News

Refrigeration installation and alteration permits

May 29, 2023

We propose changing the description for Refrigeration Installation or Alteration Permits to clarify which type of systems and equipment require an installation permit and which require a decal. This proposed change clarifies that refrigeration systems and equipment of any size that do not meet the existing criteria for the installation permit decal program are to use the standard Refrigeration Installation or Alteration Permit fee. Only certified refrigeration equipment within the parameters outlined in the fee schedule can use the Refrigeration Installation Permit Decal fee.

Current wording in fee schedule (2023)

Proposed change (2024)

Refrigeration Installation or Alteration Permit: ($)

  • More than 125 kW prime mover nameplate capacity rating using Group A1, A2 or B1 refrigerant
  • More than 25 kW prime mover nameplate capacity rating using Group A3, B2 or B3 refrigerant

Note 1: Permit fee does not include inspection. Inspection hours will be charged in addition.

Refrigeration Installation or Alteration Permit: ($)

  • Refrigeration equipment having a capacity of ≥ 5kW prime mover nameplate rating not meeting the conditions for installation under a Refrigeration Installation Permit Decal.

Note 1: Permit fee does not include inspection. Inspection hours will be charged in addition.

Refrigeration Installation or Alteration Permit: ($)

(Decal applicable for all refrigeration equipment conforming to CSA B52 section 5.2 within the following parameters)

  • Using Group A1, A2 or B1 refrigerant and having a capacity >5kW to not more than125 kW prime mover nameplate rating, or
  • Using Group A3, B2 or B3 refrigerant and having a capacity >5kW to not more than 25 kW prime mover nameplate rating

Note 1: The refrigeration contractor is to supply a declaration of installation that includes details of:

  • equipment type
  • certification standard
  • date and location of installation

Note 2: A decal is to be applied to the unit Note 3: An assessment will be carried out to determine if an inspection is required

*This became effective on April 15, 2013

Refrigeration Installation Permit Decal: ($)

(Decal applicable for all refrigeration equipment conforming to CSA B52 section 5.2 within the following parameters)

  • Using Group A1, A2 or B1 refrigerant and having a capacity >5kW to not more than125 kW prime mover nameplate rating, or
  • Using Group A3, B2 or B3 refrigerant and having a capacity >5kW to not more than 25 kW prime mover nameplate rating

Note 1: The refrigeration contractor is to supply a declaration of installation that includes details of:

  • equipment type
  • certification standard
  • date and location of installation

Note 2: A decal is to be applied to the unit

Note 3: An assessment will be carried out to determine if an inspection is required

Note 4: Permit fee does not include inspection. Inspection hours will be charged in addition.

This proposed change to the fee schedule clarifies that equipment and systems that do not conform to CSA B52 section 5.2 with prime mover nameplate rating of less than 125kW/25kW fall under an installation permit. This includes shop-assembled refrigeration skids, smaller field-erected refrigeration systems, and other refrigeration systems and equipment that do not conform to CSA B52 section 5.2. Equipment and systems that are not certified by a certification agency and do not conform to CSA B52 Section 5.2 are required to have their designs registered through Technical Safety BC’s Design Registration process.

Refrigerant group

Prime mover rating

Certified and conforms to CSA B52 section 5.2?

Permit type required

A1

Under 5kW

N/A

None (exempt)

5kW-125kW

Yes

Decal

No

Installation permit

More than 125kW

N/A

Installation permit

A2

Under 5kW

N/A

None (exempt)

5kW-125kW

Yes

Decal

No

Installation permit

More than 125kW

N/A

Installation permit

A3

Under 5kW

N/A

None (exempt)

5kW-25kW

Yes

Decal

5kW-25kW

No

Installation permit

More than 25kW

N/A

Installation permit

B1

Under 5kW

N/A

None (exempt)

5kW-125kW

Yes

Decal

No

Installation permit

More than 125kW

N/A

Installation permit

B2

Under 5kW

N/A

None (exempt)

5kW-25kW

Yes

Decal

5kW-25kW

No

Installation permit

More than 25kW

N/A

Installation permit

B3

Under 5kW

N/A

None (exempt)

5kW-25kW

Yes

Decal

5kW-25kW

No

Installation permit

More than 25kW

N/A

Installation permit

Note: In addition to the exemptions listed above, the following types of refrigeration systems are exempt from the application of the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation:

  • Refrigeration systems that do not contain toxic or flammable contents and are installed in a building containing four or fewer self-contained residential units
  • Refrigeration systems used for air conditioning or refrigerated compartments on railway cars, motor vehicles, motor-drawn vehicles, aircraft or ships