NSF publishes first in series of geothermal piping system standards

January 22, 2013

NSF Intl., Ann Arbor, Mich., an independent global organization that writes standards and tests and certifies products for the water, food, health sciences, and consumer goods industries, has published the first in a series of American National Standards for ground-source geothermal piping systems.

NSF/ANSI 358-1: Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings for Water-Based Ground-Source "Geothermal" Heat Pump Systems, which will be referenced in the 2015 International Mechanical Code, 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 ASTM, CSA, and AWWA.

Geothermal heat pump systems provide heating or cooling by moving heat rather than creating it. Underground temperatures remain relatively constant, allowing geothermal systems to produce the desired heating and cooling temperatures year-round.