Ontario, California—A new standard is coming to Canada for plumbing systems. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has published ANSI/CAN/IAPMO Z1349-2021 (devices for detection, monitoring or control of plumbing systems) as part of the National Standard of Canada and American National Standard.
Formerly known as IGC 115 and IGC 349, the new standard covers devices for detection, monitoring or control of water supply and distribution systems for commercial and residential applications. It specifies requirements for materials, performance testing, environmental limitations, installation and markings.
Devices covered by this standard include automatic water leak detection and control, detecting water external to the piping system, establishes normal water flow patterns and monitors for anomalies, monitoring the hydraulic conditions within the main or branch circuit, monitoring the local environment for potential freezing conditions or moisture indicating a leak, monitoring of environmental conditions, ongoing analysis of sensor readings to ensure the system’s integrity, and provide hardwire or remote access to control a valve.
“The ANSI/CAN/IAPMO Z1349 takes steps to avoid the waste of water and achieves a better and more sustainable future for all,” according to IAPMO. “The technologist listed to the standard has the capability of letting the homeowner know if there is a water leak with the use of a smartphone. Aside from preserving resources, a homeowner will save money on their water bill and insurance companies can have peace of mind that water leaks will be detected prior to causing major damage to the structure.”
A copy of the new standard may be purchased online through IAPMO in English https://tinyurl.com/vwzx964w and in French at https://tinyurl.com/c22fw5wy.