What is Certificate of Approval?

• A. Alarm Signal
• B. Certificate of Approval
• C. Approved
• D. AHJ

Answer: (B)

A Certificate of Approval is a formal document issued by the Authority Having Jurisdiction confirming that a specific equipment or system has been reviewed and meets the required safety and performance standards, so it is authorized for use or installation. In the FDNY COF context for Flammable-Refrigerant Refrigeration Systems, the COA shows that the refrigeration equipment and its installation design were evaluated and approved under the applicable codes and standards, with any necessary conditions noted. It’s not an alarm signal, nor just a general “approved” status, and it isn’t the AHJ itself—the AHJ is the authority that issues the certificate. This certificate lets you know the system can be installed and operated in compliance with fire code requirements.