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All companies are proud of their awards, affiliations and accreditations. Rightly so. This recognition by established authorities can be a major influence on accent consumer's buying decision. Therefore manufacturing and service-oriented companies alike will frequently list those significant business connections on their websites or in their literature. Often this is done by displaying their logos. Sometimes their acronyms are used in the text. However they are displayed, it is presumed that everyone knows the company behind those trademarks or initials. Of course, some consumers in the same line of work will be familiar with these organizations, but not all. And, even if they do recognize the name of an organization, they may not know its relationship to the business that is listing it.
At MR Direct, we are quite proud of our associations within the industry, but we want you to know the whole story. We want to expound on their purpose and what their relationship with MR Direct means to us, and to you. Following is a list and brief description of organizations who have acknowledged MR Direct in some fashion and why.
IAPMO R&T
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, Research and Testing Inc. A long acronym for a premier North American agency whose function is to verify that plumbing and mechanical devices are compliant with all applicable codes and standards of the national and international plumbing industry. This organization performs random testing of products already on market shelves as well as from company's stock. Additionally, periodic surveillance is made of the company's warehouse and factory operations to determine if quality assurance programs are functioning properly.
Although being listed by IAPMO R&T is not a recommendation of the product, it is a prized accomplishment which definitively states that the product has met all recognized industry standards. All MR Direct products are in compliance.
ANSI
The American National Standards Institute is a type of parent organization to the IAPMO. It's broad goal is to continually strengthen the United States' position in the global marketplace by assuring that products are safe for the consumer and the environment by meeting all established national and international standards. ANSI creates norms and guidelines that impact businesses, and is engaged in accrediting programs that assess conformance, like IAPMO R&T.
UPC and cUPC
The Uniform Plumbing Code is the actual list of particular specifications and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be certified. cUPC is the Canadian version. The UPC is developed using the ANSI development procedures and is designed to provide consumers with safe and sanitary plumbing systems while, at the same time, allowing latitude for innovation and new technologies.
SCC
The Standards Council of Canada is the respected Canadian counterpart of the American National Standards Institute. It is Canada’s national accreditation body of testing and calibration laboratories, and organizations that develop standards. SCC also accredits organizations that certify conformity of products, processes, systems and services.
NSF International
Referred to as NSF, this organization changed its name to NSF International (from National Sanitation Foundation) in the 1990s. It is an independent public health and safety organization whose purpose is to develop public health standards and certifications that protect food, water, consumer products and the environment. As an independent, accredited organization, they test, audit and certify products and systems as well as provide education and risk management. Most MR Direct faucets comply to NSF standards.
ADA
The American with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life. To this end the US Department of Justice has established standards and guidelines for ease of use and accessible design in many categories including kitchen and bathroom fixtures. All MRD faucets are ADA compliant.
SDWA
The Safe Drinking Water Act, enforced by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), has established standards to protect the U.S. public drinking water. Guidelines pertaining to plumbing fixtures require materials and fittings on such devices to be free of lead. MR Direct faucets are compliant with the SDWA.
BBB
The Better Business Bureau's mission is to promote an ethical marketplace environment where trust exists between buyers and sellers. Integrity and performance are monitored to measure how a business meets the BBB standards. Companies who are eligible for accreditation, are invited to join. MR Direct is an honored member with an "A" rating.
MRD
Our own acronym for MR Direct, a company that wants you to understand what makes us trustworthy and our products reliable.