CSA B52:18

Preface:

This is the twelfth edition of CSA B52, Mechanical refrigeration code. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2013, 2005, 1999, 1995, 1992, 1991, 1983, 1977, 1965, 1951, and 1939.

The twelfth edition of this Standard provides the minimum requirements for the design, construction, installation, inspection, and maintenance of mechanical refrigeration systems, and is complemented by the practical implementation guidance B52 Handbook, helping to minimize the risk of personal injury. This Standard applies to all refrigeration systems installed, whether in new or existing premises, to systems that undergo a substitution of refrigerant, and to parts that are replaced in or added to the system.

This Standard contains recommendations only and does not have the force of law until adopted officially by a jurisdiction. The authorities having jurisdiction, including those that have adopted this Standard, should be consulted on the extent of such adoption, as the Standard could have been adopted with exemptions or with additional requirements.

This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on the Mechanical Refrigeration Code, under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Mechanical Industrial Equipment Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee.

This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

Scope:

This standard is intended to establish a simple means of referring to common refrigerants instead of using the chemical name, formula, or trade name. It establishes a uniform system for assigning reference numbers, safety classifications, and refrigerant concentration limits to refrigerants. The standard also identifies requirements to apply for designations and safety classifications for refrigerants and to determine refrigerant concentration limits.

This standard provides an unambiguous system for numbering refrigerants and assigning composition designating prefixes for refrigerants. Safety classifications based on toxicity and flammability data are included along with refrigerant concentration limits for the refrigerants. This standard does not imply endorsement or concurrence that individual refrigerant blends are suitable for any particular application.