CSA Group CSA Z240 RV Series:23 National Standard of Canada Recreational vehicles

Preface

This is the fifth consolidated edition of the CSA Z240 RV Series of Standards, Recreational vehicles. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2014, 2008, 1999, and 1986.

The majority of changes in this edition are due to the continuing efforts to synchronize the requirements for recreational vehicles in Canada and the United States of America.

Significant changes since the previous edition include the following:

a) In CSA Z240.0.2, General requirements for recreational vehicles (previously published under the title Definitions and general safety requirements for recreational vehicles):

i) the definition of “recreational vehicle” has been changed;

ii) the minimum rating of portable fire extinguishers has been updated;

iii) references have been updated;

iv) a warning label has been synchronized with NFPA 1192;

v) the requirements for Clause 5.1.6 have been updated;

vi) a new requirement has been added for lofts and ladders; and

vii) definitions for recreational vehicles have been updated with reference pictures.

b) In CSA Z240.1.2, Vehicular requirements for recreational vehicles, axle tire and wheel assemblies for towable RVs have been added.

c) In CSA Z240.3.2, Plumbing requirements for recreational vehicles, references have been updated.

d) In CSA Z240.4.2, Installation requirements for propane appliances and equipment in recreational vehicles:

i) requirements for maximum container capacities have been updated;

ii) references have been updated; and

iii) gas supply connections have been updated.

e) In CSA Z240.6.2/C22.2 No. 148, Electrical requirements for recreational vehicles:

i) requirements for vented batteries have been updated, a new requirement for non-vented batteries has been added;

ii) new warning labels for non-vented battery installations have been added;

iii) an alternative to the dielectric strength test has been added; and

iv) references have been updated.

CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Standard was made possible, in part, by the

financial support of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association.

Certain material within this document, CSA Z240 RV Series-23, including but not limited to Clause 5.8, is reproduced from the latest draft of NFPA 1192, Standard on Recreational Vehicles, 2021 Edition, ©2021 National Fire Protection Association with permission. This material is taken from the NFPA standard and may not be in the same context as that standard. This material may include revisions by CSA Group. The edition as revised shall be the full responsibility of CSA Group. The NFPA cannot be responsible for any personal injury, property or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of or reliance on this document.

These Standards are considered suitable for use for conformity assessment within the stated scopes of the Standards.

These Standards were prepared by the Technical Committee on Recreational Vehicles, under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Building Products and Systems, and have been formally approved by the Technical Committee.

This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

Notes:

1) Use of the singular does not exclude the plural (and vice versa) when the sense allows.

2) Although the intended primary application of this Standard is stated in its Scope, it is important to note that it remains the responsibility of the users of the Standard to judge its suitability for their particular purpose.

3) This Standard was developed by consensus, which is defined by CSA Policy governing standardization — Code of good practice for standardization as “substantial agreement. Consensus implies much more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity”. It is consistent with this definition that a member may be included in the Technical Committee list and yet not be in full agreement with all clauses of this Standard.

4) To submit a request for interpretation of this Standard, please send the following information to [email protected] and include “Request for interpretation” in the subject line:

a) define the problem, making reference to the specific clause, and, where appropriate, include an illustrative sketch;

b) provide an explanation of circumstances surrounding the actual field condition; and

c) where possible, phrase the request in such a way that a specific “yes” or “no” answer will address the issue.

Committee interpretations are processed in accordance with the CSA Directives and guidelines governing standardization and are available on the Current Standards Activities page at standardsactivities.csagroup.org.

5) This Standard is subject to review within five years from the date of publication. Suggestions for its improvement will be referred to the appropriate committee. To submit a proposal for change, please send the following information to [email protected] and include “Proposal for change” in the subject line:

a) Standard designation (number);

b) relevant clause, table, and/or figure number;

c) wording of the proposed change; and

d) rationale for the change.

1 Scope

1.1

This Standard specifies dimensional and safety requirements for recreational vehicles. Its purpose is to specify minimum criteria for providing a degree of protection against loss of life from fire and explosion.

1.2

The CSA Z240 RV Series of Standards does not apply to park model trailers.

Note: Park model trailers are covered by the CAN/CSA-Z241 Series of Standards.

1.3

The values given in SI (metric) units are the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.