Listings & Standards

At C-Aire Compressors, we prioritize the safety, reliability, and quality of our air compressors for a wide range of applications, including Fire Protection, Automotive, Industrial, and HVAC systems. Our commitment to excellence extends to ensuring that our products meet the highest safety and quality standards. In this section, we will discuss the listings and standards that validate the safety and reliability of our air compressors.

Understanding Listings & Standards

C-Aire's listed fire protection air compressors are ETL Listed to UL Standard 1450 & CSA Standard C22.2 No. 68 and have been evaluated for fire sprinkler use according to UL 1450, Supplement SC, when installed in accordance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems". NEW for the 2025 edition of NFPA 13: Where an air compressor is dedicated for the sprinkler system, the air compressor shall be listed for fire protection (NFPA 13 8.2.7.5.2). When the compressor airflow capacity exceeds 5.5 CFM at 10 PSI, an air storage tank and air maintenance device are required (NFPA 13 8.2.7.5.3 & 8.2.8.2).

Intertek ETL Listing - Total Quality. Assured.

Our air compressors proudly bear the ETL Listed mark, a symbol of compliance with rigorous safety and performance standards. ETL, which stands for Electrical Testing Laboratories, is the certification division of Intertek Group, founded in 1896 by Thomas Edison. Products carrying the ETL Mark from Intertek are equivalent to those with the UL Mark in terms of U.S. safety compliance. Both ETL and UL are OSHA-recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs), meaning products tested and certified by either meet the same UL or ANSI safety standards and are accepted by building inspectors and other authorities. While the marks differ in appearance, the safety certification is the same, and either is recognized for regulatory approval, market access, and retailer acceptance. Choosing ETL offers the same assurance of safety and compliance as UL, with testing performed in Intertek’s accredited laboratories.

The ETL Listed mark on our air compressors signifies that they have undergone rigorous testing, inspection, and certification by a recognized authority. When you choose a C-Aire air compressor, you can trust that it meets and exceeds industry standards for safety and quality.

"Listed" Definitions & NRTL Recognition

OSHA defines equipment as "listed" if it is published in a list by a nationally recognized testing laboratory that conducts periodic inspections of its production and states that the equipment meets nationally recognized standards or has been tested and found safe for specific use. An NRTL, like Intertek, may only certify products to the product safety test standards included in its scope of recognition.

NFPA 13 defines "listed" as "Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose." (NFPA 13 3.2.3)

UL Standard 1450 - Listed For Fire Protection

Our ETL Listing conforms to UL Standard 1450. UL 1450 is the UL Standard for Motor-Operated Air Compressors, Vacuum Pumps, and Painting Equipment. This standard covers various equipment, including household and commercial air compressors, vacuum pumps, inflators, paint sprayers, and more. UL 1450 sets stringent safety requirements, ensuring that our air compressors are safe for use as per the National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA 70).

The latest Edition 4 revision (April 16, 2025) introduced significant enhancements for fire protection applications, including the new Supplement SC specifically for fire sprinkler air compressors. The new Supplement SC section organizes and formalizes all additional testing requirements for air compressors used in fire sprinkler systems in accordance with NFPA 13 and the National Electrical Code. This supplement ensures that fire sprinkler air compressors meet enhanced safety and performance standards beyond those required for general-purpose compressors.

Air compressors that successfully pass the Supplement SC certification requirements are marked with: "This Air Compressor Has Been Evaluated for Fire Sprinkler Use According to UL 1450, SUPPLEMENT SC" - providing clear identification of their suitability for critical fire protection applications. All of C-Aire's listed fire protection compressors have passed the additional required testing under UL 1450, including the new Supplement SC requirements, and are considered Listed for Fire Protection.

It is important to note that there is no specific standard called "UL 1450-VDUR." VDUR is simply a Category Control Number (CCN) used by UL to identify product categories covered by their Listing, Classification, and Recognition Services. UL 1450 with Supplement SC is the relevant standard for air compressors in fire protection applications.

CSA Standard C22.2 No. 68 - Canadian Standards Association

Our ETL Listing is also certified to CSA Standard C22.2 No. 68. C22.2 No. 68 is the CSA Standard for Motor-Operated Appliances (Household and Commercial). It encompasses aspects related to the construction and performance of electric motors, ensuring they adhere to safety and quality standards for use in Canada. Compliance with CSA C22.2 No. 68 is crucial to guarantee the safe and reliable operation of electric motors across various industries, contributing to overall safety and product quality.

NFPA 13 Considerations

NFPA 13 (National Fire Protection Association) now requires air compressors to be listed for fire protection when dedicated to sprinkler systems, as specified in the 2025 edition. This requirement became active in 2024 and applies to new installations. Authority-having jurisdictions (AHJ) will enforce this requirement as part of their inspection and approval process. We are committed to meeting and exceeding all NFPA requirements for fire protection systems. C-Aire has the broadest offering of air compressors listed for fire protection in accordance with the new 2025 NFPA 13 requirements. Our fire protection products are designed and manufactured to the highest industry standards.

