What Is a CSD-1 Inspection?

One missed inspection could cost you thousands or shut down your entire facility. If your building relies on a commercial boiler or process equipment with a natural gas or propane gas train, understanding CSD-1 inspection requirements isn’t just smart, it’s essential. These systems quietly power critical operations like heating, sanitation, manufacturing, and production across schools, plants, and campuses. But when something goes wrong, the consequences can be dangerous and costly.

That’s why regulatory inspections like ASME CSD-1 exist not just as a best practice, but as a legal requirement in states like Wisconsin and Michigan. Whether you’re overseeing a high-pressure boiler or a row of paint ovens with gas burners, your responsibility is the same: keep your facility safe and compliant.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what CSD-1 inspections are, how often you need them, which equipment is covered, including gas-fired ovens and burner trains, and how Hurckman can help you stay ahead of inspections and avoid costly surprises.

What Is CSD-1?

CSD-1 stands for Controls and Safety Devices standard, part of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. It sets the minimum safety requirements for testing and maintaining critical controls on automatically fired boilers and gas-fired process equipment, including ovens, dryers, and other systems that use burners and gas trains.

In states like Wisconsin and Michigan, it’s required by law to have regular CSD-1 inspections performed. These inspections must be carried out by a licensed industrial or commercial mechanical contractor, just like Hurckman Mechanical.

Developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), CSD-1 is designed to prevent equipment failure and hazardous conditions caused by malfunctioning safety devices. While the standard is often associated with boilers, it equally applies to process equipment with automatic ignition and combustion systems from powder coating lines to paint ovens and large-scale drying equipment.

These systems are commonly found in:

• Manufacturing plants
• Food processing lines
• Paint and powder coating facilities
• Schools
• Healthcare campuses
• Large commercial buildings

CSD-1 focuses specifically on the core safety mechanisms that prevent dangerous operating conditions and protect both people and property. These include:

• Low-water cutoffs – prevent operation when water levels fall too low (for steam/hot water systems)
• Safety relief valves – release excessive pressure from the system
• High-limit pressure and temperature switches – shut down the system if it exceeds safe operating limits
• Gas shut-off valves – isolate fuel in the event of a safety issue
• Flame safeguard controls – ensure burners ignite properly and shut down safely if a flame is lost

The ASME CSD-1 standard is broken down into four key parts:

• Part CG: General – Outlines periodic testing and maintenance requirements.
• Part CE: Electrical – Covers electrical safety controls and interlocks.
• Part CW: Steam and Waterside Control – Regulates low-water cutoffs, pressure and temperature limits, and safety relief valves.
• Part CF: Combustion Side Control – Addresses flame supervision, purging requirements, and burner sequencing—critical for both boilers and process burners.

The goal is simple but essential: to prevent catastrophic failure from malfunctioning safety devices or neglected systems. CSD-1 provides a framework for how safety controls must be configured, tested, and documented. It’s the foundation for boiler and burner code enforcement in states like Wisconsin and Michigan.

If your boiler or gas-fired process system is not compliant with CSD-1, you’re not just risking downtime, you’re exposing your team, your equipment, and your business to serious safety and liability risks.

Does CSD-1 Apply to Your System?

If you think CSD-1 doesn’t apply to your building, think again. Even smaller commercial systems can fall under this regulation, and overlooking it could mean costly repairs, code violations, or even a forced shutdown. Whether you’re operating a school, a production facility, or a manufacturing plant with automated ovens or dryers, you could be legally required to follow CSD-1 inspection standards. And in many cases, you already are.

