ASSE 1014-2020, Performance Requirements for Backflow Prevention Devices for Hand-held Showers, ASSE 1020-2020, Performance Requirements for Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assemblies, and ASSE 1069-2020, Performance Requirements for Automatic Temperature Control Mixing Valves, have been designated as American National Standards by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and are now available for purchase.

ASSE 1014 devices provide backflow protection against backsiphonage and backpressure in handheld showers, sometimes identified as “telephone showers.” These products are separately attached or are integral with handheld showers, tub fillers, flexible hoses, or components that are attached to a shower system, and include two independently acting check valves in series, or a check valve in series with a vacuum breaker feature.

ASSE 1020 devices are installed in water supply lines to prevent the entrance of non-potable material into the potable water supply by backsiphonage (only) and are intended for use in both high and low hazard applications. This standard was first published in 1974 to extend ASSE's portfolio of standards for backpressure and backsiphonage backflow prevention devices for pipe applied vacuum breakers.

ASSE 1069 devices are intended to control the water temperature to individual or multiple fixtures to reduce the risk of scalding and thermal shock. They are intended to be installed where the bather has no access to the temperature adjustment means and where no further mixing occurs downstream of the device. This standard was developed for devices that service end use fixture fittings including, but not limited to, gang showers and sitz baths, by supplying tempered water at a preset temperature through a single supply pipe.

“As a leading standards developer and product certification body with such a strong emphasis on backflow prevention and thermostatic mixing, we’re pleased to publish these updated performance requirements for hand-held shower backflow devices, pressure vacuum breaker assemblies, and automatic temperature control mixing valves,” said ASSE Executive Director Tom Palkon. “ASSE International continues to keep the public safe thanks to the time, expertise, and support volunteered by members of these standard development working groups.”

To purchase ASSE 1014, ASSE 1020, or ASSE 1069, please visit the ASSE International Webstore. For questions regarding the standards, contact Christopher White, Manager of Product Certification and Standards, at (708) 995-3017 or chris.white@asse-plumbing.org.