Dennis Rosa

Building standards at home

September 13th, 2009

Building standards initiated by the manufactured housing industry assure you of structural quality. A variety of tags and seals adjacent to the door of your home attest that a unit was built in accordance with these standards. The most common, the MHMA/TCA (Mobile Homes Manufacturers Association/Trailer Coach Association) certification indicates the home meets standards set jointly by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the National Fire Protective Association (NFPA), the NHMA, and the TCA.
ANSI standards cover body, frame, and superstructure, plus installation of plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. The seal also certifies that electrical wiring in the home complies with the National Electrical Code.
Some homes carry an Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc. listing label. A manufacturer applies first for approval of the safety of a design for one specific model of home. Then the firm must prove to UL engineers that they have the expertise to build a home in accordance with those UL standards that apply. Once the company and the model are “UL listed,” Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc. acts as a policing agency. UL engineers periodically test samples of a listed manufacturer’s product to verify that it conforms to UL standards.
The Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory tag appears frequently on mobile homes today. PTL is an independent monitoring agency too. But PTL certification differs from the UL method. For a mobile home to receive a Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory tag, a PTL inspector must examine that individual home in detail. It receives a tag only after it passes this rigid inspection.
These standards and independent auditing services protect you as a mobile-home owner. They simplify maintenance because they assure quality of materials and workmanship. You can safely consider the original parts and materials a dependable guide to replacement or repair. Don’t buy a mobile home that doesn’t meet at least the MHMA/TCA standards and have either UL or PTL certification.

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