Building Codes, Regulations & Certifications

Building Codes are a set of rules whose main purpose is to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings.

|  Building Codes  |  Certification / Compliance Marks  |

Building Codes

Due to constant changes in local, state, and federal codes and regulations, Ambassador will not be responsible for any product that does not meet applicable codes. Some regulations vary from city to city and state to state. We recommend that you check with your plumber or contractor for any applicable code requirements before placing your order.

Certification / Compliance Marks

See the product's detail page for applicable certification/compliance marks.


UPC and/or cUPC (Canada UPC)
This certification is offered by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). UPC is generally the standard and only certification required for most plumbing products to be used in the U.S., by most municipalities. UPC certification includes all U.S. federal requirements and standards, including NSF and ASME/ANSI. cUPC is one of the certifications recognized for plumbing products to be used in Canada. cUPC certification includes all Canadian federal requirements and standards.
Check IAPMO R&T wedsite for a list of UPC/cUPC certifications

ASME / ANSI
ASME is a standard set by the American National Standards Institute pertaining to the flow rate and fittings of plumbing products. Among other areas, it calls for the maximum flow rate of bathroom and kitchen faucets: 2.2 GPM @ 60 PSI and showerheads: 2.5 GPM @ 80 PSI. Although not a U.S. government agency, it's standards are often considered to be the federal standard. Items with UPC and/or cUPC or CSA certifications include this standard.

CSA
This certification is offered by CSA International. CSA is one of the certifications recognized for plumbing products to be used in Canada. CSA certification includes all Canadian federal requirements as well as several U.S. standards, such as NSF and ASME/ANSI standards.
Check CSA International website for a list of CSA certifications

California AB-1953 & Vermont Act 193
California AB-1953 and Vermont Act 193 call for a much lower lead content in the wetted surfaces of the faucet itself, then the U.S. and Canadian federal maximum (NSF 61). It calls for less then 0.25% lead. This requirement went into effect on January 1, 2010 and is only applicable to faucets to be sold in California and/or Vermont and only applies to faucets which could be considered as drinking water faucets (including: Kitchen Faucets, Bathroom Sink Faucets, Bar Faucets, Pantry Faucets).

ADA Compliant
ADA Compliant is not a certification, but rather a feature. ADA Compliant means the item is consistent with and conforms to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

WaterSense
This certification is offered by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). It certifies that a faucet meets or exceeds the U.S. EPA's WaterSense water conservation criteria launched in 2006. For a faucet to have a WaterSense certification, it must perform as well or better then products merely meeting the U.S federal standard, while being a minimum of 20% more efficient. For example, the U.S. federal standard for a bathroom sink faucet allows for a maximum flow rate of 2.2 GPM @ 60 PSI, whereas a WaterSense bathroom sink faucets have a maximum flow rate of 1.5 GPM at @ 60 PSI, while maintaining the feel of faucets at the higher rate.

California Energy Commission
As a leader in water conservation, the California Energy Commission has set more stringent guidelines for the maximum flow rate of most faucets and showerheads, than the U.S. federal standard or even the EPA's WaterSense standard. Faucets and showerheads displaying this mark, meet or exceed the CEC's requirements.

Pressure Balanced
Pressure Balance is not a certification, but rather a feature. Pressure balanced shower and shower/tub faucets reduce the risk of scalding by ensuring that the water temperature stays within a safe 3° F (1.5° C). Most sets include an internal adjustable dial to set the maximum allowed water temperature. Most municipalities now require a pressure balanced system when applying for a permit for new construction or remodel.

NSF Compliant
This certification is offered by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF International), but is not only offered as a certification. In many cases, products may display the NSF logo as a form of stating that they comply with NSF standards for lead content and materials. Although not a U.S. government agency, it's standards are often considered to be the federal standard. Items with either UPC and/or cUPC or CSA certifications include this certification automatically. Items with either UPC and/or cUPC or CSA certifications will NOT display this mark in addition to the UPC and/or cUPC or CSA mark.