A
02.05.2007
IMPLEMENTATION OF REGULATION (EC) N° 842/2006 ON CERTAIN FLUORINATED
GREENHOUSE GASES
STANDARD LEAKAGE CHECKING REQUIREMENTS
Stationary Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump
Applications
According to Article 3 (7) Regulation (EC) 842/2006, the Regulatory Committee shall
adopt these requirements by 4 July 2007. In order to prepare these decisions, the
Commission contracted out a study (“The establishment of technical inspection
requirements for refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pump equipment and fire protection
systems which contain fluorinated greenhouse gases controlled by the Kyoto Protocol”,
ICF Consulting, March 2006) and had consultations with experts from the sector
After discussing with these stakeholders, the Commission services came to the
conclusion that the following scheme could be a basis for the standard leakage checking
requirements for the stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump applications.
STANDARD LEAKAGE CHECKING REQUIREMENTS
Legal provisions
Article 3 (2) requires operators to ensure that stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning
and heat pumps applications containing fluorinated greenhouse gases are checked by
certified personnel according to the following schedule:
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Applications containing 3 kg or more of F-gases (6 kg in the case of hermetically
sealed systems) should be checked at least once every 12 months;
Applications containing 30 kg or more of F-gases should be checked at least once
every 6 months (12 months if there is a permanent leak detector);
Applications containing 300 kg or more of F-gases should be checked at least
once every 6 months and be fitted with a permanent leak detector.
The checks should be carried out by direct or indirect methods. Direct and indirect
methods should be defined in the standard leakage checking requirements to be
established in pursuance to Article 3 (7).
Direct checking for leakage is defined as a method which consists in moving a portable
leak detector or similar device along the refrigeration circuit and principally around the
components that present a risk for leakage. This leak detector will be adapted to the
refrigerant in the system
Indirect checking for leakage is defined as a method which requires a regular monitoring
of the characteristics showing good containment of the refrigerant. Data on the operation
of the application and of the condition of the refrigerant must be regularly taken and
analysed and intervention procedures must be specified. Indirect checking will not be
allowed if the refrigeration system is directly connected to a refrigerant container that
automatically refills the refrigeration circuit. If the application is a cascade system, the
parameters referred to above will be checked for each stage.
Article 3(2) says checked for leakage" means that the equipment or system is examined
for leakage using direct or indirect measuring methods, focusing on those parts of the
equipment or system most likely to leak. The direct and indirect measuring methods of
checking for leakage shall be specified in the standard inspection requirements
Article 3(3) says "Operators of the applications referred to in paragraph 1, containing 300
kg or more of fluorinated greenhouse gases, shall install leakage detection systems. These
leakage detection systems shall be inspected at least once every twelve months to ensure
their proper functioning. In the case of fire protection systems installed before 4 July
2007, leakage detection systems shall be fitted by 4 July 2010
Article 3 (6) requires operators of applications with charge above 3 kg to maintain
records on:
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Quantities and types of F-gases installed
Quantities added
Quantities recovered during servicing, maintenance and final disposal
Identification of company or technician who performed the servicing and
maintenance
Dates and results of checks for leakage
Relevant information specifically identifying the separate stationary equipment of
applications containing more than 30 kg of F-gases.
Article 3 (7) requires the Regulatory Committee to adopt standard leakage checking
requirements by 4 July 2007.
Objective
The objective of setting standard checking requirements for refrigeration, airconditioning and heat pump applications containing fluorinated greenhouse gases
controlled by the Kyoto Protocol is to ensure that the leakage of these gases from these
applications is prevented and minimised
Scope
The standard leakage checking requirements should only apply to those categories of
equipment for which the Regulation foresees regular checks for leakage: applications
with charge above 3 kg (6 kg for hermetically sealed systems).
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STANDARD CHECKING REQUIREMENTS
FOR
STAIONARY REFRIGERATION, AIRCONDITIONING AND
HEAT PUMP APPLICATIONS SUBJECT TO THE
PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 3 OF REGULATION (EC) No
842/2006
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Standard Leakage Checking Procedures
These checking requirements shall apply to working and transitionally out-of-operation,
stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump applications containing 3kg or
more of fluorinated greenhouse gases. These checking procedures do not apply to
hermetically sealed systems that are labelled as such which contain 6kg or less of
fluorinated greenhouse gases.
The refrigerant charge will be the standard refrigerant charge indicated in the
manufacturer's technical specifications and/or indicated on the label. Without prejudice to
the provisions of Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No. 842/2006, if the refrigerant charge is
neither specified in the manufacturer's technical specifications nor on the label, the
operator shall ensure that this is determined and specified in the logbook by certified
personnel.
The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases are those set out in Annex I of Regulation (EC) No
842/2006 and any preparations as defined in Article 2 (5) of this Regulation used in any
refrigeration circuit in refrigeration, air conditioning or heat-pump applications.
Indirect methods for leak checking means analysing certain parameters of the
refrigeration system, such as pressure, temperature, compressor current, liquid levels and
recharge volume and the visual methods to identify the leaking points. Abnormalities
indicated by the above parameters (deviations from normal operation conditions) may
constitute a presumption of leak, loss of refrigerant. In this case, the existence and exact
location of a possible leak shall be confirmed by a direct check using a mobile leak
detector.
Direct method means moving a portable leak detector along the circuit and principally
around the components that present a risk for leakage. This leak detector will be adapted
to the refrigerant in the system.
A permanent leak detection system which is mandatory for stationary installations with a
refrigerant charge of 300kg or more, is permanently monitoring the existence of F-Gases
in the air from a possible leak. This detection system should be installed in the machinery
room or – if no machinery room exists – as close as possible to the compressor. Any
presumption of F-gas leakage indicated by the permanent leak detection system shall be
followed by a check of the system.
EN 378, EN 13313, EN 14276, EN 12178, EN 13136, EN 1861 and EN 12284 standards
as well as national regulations could be taken into consideration.
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Schematic overview of Standard Leakage Checking Procedure
START OF PROCEDURE
STEP 2
Visual and Manual
Checking/ Identification of
leaks
STEP 1
Check Logbook of
Application
Are leaks present or
suspected?
YES
STEP 3
Repair leaks
END OF PROCEDURE
STEP 5
Return Inspection Visit
YES
Has a leak been
repaired?
NO
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STEP 4
Update Logbook
NO
Step 1
Check Logbook of Application
Inspection of records to determine previous issues and reports. The personnel checking
for leakage should pay special attention to relevant information on any repeating issues or
problem areas. The specific attributes of the application and guidance contained in the
operating manual of the equipment can be taken into account if relevant
Step 2
Visual & Manual Checking
Make a check of the application/equipment paying particular attention to:

