Product Standards FAQ

  1. What is a Product Standard?
  2. Who is ANSI?
  3. Who is CSA?
  4. Who is NSF?
  5. Who is UL?
  6. Who is BSI?
  7. What is Dormont Manufacturing’s role on standards committees?

1. What is a Product Standard?

A product standard is a set of requirements for specific products, such as gas-fired cooking equipment and gas accessories (gas connectors, regulators and valves). These standards are developed by committees of industry professionals under the support of organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Product standards are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. They address the design and operating performance requirements of the specific products. Some standards may also include requirements regarding a manufacturer’s quality system, such as ISO 9000 certification. They may also include requirements relating to installation and operating instructions.

2. Who is ANSI?

The American National Standards Institute, Inc. (www.ansi.org), or ANSI, is a nationally recognized coordinator of voluntary standards development in the U.S. through which voluntary organizations, representing virtually every technical discipline and every facet of trade and commerce, organized labor and consumer interests, established and improve the 8500 consensus standards currently approved as American National Standards.

3. Who is CSA?

The Canadian Standards Association (www.csa-international.org), or CSA, is a not-for-profit, independent, private sector organization that serves the public, governments and businesses as a forum for national consensus in the development of standards, and offers certification, testing and related services. The more than 1000 standards published by CSA are written, reviewed and revised by over 7000 committee members. (CSA is now the certifying authority instead of AGA/CGA.)

4. Who is NSF?

NSF International (www.nsf.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to public health, safety and protection of the environment by developing standards, providing education and third-party conformity assessment service while representing the interest of all stockholders (manufacturers, regulators, customers).

5. Who is UL?

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (www.ul.com) is an organization established to maintain and operate laboratories for the examination and testing of devices, systems and materials to determine their relation to hazards to life and property and to ascertain, define and publish standards, classifications and specifications for materials, devices, products, equipment, constructions, methods and systems affecting such hazards.

 

6. Who is BSI?

British Standards Institution (https://www.bsigroup.com), or BSI, is an independent agency that manages the standards development process in the United Kingdom (similar to ANSI). BSI presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the international level.

BSI also conducts independent product testing (Kitemark Certification) and ISO 9000 quality system registration. The Kitemark is awarded to a product following successful examination and testing of its conformity with an appropriate standard. British, European or International standards may be used. A satisfactory assessment of the production control procedures used to maintain consistent product quality is also required.

7. What is Dormont Manufacturing’s role on standards committees?

Dormont volunteers as a member of the ANSI Z21/CSA Joint Technical Advisor Group (TAG) for Gas Appliance Connectors, Manual Valves and Food Service Equipment. Committee members work to define the requirements for safe performance of gas appliance connectors and gas accessory devices.