By Eric Aiden
Key takeaways
- A PTAC submittal package is the project-specific set of documents the engineer reviews before equipment is released: spec sheets, cut sheets, electrical and performance data, certification, accessories, controls and warranty.
- In Canada, PTAC and PTHP efficiency is tested to CAN/CSA C744 (the binational AHRI 310/380/CSA C744 standard), and every unit needs a recognized Canadian certification mark.
- Spec sheets and submittals are available from AIDCO on request. AIDCO is supply-only and does not design systems or stamp drawings.
This guide is for engineers, mechanical consultants, contractors and procurement teams. It sets out what a complete PTAC submittal package contains and how to check one before it goes to review. Detailed standards and specification content belongs on PTAC House; this post stays at what to ask for.
What is a PTAC submittal package?
A submittal is the documentation sent to the engineer of record to show that the proposed equipment meets the specification. For PTACs, PTHPs and VTACs, the engineer reviews it, accepts it or asks for changes, and the order is released once it is accepted. It is project-specific: every model number should tie to an equipment tag on the drawings.
A generic catalogue download is not a submittal. The package should show the exact configurations being supplied.
What should a PTAC submittal package include?
A complete package covers identification, product data, dimensions, electrical and performance data, certification, accessories, controls, refrigerant and warranty, organized against the equipment schedule. The table below is a working contents list. If a section does not apply to the job, say so on the cover sheet rather than leaving the reviewer to guess.
| Section | Contents | Why the engineer needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Cover and index | Project, equipment tags, model numbers, revision | Ties each page to the schedule |
| Spec sheet (product data) | Model, capacity, heat type, features | Confirms the product matches the specification |
| Cut sheet | Chassis, sleeve and grille dimensions, clearances | Coordinates with wall openings |
| Electrical data | Voltage, phase, MCA, MOP, heater kW at the design voltage, connection type | Coordinates with the electrical design |
| Performance data | Cooling and heating capacity, efficiency ratings, airflow | Checks loads and efficiency requirements |
| Certification | Recognized Canadian mark, such as CSA, cUL or cETL | Electrical approval and inspection |
| Sound data | Published sound levels, where available | Where the specification sets limits |
| Sleeves, grilles, accessories | Sleeve, grille, drain kit, sub-base, power kit | Confirms complete scope |
| Controls | Thermostat data and interface | Controls coordination |
| Refrigerant | Refrigerant type | Code and environmental review |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty summary | Owner's records |
Which standards and certifications apply to PTACs in Canada?
Two things are usually asked for: a Canadian electrical certification mark and an efficiency rating to the applicable standard. Natural Resources Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations name CAN/CSA C744-17 as the test standard for PTACs and PTHPs. Electrical equipment must also be approved to Canadian standards by a certification body accredited by the Standards Council of Canada.
- Efficiency: see NRCan's regulation pages for packaged terminal air conditioners and packaged terminal heat pumps. The standard is published jointly as AHRI 310/380/CSA C744.
- Electrical certification: Ontario's Electrical Safety Authority lists recognized certification marks. Look for the Canadian mark on the nameplate and spec sheet.
A supplier does not certify your design. It provides the documents that let your engineer confirm the equipment meets the specification. Circuits and connections follow the electrical code in your province and stay with the project electrician.
What is the difference between a spec sheet, a cut sheet and a submittal?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they are different documents. A spec sheet is the manufacturer's technical summary of a model or series. A cut sheet is a drawing-based page showing dimensions, clearances and connection points. A submittal is the project-specific package that collects those documents for the exact configurations being supplied, for engineer review.
- Spec sheet: manufacturer product data for a model or series.
- Cut sheet: dimensions, clearances and connections; sometimes used loosely for the whole product data page.
- Submittal: the project package, tagged to the schedule.
What helps a submittal package get through review?
Reviewers move faster when the package is tagged to the schedule, limited to the exact configuration supplied, and complete on the first send. Electrical data should be shown at the design voltage, and any deviation from the specification should be listed in writing. One indexed PDF with selectable text is easier to review, mark up and file than loose pages.
- Every model number cross-referenced to an equipment tag
- The specific voltage, heater and options highlighted
- Electrical data at the design voltage, for example 208V if that is the building supply
- Deviations from the specification listed in writing
- Sleeves, grilles, accessories and thermostats included
- One indexed, text-selectable PDF
Can you submit an approved-equal brand?
Many specifications name a basis-of-design product and allow "or approved equal". Whether an alternative is accepted is the engineer's decision, usually based on capacity, efficiency, electrical characteristics, dimensions and features. A clear side-by-side in the submittal helps the reviewer. One AIDCO quote can show two brands side by side, with spec sheets for each so the engineer can compare them.
AIDCO is an authorized distributor of Amana and Distinctions and also quotes GE Zoneline, Hotpoint, Frigidaire, Applied Comfort, Islandaire and Friedrich. See the brands AIDCO quotes and multi-brand PTAC supply.
To request submittals, email ptac@aidco.ca or use the quote form.
PTAC submittal checklist
Use this list when you request or review a package. It restates the contents table in a form you can tick off against the PDF. If a line does not apply, mark it as not applicable on the cover sheet so the reviewer is not left guessing. Send it to your supplier with the equipment schedule.
- [ ] Cover sheet with project, tags and revision
- [ ] Spec sheet for every configuration
- [ ] Cut sheets with dimensions and clearances
- [ ] Electrical data at the design voltage (MCA, MOP, heater kW)
- [ ] Capacity and efficiency ratings, with the applicable C744 rating
- [ ] Recognized Canadian certification mark shown
- [ ] Sleeve, grille and accessory data
- [ ] Thermostat and controls data
- [ ] Refrigerant type
- [ ] Warranty summary
- [ ] Deviations from the specification listed
Planning the wider purchase? See the PTAC supply quote checklist, PTAC capital replacement planning and PTAC supply for new construction.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in a PTAC submittal package? Spec sheets, cut sheets, electrical data, capacity and efficiency ratings, a Canadian certification mark, accessory and controls data, refrigerant type and a warranty summary.
What certification does a PTAC need in Canada? A mark from a certification body accredited by the Standards Council of Canada, such as CSA, cUL or cETL, on the nameplate.
Which standard rates PTAC efficiency in Canada? NRCan's Energy Efficiency Regulations use CAN/CSA C744-17, published jointly with AHRI 310/380.
What is the difference between a spec sheet and a submittal? A spec sheet is manufacturer product data. A submittal is the project-specific package that collects spec sheets and supporting documents for engineer review.
Does AIDCO provide PTAC submittals? Yes. Spec sheets and submittals are available on request for the products AIDCO quotes.
Ready to request submittals? Request a quote in CAD at ptac@aidco.ca or through the AIDCO quote form, and send your equipment schedule or specification section.