Avoid an A2L ‘Code Red’ – ICC, AHRI, PHCC Offer Guidance on Refrigerant Transition Codes, Best Practices

Featured presenters in the video series are Samantha Slater, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute; Chuck White, vice president of Regulatory Affairs for the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling contractors National Association; and Jim Cika, Director of ICC’s PMG Technical Resources.

Slater explains the history of this transition away from HFC refrigerants, from the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol to the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act; how to prepare for building inspections; and basic features of A2L refrigerants.

“Throughout this transition, which has been underway since 2011 when we began researching the next generation of refrigerants, our Focus has been on efficiency availability and safety,” Slater says.

Chuck White’s message is related to restrictions, the basics of A2L refrigerant handling, and where to find A2L refrigerant training.

“When I started participating with the safe transition task force a couple of years ago I had a lot of questions about using flammable refrigerant many of you likely have the same questions regarding the new A2L products for example what restrictions govern the use of a2l can a2l be used as direct replacement for common HFCs, like R-410A. I recommend taking a few minutes to watch video number eight in our series. Just as with the rest of the video series I think you'll find the answers to your questions,” White says. "As we move into the next generation of refrigerants, training will be of the utmost importance. The new A2L refrigerants have a low level of flammability and as a result verifying the air volume and conditioned space proper handling ofproducts and tools and understanding the performance of A2Ls must be ensured.”

Jim Cika, director of PMG Technical Resources at the International Code Council, shares updates to codes and standards for the safe use of A2L refrigerants in the built environment.

“Several important industry standards and model building codes have been updated that impact the use of HB CNR equipment that utilizes the mildly flammable A2L refrigerants. ASHRAE has updated Standard 15, the safety standard for refrigeration systems, and ASHRAE Standard 34, the standard for designation and safety classification of refrigerants. UL has also updated three key equipment standards including UL 484 that covers room air conditioners UL 60 335-2425 D2 d89 that covers commercial refrigerating appliances," Cika explains.