Who Is Pacific West Associates FAQ
1)Who is Pacific West Associates and what do they do?
Pacific west associates is a certification agency that deals with Recreational Vehicles, Recreational Park Models, Commercial and Special Commercial Modular buildings, Manufactured Housing. PWA is also a full discipline engineering firm including Mechanical, Electrical, Forensic and Structural divisions. Chuck Ballard is the President and Director Of Standards for the Tiny Home Industry Association ( THIA) and is a principle member that writes the codes and standards for the RV Industry.
Principle Member of the NFPA 1192 Standard On Recreational Vehicles
Principle Member of the NFPA 1194 Standard On Recreational Parks And Campgrounds
Principle Member ANSI A119.5 Park Model Recreational Vehicle Standard
Principle Member ANSI UPA (Uniform Plan Approval)
Principle Member ANSI/RVIA Low Voltage Standard
2) What is the difference between RVIA and PWA ?
RVIA is an industry association with the capability of introducing and regulating building code, along with the ability to inspect and affirm compliance to accepted building codes. Pacific West Associates is not an industry association, but an accredited inspection and certification agency with the qualifications to administer and assure compliance to the building codes.
3) Who governs and recognizes PWA as an authority to certify?
States and national jurisdictions recognize Pacific West Associates credentials to certify the product that bears our tag.
4) What is the difference between an inspection company and certification company?
Inspections companies are able to oversee product being built, but only a certification company is allowed to apply a label that determines compliance.
5) Define ANSI A119.5, NFPA 1192 and NFPA70 Sections 551 and 552
ANSI A119.5 is a nationally recognized standard that defines the building codes for Recreational Park Models. NFPA1192 is for recreational vehicles. NFPA70 National Electric Code sets the standards for electrical requirements of all buildings, with sections 551 and 552 pertaining to Recreational Vehicles and Recreational Park trailers respectively.
6) Define ANSI
American National Standards Institute. The American National Standards Institute is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States.
7) Define ASTM
ASTM International, formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.
8) What does it mean when a ASTM standard is withdrawn?
ASTM standards withdrawal means the standard is no longer printed, or referenced or overtaken by a different standard still in publication.
9) What types of recreational vehicles does PWA certify?
Recreational Vehicles covered under NFPA1192, including Type A, B, and C motorhomes (including skoolies and van conversions)
Towable RVs including Fifth-wheel travel trailers, Folding Camping Trailers, Travel Trailers, Truck Campers, Expandable Travel Trailers, Horse trailers (livestock) and Sport Utility Trailers (toy haulers)
We certify Recreational Park Models under ANSI A119.5
Tiny Homes can be certified under either of these 2 categories.
10) Does Hud Regulate Park Models?
No Hud does not regulate park models.
11) To Become A New Builder That You Certify, What Is The Criteria?
New builders are inspected by one of our inspectors so their QA process and building practices comply with ANSI or NFPA requirements. Generally a consultation period previous to the on site inspections and ongoing communication with the builders to keep up with changes.
12) Who Is Pacific West Tiny Homes?
Pacific West Tiny Homes, Inc. is a subsidiary of Pacific West Associates, Inc. which is an accredited third party agency that has been recognized in the industry for over 30 years. PWA is composed of licensed electrical, mechanical, structural and forensic engineers. The evaluation and certification staff meet the requirements of the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) E699-16, which is for agencies involved in testing, quality assurance, and evaluating of manufactured building components. ASTM E541-10 is the previous standard that has now been withdrawn.
Services include DIY Built, Manufactured Built and Consultations.
Chuck Ballard Pacific West Associates
Alex Ontiveros is the Vice President Of PWTH
