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CSA AHRI 310/380-2017 (CSA C744-17): Standard for Packaged Terminal Air-Conditioners and Heat Pumps
Comprehensive Guide to Testing, Rating, and Compliance for PTACs and PTHPs
Scope and Application
CSA AHRI 310/380-2017 (CSA C744-17) is a joint standard developed by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the CSA Group. It establishes uniform definitions, testing methods, and rating requirements for packaged terminal air-conditioners (PTACs) and packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHPs). The standard applies to electrically operated, factory-made packaged terminal units that provide conditioned air directly to a space without ductwork, typically installed through an exterior wall. These units are commonly used in hotels, motels, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and apartment buildings.
This standard replaces the historical separate documents AHRI 310 and AHRI 380, consolidating them into a single comprehensive document. CSA C744-17 is the identical Canadian adoption, ensuring harmonized requirements between the United States and Canada. The standard is applicable to both single- and three-phase units with cooling capacities up to 19 kW (65,000 Btu/h) and heating capacities as specified.
Tip: When specifying equipment for multi-zone hospitality or healthcare applications, confirm that the PTAC/PTHP models carry active certification to CSA AHRI 310/380-2017 (CSA C744-17) to streamline permitting and energy code compliance.
Technical Requirements
Rating Conditions and Testing
The standard prescribes specific test conditions for determining cooling capacity, heating capacity (for heat pump models), energy efficiency ratios (EER), and coefficient of performance (COP). All ratings must be determined using the test methods outlined in the standard, which reference ASHRAE Standard 16 and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37 for air-conditioning and heat pump performance. Units must be tested at the standard rating conditions shown in the table below.
| Rating Condition | Indoor Air Entering Temp (°C / °F) | Outdoor Air Entering Temp (°C / °F) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling (Standard) | 26.7 / 80 db, 19.4 / 67 wb | 35.0 / 95 db, 23.9 / 75 wb |
| Heating – Heat Pump (Standard) | 21.1 / 70 db, 15.6 / 60 wb | 8.3 / 47 db, 6.1 / 43 wb |
| Heating – Electric Resistance | 21.1 / 70 db | Not applicable |
db = dry-bulb temperature, wb = wet-bulb temperature
Performance Metrics
The standard requires published ratings for total cooling capacity (sensible and latent), EER (cooling energy efficiency ratio), COP (coefficient of performance for heating), and for heat pump units, the heating capacity and COP at both standard and low-temperature (2.8 °C / 37 °F outdoor) conditions. In addition, the standard addresses sound ratings (in dB(A)) and requires units to be tested in accordance with AHRI Standard 270. Electrical safety and operational limits are covered through references to appropriate safety standards.
Important: Units bearing the CSA C744-17 mark must meet both the performance and safety requirements. Verify that the certified rating data includes both EER and COP at all required outdoor temperatures to avoid non-compliance.
Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers implementing CSA AHRI 310/380-2017 should ensure their test laboratories are accredited to the relevant test methodologies. The standard requires production-line testing and periodic verification through third-party certification programs, such as those operated by AHRI or CSA. Certified units must be listed in the AHRI Directory of Certified Products and carry the appropriate certification mark.
Key Implementation Steps
- Design Review: Ensure unit complies with the standard’s definitions and operating limits, including voltage tolerances and airflow ranges.
- Prototype Testing: Conduct full-scale testing in an approved facility according to the standard’s test conditions.
- Certification Submission: Submit test reports and design data to a recognized certification body (e.g., AHRI or CSA).
- Labeling and Documentation: Affix certification mark and provide performance data in user manuals.
- Factory Surveillance: Prepare for periodic inspections and random sample testing by the certification body.
Best Practice: Use the standard’s sample calculation procedures early in the design phase to estimate EER and COP from component data, reducing the risk of prototype test failure.
Compliance and Certification
Compliance with CSA AHRI 310/380-2017 (CSA C744-17) is mandatory for equipment installed in certain building types under the National Building Code of Canada and many U.S. state energy codes. Units must be certified by an accredited certification organization. For the Canadian market, CSA C744-17 compliance is recognized through the CSA Group’s certification program. In the United States, AHRI administers certification and maintains a public database of certified units.
It is important to note that this standard is referenced by other codes and standards for compliance with minimum energy efficiency requirements, such as those in ASHRAE 90.1 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Therefore, selecting certified equipment simplifies code compliance verification.
Non-Compliance Risk: Using uncertified units in jurisdictions that require adherence to CSA C744-17 may result in permit rejection, project delays, and potential legal liability. Always specify certified equipment and verify the certification status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between CSA AHRI 310/380-2017 and the earlier separate standards?
A: The 2017 edition merges AHRI 310 (Packaged Terminal Air-Conditioners) and AHRI 380 (Packaged Terminal Heat Pumps) into one document, streamlines testing conditions, and updates references to ensure consistency with current test methods and energy codes. The CSA adoption (C744-17) is technically identical.
A: The 2017 edition merges AHRI 310 (Packaged Terminal Air-Conditioners) and AHRI 380 (Packaged Terminal Heat Pumps) into one document, streamlines testing conditions, and updates references to ensure consistency with current test methods and energy codes. The CSA adoption (C744-17) is technically identical.
Q: Are units with electric resistance heating only covered by this standard?
A: Yes. The standard covers all electrically operated packaged terminal units that provide cooling (all units) and/or heating. For units with only electric resistance heat, the standard provides rating conditions for heating capacity and efficiency, though COP is typically not applicable for resistance-only units.
A: Yes. The standard covers all electrically operated packaged terminal units that provide cooling (all units) and/or heating. For units with only electric resistance heat, the standard provides rating conditions for heating capacity and efficiency, though COP is typically not applicable for resistance-only units.
Q: How does this standard relate to the ENERGY STAR qualification for PTACs/PTHPs?
A: ENERGY STAR requirements for PTACs and PTHPs are based on the test procedures and definitions in AHRI 310/380. Units that meet the higher efficiency tiers (e.g., ENERGY STAR Version 4.0) are typically certified to this standard and achieve superior EER and COP values. Always check the current ENERGY STAR specification for qualifying thresholds.
A: ENERGY STAR requirements for PTACs and PTHPs are based on the test procedures and definitions in AHRI 310/380. Units that meet the higher efficiency tiers (e.g., ENERGY STAR Version 4.0) are typically certified to this standard and achieve superior EER and COP values. Always check the current ENERGY STAR specification for qualifying thresholds.
Q: Is there a metric version of the standard for markets using SI units?
A: CSA AHRI 310/380-2017 (CSA C744-17) includes both SI and I-P units in the tables and rating conditions. The Canadian adoption uses SI units as primary, making it directly applicable in metric-based jurisdictions. The standard is recognized internationally as a basis for performance evaluation outside North America.
A: CSA AHRI 310/380-2017 (CSA C744-17) includes both SI and I-P units in the tables and rating conditions. The Canadian adoption uses SI units as primary, making it directly applicable in metric-based jurisdictions. The standard is recognized internationally as a basis for performance evaluation outside North America.
© 2026 – This article is provided for informational purposes. Always refer to the latest edition of the standard for official requirements.