Author
Chuck McGovern
Federal funding continues to drive major construction and renovation projects across the United States, from public housing, schools, and healthcare buildings to water treatment plants, military installations, and correctional facilities.
As a result, project owners and contractors are increasingly required to specify products that comply with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA).
Understanding BABAA
Enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, BABAA establishes domestic content requirements for products used in federally funded infrastructure projects. As federal funding expands into new construction and modernization projects, selecting BABAA-compliant plumbing products is no longer a preference, it’s often a project requirement.
For plumbing manufacturers, the implementation of BABAA means providing products that are manufactured in the United States and meet strict domestic-content requirements, along with the documentation necessary to support compliance.
BABAA on the Jobsite
For engineers, contractors, and facility owners, choosing BABAA-compliant products can help avoid project delays, simplify submittal reviews, and ensure funding eligibility throughout the construction process. Manufacturers that can clearly document compliance gain an important advantage when it comes to delivering projects on time and on budget.
One category where compliance has become increasingly important is digital master mixing valves. These valves and their related systems play a critical role in delivering safe, tempered water throughout commercial and institutional buildings. In addition, digital master mixing valves incorporate advanced monitoring and control capabilities for property owners and facilities managers.
TempControl Digital is Mixing It Up in the Industry
Despite the driving demand for digital technology, there’s been a significant challenge for federally funded projects: finding a digital mixing valve that satisfies BABAA requirements.
Consider that challenge achieved, thanks to Symmons TempControl® Digital.
TempControl Digital is currently the only digital master mixing valve on the market that’s compliant with the Build America, Buy America Act.
Built on the same brass, bronze, and stainless steel TempControl valve body that’s been an industry standard since 1958, TempControl Digital ushers in a new era, with advanced connectivity and intelligent controls, plus the confidence of BABAA compliance.
Facilities with Benefits
Beyond compliance, TempControl Digital introduces tiered packages that include capabilities that help facility managers and maintenance teams improve system performance and visibility, at multiple price points. Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, and LoRaWAN® connectivity enable on-site and remote monitoring through the Evolution app.
With TempControl Digital Connect and Digital Connect+, staff can receive configurable alerts, monitor water temperatures, and make adjustments remotely via smartphone or other devices. The system also includes self-cleaning functionality and a sanitization mode to help maintain system performance and reduce the risk of waterborne bacteria.
Moving Forward, Going Retro
Perhaps most importantly, TempControl Digital offers a level of flexibility unmatched in the industry: It’s the only master mixing valve that can be upgraded from a thermostatic configuration to a digital platform simply by changing the cartridge.
The ability to retrofit existing TempControl TMV valves to Digital with just four screws is a huge cost-savings advantage for property owners: no piping work and minimal shutdown time. Likewise, TempControl Digital can be converted back to thermostatic operation at any point.
As federally funded construction projects continue to expand, the demand for specifying products that meet BABAA requirements will increase across every market segment. For facilities looking for complete digital water temperature management, TempControl Digital delivers the best of both worlds: advanced technology and documented BABAA compliance.
We Make Things Right… Right Here
At Symmons, we’ve been helping customers navigate evolving codes, standards, and project requirements for decades.
TempControl Digital is another example of how we continue to innovate while staying true to our commitment to quality, reliability, and making things right.
See what sets TempControl Digital apart from all others by visiting the TempControl Digital page on Symmons.com.