CSD-1 inspections apply to most automatically fired boilers and gas-fired process equipment in commercial and industrial facilities. If your building uses any of the following, chances are you’re on the list for required inspection:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Office buildings
• Manufacturing facilities
• Grocery stores
• Food processing plants
• Distribution centers
• Retail stores

Beyond boilers, CSD-1 safety standards often extend to other gas-fired systems that operate with automatic controls, especially those with gas trains and combustion safety devices. These include:

• Large commercial water heaters (typically over 200,000 BTU/hr)
• Make-up air units (MUAs)
• Rooftop units (RTUs)
• Infrared or duct-fired gas heaters
• Process ovens (burn-off ovens, baking ovens, drying ovens)
• Powder coating systems
• Paint booths and lines with natural gas or propane burners

Here’s an example: Hurckman performs annual CSD-1 inspections on six different process ovens ranging from cartridge ovens to powder coat systems, each equipped with a gas train and burner. These ovens don’t heat water, but they still pose the same combustion-related risks and therefore fall under CSD-1 requirements.

Not sure if your system qualifies? Here’s the simple truth: if it burns gas and runs automatically, it likely needs regular CSD-1 inspections. States like Wisconsin and Michigan enforce these inspections at regular intervals to ensure compliance, minimize risk, and protect lives and property.

Still asking, “What’s the boiler rule that requires CSD-1 maintenance?” You’re not alone. That’s where Hurckman comes in. Our licensed inspectors can assess your systems, including both boilers and gas-fired process equipment, interpret the applicable codes, and ensure your facility is fully prepared for inspection.

A Brief History: Why Boiler Regulations Exist

Back in the 19th century, boilers were essential to America’s industrial boom, but they were also dangerously unpredictable. Without standardized design or safety procedures, boiler explosions were frequent and devastating. Between 1880 and 1890 alone, more than 2,000 boiler explosions were recorded in the U.S., resulting in widespread loss of life and property.

The destruction was so severe that it spurred the creation of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in 1880. Their mission: to create uniform safety codes that would improve the reliability of mechanical systems and prevent catastrophic failure.

That effort led to the first ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) in 1914, a groundbreaking document that brought engineering discipline and safety oversight to boiler design, construction, and inspection.

But the danger wasn’t limited to boilers.

As industrial technology evolved, so did the risks. New forms of gas-fired process equipment, like ovens, kilns, dryers, and paint lines, emerged as critical tools in manufacturing and production. These systems introduced similar hazards: flammable fuel, automatic ignition, and high-temperature operation. And just like boilers, if safety devices failed or were poorly maintained, the results could be catastrophic.

To address these risks, the ASME introduced the CSD-1 standard, Controls and Safety Devices, built specifically for automatically fired combustion systems, including both boilers and process equipment that operate with gas trains.

Today, CSD-1 continues to evolve with the industry, ensuring that every ignition sequence, flame safeguard, and fuel shutoff valve works exactly as it should, whether you’re heating a hospital or baking parts in a powder coat oven.

From Best Practices to National Standards: The Road to CSD-1

Not long ago, many facilities relied solely on state boiler inspections, local code enforcement, and manufacturer recommendations to determine when and how to check their safety systems. In Wisconsin, the focus was on SPS 341 compliance, while Michigan enforced Rule 206 under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act. These inspections were valuable, but often centered on overall condition and mechanical integrity, not the specific safety devices that prevent real-time system failure.

That’s where ASME CSD-1 changed the game.

CSD-1 introduced a clear, uniform standard that eliminated ambiguity. It outlined detailed testing procedures, maintenance intervals, and documentation requirements for the safety controls on automatically fired systems—from low-water cutoffs and shut-off valves to flame supervision devices and burner sequencing. And it didn’t stop at boilers.

CSD-1 recognized that gas-fired process equipment, like ovens, burners, and dryers used in everything from powder coating to food production, shared the same combustion risks. These systems operate with fuel, heat, and automation, which means they also need rigorous safety oversight. If a flame safeguard fails to detect ignition, or if a fuel shutoff valve doesn’t close during a fault, the outcome can be just as devastating as a boiler failure.

For operators and facility managers, this shift might feel like a heavy-handed change. But CSD-1 isn’t about replacing experience, it’s about backing up that experience with consistency and legal protection. It ensures that no matter who’s operating or inspecting your system, the work is being done thoroughly, correctly, and in compliance with state code.

