The three main flammability classifications are class 1, for refrigerants that do not propagate a flame when tested as per the standard; class 2, for refrigerants of lower flammability; and class 3, for highly flammable refrigerants such as the hydrocarbons.
Refrigerants are classified according to flammability and assigned to Class 1, 2, or 3. Class 1 - Non-flammable refrigerants. Class 2 - Low flammability refrigerants, and. Class 3 - High flammability refrigerants.
A2Ls retain the same toxicity designation — non-toxic — as their predecessor (R-410A). However, the flammability has been reclassified as Class 2L (lower flammability), compared to Class 1 (no flame propagation) for R-410A. A2L refrigerants require redesign of the HVAC equipment.
Type I Certification
Ozone-depleting substances are CFCs and HCFCs. Their substitutes include HFOs. Appliances containing these refrigerants are subject to Section 608 regulations. Type I certification is for technicians to service, maintain, and repair small appliances that contain CFCs, HCFCs, or HFCs.
Class 1 is for refrigerants that, when tested, show no flame propagation at 140°F (60°C) and 14.7 psia (101.3 kPa).
What type of certification do I need to purchase refrigerants? If you get a 608 certification (Type I, Type II, Type II, or Universal), you can buy any refrigerant sold in an HVAC/R store in containers of 20 pounds or more.
It is classified as a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant and has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0.055 and a global warming potential (GWP) of 1810 tCO2e. All HCFCs are “Class II” ozone-depleting substances (ODS) subject to the phase out per the Montreal Protocol and U.S. Clean Air Act.
R-410A, the most common air conditioning refrigerant in use globally today, is not actually “non- flammable.” It is ASHRAE-listed as an A1 refrigerant, meaning that it has no flame propagation at 63°C. Toxicity is classified based on Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL).
Type II covers equipment using high-pressure refrigerant (HCFC-22), including residential air conditioners and heat pumps, supermarket refrigeration, and process refrigeration.
R-410A PHASE-DOWN TIMELINE
In 2024, we will jump to a 40% decrease in production. We will reach a 70% decrease by 2029. In 2034, we will see 80% less R-410A being produced than it is today, and the phase-down will end in 2036 with another 5% reduction.
The pressure can become high enough for parts of the system to rupture. At the very least, leaks will occur. Mixing refrigerants is not an option either. This will contaminate the system, and the R22 will not evaporate under the higher suction pressure that R410A requires.
You are required to have an EPA Section 608 Type II or Universal certification license to handle R-410A, but no license is legally necessary for purchase.
R-410A is an A1 class non-flammable substance according to ISO 817 & ASHRAE 34. One of its components, R-32, is mildly flammable (AL2), and the other, R-125, is an A1 class substance that suppresses the flammability of R32.
R22 is being phased out because it harms the ozone and causes global warming. This means less production and use, eventually banning it in new equipment. Switching to alternatives with lower global warming potential can greatly reduce cooling systems' carbon footprint. Old A/C systems often use R22 refrigerant (Freon).
Class 1 Appliances
( Fridge / Freezers, Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, etc. ). The Cable plugged into the mains is 3 core which includes Brown wire (Live), Blue (Neutral) and Green / Yellow which is the Earth cable. To PAT Test Class 1 Equipment an Earth Continuity test is required.
Changes to the Dangerous Goods Legislation, effective in 2021, has new categories for A2L refrigerants. R32 is a synthetic greenhouse gas. If released to the atmosphere it can contribute to climate change. R32 is a flammable refrigerant.
Cooling systems shifting from R-410a to newer refrigerants like R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant will be implemented in 2025. These new coolants are engineered to be friendlier to the environment and meet updated regulations about global warming.
In 2010, the U.S. stopped the sale of newly manufactured residential air conditioning units and heat pumps that use R-22 because of its particularly harmful impact on the ozone layer when released into the air. On January 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R-22.
The AIM Act is a Federal nationwide rule phasing out the use of global warming materials. As part of that effort, EPA is now banning the use of 134a in aerosol products as of 1/1/2025. There are excepted products that are allowed to use 134a until 1/1/2028.
The three main flammability classifications are class 1, for refrigerants that do not propagate a flame when tested as per the standard; class 2, for refrigerants of lower flammability; and class 3, for highly flammable refrigerants such as the hydrocarbons.
Popular refrigerants that retain a much higher GWP such as R-410A, R-22, and R-407C are classified as A1 refrigerants, which means they fall into the non-flammability class.
More About the Phase Out
Unfortunately, this refrigerant contains high levels of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) known to deplete the planet's protective Ozone layer. Many regulations (including the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment) have been passed to contain global warming.
As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States. Of course, continued use of your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump system using R22 refrigerant is allowed.
A3 refrigerants, like propane (R290) and isobutane (R600a), are highly flammable and are considered even more environmentally friendly than A2Ls. Class A3 refrigerants include R-170 (ethane), R-290 (propane), R-600 (butane), and R-600A (isobutane).