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.
11 Nov 2025
Hear from DEFRA and industry experts about the impacts and opportunities for the RACHP industry following the launch of the UK Government’s consultation on reforming the HFC phasedown under the GB F Gas Regulation.
6 Nov 2025
Topics of the new bulletins include direct expansion water-to-refrigerant evaporators, electrical safe isolation and determining the wattage of electric heaters.
5 Nov 2025
The outcomes will be used to shape future legislation for our sector. Take part in this consultation to make the views of the RACHP industry heard. Industry groups will be coordinating a response through ACRIB (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board).
5 Nov 2025
The talk by Prof. Ahmed Kovacevic, FREng on emerging technologies in compressors and their systems is now available from the IOR website.
3 Nov 2025
On 29 October, the IOR members met to share their reports on activity, plans and strategies for the future. Seven IOR committees met, including Membership, Education, Environment, Technical, Engineering Technician Group, Women in RACHP, and the Dinner Committee.