FAQS
Q1: Is it easy to get a Canadian Registration Number (CRN)
A: NO
Q2: Is their a way to check if a CRN number is valid?
A: Presently WWW.CRNNUMBER.COM, ACI Central and ABSA has a searchable database/directory of CRN numbers issued.
Link: www.crnnumber.com, ABSA Directory, ACI Database
Q3: What is a CRN?
A: An introduction to CRN numbers can be found here
Q4: Can any Licensed Professional Engineer stamp pressure vessel drawings submitted for CRN registration in Ontario?
A: For Ontario CRN registrations the drawings and calculations must be stamped by a Licensed Engineer in the Province of Ontario.
Q5: How much do the Canadian Jurisdictions charge to issue a Canadian Registration Number (CRN)
A: Unfortunately none of the jurisdictions have a fixed fee to issue a CRN. The price for a CRN depends on how much time the design reviewer at the jurisdiction spends reviewing your application, therefore complex submissions cost more then simple ones. This time is then multiplied by the jurisdictions hourly rate. All provinces and territories use a different hourly rate and therefore the price varies by province and territory. In addition some provinces offer expedited service for additional fees. The following PDF can be used as a fee guide for standard submissions non-exbedited service.
Q6: What exemptions to CRN registration exist in the Province of British Columbia?
A: The BC Safety Authority exempts certain type of fittings from CRN registration in accordance with directive D-BP 2013-03.
Link: D-BP 2013-03
Q7: What exemptions to CRN registration exist in the Province of Saskatchewan?
A: The Province of Saskatchewan exempts category A,B,C or G fittings as outlined in the CSA B51 code. Saskatchewan also does not require CRN registration of fittings that are registered with CSA International.
Link: Saskatchewan Exemptions
Q8: How long does it take to get a CRN number?
A: The answer to this question is difficult to answer. The length of time it takes to have a CRN issued depends on:
- Completeness of CRN Application.
- Complexity of the product being registered.
- Province/territory that the CRN is being applied for in.
- Design reviewer at the jurisdiction reviewing your application.
- Backlog of CRN applications at the jurisdiction.
Also, some jurisdictions such as Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia will review your application on a expedited basis if additional fees are paid. CRN numbers can be issued as quickly as one week but sometimes can take up to 6 months. Our present experience on the time it takes to get a CRN issued can be found here
Q9: Who issues CRN Numbers?
A: CRN numbers are issued by the Regulatory Authority in each of the provinces/territories in Canada. A list of the Regulatory Authorities in Canada and their contact information can be found here
Q10: How detailed do my drawings and calculations need to be in order to obtain a Pressure Vessel CRN?
A: In short, the drawings and calculations must be complete enough that, without having to assume anything, one could use the submitted drawings, calculations and specifications to build the exact same item and have it meet code requirements.
Q11: Is is possible to CRN register plastic or glass components?
A: Yes. Nonmetallic components can be calculated in accordance with codes such as ASME B31.3 as long as the material has a listed Hydrostatic Design Stress (HDS) in the ASME B31 codes or has a Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB) published with the Plastic Pipe Institute. Where no material properties are published proof testing at a minimum of ten times (10X) design pressure is required unless a lower proof test can be justified.
Q12: What is a fitting?
A: CSA B51.1 Table 1 states what type of products are fittings and separates them into different fitting categories for registration. A copy of this table can be found here
Q13: Is my product a category H fitting or a vessel?
A: CSA B51.1 Figures 1(a),(b), and (c) can be used to determine if your product is a Category H fitting or a pressure vessel. A copy of these tables can be found here