The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) surprised many earlier this year when it rejected a proposal to increase the charge limit for A3 refrigerants (e.g., propane) from 150 to 500 grams in self-contained commercial refrigeration equipment. A few weeks later, a vote processing error was discovered, and the IEC reversed itself and ultimately approved the measure, which also included a charge limit increase of A2 and A2L refrigerants from 150 to 1,200 grams in self-contained refrigeration equipment.
The refrigeration industry is excited about the reversal, noting that it could potentially open the door to a wider range of equipment that utilizes low-GWP refrigerants.