National Advertising Division Recommends Disclosing Pressure and Flow Rate Conditions

New York, NY, Sept. 22, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- In a recent decision, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs has recommended that Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment clearly disclose the specific operating conditions necessary to achieve its maximum pressure (PSI) and flow rate (GPM) claims for certain electric pressure washers. This decision follows a reopened inquiry into a previous challenge by competitor TTi Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc., which alleged that Westinghouse had inflated the pressure and flow rate of its pressure washers in its advertising.

The previous challenge, Case #7496, was brought by TTi, which argued that Westinghouse's claims were unsupported. In its initial ruling, NAD recommended that Westinghouse discontinue its express claims. However, when Westinghouse declined to comply, NAD referred the matter to relevant government authorities. Westinghouse then petitioned to reopen the proceeding and provided new testing to support its claims.

According to the NAD's latest decision, Westinghouse advertises the pressure and flow rate of its pressure washers as max PSI and max GPM. However, NAD found that these claims are unqualified and do not sufficiently inform consumers of the material limitations. Specifically, NAD concluded that the max PSI and GPM claims can only be achieved under very particular conditions, such as through three-second trigger cycles. The organization also noted that claims that do not identify the PSI and GPM rates as "max" are not supported.

In its advertiser statement, Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment stated that it agrees to comply with NAD's recommendations. The company is now required to clearly and conspicuously disclose the circumstances under which its claimed maximum PSI and GPM are obtainable. Additionally, Westinghouse has agreed to modify its advertising to avoid conveying the message that consumers could reach both maximum pressure and maximum flow rate simultaneously.

BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization that currently operates more than 20 globally recognized programs, has been providing third-party accountability and dispute resolution services for over 50 years. These programs address existing and emerging industry issues, create fair competition for businesses, and enhance consumer trust. The organization continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas.

The National Advertising Division, a part of BBB National Programs, provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and creating fair competition for business.