Preface
This is the ninth edition of CSA Standard B52, Mechanical Refrigeration Code. It supersedes previous editions published in 1995, 1992, 1991, 1983, 1977, 1965, 1951, and 1939.
CSA Standard B52 is a recommended Code only and does not have the force of law until adopted officially by the various jurisdictions; the regulatory authorities having jurisdiction, even those who have adopted it, should be consulted as to the extent of such adoption, as the Code may have been adopted with exemptions or with additional requirements.
In this edition, material has been reorganized to consolidate related topics and improve the usability of the Code.
This Code was prepared by the Technical Committee on Mechanical Refrigeration under the jurisdiction of the Standards Steering Committee on Public Safety, and was formally approved by the Technical Committee.
Scope
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Code is to provide minimum requirements for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of those mechanical refrigeration systems included in Clause 1.2, so as to minimize the risk of human injury.
Note: This Code does not directly address protection of property and preservation of the environment, which may be addressed in other Acts, Regulations, Codes, and Standards.
1.2 General
1.2.1
Except as provided for in Clause 1.2.2, this Code applies to the design, construction, installation, inspection, and maintenance of every refrigeration system, as provided for by the Act and defined in this Code.
1.2.2
This Code does not apply to the use of water or air as a refrigerant, nor to bulk-storage gas tanks that are not permanently connected to a refrigeration system, nor to refrigeration systems installed on railroad cars, motor vehicles, motor-drawn vehicles, aircraft, or ships, nor to refrigeration systems used for air-conditioning systems in private residences, unless otherwise provided for by the Act.
1.2.3
This Code applies to
(a) all refrigeration systems installed subsequent to its adoption. This includes refrigeration systems installed in new or existing premises. It also applies to all premises, including the machinery room, if required, in which a refrigeration system is to be installed;
(b) refrigeration systems that undergo a substitution of refrigerant. This includes the requirements on premises as noted in Item (a); and
(c) those parts of a refrigeration system that are replaced in, or added to, refrigeration systems installed prior to its adoption.
Note: When adding or replacing parts (see Item (c)), consideration should be given to the requirements on premises as noted in Item (a).
1.2.4
The values given in SI (metric) units are the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. Conversion factors are provided in Appendix D.