And in the event of an incident? Having a CSD-1 inspection history on file could mean the difference between swift insurance resolution and a drawn-out liability investigation.

Why Is CSD-1 Important?

Boilers and gas-fired process systems operate under high heat, pressure, and fuel flower, which introduce serious risks if not properly controlled. Without reliable safety devices and routine inspections, the potential for gas leaks, overheating, combustion failure, or even explosions increase significantly.

CSD-1 inspections help ensure that your equipment:

• Meets state and national safety codes
• Operate efficiently and safely
• Avoids unnecessary downtime and liability
• Maintains eligibility for insurance coverage

These inspections are especially critical for automated process equipment like ovens, kilns, or dryers that use gas trains. While these systems may not generate steam or hot water, they still depend on burners, ignition controls, and safety shutoff valves, all of which must be inspected and documented under CSD-1.

Many local authorities, including the states of Wisconsin and Michigan, have adopted CSD-1 as law. That means compliance isn’t just recommended, it’s mandatory.

From a safety and business standpoint, the stakes are high. One missed inspection could result in failed audits, equipment shutdowns, denied insurance claims, or worse. Whether you’re running a high-efficiency boiler in a hospital or firing up a powder coat oven in a manufacturing plant, CSD-1 inspections are the front line of protection for your people, property, and productivity.

CSD-1 in Wisconsin vs. Michigan: What You Need to Know

CSD-1 regulations are enforced at the state level, and while both Wisconsin and Michigan have adopted the standard, they differ in how and when inspections are required. Understanding the differences is key to staying compliant, especially if your facility operates in both states or uses a combination of boilers and gas-fired process equipment.

Wisconsin CSD-1 Requirements (SPS 341)

In Wisconsin, CSD-1 is enforced through the SPS 341 Boiler Code, which governs the installation, maintenance, and inspection of commercial boilers and certain types of gas-fired process equipment with burners and automatic controls.

Key takeaways for Wisconsin facilities:

• Most heating boilers must undergo CSD-1 inspections every three years.
• CSD-1 inspections are typically carried out by state-certified boiler inspectors.
• While a specific contractor license isn’t required, all testing must follow ASME CSD-1 and Wisconsin code.
• Any equipment operating under automatic ignition and using a gas train, such as process ovens and dryers, may also fall under this regulation if it meets the fuel and control system thresholds.

Although the inspection frequency is less aggressive than in Michigan, failing to comply with SPS 341 can still result in citations, insurance issues, or operational delays.

Michigan CSD-1 Requirements (Rule 206)

Michigan enforces CSD-1 more strictly. Under Rule 206 of the Skilled Trades Regulation Act, CSD-1 inspections are required annually for most commercial boilers and gas-fired process systems.

Key Michigan mandates include:

• CSD-1 inspections must be conducted once per year, at a minimum.
• Inspections must be performed by a licensed mechanical contractor—DIY or in-house checks don’t qualify.
• A signed and completed CSD-1 form must be kept on-site and posted in the equipment or boiler room.
• Documentation must include proof of inspection, maintenance logs, and any corrective actions taken.

This applies not only to boilers but also to automatically fired ovens, burners, and other combustion-based systems that rely on natural gas or propane. Michigan inspectors frequently evaluate gas train equipment in manufacturing and processing facilities, just like they do in boiler rooms.

Hurckman Mechanical is fully licensed in both Wisconsin and Michigan, with deep experience conducting CSD-1 inspections on everything from low-pressure boilers to high-volume process ovens. We understand the nuances of each state’s inspection laws and ensure your systems—no matter how complex—stay compliant, documented, and audit-ready.

Who Can Perform a CSD-1 Inspection?

Not just anyone can perform a proper CSD-1 inspection, and in many states, the law is very specific about who qualifies. Whether you’re inspecting a traditional boiler system or process equipment with gas burners and automatic controls, compliance hinges on having the right expertise and credentials.

