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As far as I know ASTM covers testing for individual materials not construction standards. Could be wrong. Also, IRC has a list of ASTM standards in the back (or at least mine does).
Also, again, as far as I know, builders don't need to know the specifics of ASTM standards. It's more just nice to know information. Code books sometimes specify that a particular material conform to a specific ASTM standard. All the builder has to know is weather the material he wants to use conforms.
Edited 6/8/2008 9:33 pm ET by Matt
ASTM designs tests for, and then run tests on materials or designs to the standards set by the priorly designed tests.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASTM_International
The codes refer to those tests standards that ASTM uses to set the code. Code agencies neither design nor test materials or designs.
its kinda like soda, they all got bubbles, and they are all wet. there is a little difference in flavor, but the main difference is some gots caffeine and some don't
It helps to understand just what you're talking about.
A building code is just that - a set of rules the building has to meet.
ASTM stands for "The American Society of Testing and Materials." That is, their standards serve to define what a particular material is, as well as define how it will be tested. For example, it is an ASTM test that will define whether a board is "stud grade," or "construction grade."
Which, of course, brings us to our friends at the box stores. They are notorious for having materials that are not described in industry-standard terms; these products can be anything. "Good one side" is not an APA/ ASTM description of plywood, and "Utility" is not an ASTM class of copper tubing.
The use of standard products allows us to work off standard span tables, etc. You don't often need to actually consult the ASTM standards; rather, you look for a statement on the product that it meets those standards.
Has the ASTM gotten as lax as U.L. ?
I see U.L. listed light fixtures that are a joke......
UL would assert that "ASTM" has never had nearly the meaning of a UL listing. More than simple pride, UL would argue that a claim that a product meets ASTM standards is largely meaningless. They might have a point. ASTM just publishes standards ... that's all they do. Sure, it's nice to have an "official" definition, but there are many products out there that tout their meeting completely irrelevant standards. (For example, a certain motor oil additive cites a machine shop cutting oil test). Moreover, ASTM tests nothing, inspects nothing. Any manufacturer can claim whatever they wish. It's up to you to determine if the product is really suitable.
ATM is just the standard on "HOW" to test. it has nothing to do with the material.
Actually, an ATM is just a place to pick up quick cash and ASTM standards very specifically define the material.
The ASTM establishes the procedures under which materials are tested AND the criteria to which the results are judged. The standard is critical to providing a consistent level of product across the country (and to some extent, the globe, but other agency/standard such as ISO and DIN are more prevalent outside of the US). You can by Type L copper pipe in any supply store across the country, and only because that is specifically defined by ASTM, does it mean the same thing in Seattle as it does in Atlanta.
Well, that is partly correct. Some ASTM tests, like the one for motorcycle helmets, are strictly performance tests. Others, like the ones for copper tubing, will also specify material composition and critical dimensions.
Well, they either need to police who's counterfeiting their stickers, or just admit that anyone can buy a sticker. Last Xmas the DW went decoration crazy....the UL tagged lit snowman with the wire splices twisted together and wrapped with tape sure didn't meet MY standards.
EXACTLY what on the snowman was tagged and for WHAT PURPOSE?My Jet contractors TS has 2 UL tags on it and they are legit.But the TS has no UL listing.One label for the cordset. The other for the motor..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
WELL, BILL......I don't recall, 'cause I threw the D**m thing in the trash, BUT MAYBE THE TAG WAS FOR THE CORD, AND DIDN'T APPLY TO THE TAPED,TWISTED SPLICES!!!!!
I can't stress this point enough ... the ASTM has nothing to do with either building codes, or UL. These groups have about as much in common as J C Penney has with J C Whitney. The ASTM is sort of a private, glorified National Bureau of Standards. All they do is add their endorsement to what is already an industry standard .... so, say, for construction purposes, you can say a stud is a stud is a stud.
The manufacturer, one hopes, will follow the ASTM standard and sound sampling methods in testing his product before he claims it really is a 'stud.' What if he cheats? Well, there's no 'label' as such; it's up to you to catch the cheater, and sue the bastard. ASTM, as an organization, could care less - and really has no recourse, anyway. In a very real sense, ASTM standards are performance standards. That is, they are intended to (for example) ensure that a 'stud' will be able to do what studs are supposed to do. UL is another creature entirely. "Testing for public safety" is their motto .... you can make the most horrid, non-functional junk, and that's OK with UL, as long as it's "safe" junk. UL standards have nothing to do with the performance of the product. An example of this might be stereo systems; just because one amplifier has a UL sticker, while another does not .... you cannot claim the sound is any better. (UL has no interest in how good the music sounds). Unlike the ASTM, UL does sell it's label, and keeps careful track of each one. This is where they get their money. To ensure compliance with their standards, they not only test samples ... they visit the production lines, and often take new samples for check tests.
I was told felt paper without the ATSM stamp may not have the required amount of asphalt impregnation. Just an example.
John
Felt is a great example. We use 30# felt that conforms to ASTM D226. There is a lighter 30# felt that comforms to D4869.
While the ASTM Standards contain testing standards like everyone else has mentioned, they also incorporate installation standards.
I don't know much about the IRC, but for those of us in California who were used to the UBC and now have to use a modified IBC, we have to rely on the ASTM Standards for certain things. For example, the UBC used to spec everything you needed to know for metal lath/stucco application. Now you have to look at C 1063-03 in the ASTM manual. The same is true for suspended ceiling installations, except you also have to look at ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) 7-05.
If you really want a complete collection of material that not only tells you what you have to do, but how you have to do it, you should spring for the ASTM manual to supplement your code books.