it is common that the product has not been tested in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory nor certified by an ISO 17065 product certification body, which both are required by the new building and plumbing codes.
Contractors using products without the proper certification may risk having the work performed rejected by Authorities Having Jurisdiction. The problems that this could engender require no explanation. Further, in case of product failure, there could arise construction defect lawsuits involving the contractor, possibly even the architect or building official/department.
There are other requirements for product labeling as well.
For roof flashings:
Products are marked in a permanent manner where it is readily visible after installation with the following: Manufacturers’ Name, Trademark or other recognized symbol of identification, Model Designation, Month and Year of Manufacture or equivalent, Testing agency logo with the “c” and “us” identifier, Listing number, and the wording “CSA B272, IAPMO PS 64”.
For roof vents:
Products are marked in a permanent manner where it is readily visible: manufacturer’s Name, trademark, or other recognized symbol of identification, Model designation, Type of ventilator, Net ventilating area in square millimeters (mm2) – non adjustable, Month and year of manufacture, Testing agency logo with the “c” and “us” identifier, Listing number, The wording “CAN3-A93” .
For roof drains:
Products are marked in a permanent manner where it is readily visible after installation with the following: Manufacturers’ Name, Trademark or other recognized symbol of identification, Model Designation, Month and Year of Manufacture or equivalent, Testing agency logo with the “c” and “us” identifier, Listing number, and the wording “ASME A112.6.4 and CSA B79”.
These are the standards to which our products are tested for roof flashings, roof vents and roof drains.
Roof flashings:
- ASME A112.6.4 - “Roof, Deck, and Balcony Drains”.
- CSA B79 “Commercial and Residential Drains and Cleanouts”.
Roof vents:
- CAN3-A93 “Natural Airflow Ventilators for Buildings”.
Roof drains:
- ASME A112.6.4 - “Roof, Deck, and Balcony Drains”.
- CSA B79 “Commercial and Residential Drains and Cleanouts”.
Hugh Smith
Product Coordinator
Menzies Metal Products
