46 CFR § 58.20-15 - Installation of refrigerating machinery.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s58.20-15"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 58.20-15 - Installation of refrigerating machinery."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "58.20-15"
section_name: "Installation of refrigerating machinery."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "F"
subchapter_name: "MARINE ENGINEERING"
part_number: "58"
part_name: "MAIN AND AUXILIARY MACHINERY AND RELATED SYSTEMS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4."
regulatory_source: "CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18878, Dec. 18, 1968, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "58"
---


# 58.20-15 Installation of refrigerating machinery.

(a) Where refrigerating machines are installed in which anhydrous ammonia is used as a refrigerant, such machines must be located in a well-ventilated, isolated compartment, preferably on the deck, but in no case is it permissible to install such machines in the engine room space unless the arrangement is such as to eliminate any hazard from gas escaping to the engine room. Absorption machines using a solution of aqua ammonia and machines using carbon dioxide are exempt from this requirement, provided the maximum charges that might be released in the event of breakage do not exceed 300 pounds.

(b) Machinery compartments containing equipment for ammonia must be fitted with a sprinkler system providing an effective water spray and having a remote-control device located outside the compartment.

(c) All refrigeration compressor spaces must be effectively ventilated and drained and must be separated from the insulated spaces by a watertight bulkhead, unless otherwise approved.