France relaxes A3 refrigerant ban

FRANCE: Air conditioners using R290 refrigerant could now be used in French high-rise buildings after changes to its stringent safety regulations.

In an order of 13 July, France’s Ministry Of The Interior announced the amendment of the 2011 safety regulations for the construction of high-rise buildings and their protection against fire and panic risks. Flammable refrigerants had previously been prohibited in refrigeration systems within these highly regulated buildings.

While the European F-gas regulations are driving a phase down of high GWP refrigerants and a transition to low GWP gases like flammable propane, exemptions are allowed for member states’ local building codes.

The new amendment will allow CE-marked, hermetically sealed electrical air-conditioning appliances using A3 refrigerants, like R290, with a charge size less than 300g.