Refrigeration

Installation Permits

Overview

Licensed contractors and equipment owners who are planning to install or alter a regulated refrigeration system (or part of a refrigeration system) require an installation permit, unless specifically exempted by the regulations.

Refrigeration system examples include:

self-contained and/or split systems, tested and certified by a certification agency accredited by the Standards Council of Canada, and conforming to CSA B52 section 5.2; and
field constructed refrigeration systems, and/or prefabricated refrigeration systems, designed, registered, installed, tested, and inspected by a licensed refrigeration contractor.

What Work Can be Performed Without a Permit?

Some activities may be performed by a qualified refrigeration mechanic working under a valid refrigeration contractors license, without an installation permit. These activities include:

installing a pressure vessel on a refrigeration system;
replacing valves, controls, piping, refrigerant or relief devices with components of a similar type that have been approved by a provincial safety manager or a similar regulatory authority in another province; and
maintaining or overhauling refrigeration system components.

Which Equipment Is Exempt From Permit Requirements?

The following equipment does not require an installation permit as it is exempt from the application of the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Refrigeration Safety Regulation:

a refrigeration system with a total prime mover kW rating less than 5kw. Use our online calculator to confirm if a permit is required. If a permit is purchased in error, fees under $100 are not refundable;
a refrigeration system, not containing toxic or flammable contents, that is located in a building that contains four or fewer self-contained residential units; and
a refrigeration system on railway cars, motor vehicles, motor-drawn vehicles, aircraft, or ships.

View a full list of equipment that is exempt from the application of the regulation.

How Do I Apply for a Permit?

Use the refrigeration permit calculator below to help determine if a permit is required. See the bottom of this page for more information on locating the values needed for the permit calculator.
If applicable, register your refrigeration system before applying for an installation permit. Once your design registration is approved, you will receive a Canadian Design Registration Number (CRN) that is needed for the installation permit.
Note: Refrigeration systems that are tested and certified by a certification agency accredited by the Standards Council of Canada and conform to CSA B52 section 5.2 are exempt from registration. Photos of the manufacturer's nameplate (including the associated certification marking) must be submitted either on the permit application or the final declaration to validate equipment certification.
Apply and pay for a permit through your Online Services account or by filling out the application form online and submitting payment through mail or by calling our Contact Centre.
Once your application is approved, we will issue you a permit number.
Once the installation is completed, the Boiler and Refrigeration Declaration form must be submitted to notify us that all work has been completed. Declarations may also be submitted online through your Online Services account.
We will process the request and assess if a physical or remote inspection is required.

Refrigeration Permit Calculator

Use this calculator to determine whether your refrigeration system is a regulated product that requires an installation permit, contractor REF license, etc.

It will guide you through the process of determining your system’s total kilowatts (kW) using information from your equipment nameplate

Note: Incorrect or incomplete applications may result in unnecessary permits, and fees under $100 are non‑refundable.

Locating Values for the Permit Calculator

To use the calculator, locate the nameplate on the unit’s exterior casing (typically near the electrical service panel). The following values will be required for the system kW calculation:

Single‑phase or three‑phase
Voltage
Current (amps)
Power factor
Motor efficiency

Use the images in the “Example Images” sections below as a guide for each step.

Example Nameplates

Determining How Many Compressors Are Attached to the System

Determining How Many Phases a Compressor Has

Locate the compressor data on the equipment nameplate. Note that technical details may be grouped together or listed separately for each of the system's compressors.