FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Refrigerant Regulations/Codes
Sioux Falls, SD – February 2025
ASHRAE 15
ASHRAE 15 – Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems is a key guideline for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of refrigeration systems,
published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The standard focuses on minimizing risks related to refrigerants, especially in safety-critical environments like commercial, industrial, and food processing settings. Key aspects include refrigerant selection to avoid toxic or flammable substances, system design to prevent leaks, and proper ventilation to avoid hazardous gas accumulation. It also mandates leak detection systems, alarms, and monitoring for safety, along with emergency procedures and required signage. Regular maintenance, inspections, and proper personnel training are essential for ensuring ongoing safety.
ASHRAE 34
ASHRAE 34, published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), provides a system for classifying refrigerants based on their chemical properties, safety, and environmental impact. Each refrigerant is assigned
a unique designation, which includes a numerical code indicating its chemical composition and a safety classification based on toxicity and flammability. The safety classification divides refrigerants into categories such as A (low toxicity) or B (higher toxicity) and 1 (no flammability) to 3 (higher flammability). While ASHRAE 34 doesn’t directly assess environmental impact, it aids in identifying refrigerants that are evaluated for ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) by other standards. The standard’s refrigerant numbering system provides clear identification, and it is periodically updated to reflect new safety and environmental data. ASHRAE 34 plays a crucial role in guiding the safe use of refrigerants, ensuring industry compliance, and reducing harm to human health and the environment.
IMC 2024 Section 11
IMC 2024 Section 11 outlines key safety requirements for refrigeration systems. Section 1101.1.1 mandates that refrigerants other than ammonia comply with
IMC Section 11, ASHRAE 15, and the International Fire Code (IFC). For ammonia refrigerants, Section 1101.1.2 specifies compliance with various IIAR standards for design, installation, valves, and start-up. Section 1105.3 requires refrigerant detectors in machinery rooms, in accordance with IFC Sections 608.9 and 608.18. Additionally, Section 1106.4.2 states that refrigerant detectors must trigger an alarm and activate the ventilation system, with specific response times outlined in Table 1106.4. For emergency shutoff, Section 1106.5.1 mandates a clearly identifiable switch to control refrigerant compressors, pumps, and automatic valves, automatically shutting off when refrigerant vapor exceeds safe levels. Ventilation systems are similarly controlled by a break-glass switch under Section 1105.5.2. Lastly, Section 1106.6 requires refrigeration units to be marked with emergency signs and labels as per the IFC. These provisions aim to ensure safe handling, detection, and emergency response for refrigeration systems.
IFC 2024 Chapter 6
IFC 2024 Chapter 6 establishes safety measures for refrigerant detection in machinery rooms. Section 608.9 requires refrigerant detectors with both audible
and visible alarms in machinery rooms. For ammonia, detection must meet IIAR 2 standards. For other refrigerants, Section 608.9.1 mandates detectors or sampling tubes at locations where refrigerant leaks are likely to accumulate. These detectors must trigger alarms inside and outside the machinery room when refrigerant levels exceed either the TLV-TWA values or 25% of the lower flammable limit (LFL). If the refrigerant concentration exceeds the upper detection limit or 25% of the LFL, equipment in the machinery room must automatically shut off, as detailed in Section 608.10.1. Emergency shutoff requires a clearly identified switch to turn off compressors, pumps, and automatic valves when refrigerant levels are unsafe.
- Easy installation to the wall or 4×4 electrical box
- NEMA4X/IP65 enclosure
- Field replaceable smart sensor
- Temperature compensation technology
- Optional buzzer
- Event logging
- User-selectable settings (Default to industry standards) via a four-button interface
- Analog/digital output options
- 5 A SPDT and 0.5A relays to control fans, valves, louvers, horns, and strobes
- Intuitive calibration process
- Colored notification LED – (alarm, warning, trouble, calibration)
- 10-year sensor life
- Easy installation to a double gang box or 4×4 electrical box
- Aesthetically pleasing – Flush mount faceplate
- Stable and accurate NDIR sensor
- The same model provides either 24V & 120V options
- Internal display for programming/testing
- Minimal maintenance required – recommend calibration yearly
- 2 SPDT (Form C) relays
- Digital Output: Modbus (STD), BACnet (Optional)
- Multicolor LED status indicator
- Built-in cal-port connection
About Macurco Gas Detection
Macurco Gas Detection designs, develops, and manufactures a full set of fixed and portable gas detection monitors to protect workers, responders, and the community. Macurco has more than 50 years of proven gas detection experience in residential, commercial, and industrial gas monitoring. Macurco gas detection systems (HVAC, Fire & Security, AimSafety, and TracXP) are widely recognized by distributors and users for their high performance and consistent reliability.
Macurco is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Learn more at www.macurco.com.
For more information about Macurco products, applications, or gases, please get in touch with Macurco at 877-367-7891 or email us at [email protected].
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