NRCFinal Rule

Regulatory Guide: Acceptable ASME Section XI Inservice Inspection Code Cases

EnergyEnvironment

Summary

This regulation allows nuclear power plants to use updated inspection and testing procedures from the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) standards to check the safety of their equipment. By accepting these newer inspection methods, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) helps plants conduct safety checks more efficiently while maintaining strong safety protections for the public.

Key Points

  • 1Nuclear power plants can now use updated ASME inspection codes to test critical equipment like pipes and welds for wear and damage
  • 2The new inspection methods are more efficient and cost-effective while maintaining the same safety standards that protect communities near nuclear facilities
  • 3The NRC reviewed and approved these inspection procedures to ensure they work as well as or better than the old methods at catching potential problems
  • 4This rule affects all nuclear power plant operators who choose to adopt the updated ASME inspection standards for their safety checks
  • 5Plants must still follow strict NRC oversight and report their inspection results to demonstrate they are operating safely

Key Dates

Published

February 14, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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