Guide to Power Piping Standards
What is power piping?
Power piping systems are typically used in central heating or cooling systems and in buildings that generate electric power. The purpose of these systems is to distribute high-temperature water, high-pressure steam, high-pressure water and compressed air.
Power piping is not part of the plumbing system and is engineered differently from plumbing in order to carry high temperature substances.
What are ASME Standards?
The ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) develops and produces Standards for power piping that are used worldwide. The Society is a global leader in the development and publication of Mechanical Engineering Standards. Its Standards are designed to facilitate public health and safety and to promote innovation and trade.
ASME Standards cover a wide range of topics – including construction, engineering design, elevators, nuclear plants, and pressure technology. The Standards include ASME B31.1, which specifies the technical requirements for power piping systems.
As well as power piping Standards, ASME also publishes Standards for process piping systems. These are systems that distribute gases, liquids and chemicals, and are typically used in petroleum refineries and chemical plants.
What is the latest version of ASME B31.1?
ASME B31.1 Standard is used all over the world. It sets out the requirements for the design, construction, operation, maintenance and inspection of power piping systems, including power boilers and high temperature water boilers.
The Standard was updated in 2022 to improve reliability and safety. Key revisions include new definitions, updated figures for jurisdictional limits, revised and updated referenced standards, and new content for hydro-tests.
Why choose Intertek Inform for your Standards needs?
Intertek Inform provides convenient access to globally recognised Standards, such as those from the ASME. It’s easy to buy Standards from the website in digital or hardcopy formats or through a subscription service.
The main ASME Standard for power piping is ASME B31.1:2022. This document details the technical requirements for power piping systems, including design, construction, materials, maintenance and more. It contains all the most recent updates.
Other ASME piping Standards include ASME B31P:2023, a document covering the requirements for heat treatments of piping, and ASME B31.3:2022, which specifies requirements for the process piping.
There are also ASME Standards available that cover other engineering topics, including elevators and escalators, cranes and monorails, thermal energy storage systems, and portable automotive service equipment.
Following the guidelines set out in ASME’s Engineering Standards for power piping and other processes enables you to enhance the safety and reliability of your industry and its services.
To learn more about and purchase the latest ASME Standards, visit our ASME publisher page.