ACCA releases HC refrigeration technical bulletin

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) last week released its “Flammable Refrigerant Technical Bulletin,” designed to help technicians work safely with these refrigerants.

The flammable refrigerants covered by the technical bulletin include ASHRAE-designated A3 hydrocarbons like R290 (propane), R441A, R600a (isobutane), and R1270 (propene). The bulletin focuses on hydrocarbon use in refrigeration systems, walk-in coolers, food merchandisers and service cases, beverage dispensers, vending machines, ice makers, and water fountains; it covers the safety, installation, start-up, maintenance, parts replacement, refrigerant leak checking, transportation, cleanliness, and decommissioning of hydrocarbon units.

“This technical bulletin is the beginning of ACCA’s work to prepare the contracting industry to safely handle flammable refrigerants, ensuring consumers have peace of mind when purchasing systems that rely on these products,” said Glenn Hourahan, ACCA’s senior vice president of engineering and technical accreditation.

“Often, convenience stores, grocers, and other commercial outlets have great difficulty finding technicians who can service vending machines, beverage cases, and reach-in coolers because they use flammable refrigerants,” said Paul Stalknecht, ACCA president and CEO.

 “It is important that contractors and technicians review this technical bulletin, not only for their safety, but also as an opportunity to expand their service offerings. By following guidelines in this ACCA product, contractors can confidently work on these systems, ” Stalknecht added.

“ACCA is proud to lead the industry effort addressing contractor and technician concerns regarding flammable refrigerants,” said Hourahan.

The technical bulletin is available free online for ACCA members here: www.acca.org/communities/community-home/librarydocuments?LibraryKey=3461facf-6ded-4931-bde3-de0144b5dfa4

For further information, contact: Todd Washam, ACCA director of industry and external relations on email or phone: +1 703-824-8864.