Testing and Certification for Low GWP Refrigerants and Coolant Distribution Units (CDUs)

Transitioning to low GWP refrigerants

Refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) may be more environmentally friendly, but they are also mildly flammable. Consequently, many regions have added regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) products. Flammable refrigerant testing is becoming a central part of the HVACR equipment benchmarking, testing, assessment and certification process.

Working with organizations such as the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); and Eurovent, our experts are keeping pace with emerging refrigerant industry requirements and global demands in order to provide clear guidance to manufacturers.

Our safety science leadership, technical expertise and global network of testing laboratories can help you demonstrate compliance with regional safety standards for low GWP refrigerants in your target markets.

UL Solutions low GWP services

Key standards and regulations for HVACR products using low GWP refrigerants

UL 60335-224 and IEC 60335-2-24, the Standard for Safety Requirements for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances, Part 2: Particular Requirements for Refrigerating Appliances, Ice-Cream Appliances and Ice-Makers

UL 60335-224 and IEC 60335-2-34 the Standard for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances - Safety - Part 2-34: Particular Requirements for Motor-Compressors

UL 60335-224 and IEC 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

• ANSI/SCC-accredited U.S./Canada binational consensus safety standard.
• Based on IEC 60335-2-40, the international standard that currently serves as the basis for evaluating, testing and certifying HVAC equipment designs using low GWP refrigerants in Europe and elsewhere.
• Offers a path to certification for coolant distribution units (CDUs) using refrigerant liquid. Distributing coolants directly to the heat sources — either through the rack or directly to the component CDUs — helps manage thermal loads in an efficient and sustainable way for data center cooling.

UL 60335-224 and IEC 60335-2-89, the Standard for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances - Safety - Part 2-89: Particular Requirements for Commercial Refrigerating Appliances and Ice-Makers With an Incorporated or Remote Refrigerant Unit or Motor-Compressor

• Newly harmonized with IEC for full global market access and simplified testing
• Covers UL 412, UL 427, UL 563 and UL 471 Standards for refrigeration, freezers and ice makers

Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), Directive 2014/68/EU

• Mandatory European Union (EU) regulation covering the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar, or 7.25 pounds per square inch
• Applicable regulation that affects most pressure equipment and assembly manufacturers wanting to gain market access in the European Economic Area (EEA)