Geothermal piping standard published

Geothermal piping systems standard NSF/ANSI 358-1, written by NSF International, evaluates safety and performance of polyethylene piping.

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NSF International has published NSF/ANSI 358-1, the first in a series of American National Standards for Ground-Source Geothermal Piping Systems. This new standard, which will be referenced in the 2015 International Mechanical Code, provides engineers, regulators, and users assurance that certified geothermal products meet minimum performance and safety requirements, reducing potential liability, and increasing confidence and product acceptance in the marketplace.

Geothermal heat pump systems provide heating or cooling by moving heat, rather than by creating heat such as conventional systems like furnaces do. While conventional heating systems rely on outdoor temperatures that may often vary, underground temperatures remain relatively constant; hence geothermal systems can produce the desired heating and cooling temperature year round.

Geothermal piping systems have gained popularity in recent years for residential and commercial building applications for their innumerable benefits such as low operating costs and environmental impact, long-term durability and ease of retrofitting. 

NSF/ANSI 358-1: Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings for Water-Based Ground-Source "Geothermal" Heat Pump Systems establishes minimum physical and performance requirements for geothermal piping system components, including long-term strength and quality control requirements that are key to ensuring product performance in the field. Additionally, the standard incorporates key requirements from standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and the American Water Works Association (AWWA).