CSA B52HB:20

This is the third edition of CSA B52HB, A practical handbook for implementing CSA B52:18, Mechanical refrigeration code. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2016 and 2005.

The primary objective of this Handbook is to provide both novice and experienced users of CSA B52 with a concise, user-friendly guide to understanding and implementing the requirements of CSA B52. The B52 Code, which originated in 1939, has been regularly updated throughout the years and is now in its twelfth edition. This Handbook also briefly describes the evolution of CSA B52, touching on the Code?s development process, updates and interpretations, and the relationship between the Code and jurisdictional regulations.

Changes in the CSA B52:18 Standard are reflected in this edition of the Handbook.

As society has been advocating the change to natural refrigerants in order to preserve the environment, there are many safety issues which must be addressed. This version of the CSA B52 Handbook will provide many of the recommended minimum safety protocols to be adhered to, in order to avoid issues. Many of the changes along with an explanation are as follows: Members of the B52 Technical Committee also contributed to its development.

CSA Group gratefully acknowledges the work of Ian Frost and Craig MacDonald in the development of this Handbook. Material on ammonia diffusion tanks was generously provided by James Shou. The Technical Committee on the Mechanical Refrigeration Code also contributed to the development of this Handbook.

Scope of CSA B52:

The scope of CSA B52 is to provide minimum requirements for the design, construction, installation, inspection, and maintenance of all mechanical refrigeration systems, as provided for by provincial and territorial acts, to minimize the risk of human injury. The Code applies to all refrigeration systems installed subsequent to its jurisdictional adoption, whether in new or existing premises, to systems that undergo a substitution of refrigerant, and to parts of a refrigeration system that are replaced in, or added to, refrigeration systems installed prior to its adoption. The word “adoption” refers to the date a jurisdiction adopts the Code, and not necessarily to the year in which the Code was published.