Keeping public water systems safe starts with ensuring backflow preventers are properly housed and protected. Outdoor enclosures are the most effective way to do this, but not all covers are created equal. That’s why the ASSE 1060 standard plays such a necessary role.
Developed by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering, ASSE 1060 is the industry standard, defining clear benchmarks for enclosures built to safeguard "fluid conveying components," or water infrastructure. These guidelines tell manufacturers and buyers exactly what an enclosure must provide: reliable freeze protection, secure access and adequate drainage. If you’re responsible for specifying or installing backflow covers, understanding these requirements is a must for making a smart, code-compliant choice.
Let's explore six core features that define ASSE 1060-certified enclosures and explain why each one matters to the performance, safety and longevity of your system.
Cold weather is one of the biggest threats to backflow prevention assemblies. ASSE 1060 Class I and II enclosures are specifically designed to maintain a minimum internal temperature of 40°F, but for different periods of time. Class III enclosures offer no backflow preventer freeze protection at all.
Failing to provide adequate freeze protection can lead to burst pipes, equipment failure and costly repairs. An ASSE approved enclosure keeps your system running year-round.
Heated enclosures with a minimum thermal resistance (R-value) of 8.0 or greater for extreme freeze protection. If you're specifying for a freezing area — no matter how short the freeze may be — you should choose Class I. Safe-T-Cover's standard aluminum enclosures meet Class I standards when shipped with the recommended slab-mounted heater.
Referred to as "freeze retardant enclosures" with an R-value of 8.0, Class II is designed for climates where the ambient temperature doesn't dip below 33°F for long periods of time. Note that there is no guarantee of freeze protection for these enclosures.
Enclosure boxes provide no frost or freeze protection at all. They're only useful for aesthetics as well as a base level (and we would add often inadequate) theft, vandal and accident protection.
ASSE 1060 enclosures are built with durability in mind. They must support a minimum vertical load of 100 pounds per square foot — more than enough to handle snow accumulation, high winds and everyday wear from commercial environments. This requirement ensures the enclosure remains stable and secure no matter the conditions, reducing the risk of collapse or costly failure.
When reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valves discharge, whether during routine function or a sudden malfunction, they can release hundreds of gallons of water in minutes. Without proper drainage, that water can turn a protective enclosure into a flooding and cross-connection hazard.
To prevent this, ASSE 1060 calls for drainage systems that control internal water levels and route discharge away from equipment. The standard limits water rise to eight inches and sets minimum drainage capacities based on pipe diameter, ensuring each enclosure can handle the worst-case scenario.
To mitigate potential building and property damage, never install an RPZ indoors. Opt for an outdoor, above-ground aluminum enclosure instead.
The easier it is to access a backflow preventer, the more likely it will receive regular testing and maintenance. ASSE 1060 helps make that possible by requiring thoughtful design features, including:
These practical details eliminate the frustration of cramped workspaces, defined as confined spaces by OSHA, and encourage ongoing system upkeep. Aluminum enclosures that meet this standard offer easy access opening to service equipment and control valves as necessary.
Keeping backflow prevention assemblies safe from vandals is non-negotiable. ASSE 1060 mandates enclosures that include tamper-resistant features, such as lockable panels or padlock-ready handles, to help prevent theft and vandalism. All ASSE 1060-conforming backflow enclosures must have locks that withstand a 20-pound deadweight drop. If the mechanism shows no evidence of damage and still functions, it passes.
In addition to physical security, design can play a role in keeping enclosures out of harm’s way. With custom colors, neutral finishes and strategic placement, industrial enclosures can blend into the environment instead of standing out, helping deter unwanted attention.
Not all enclosure heaters meet ASSE Class I standards. ASSE updated its standards in 2006 to require heaters in certified enclosures to be rated for wet or damp environments, which is a must when housing an RPZ assembly. These devices are designed to discharge water, and in failure scenarios, that can mean up to 500 gallons per minute.
A heater without the proper rating can short out when it gets wet, leaving equipment vulnerable to freezing. Always confirm that your enclosure includes a wet- or damp-certified heater, especially for outdoor RPZ installations. It’s a critical detail often overlooked.
When an enclosure meets ASSE 1060 standards, it’s been vetted to meet the demands of safety, performance and real-world use. This certification supports:
Every Safe-T-Cover enclosure is ASSE certified and designed with these requirements at the core, offering the confidence that comes with a purpose-built solution, whether you need a standard model or a fully customized fit.
Not sure what your project calls for? Reach out to our team for expert recommendations and fast-turnaround specs.