ANSI ASHRAE Standard 17-2022 PDF

Full title and description

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 17-2022 — Method of Testing Capacity of Electronic and Thermostatic Refrigerant Expansion Valves. Prescribes standardized procedures, apparatus, instrumentation, test conditions and reporting for measuring capacity of electronic and thermostatic expansion valves used in vapor-compression refrigeration and air‑conditioning systems.

Abstract

This standard specifies a repeatable laboratory method for determining the flow/capacity characteristics of expansion valves (thermostatic and electronic, direct‑acting types). It defines test conditions, required instruments and apparatus, calculation methods for capacity reporting (dual units), and the data that must be reported. The 2022 edition adds provisions for electronic expansion valves and updates example calculations and references.

General information

• Status: Current / ANSI approved.
• Publication date: 2022 (listed by distributors and standards stores as published 30 November 2022).
• Publisher: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air‑Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); ANSI designation applied.
• ICS / categories: Refrigerating technology; HVAC and installations in buildings (commonly cataloged under ICS refrigerating/HVAC groups).
• Edition / version: ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 17-2022 (revises ASHRAE 17-2015).
• Number of pages: 14 pages (standard test‑method document).

Key bibliographic facts above are recorded by standards distributors and the ANSI webstore.

Scope

Applies to electronic and thermostatic expansion valves (defined in Section 3 of the standard), specifically direct‑acting (not pilot‑operated) types, and to a range of currently used refrigerants deemed suitable per ASHRAE Standard 15 and Standard 34. The standard is intended for laboratory measurement of capacity for product characterization, rating and comparative testing.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and applicability (electronic and thermostatic expansion valves; direct‑acting types only).
• Required test instruments, measurement accuracy and calibration practices.
• Detailed test apparatus configurations, flow and pressure measurement methods.
• Standardized test conditions and procedures for measuring capacity across refrigerants and operating points.
• Capacity calculation formulas, reporting requirements and units (SI and I‑P / dual units).
• Data tables and example calculations (2022 edition updates examples to modern refrigerant usage such as R‑410A where applicable).
• Reporting format to ensure repeatability and comparability between laboratories and manufacturers.

These topics and revisions (including electronic expansion valve coverage and example updates) are noted in product descriptions for the 2022 edition.

Typical use and users

Used by valve and system manufacturers, independent test laboratories, certification bodies, research groups, and HVAC/R design engineers to characterize expansion valve performance, validate product data, support certification and inform system modeling and selection. It is commonly referenced in product test reports, datasheets and when comparing valve performance across refrigerants.

Related standards

Directly related to and intended to be used with other refrigerant and safety standards such as ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15 (Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems) and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34 (Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants). It is complementary to industry rating and test standards (for example AHRI test methods for expansion devices) and references measurement‑method standards for temperature and pressure instrumentation.

Keywords

expansion valve; thermostatic expansion valve (TXV); electronic expansion valve (EXV); capacity test; test method; refrigerant; vapor‑compression; ASHRAE; ANSI; HVAC; refrigeration testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 17-2022 is a test‑method standard that prescribes how to measure the capacity (flow performance) of electronic and thermostatic refrigerant expansion valves under defined laboratory conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions, required instruments and apparatus, step‑by‑step test procedures, calculation and reporting of capacity (dual units), and allowable refrigerants and operating conditions for direct‑acting expansion valves (it does not cover pilot‑operated valves). The 2022 edition expands coverage to include electronic expansion valves and updates example calculations and references.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of expansion valves, independent testing laboratories, certification programs, HVAC/R design engineers and researchers who need standardized, repeatable capacity measurements for product development, comparison, rating and certification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2022 edition is the current edition and supersedes ASHRAE 17‑2015. It is ANSI‑approved and listed as the active/current version by standards distributors.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASHRAE's family of HVAC&R standards (numbered ASHRAE Standard 1–100+), and is frequently used alongside other ASHRAE standards covering refrigerant safety and classification (Standards 15 and 34) and complementary test/rating standards from AHRI and other bodies.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Expansion valve, thermostatic expansion valve, electronic expansion valve, capacity test, refrigerant, ASHRAE, ANSI, HVAC/R testing.