The electronic format in which codes/standards are available electronically is a protected form of a PDF file (Portable Document Format). By “protected” we mean that certain rights and limitations are associated with the use of the content within the file. These rights and limitations are implemented using Digital Rights Management (DRM) software—in our case this software is called FileOpen. To gain access to the downloaded content, you need to do the following steps:

1. Ensure you have Adobe Reader X or a higher version installed on your computer.
• Note: If you have an OSX (Mac) system, you might need to downgrade to Adobe Reader X if you are using XI version.
2. Download the latest version of the FileOpen plug-in to your computer.
• You should download the latest version (for both Adobe Reader and FileOpen) here:
  pubs.aws.org/customer/downloadableproducts
• You must first log in to your AWS Bookstore account and then go to My Account > Downloadable Products.
• If you already have a version of FileOpen on your computer, you might need to uninstall your current version first.
3. Once the Adobe Reader and FileOpen software are installed on your computer, you will be able to download your electronic code/standard from the AWS Bookstore.
4. When you click on the link to the PDF document, please select Save to save it to your computer instead of trying to open it in the browser. If you use a PC, you can also right-click the link and select "Save As."

The rights and limitations associated with the purchase of an electronic code/standard are managed by our Digital Rights Management (DRM) policies, which are automatically implemented the first time you open the document on your computer.

• You must have both Adobe Reader X and the FileOpen plug-in installed.
• You need Internet access and must allow Adobe Acrobat and FileOpen through your Windows Firewall and/or Proxy Server so the software can validate your computer each time you open or print the document.
• Allow access to:
• *.awspubs.com
• pubs.aws.org
• Once opened for the first time, the document is permanently locked to that computer.
• If printing over a network, ensure your firewall/proxy is configured correctly.
• If you experience printing issues, try changing Adobe Reader > Edit > Preferences > General > Enable Protected Mode at Startup.
• Each downloaded PDF may only be printed once.
• AWS electronic documents are not viewable on e-readers, cell phones, or other handheld devices.      

This site is fully tested on Internet Explorer 8.0 and later. Some issues may occur with other browsers such as Google Chrome.

It can take up to 3 business days for your AWS membership number to appear in the system.

Create your account, then email customerservice@aws.org with:

• Your email address
• Your AWS membership number

Your account will then be updated.

Corporate membership numbers cannot be used in the bookstore.

Only individual memberships are supported.

• Members: reset at my.aws.org/login
• Non-members: reset at pubs.aws.org/login

Download links expire after a limited period.

Email customerservice@aws.org with your order number to have the expiration extended.

Verify that the FileOpen plug-in is installed.

If the issue continues, contact customerservice@aws.org.

Use Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.

Google Chrome is not compatible with these electronic files.

Non-members

• Username: your email address
• Password: your bookstore password

Members

• Username: AWS Member Number 

The file is locked to the first computer used.

If you've changed computers, email customerservice@aws.org to reset your permissions.

Install:

• Latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader
• FileOpen plug-in 

AWS electronic documents are not compatible with Kyocera printers.

Note: If you are unable to open or print a PDF:

• Make sure the PDF opens using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• If the PDF opens in your browser or another PDF viewer (such as Foxit or Bluebeam), download the file and select Open with Adobe Acrobat before printing.
• If the PDF appears blank, confirm that Adobe FileOpen is installed and enabled.

Files are locked to one computer.

Additionally, the document expects the same type of Internet connection (wired vs. wireless).

If you need to transfer access, email customerservice@aws.org.

Download it from the FileOpen installation page.

Returns:

• Must be approved in advance
• Returned within 30 days
• Subject to a 15% restocking fee
• Electronic products, special orders, age-dated materials, and historical versions cannot be returned.
• Shipping charges are non-refundable.

Return address:

AWS Bookstore Returns
8669 NW 36th Street, #130
Miami, FL 33166

Log into pubs.aws.org

Go to:

My Account → Downloadable Products

Try changing:

Adobe Reader

Edit → Preferences → General → Enable Protected Mode at Startup

or

Edit → Preferences → Security (Enhanced)

Disable/enable the setting and restart Adobe Reader.

According to FileOpen, this is an Adobe Reader issue.

Workaround:

• Set duplex printing as the default printer setting.
• Close Adobe Reader.
• Reopen the document.
• Print again. 

Make sure you signed in using your AWS Member Number.

Otherwise the bookstore treats you as a non-member.

Orders placed after 1:00 PM EST ship the next business day.

Typically 2–3 business days (excluding holidays).

Complete an Accredit application through customerservice@aws.org.

Prepayment is required for the first order.

Ensure the billing address entered matches the address associated with your credit card.

AWS standards are developed under rules approved by ANSI.

Only one American National Standard may exist for a particular subject.

Standards are reviewed at least every five years.

If not revised or reaffirmed within ten years, ANSI approval is withdrawn, although the standard may remain available as a historical reference.

A committee may reaffirm a standard when no technical changes are necessary.

Example:

A4.4M:2001(R2016)

The original content remains valid, and the reaffirmation year is added.

A standard is historical if:

1. It has been replaced by a newer edition.
2. The committee has withdrawn it.
3. ANSI approval expired because it was not revised or reaffirmed within ten years.

Historical standards may still be useful references.

AWS reserves the right to refuse orders from individuals or institutions in the following countries and territories:

• Afghanistan
• Belarus
• Central African Republic
• Cuba
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Iran
• Iraq
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lebanon
• Liberia
• Libya
• Nigeria
• North Korea
• Palestinian Territories
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Venezuela
• Yemen
• Zimbabwe