Fgas changes that came into effect from 1st January 2017
Fgas Annual Refrigerant Leak testing
Changes have been made to the quantities which define the frequency of leak testing. The previous limits of 3, 30 & 300kg have been replaced with a number relating to the equivalent tonnes of CO2. The new labelling took effect from 01/01/2017.
Currently units with less than 3kg of refrigerant or 6kg for a hermetically sealed system were exempt until 01/01/2017.
The equivalent tonnes of CO2 must be displayed on the serial label alongside the actual weight and type of refrigerant. To calculate the equivalent tonnes of refrigerant the following simple equation is used;
Equivalent tonnes of CO2 = Weight of refrigerant x Global Warming Potential / 1000
| Product and Equipment | Minimum Frequency |
| Systems with GWP<5 tonnes of CO2 | Not required |
| Hermetic systems with GWP< 10 tonnes CO2 | Not required |
| System with GWP=> 5 and <50 tonnes CO2 | Once every 12 months |
| If leak detector fitted | Once every 24 months |
| System with GWP=> 50 and <500 tonnes CO2 | Twice every 12 months |
| If leak detector fitted | Once every 24 months |
| System with GWP=> 500 tonnes CO2 | Four times every 12 months |
| If leak detector fitted | Twice every 24 months |
Therefor from 1st January 2017 equipment that previously did not require testing will now fall into the category due to its CO2 Tonnes equivalent
Equipment operating on R410A having 2.4Kg will require testing
Equipment operating on R407C having 2.81Kg will require testing
Equipment operating on R22 having 2.76Kg will require testing