SB-160-3
6
3.1
Use of flammable refrigerants of the A2L safety
group (e.g. R1234yf)
Information
The information in this chapter about the use of
refrigerants of the A2L safety group refer to
European regulations and directives. In regions
outside the EU, observe the local regulations.
This chapter describes and gives explanations on addi-
tional residual risks originating from the compressor
when using refrigerants of the A2L safety group. This
information helps the manufacturer of the system to
perform the risk assessment for the system. This in-
formation may in no way replace the risk assessment
for the system.
Design, maintenance and operation of refrigeration sys-
tems using refrigerants of the A2L safety group are
subject to particular safety regulations.
When installed according to these Operating Instruc-
tions and in normal operation conditions without mal-
functions, the compressors are free from ignition
sources that could ignite the flammable refrigerants
R1234yf and R1234ze(E). They are considered as
technically tight. No ignition source assessment is
available for other refrigerants of the A2L safety group.
Information
When using a flammable refrigerant:
Affix the warning sign “Warning: flammable ma-
terials” (W021 according to ISO7010) well vis-
ibly to the compressor. An adhesive label show-
ing this warning sign is enclosed with the Oper-
ating Instructions.
Refrigerant burning in the FI housing may only happen
if several very rare failures occur at the same time. The
probability of this event occurring is extremely low. Flu-
oride refrigerants burning in the FI housing may lead to
the release of life-threatening amounts of toxic gases.
DANGER
Life-threatening exhaust gases and residues of
combustion!
Sufficiently ventilate the machinery room for at
least 2 hours.
Never inhale combustion products.
Use appropriate, acid-resistant gloves.
The refrigerant in the FI can only be ignited in the case
of a serious electrical failures. This usually triggers the
fuse of the power voltage supply line of the FI. If the
gas detector has been triggered or when suspecting
burnt refrigerant: Do not enter the place of installation
and ventilate it for at least 2 hours. Never inhale com-
bustion products. The possibly toxic and corrosive ex-
haust air must be released into the atmosphere.
Do not enter the place of installation until the combus-
tion gases have completely escaped. Then open the FI
housing slightly so that the gases in it may escape:
◦ Use appropriate, acid-proof gloves.
◦ Do not touch the residues of combustion.
• Carefully remove the screws of the FI housing.
• Pull the FI housing cover a bit forward in order to
generate a gap of approximately 1 cm.
• Leave the place of installation immediately and vent-
ilate for at least 3 hours more.
Do not touch moist residues, but let them dry, because
they may contain dissolved toxic substances. Have
trained staff clean the parts concerned or, if the parts
are corroded, dispose of them properly.
3.1.1
Compressor and refrigeration system
requirements
The specifications are established in standards (e.g.
EN378). In view of the high requirements and product
liability, it is generally recommended to carry out the
risk assessment in cooperation with a notified body.
Depending on the design and the refrigerant charge, an
assessment according to EU Framework Directives
2014/34/EU and 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137) may be ne-
cessary.
DANGER
Fire hazard in the event of refrigerant leakage
and in the presence of an ignition source!
Avoid open fire and ignition sources in the en-
gine room and in the hazardous zone!
• Pay attention to the ignition point in air of the refri-
gerant used, see also EN378-1.
• Vent engine room according to EN378 or install an
extraction device.
• To open the pipelines, use only pipe cutters and no
open flame!
• Install components from which refrigerant may leak
(e.g. low and high pressure limiter or low and high
pressure cut-out) only outside the switch cabinet!
If the following safety regulations and adaptations are
observed, the standard compressors can be run with
refrigerants mentioned above of the A2L safety group.
