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Comprehensive Guide to CAN CSA C828-13 (2018): Performance Requirements for Household Refrigerating Appliances
Scope, Technical Specifications, Implementation Strategies, and Compliance for Energy Efficiency in Refrigerators, Freezers, and Combinations
Scope and Purpose
CAN CSA C828-13 (2018) is a National Standard of Canada that defines uniform methods for measuring the energy consumption, storage volume, and temperature performance of electrically operated household refrigerating appliances. The standard applies to:
- Refrigerators (including built-in and undercounter units)
- Freezers (chest and upright)
- Combination refrigerator-freezers (fresh food/freezer compartments)
- Wine chillers and beverage coolers (when used in household settings)
The primary purpose of CAN CSA C828-13 (2018) is to provide a reproducible test protocol that enables fair comparison of appliance efficiency across manufacturers and models. It supports the Canadian Energy Efficiency Regulations under the Energy Efficiency Act and facilitates the ENERGY STAR® Canada certification process. The standard was originally published in 2013 and reaffirmed in 2018, incorporating clarifications to test procedures and alignment with international metrological practices.
Tip: Although reaffirmed in 2018, CAN CSA C828-13 is currently under review to harmonize with updated ISO 15502 and IEC 62552. Manufacturers preparing new product lines should monitor CAN/CSA C828.x series amendments.
Technical Requirements and Test Methods
Energy Consumption Measurement
The standard prescribes a 24‑hour energy consumption test conducted in a controlled ambient environment (32.2 °C ± 1.1 °C for most appliances). The test includes:
- Stabilization period – Appliance is operated at minimum three full defrost cycles or 24 hours, whichever is longer.
- Data logging – Energy (Wh) is measured over the stabilization and test intervals using a watt-hour meter with accuracy ±0.5 %.
- Operating adjustments – Fresh food compartment is maintained at 4.4 °C ± 1.1 °C, freezer compartment at -15.0 °C ± 1.1 °C (Tier 1) or -18.0 °C ± 1.1 °C (Tier 2).
Volume Determination
Storage volume (liters) is calculated using interior liner dimensions minus protrusions (e.g., evaporators, ice makers). Shelves, drawers, and door bins are included in shelf area but not counted as separate volume unless they enclose a distinct temperature zone. The standard defines separate calculation methods for fresh food, freezer, and convertible compartments.
| Appliance Type | Test Ambient (°C) | Fresh Food Set Point (°C) | Freezer Set Point (°C) | Energy Limit (kWh/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (no freezer) | 32.2 ± 1.1 | 4.4 ± 1.1 | N/A | ≤ 350 (for 400 L) |
| Freezer (upright) | 32.2 ± 1.1 | N/A | -18.0 ± 1.1 | ≤ 410 (for 300 L) |
| Combination RF | 32.2 ± 1.1 | 4.4 ± 1.1 | -18.0 ± 1.1 | ≤ 480 (for 500 L total) |
| Wine cooler | 25.0 ± 1.1 | 12.0 ± 1.1 | N/A | ≤ 280 (for 200 L) |
Table 1 – Example test conditions and nominal energy limits per CAN CSA C828-13 (2018). Actual limits vary by volume and configuration.
Temperature Performance
The standard requires that during the energy test, temperatures in each compartment remain within a defined range under specified pull-down, steady-state, and defrost recovery conditions. Maximum temperature rise during defrost cycles is limited to 5.0 °C in the freezer and 2.5 °C in the fresh food compartment.
Warning: The 2018 reaffirmation introduced a more stringent requirement for defrost recovery temperature tolerance. Appliances tested under earlier editions may show non‑compliance if the recovery period exceeds 4.5 minutes for freezer compartments.
Implementation Highlights for Manufacturers and Designers
Designing for Compliance
- Optimize insulation thickness and density to achieve low thermal conductance (U-value ≤ 0.28 W/m²·K).
- Select high-efficiency hermetic compressors (EER ≥ 1.8 for freezers).
- Use electronic expansion valves with adaptive superheat control to reduce cycling losses.
- Incorporate anti-sweat heaters controlled by humidity sensors to minimize standby power.
Test Laboratory Setup
The standard mandates:
- Ambient temperature sensors placed 150 mm above the appliance top and 300 mm from each side wall.
- Power supply voltage maintained at 115 V ± 1 % (60 Hz) for Canadian residential appliances; 230 V tests are permitted for multi-voltage models.