Michigan Requirements

In Michigan, CSD-1 inspections must be performed by a licensed mechanical contractor authorized to work on commercial heating and combustion systems. This applies equally to boilers and process equipment that use natural gas or propane gas trains, such as industrial ovens, dryers, and paint systems.

Skipping this requirement or assigning the inspection to an in-house technician can result in failed inspections, violations, and even insurance complications.

In addition to performing the inspection, the contractor must:

• Complete and sign the official CSD-1 inspection form
• Post the signed form in the equipment or boiler room
• Keep documentation on file for review by state inspectors

Hurckman’s team of ASME CSD-1 inspectors is fully licensed and experienced in performing these inspections across Michigan’s commercial, industrial, and manufacturing sectors—including both mechanical rooms and production lines.

Wisconsin Requirements

Wisconsin takes a slightly different approach. While the state doesn’t require inspectors to hold a specific contractor license for CSD-1 work, the inspection must still comply with ASME standards and Wisconsin’s SPS 341 Boiler Code.

In practice, that means the person performing the inspection must be deeply familiar with:

• CSD-1 installation and safety requirements
• Testing procedures for flame safeguards, shut-off valves, ignition controls, and more
• Proper documentation and reporting practices

This includes inspections of boilers and process burners alike, especially if the system uses a gas train and operates automatically.

Whether your equipment heats a building or bakes products, working with a contractor who specializes in combustion systems is essential. That’s where Hurckman comes in. Our inspectors are trained to recognize issues across both heating and production systems, complete inspections correctly, and help your facility stay ahead of code changes and compliance reviews.

What Happens During a CSD-1 Inspection?

A CSD-1 inspection is a detailed, code-driven evaluation of your system’s safety controls—whether you’re operating a commercial boiler or a gas-fired process oven. In both cases, the goal is the same: ensure the equipment will shut down safely in the event of a malfunction and that all safety mechanisms are working as designed.

Our licensed inspectors follow ASME CSD-1 protocols to examine every critical component, making sure it performs within acceptable parameters. This includes:

• Low-water cutoffs – prevent dry-firing by shutting down the system if water levels drop too low (for steam/hot water systems)
• Pressure and temperature limit controls – safeguard against overheating and over-pressurization
• Fuel shutoff valves – tested for response time, integrity, and leak prevention, following NFPA guidelines
• Flame safeguard systems – ensure safe startup, burner sequencing, and automatic shutdown if ignition fails or a flame is lost
• Combustion air proving switches – confirm air flow is adequate before ignition
• Purge cycles – verify that residual fuel is removed prior to burner startup

These same inspections apply whether the system is warming a building or curing a product in an industrial oven. Many process systems—such as powder coating ovens or batch drying equipment—include the same type of flame safeguard and fuel shutoff sequences found in boilers. That’s why CSD-1 testing is required.

In addition to live testing, we also review:

• Burner startup logs
• Recent safety device trips or lockouts
• The control panel for fault history or override settings

These insights help us track failure trends and optimize your CSD-1 inspection rate over time.

Bonus: You Get a Signed Inspection Report

Hurckman provides a complete inspection report, digitally and in hard copy, including our license number and signature. This meets the documentation requirements for Michigan (where the form must be posted in the boiler or equipment room) and helps satisfy insurers, auditors, and internal safety officers alike.

Whether we’re inspecting a boiler or a gas-fired production oven, you’ll walk away with peace of mind and proof of compliance.

How Often Are CSD-1 Inspections Required?

The frequency of your required CSD-1 inspection depends on your location and the type of equipment you’re operating. Whether you’re overseeing a boiler or a gas-fired process system, staying on schedule is essential for compliance and for avoiding unexpected risk.

If You Operate a Boiler or Similar Heating System:

• Wisconsin: Inspections are generally required every three years for low-pressure hot water boilers (typically under 160 psi).
• Michigan: The same type of boiler must be inspected annually.