Abnormal noises or vibration, ice-formation, insufficient cooling
capacity
 Visual corrosion, oil leaks and component or material damage in
particular at possible leakage points – joints, gaskets, valves etc
 If used, check visual aids such as sight glasses or level indicators
 Visual inspection of safety switches, pressure switches, gauges and
sensor connections
 Indications from a fixed installed leak detector
 Other signs that indicate refrigerant loss
Following this general check of the system, the personnel checking the system shall
continue with a more detailed leak check using direct leak checking methods or indirect
leak checking methods or any combination thereof as follows:

For direct leak checking methods: check the refrigeration circuit with
gas detection devices such as portable, manual leak detectors
 For indirect leak checking methods: check possibility of leaks on the
basis of an analysis of the operating parameters of the system. Indirect
methods of checking will not be allowed if the refrigeration system is
directly connected to a refrigerant container that automatically refills
the refrigeration circuit.
The manufacturer of the applications may give specific instructions for leakage checking
and/or provide specific tools for leak checking in the manuals provided with each
application
Identification of Leaks
Leaks may be identified by using the following methods or by an industry standard:
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Proprietary bubble solutions/soapsuds
For direct leak methods: check the circuit and the components that
represent a risk of leakage with gas detection devices adapted to the
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refrigerant in the system such as portable manual leak detectors with a
sensitivity of a minimum 5gr/yr and 10 parts per million (ppm)
(measured according to EN 14624) or fixed installed leak detectors, in
particular for applications where the design does not allow access by
portable ones. Both portable and fixed leak detectors should have been
checked during the last 12 months to ensure their proper functioning
Sensitivity of portable leak detectors and area monitors are of at least 5g/yr and 10 ppm
respectively. These sensitivities are measured according to EN 14624.

UV detection fluid or suitable dye (may be subject to manufacturer's
approval). This activity should only be undertaken by Cat. II certified
personnel.
The following areas should be systematically checked to find the leak:
 Joints
 Valves including stems
 Seals
 Parts of system subject to vibration
 Seals on replaceable driers and filters
 Connections to safety or operational devices
The personnel undertaking the check may determine which areas should be given priority
depending on the parts of the application that are most likely to leak and the history of the
system (logbook and other documents).
Where these measures do not identify a leak and the personnel checking the application
still believe that a leak may be present it may be necessary to inspect other parts of the
application. In that case, prior to pressure testing with Oxygen Free Nitrogen (OFN) or
another suitable pressure testing gas, the refrigerant should be recovered from the whole
system. This activity should only be undertaken by Cat. II certified personnel.
Where these measures have identified a leakage and its location, the repair shall take
place as soon as possible (Step 3).
IF LEAKS ARE NOT PRESENT OR NOT SUSPECTED PROCEED TO STEP 4
IF LEAKS ARE PRESENT PROCEED TO STEP 3
Step 3
Repair Leaks (This activity should only be undertaken by Cat. II certified personnel.)
It may be necessary to perform a pump-down or recovery prior to repairing.
Repair leaks, where necessary leak test with Oxygen Free Nitrogen (OFN) or other
suitable pressure testing and drying gas followed by evacuation and recharge, leakage7
test, re-commissioning. Alternatively, a leakage test using a vacuum can be used.
Prior to pressure testing with dry nitrogen or another suitable pressure testing gas, the
refrigerant should be recovered from the whole application.
The cause of the leak shall as far as possible be identified in order to avoid recurrence
Step 4
Update Logbook
On completion of these steps the logbook must be filled in with the following details and
signed:
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Date of check
Inspector / Operatives Name /Certification ID Nr.
Company Name / Certification ID Nr.
Any Repairs carried out and date
Details of type and weight of any refrigerants used or recovered for
disposal / recycling in the last year/from the date of last inspections.
Updated details of the leak checking procedure applied
Step 5
Return Inspection Visit
Where Step 3 was necessary an additional checking visit will be required within one
month after repair covering those areas where leaks have been found and repaired or
adjacent to these areas in case stress was applied during the repair.
Standard Checking Requirements for newly commissioned equipment
Leak Detection Procedure for installation of new equipment
If appropriate, pressure test of whole application with inert gases according to technical
specifications of manufacturer to check for possible leakage sources before filling with
refrigerant
Before commissioning and filling with refrigerant charge, after the pressure test, bring the
pressure down to 1 Bar above atmospheric pressure and watch the manometer in
combination with proprietary bubble solutions/soapsuds.
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