- Frozen food test packages (simulated food loads) placed according to a defined grid pattern to ensure consistent thermal mass.
Success: Several early adopters reported that by using vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs) in freezer walls, they achieved a 12–18 % improvement in energy class under CAN CSA C828-13 (2018) compared to previous models, while maintaining the same cabinet volume.
Compliance and Regulatory Notes
CAN CSA C828-13 (2018) is referenced in the Canadian Energy Efficiency Regulations (SOR/2014-299). Manufacturers must:
- Submit test reports from a recognized third-party laboratory (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, UL).
- Declare the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) expressed in kWh/year on the product label.
- Register the model in the Canadian Appliance Database before sale.
The standard is mandatory for all household refrigerating appliances sold in Canada, including imports. Provincial regulatory authorities (e.g., BC Hydro, Hydro-Québec) may conduct random verification testing.
Danger: Non‑compliance with CAN CSA C828-13 (2018) can result in removal from the market, fines up to CAD 500,000 under the Energy Efficiency Act, and mandatory recall of non‑complying products. Always verify third‑party laboratory accreditation (ISO 17025).
Reaffirmation note: The 2018 reaffirmation did not introduce new technical clauses but updated references to ISO 24153 (random sampling methods) and clarified the measurement uncertainty requirements (K = 2, 95 % confidence). Standards users should confirm they are referencing the latest edition.
Comparison with Other Standards
CAN CSA C828-13 (2018) aligns closely with the U.S. DOE 10 CFR Part 430 test procedure but differs in ambient temperature and set points for fresh food compartments. In contrast, the EU’s EN 62552 uses similar approaches but defines different energy label classes. Exporters are advised to consult CSA Group for equivalence tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CAN CSA C828-13 (2018) apply to commercial refrigerators or portable coolers?
A: No. The standard explicitly covers household electric appliances as defined in CSA C22.2 No. 60034. Commercial units (such as reach‑in or walk‑in coolers) are governed by CAN/CSA C827 series and AHRI 1200. Portable coolers with Peltier or compressor technology rated below 100 L are not within scope unless they are intended for household food preservation.
A: No. The standard explicitly covers household electric appliances as defined in CSA C22.2 No. 60034. Commercial units (such as reach‑in or walk‑in coolers) are governed by CAN/CSA C827 series and AHRI 1200. Portable coolers with Peltier or compressor technology rated below 100 L are not within scope unless they are intended for household food preservation.
Q: How often is the standard updated?
A: CSA C828 is typically reviewed every five years. The last reaffirmation was in 2018. A new edition (CAN/CSA C828-XX) is in draft stage, expected to be published in 2025, which will incorporate cumulative amendments and align with the latest IEC 62552-1:2024. Stakeholders can submit comments during the public review period.
A: CSA C828 is typically reviewed every five years. The last reaffirmation was in 2018. A new edition (CAN/CSA C828-XX) is in draft stage, expected to be published in 2025, which will incorporate cumulative amendments and align with the latest IEC 62552-1:2024. Stakeholders can submit comments during the public review period.
Q: Is testing required for each individual model?
A: Testing is required for each distinct “class” (size, configuration, insulation type). However, a representative model may be tested if variations are within ±10 % in volume and energy. The standard provides rules for “family grouping” in Annex B. A compliance check is mandatory even when using family grouping.
A: Testing is required for each distinct “class” (size, configuration, insulation type). However, a representative model may be tested if variations are within ±10 % in volume and energy. The standard provides rules for “family grouping” in Annex B. A compliance check is mandatory even when using family grouping.
Q: Can I use CAN CSA C828-13 (2018) for voluntary ENERGY STAR certification?
A: Yes. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) uses CAN CSA C828-13 (2018) as the test procedure for ENERGY STAR Canada. Additional criteria (e.g., maximum standby power, connected functionality features) are published in the ENERGY STAR specification, but the core energy test must follow C828.
A: Yes. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) uses CAN CSA C828-13 (2018) as the test procedure for ENERGY STAR Canada. Additional criteria (e.g., maximum standby power, connected functionality features) are published in the ENERGY STAR specification, but the core energy test must follow C828.
Last updated: 2026. The information provided is for technical reference and may not reflect the latest regulatory amendments. Always consult the official CSA Group publication for certification projects.