Don Gillis and Dr. Chuck Allgood from Chemours join the show to discuss their new easy as "1,2,3" branding around the A2L refrigerants R454A, R454B, and R454C. They explain that A2Ls are not actually flammable like hydrocarbons; they are just mildly combustible with much lower burning velocity and energy than propane or butane. The key is that A2L refrigerants can only be used in equipment specifically designed and tested for them.

They outline several equipment changes, like the inclusion of sensors that detect leaks and mitigate risks by shutting down systems. Service ports will be red to denote flammability. Refrigerant cylinders will move away from colors and instead use red bands/markings to signal A2L, along with left-handed threads and updated pressure relief valves. Best practices like nitrogen purging, confined space protocols, and leak repairs will become outright requirements. Tools like recovery machines and leak detectors will need A2L ratings, but most from the past 2 years likely already have them.

In closing, the guests emphasize that A2Ls contain no propane or hydrocarbons and cannot be retrofitted into existing A1 equipment. Contractors should get trained, adopt the solutions coming, and not fear progress. But they should spread the word that A2Ls are not simply being dropped into old equipment.

Topics Covered:

• Differences between A2Ls and flammable refrigerants
• Required safety features in A2L equipment
• Changes to refrigerant cylinders
• Updating tools and practices for A2Ls
• Retrofitting existing systems with A2Ls (not allowed)
• Spreading proper understanding about A2Ls

 

Learn more about the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.”

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@HVACS. 

Check out our handy calculators HERE or on the HVAC School Mobile App (Google Play Store or App Store).