Commercial water heater question

Brad White_185

There are several ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) standards and in your case I believe it is the boiler and pressure vessel code. Title IV of that covers heating boilers, not sure if that also means service water heating. Title XIII covers unfired pressure vessels such as expansion tanks as another example.


Regardless, the unit must comply with the standard in terms of materials, construction, welding, tappings and safety/relief valves, etc. The vessel also has to carry the appropriate ASME stamp which certifies it for operating pressure.

Here is a link to a PDF you may find helpful to explain the various stamps and rating standards.

files.asme.org/asmeorg/Codes/10786.pdf

Most local authorities and insurance carriers require ASME certification for boilers, heaters, pressure vessels for applications in public buildings and places of assembly. It has nothing to do with efficiency, it is all about safety.

robert griggs

Commercial water heater question

I am sizing a replacement water heater for a hotel. What does it mean when a heater is ASME rated? I realize that anything over 200,000 btus must be, but I do not understand what benefit comes from being rated. Is it just a paperwork rating, or is it something that means the heater is more efficient?

I have wondered this for a while, and no one has given me a good answer.

Thanks.