Deconstructing A2L Refrigerants

Air conditioning and Commercial refrigeration manufacturers are called to identify alternative refrigerants to meet new limitations according to the update of the following standards:

• UL 60335-2-40, the Standard for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2-40: Particular Requirements for Electrical Heat Pumps, Air-Conditioners and Dehumidifiers
• UL 60335-2-89, the Standard for Safety for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2-89: Particular Requirements for Commercial Refrigerating Appliances and Ice-Cream Makers with an Incorporated or Remote Refrigerant Unit or Motor-Compressor

The global warming potential (GWP) of a refrigerant acts as the foundation for these new limitations, which are based on federal guidance to provide regulatory consistency across the United States. The SNAP Rules and safety standards developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and UL Solutions are a positive step in that direction for the safer use of A2Ls in these applications.