As technologies evolve across the HVAC/R and appliance industries, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and electrical inspectors are encountering a growing number of products that do not follow traditional certification paths. Custom-built equipment, one-off installations, and imported products, particularly those not mass-produced, may arrive on-site without a recognized certification mark.
This shift is not just a matter of volume or variety. It reflects broader changes in the industry: increasing electrification, refrigerant transitions, and a push for smart systems that integrate mechanical, gas, and electrical components. The challenge for inspectors and AHJs is confirming that these non-certified products meet appropriate safety requirements of the applicable codes, often under tight timelines and with limited documentation.
At the same time, macro-level forces are reshaping the HVAC/R landscape. Climate change, electrification mandates, and refrigerant phaseouts are accelerating innovation. This has created a surge in global demand for new heating and cooling solutions, often custom-built, digitally integrated, and arriving from international supply chains. As a result, more equipment is entering the North American market without certification — whether from manufacturers, electrical panel builders, contractors, or installers — putting greater pressure on several parties to demonstrate conformity with applicable codes in a manner recognized by AHJs.
Special inspections and field evaluations have emerged as critical services in this environment, bridging the gap between regulatory requirements and products that fall outside the scope of typical certification models.
What Is a Special Inspection and Field Evaluation?
Special inspections and field evaluations are on-site assessments used to evaluate equipment that has not been certified through traditional means. However, these two processes serve different regulatory environments and market needs.
Field evaluations are on-site assessments used to determine whether non-certified equipment meets applicable safety requirements and can be accepted for use by AHJs. In the U.S., field evaluations are conducted to assess compliance with safety codes such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), UL standards, and other recognized criteria. In Canada, a similar process — called a special inspection — is carried out in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code and model codes such as SPE-1000 or SPE-3000.
While both involve technical testing and evaluation, the terminology and regulatory framework differ by country. Field evaluation is the broader term and is recognized across North America, with special inspections representing the Canadian application of field evaluation services. Understanding this distinction is critical for manufacturers, contractors, and importers working across borders to facilitate timely approval and avoid installation delays.
Special inspections and field evaluations are most commonly applied to:
- Custom-built or prototype equipment
- Equipment produced in limited quantities
- Imported equipment that lacks North American certification marks
- Modified equipment that no longer aligns with its original certification
Unlike certification, which is typically intended for mass production and includes ongoing factory surveillance, special inspections and field evaluations are product-specific and typically occur at the point of installation or prior to commissioning. They focus on safety requirements, documentation, labeling, and conformance with applicable codes.
For example, in Canada, special inspections for electrical equipment are governed by CSA Model Code SPE-1000. Gas-fired appliances may be evaluated under CSA B149.3. In the U.S., evaluations are generally aligned with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and applicable UL standards.
Drivers Behind the Increasing Demand
Several trends are accelerating the need for special inspections and field evaluations:
- Proliferation of custom and project-specific HVAC/R solutions that fall outside traditional certification models
- Global sourcing and importation of equipment that may not be pre-certified for North American markets
- Technological advancement, such as smart HVAC systems and new refrigerants, which can outpace existing certification schemes
- Urgency for AHJ sign-off on installations where compliance must be validated quickly to avoid project delays
These conditions have made site inspections and field evaluations an important tool for upholding code requirements without stalling innovation or site progress.
Typical Evaluation Process
A special inspection or field evaluation is initiated when an installer, manufacturer, or owner seeks approval for a non-certified product. An authorized evaluation body reviews the equipment for compliance with relevant code sections and identifies any required modifications.
The process typically includes:
- Review of technical documentation
- Visual and construction inspection
- Functional or safety testing, if required
- Recommendations for corrective action
- Application of a serialized label upon successful compliance
Evaluations can be conducted at the site of installation, at the manufacturing facility, or in a testing laboratory with the appropriate accreditations. The evaluator’s report can be shared with the AHJ as documentation of compliance with the applicable standard.
Conclusion: A Strategic Tool for Enforcing Safety
Field evaluations and special inspections offer a structured, standards-based process for verifying the safety of equipment that does not follow a conventional certification path. As the HVAC/R industry continues to evolve, driven by electrification, regulatory change, and custom project demands, these services are becoming an increasingly vital consideration for manufacturers.
For code officials, having a reliable third-party evaluation mechanism in place helps confirm that safety and compliance are upheld without slowing down progress. While not appropriate for every case, when used correctly, special inspections and field evaluations are a practical solution for confirming that even non-standard equipment meets the safety requirements established by applicable codes.
CSA Group’s Commitment
CSA Group’s SI/FE services apply to a wide range of HVAC/R and appliances that lacks traditional certification. Examples include:
- Rooftop units (RTUs), heat pumps, and variable refrigerant flow/volume (VRF/VRV) systems requiring custom or low-volume evaluations.
- Gas-fired appliances and related systems needing code compliance verification.
- Electrical panels, control boxes, and modified or retrofitted assemblies subject to safety re-assessment.
- Imported equipment without recognized North American certification marks seeking regulatory acceptance.
This article was provided by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group). The author, Daniel Roberts, is Chair of the CSA Z462 Technical Committee, a voting member of the Canadian Electrical Code Technical Committee, Past Chair of the IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Committee, and author of several peer-reviewed and published papers on risk assessment, human performance, and safety management systems.
