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.

 

Recent posts

President Elect

President-Elect news 2025

29 Jul 2025

Three candidates for the next IOR President-Elect have been announced and an election will be held later this year.

News
Copy Of Copy Of Consultation On EN378

Call for Members’ to respond to Consultation on prEN378

21 Jul 2025

We encourage all members to engage in the consultation process by reading the draft standard and submitting comments through the on-line BSI portal, or by sending comments back to the Institute Technical Committee who will collate the comments and submit them on your behalf.

Consultation
Technician App

IOR RACHP EngTech Section Launches New Technician App

10 Jul 2025

The IOR’s RACHP EngTech Section is proud to announce the launch of an innovative mobile technician’s app, now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

News
LJCStudent Cropped2

IOR Recognises Student Research at Adaptation 2025

12 Aug 2025

Institute of Refrigeration President, Lisa Jane Cook FInstR, presented certificates and prizes in recognition of three outstanding research papers presented by students at the IOR-organised First IIR International Conference on Refrigeration Adapting to Rising Temperatures.

Live event
Copy of Adaptation2025Manchester

Joining Us At Adaptation 2025?

6 Aug 2025

We are looking forward to welcoming over 110 delegates to the first IIR Conference on Refrigeration Adapting to Rising Temperatures, organised by the IOR.

Live event