If You Operate Gas-Fired Process Equipment:

This includes industrial ovens, dryers, powder coating lines, and any production system with a gas train and automatic burner controls. These systems may not fall under traditional boiler rules, but they are still subject to CSD-1 if they meet fuel input and control criteria.

• Wisconsin: Inspection frequency varies but generally aligns with boiler requirements if the system poses similar risks. If your process equipment uses a gas train and automatic ignition, it’s wise to follow a three-year schedule unless otherwise mandated.
• Michigan: Annual inspections are required for all qualifying gas-fired equipment, boilers, and burners alike.

High-Pressure Steam Boilers:

Operating above 15 psi? Then inspections are required annually in both states due to elevated risk factors.

Large Commercial Water Heaters:

Units exceeding 200,000 BTU/hr are often reviewed annually, or more frequently based on local enforcement and equipment use.

Many of our clients choose to perform inspections annually regardless of legal minimums. Why? Because safety, insurance compliance, and operational uptime depend on consistency and CSD-1 is one area where cutting corners can lead to serious consequences.

Whether your equipment is providing heat, driving production, or both, Hurckman helps you track requirements, meet deadlines, and document everything properly.

Industry Use Cases

CSD-1 inspections are essential across a wide range of commercial and industrial settings. Whether you’re heating a space, controlling temperature for production, or managing a complex gas train on a process line, reliable performance and documented compliance are non-negotiable.

Schools

Public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities rely on safe, functional heating systems to keep students and staff comfortable. Many also operate large water heaters or rooftop units with automatic gas controls—all of which may fall under CSD-1. Hurckman helps educational institutions avoid shutdowns and stay ahead of compliance issues.

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals, clinics, and senior living communities use boilers for heating, sterilization, and hot water—but they also use gas-fired systems in labs and mechanical rooms. Our team ensures all applicable equipment is operating safely and meets strict code standards that protect patient care.

Food and Beverage Plants

From sanitation to packaging, temperature control is everything. Many food production lines utilize ovens, kettles, and dryers that run on gas and require CSD-1 testing, especially in regulated facilities. Annual inspections help ensure uninterrupted operation and regulatory readiness.

Commercial Office Buildings

Tenant comfort matters and so does compliance. CSD-1 applies to more than just boilers here. Many office buildings use make-up air units, RTUs, or large water heaters with automatic burners. Hurckman performs proactive inspections that prevent disruptions and reduce liability for property managers.

Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities

This is where CSD-1 inspections often go beyond the boiler room. Facilities may operate:

• Paint booths and powder coating lines
• Burn-off ovens
• Drying tunnels
• Kilns
• Cartridge or baking ovens
  Each of these systems uses a gas train and burner that falls under CSD-1 requirements. Hurckman provides routine inspections for clients like Johnson Controls, where we test multiple process ovens annually as part of their compliance and safety programs.

Data Centers, Municipalities, Universities

We also serve large campuses, municipal utility buildings, and data centers—many of which operate complex multi-boiler systems, supplemental heating units, or process-related combustion equipment. Our experience in tightly regulated, multi-equipment environments sets us apart from contractors who focus solely on basic heating applications.

What If You Skip an Inspection?

Skipping a required CSD-1 inspection isn’t just a minor oversight, it’s a serious risk to your operations, your safety, and your bottom line. Whether the system is a boiler providing heat or a process oven powering production, the consequences of non-compliance can escalate quickly.

Failure to meet your required CSD-1 inspection frequency or properly document results can result in:

• Failed state or local compliance inspections
• Forced equipment shutdown by regulatory authorities
• Denied insurance claims in the event of an incident
• Increased liability for safety risks to employees, tenants, or facility staff
• Unplanned system failures, production stoppages, and emergency repair costs

In facilities with automated combustion equipment, such as kilns, dryers, or paint lines, a faulty burner startup or undetected leak can pose just as much risk as a boiler malfunction. The potential for fire, explosion, or exposure to carbon monoxide is real—and preventable.

