ANSI and ASME are both important organizations within the industrial heating industry. They each play integral roles in developing the codes and standards that govern the industry.
As a result, many people don’t understand the differences between the two, or realize that these organizations are actually two distinct non-profits that work separately to have an impact on the industrial heating industry.
Here, we’ll break down the differences between ANSI and ASME.
Understanding ANSI Code: What It is and Why It Matters for ANSI Industrial Heaters
The American National Standards Institute, abbreviated as ANSI, was founded in 1918 and mainly focuses on overseeing standards for products, processes, systems, and services offered in the United States. The organization is made up of members from government agencies, companies, corporations and organizations, and scholars from a variety of academic fields.
ANSI works to solidify the position of the US in the global market by establishing standards for products and services. Their goal is to ensure that the features and performance levels of items created in the US are consistent and up to par.
Additionally, ANSI accredits organizations that produce products and train personnel to meet their established standards and requirements. They consistently monitor that products and services are meeting their standards, and update these performance requirements as needed. They also play a role in some initiatives related to environmental conservation.
You can learn more about ANSI code and why it matters here.
Understanding ASME Code: What It is and Why It Matters for ASME Industrial Heaters
ASME stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers and serves as the leading international developer of standards and codes used to regulate the mechanical engineering industry. It is a private organization dedicated to promoting art, science and multidisciplinary engineering, and encouraging collaboration across engineering disciplines. ASME is involved in various periodicals and industry publications, conferences, and professional development and education courses.
Founded decades before ANSI in 1880, ASME is one of the oldest standards developing organizations in existence. The society was established after numerous devastating steam boiler pressure vessel failures occurred, and is focused on creating codes and standards for mechanical equipment.
Within the industrial heating industry specifically, ASME code – also referred to as ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code – is the established standard that regulates the design, development and manufacturing of boilers utilized in a variety of industries.
You can learn more about ASME code and why it matters here.
What Are The Main Ways That ANSI and ASME Differ?
While at first glance ANSI and ASME seem to play very similar roles in the industry (and they are both 4-letter acronyms that start with ‘A’), there are actually a number of things that set them apart, as can be seen from the descriptions above.
Here are a few important distinctions that set the two apart:
- ANSI establishes and accredits performance and quality standards for products and services in a wide variety of sectors, while ASME is primarily focused on boilers and pressure vessels.
- ANSI is focused on strengthening the US’s market position, while ASME is focused on developing solutions to mechanical engineering problems and safety issues.
- ASME was founded decades before ANSI came into existence.
How Do ANSI and ASME Impact me?
It’s important to understand the differences between ANSI and ASME as you’re shopping your options when it comes to industrial heating products. You want to be sure that you’re purchasing equipment that adheres to the appropriate standards – and, in many cases, you’ll want products that align with the standards established by both organizations.
Have Questions About ANSI and ASME Codes When It Comes To Industrial Hot Oil Heaters?
At American Heating Company, we’re experts in the development and manufacturing of high performance industrial heating equipment. We design and produce equipment that adheres to various industry standards, and we can help you determine exactly what you need to meet your facility’s needs.
Whether you’re currently in the market for a new industrial heating system or you’re starting to shop your options in anticipation of a future purchase, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions about ANSI and ASME codes or any other hot oil heater related inquiries.
Give us a call at (715) 748-5888 or contact us online to get the conversation started!
Curious about other codes and standards that impact industrial heating equipment? Check out our guide to heating equipment codes and standards here.
Interested in learning more about the heating equipment we have to offer? Get the details about our industry-leading industrial thermal fluid heaters here.
Looking for a complete industrial heating system? We’ve got you covered there too. Learn more about our thermal fluid systems for various industries and applications here.
Editor’s Note: This content was originally published in 2018 but has been updated as of November 2021.