10 May 2019
The refrigerant charge limit under IEC electrotechnical standard 60335-2-89 in self-contained commercial refrigeration appliances will be changing. For A3 (Higher Flammability) refrigerants the charge limit will be approximately 500 g (increased from 150 g) and for A2 (Flammable) and A2L (Lower Flammability) refrigerants the charge limit will be a maximum of 1.2 kg (increased from 150 g).
The change in the IEC standard is likely to be positive news for many manufacturers of small commercial cabinets who previously found it challenging to keep the flammable refrigerant charge below 150 g. The decision has the potential to open up the market for hydrocarbons in small to medium sized cabinets where previously the options to use hydrocarbons were limited.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) voted this month to approve by a narrow margin the standard that has been revised with input from international technical experts preparing drafts and considering safety research for some time.
The new Standard is now approved for publication/translation and is expected to be available soon.
29 Oct 2025
At the IOR Annual General Meeting held on 29 October 2025, election results were announced. Stephen Gill FInstR was voted President-Elect, and Stephen Benton FInstR together with David Bostock FInstR were elected as Trustees to the IOR Board.
28 Oct 2025
The IOR and the ACES have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration and promote the exchange of ideas and expertise during the Clean Cooling Network Conference on the Sustainable Cold Chain for the Global South, taking place at the University of Birmingham from 28–29 October 2029.
22 Oct 2025
On 20th Oct the Department for Education (with others) published this document outlining future skills policy and new V levels to sit alongside A levels and T Levels in key sectors such as engineering. The RACHP industry will need to consider what these changes mean for our work to promote skills and careers to ensure sufficient supply of well trained new entrants to our sector. IOR education committee members are digesting the content...
21 Oct 2025
The IOR’s RACHP EngTech Section innovative mobile technician’s app has over 200 subscribers!
6 Oct 2025
HSE is gathering information and evidence relating to the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) and whether their scope and application are still fit for purpose.