What is difference between Code, Standard and Professional Documents?

[Redpipe]

I am so confused between Code, Standard and Professional Document. Why Code is ANSI B31.3, B31.4, B31.8, AWS D1.1, etc.? For Standard, it is ANSI B16.5, B16.9, B16.34, etc. For API, it is not Code and Standard, but it is Professional Document.

Anyone can help me? What is a difference?

 

[SooCS]

I had the same problem like you had. Anyway, this what I understand the terms.

Code is the mandatory requirement when you design, construct and install a equipment or system.

Standard is the code requirement when you design and manufacture a product to be sold in the market.

Professional document like the API RP (recommended practices) is just what it it is a good engineering practice. Not a mandatory requirement unless the local authority mandate it, eg API RP 14C.

Hope that helps.

 

[spt]

A Code is a systematic statement of a body of law; especially one given statutory force.

A Standard is something set up and established by authority as a rule for the measure of quality.

As a designer you need to be aware of the Federal, State and County Codes. Many of these jurisdictional authorities adapt and require conformance to the various National Standards. Generally, codes are developed by government agencies and standards are developed by the applicable industries non-profit representative, (ie ASME, NFPA, AWS ANSI).

To muddy the water some the terms: code, standard, regulation and rule are synonyms often used by both government and national organizations when discussing their requirements.