FM Standard 1032 - FM Approvals

The C-Aire CAMD1 Automatic Air Maintenance Device is FM Approved to FM Standard 1032. FM 1032 serves as the Approval Standard for Pressure Maintenance Devices in the context of dry pipe and preaction-type automatic sprinkler fire protection systems. Its purpose is to establish the approval requirements for these devices, specifically those designed to automatically maintain air/nitrogen pressure within these systems, ensuring that it stay within pre-set limits. This standard outlines the necessary criteria for approval, encompassing various aspects such as performance requirements, marking requirements, inspection of manufacturing facilities, quality assurance audits, and the implementation of a follow-up program.

FM Standard 1034 - FM Approvals

The C-Aire Dry Air Series Compressors are FM Approved to FM Standard 1034. FM 1034 is the Approval Standard for Air Drying Units to establish criteria for air drying units used specifically in dry pipe and refrigerated area sprinkler system piping. These units serve the critical function of supplying compressed air with reduced humidity to the sprinkler piping, significantly reducing the risk of ice formation within the system. The standard outlines the criteria necessary for the approval of these units, encompassing various aspects such as performance requirements, marking specifications, inspection of manufacturing facilities, quality assurance audits, and the implementation of a follow-up program.

Scope of UL, CSA, & FM Standards

While the UL, CSA, and FM standards may be a long read and expensive to purchase, the document scopes below provide a brief overview of the requirements of each standard.

UL 1450 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover household and commercial air compressors, vacuum pumps, inflators (both compressor-type and blower-type inflators), paint sprayers, paint mixers, and paint pigment dispensers intended for indoor or outdoor use or both in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70. These requirements also cover motor-operated air compressors intended for use with sprinkler systems in accordance with the Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13, and the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
1.2 These requirements do not cover products:
a) Rated more than 600 V,
b) Employing a universal motor rated more than 250 V, or
c) Intended for installation and use in a hazardous location.
1.3 These requirements do not cover medical and dental products; products intended to be used in heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration systems; paint heaters; electrostatic paint spraying products; or other products covered by separate requirements.
1.4 These requirements do not cover pneumatic tools and accessories that are covered by the Outline for Investigation for Portable Pneumatic Tools, Subject 7700-1.
1.5 These requirements do not cover industrial compressors that are primarily supplied to an individual customer specification with regard to pressure, flow, electrical supply, or optional equipment.

FM 1032 Scope

1.2.1 This standard encompasses the design and performance requirements for pressure maintenance
devices (air/nitrogen) for use in dry pipe and preaction fire protection systems.
1.2.2 Approval Standards are intended to verify that the product described will meet stated conditions of
performance, safety, and quality useful to the ends of property conservation.

CSA C22.2 NO. 68 Scope

1.1 This Standard applies to motor-operated appliances* intended for use with nominal system voltages of 600 V and less, except that where appliances are driven by universal-type motors or electromagnetic mechanisms, the scope is limited to appliances rated for use on nominal system voltages of 240 V or less. This Standard applies to appliances designed to be used in accordance with CSA C22.1, Canadian Electrical Code, Part I. * For convenience, the term appliance or equipment is used in this Standard.
1.2 This Standard applies to permanently connected, cord-connected, and rechargeable battery-operated appliances for household and commercial use in non-hazardous locations. Note: The products covered by this Standard include massage appliances, automotive servicing equipment, air compressors, car wash equipment, chairs, beds, exercise appliances, paint sprayers, paint rollers, parts cleaners, household trash compactors, barbecue motors, hand-held engravers, material moving and transporting devices (i.e., hand pallet trucks, electric wheelbarrows), and similar equipment.
1.3 This Standard applies to sprayers intended for extensive open spraying of cleaning fluids, paint, insecticides, and similar liquids having a flashpoint higher than 60 °C, but excluding electrostatic sprayers and sprayers for use in spray booths or in other areas where hazardous concentrations of flammable vapors are likely to be present.
1.4 Automotive equipment covered by this Standard, such as wheel aligners, engine timing lights, analyzers, tools cabinets, might or might not have motors.

FM 1034 Scope

1.2.1 This standard encompasses the design and performance requirements for air drying units. In cases where metric sized products are to be examined for Approval, test criteria comparable to the equivalent or nearest nominal inch size shall be used.
1.2.2 Approval Standards are intended to verify that the product described will meet stated conditions of performance, safety, and quality useful to the ends of property conservation.

NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

NFPA 13 is the industry benchmark for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems. This standard provides the minimum requirements for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems and exposure protection sprinkler systems. The purpose of NFPA 13 is to provide a reasonable degree of protection for life and property from fire through standardization of design, installation, and testing requirements for sprinkler systems (including private fire service mains) based on sound engineering principles, test data, and field experience. NFPA 13 addresses sprinkler system design approaches, system installation, and component options.

NFPA 13 Scope

1.1.1 This standard shall provide the minimum requirements for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems and exposure protection sprinkler systems covered within this standard.
1.1.2 This standard shall not provide requirements for the design or installation of water mist fire protection systems.
1.1.2.1 Water mist fire protection systems shall not be considered fire sprinkler systems.
1.1.2.2 The design and installation of water mist fire protection systems shall comply with NFPA 750.
1.1.3 This standard is written with the assumption that the sprinkler system shall be designed to protect against a single fire originating within the building.

NFPA 13 Purpose

NFPA 13 provides the minimum requirements for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems and exposure protection sprinkler systems. The purpose of NFPA 13 is to provide a reasonable degree of protection for life and property from fire through standardization of design, installation, and testing requirements for sprinkler systems (including private fire service mains) based on sound engineering principles, test data, and field experience.