ONTARIO, Calif. — The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) announced that it has reached an agreement with the Radiant Panel Association (RPA) whereby IAPMO will acquire key RPA assets, pending ratification by RPA membership. The RPA board has voted to recommend that membership support the agreement for the expanded benefits that it will provide. IAPMO will then serve the industry needs of RPA members as it does for the plumbing, mechanical, swimming pool, spa, hot tub and solar industries.

The manufacturers, distributors, designers, dealers, and installers of radiant panel heating and cooling systems and components that are presently members of the RPA will have the opportunity to join IAPMO. With IAPMO, the organization noted that radiant panel industry members will take part in an expanded scope of activity. RPA said it seeks to facilitate communication and cooperation among those interested in the advancement of the radiant panel heating and cooling industry, primarily in North America. These efforts will now be led by IAPMO.

As the sponsor of the American National Standard-designated Uniform Plumbing Code® (UPC), Uniform Mechanical Code® (UMC), Uniform Solar Energy Code® (USEC) and Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code® (USPC), IAPMO said its members are dedicated to working in concert with government and industry for safe, sanitary plumbing and mechanical systems. In addition to product testing and listing services, IAPMO also develops standards, delivers technical education in support of its codes and standards, and certifies journeymen and inspectors.

Incoming members will have the tenure of their RPA membership recognized in good standing by IAPMO. In addition, said the organization, they will gain the benefits of IAPMO membership, including:

• A role in shaping the codes that govern the design, installation, methods, and materials employed by plumbing, mechanical, and solar systems in homes and businesses;

• Access to a team of technical experts to provide answers and analysis;

• Access to a team of education and certification professionals utilizing contemporary delivery systems;

• Professional publications delivering timely news and technical information; and

• Expanded networking opportunities.

“The RPA has been a tremendous organization that has had a profound impact on the indoor environment industry, on hundreds of companies, and on many of us personally,” said RPA President Dorothy Castagna-Biggs. “It has run a great course and changed the face of radiant floor heating in the United States. The vision lives on, but it is now being broadened and enhanced with the integration and shared learning across a multitude of products and systems. We believe that IAPMO will offer us the best path forward for continued success.”

IAPMO Director of Program Development Kathleen Mihelich has been named to lead the new industry segment within IAPMO out of the organization’s Chicago office in Mokena, Ill. For more information, contact Mihelich at 708-995-3003 or kathleen.mihelich@iapmo.org.

Publication date: 12/05/2011