Not all NSF/ANSI 55 claims represent certified disinfection performance.
NSF/ANSI 55 is an internationally recognized standard for ultraviolet (UV) water treatment systems. However, simply stating “NSF/ANSI 55” does not necessarily mean a product has achieved Class B disinfection performance certification.
What does Class B certification mean?
NSF/ANSI 55 defines two disinfection performance classifications:
- Class A: Designed for treating microbiologically unsafe water under specified conditions.
- Class B: Designed for supplemental bactericidal treatment of drinking water already considered microbiologically safe.
Class B certification requires independent verification of bactericidal performance and applicable system requirements.
NSF vs. IAPMO: Understanding Certification Bodies
Both NSF and IAPMO R&T are respected third-party certification organizations that can certify products to NSF/ANSI 55.
The key difference lies in certification marks:
- NSF Certification: Authorized products may display the official NSF mark.
- IAPMO Certification: Authorized products may display the applicable IAPMO certification mark, but not the NSF mark.
Both certifications demonstrate compliance with the applicable standard and certified performance claims.
What should buyers verify?
When evaluating UV-C LED water treatment products, HERGY recommends checking:
- Whether the product is independently certified.
- Whether the official listing explicitly identifies Class B disinfection performance.
- Whether the exact model and certified flow rate match the manufacturer’s claims.
- Which certification body issued the certification.
HERGY recommends NSF certification for manufacturers seeking the branding advantages of the official NSF mark and direct verification through NSF’s certification database.
At HERGY, we believe transparent certification, verified disinfection performance, and accurate product claims are essential to building customer confidence.
