What is ASTM Code and Why Does It Matter?

Shopping your options for industrial heating equipment? No matter what industry you’re in, there are many codes and standards to carefully consider as you’re deciding which type of heating system will work best for your facility. 

Here, we will provide a general overview of ASTM code so you can understand what it is, its importance when it comes to industrial heating systems, and why it matters when you’re shopping for equipment for your facility.

What is ASTM Code?

ASTM currently stands for ASTM International but was originally an acronym for American Society for Testing and Materials. ASTM is an organization that defines and publishes technical standards related to the quality of materials that can be used in the manufacturing of various products and pieces of equipment.

ASTM code is made up of the standards that have been developed by committees within ASTM. These standards are designed to improve both the safety and quality of products intended for consumer and industrial use.

The standards developed by ASTM are often adopted into other codes and are made mandatory by other regulations. ASTM does not enforce the requirements they have established for the materials and products to which they apply. 

It’s important to note that ASTM code is relevant outside of the industrial heating industry as well. It is not an industry-specific code. 

Why is ASTM Code Important for Facilities Using Heating Equipment?

While ASTM code may not be specific to the heating equipment industry, it is still relevant and important to those shopping for hot oil heaters and other heating system components. If the equipment you’re investing in meets ASTM standards, this ensures that it is built with high quality, approved materials.

ASTM standards are highly regarded. If you consider only equipment that is ASTM code compliant, you can shop with confidence knowing that the heater or heating system you ultimately invest in will meet high standards for quality and durability. This is a significant advantage, especially given that industrial heating equipment is such a sizable investment.   

What Other Codes and Standards Are Relevant to Heating Equipment?

Besides ASTM code, there are a variety of other codes and standards that are relevant to the industrial heating industry. If you’re in the market for new hot oil heating equipment, here are a few other standards and affiliations you may want to pay attention to as you’re shopping your options: 

API Specifications – API standards are especially relevant to the oil and natural gas industries. They encourage safe operating practices and outline equipment specifications that are geared towards ensuring that facilities operate as safely as possible. 

ANSI Code – Like ASTM code, ANSI code is not specific to the industrial heating industry, but it is still very relevant to those investing in large scale heating equipment. ANSI guidelines help to standardize the features, performance levels and safety of products created in the United States.

ASME Code – ASME code (also known as ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code) regulate the design, development and manufacture of boilers and pressure vessels that are used in a variety of industries. These are important safety and quality standards for heating equipment.

AISC Membership – AISC stands for the American Institute of Steel Construction. This organization works with its members and affiliates to increase the domestic use of structural steel manufactured in the USA, and develops codes, standards, and specifications that govern the structural steel industry throughout the US and beyond.

Code-Compliant Commercial Heating Equipment You Can Count On

At American Heating Company, we are passionate about designing and manufacturing industrial heating equipment our customers can rely on. We know our stuff when it comes to the codes and standards that govern our industry, as well as the industries we serve. 

If you’re shopping for heating equipment for your plant or facility, we can help you shop with confidence knowing that the equipment you invest in satisfies the appropriate and required standards for your industry. 

Have questions about industrial heating equipment codes? Give us a call today at (715) 748-5888 and we’d be happy to discuss, or contact us online to get the conversation started. 

Interested in learning more about the codes and standards that may be relevant to your equipment? Be sure to check out our resources about heating equipment codes and standards for helpful insight, as well as code comparisons to help you understand the similarities and differences between the various guidelines.