CSD-1 inspections are about more than checking a box. They ensure that safety devices are in place, functioning properly, and supported by the documentation needed to prove your due diligence. In high-risk industries, these inspections are not optional, they’re foundational to keeping your facility operational, insurable, and protected.

Understanding Rate Analysis & Inspection Metrics

Staying compliant with CSD-1 is the first step—but leading facilities don’t stop there. They go further by tracking performance data that helps reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and improve overall safety across both boilers and gas-fired process equipment.

Analyzing inspection metrics allows facility managers to make informed, data-driven decisions about their equipment. While CSD-1 inspection frequencies are set by law, actual system performance trends can reveal when additional testing or service is needed.

Key performance data to monitor includes:

• Device failure rate over time – Are your gas shutoff valves, flame safeguards, or purge systems becoming less reliable?
• Burner startup and shutdown logs – Are your boilers or ovens exhibiting inconsistent ignition sequences?
• Leak detection test results – Are fuel shutoff valves performing properly under pressure?
• Air switch and purge cycle responsiveness – Is airflow confirmed before every burner ignition, or are bypasses occurring?

This kind of monitoring is especially helpful for complex systems, such as industrial ovens, drying lines, or multi-boiler central plants. By comparing operational behavior to the ASME CSD-1 standards, you can optimize not just for compliance—but for safety, longevity, and performance.

Hurckman goes beyond the basics. We help facility teams analyze their inspection history, identify trends, and create inspection plans tailored to real-world conditions—whether you’re managing a hot water boiler or a high-heat powder coating oven.

Our goal: fewer surprises, fewer shutdowns, and stronger safety across every burner in your building.

Why Work With Hurckman?

When it comes to CSD-1 inspections, you don’t just need someone to check a box—you need a partner who understands the full picture. At Hurckman, we inspect more than just boilers. We handle complex mechanical systems, including process ovens, kilns, dryers, and gas-fired burners found in manufacturing, food production, and industrial facilities.

Unlike smaller contractors who may only service standard HVAC systems, our team is fully licensed in both Wisconsin and Michigan. We’re equipped to inspect, test, and document the full range of combustion equipment you rely on to keep your building running—and your production lines moving.

We make CSD-1 compliance straightforward and stress-free with:

• Licensed mechanical contracting in Michigan and Wisconsin
• A trusted reputation with commercial and industrial clients across the Midwest
• Full-service testing, reporting, and documentation
• Deep expertise in ASME CSD-1 standards and state-specific codes
• Experience across both heating systems and automated process equipment

With in-house mechanical, electrical, and fabrication divisions, Hurckman is more than a boiler contractor—we’re a full-service MEP partner. Whether you’re heating a hospital or running ovens on a production floor, we ensure your systems are safe, compliant, and inspection-ready.

CSD-1 FAQs

How long does a CSD-1 inspection take?
Typically, 1–3 hours depending on equipment type and complexity—boilers and process burners alike.

Can inspections be done after hours?
Yes. We offer flexible scheduling to minimize disruption to your team and your operations.

Is a state boiler inspection the same as a CSD-1 inspection?
No. State inspections review general compliance, while CSD-1 focuses specifically on safety devices, control sequences, and shutdown reliability.

What happens if my equipment fails?
We’ll clearly document the issue, recommend a corrective plan, and return to retest once repairs are made.

Is my rooftop unit or oven covered under CSD-1?
If it has an automatic burner system and uses gas, yes—CSD-1 likely applies.

CSD-1 Isn’t Optional—But It Doesn’t Have to Be a Headache

Whether you’re behind on inspections, unsure where your system stands, or want to avoid last-minute scrambling, we’ve got you covered.

You wouldn’t ignore a flashing warning light on your dashboard—so don’t ignore your burner system’s inspection schedule. One missed CSD-1 inspection could result in fines, forced shutdowns, or worse.

From commercial boilers to industrial ovens, Hurckman helps you stay safe, stay compliant, and stay ahead.

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