Frequently Asked Refrigerant Questions

A refrigerant is a substance or mixture, usually a fluid, used in a heat pump and refrigeration cycle. In most cycles it undergoes phase transitions from a liquid to a gas and back again. Many working fluids have been used for such purposes.

NOTE: The color guideline is not a substitute for reading cylinder labels and markings.

Refrigerants are grouped in four classes in order to create more color opportunities within readily identifiable container styles and to clearly differentiate Flammable Refrigerants
  • Class I: Liquid Refrigerants - Those Refrigerants with a normal boiling point greater than 20°C. These products normally are packaged in drums.
  • Class II: Low Pressure Refrigerants - Those Refrigerants meeting the definition of a “compressed gas.” The gas should have a minimum cylinder service pressure not exceeding 3447 kPa (gage).
  • Class III: High Pressure Refrigerants - Those Refrigerants meeting the definition of a compressed gas. The gas should have a minimum cylinder service pressure exceeding 3447 kPa (gage).
  • Class IV: Flammable Refrigerants - Those Refrigerants that receive a flammability rating of 2 or 3 in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34, Designation and Safety Classifications of Refrigerants with Addenda.
* Color Codes for iGas Refrigerants
Refrigerant Color Name Color # (Pantone) Color Class
134A Light Blue (Sky) 2975 II
410A Rose 507 II
407A Lime Green 368 II
407C Medium Brown (Brown) 471 II
404A Orange 021 II
507A Blue Green (Teal) 352 II
22 Light Green 352 II
BMP407C Medium Brown (Brown) 471 II
AHRI Color Code Guidelines

Freon is a tasteless, mostly odorless gas. When it is deeply inhaled, it can cut off vital oxygen to your cells and lungs. Limited exposure — for example, a spill on your skin or breathing near an open container — is only mildly harmful. However, you should try to avoid all contact with these types of chemicals.

To remove chlorine from the refrigerant, manufacturers created another set of refrigerants called HFCs (or Hydro Fluro Carbons). Although they also have the potential for global warming, but still they are better than HCFCs as they do not deplete the ozone layer. The most common HFC used in air conditioners is R-410A.

R-134a Refrigerant

Widely used in many air conditioning and refrigeration systems globally.

It is a hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) that does not contribute to ozone depletion; also the first non-ozone-depleting fluorocarbon refrigerant to be commercialized.

To remove chlorine from the refrigerant, manufacturers created another set of refrigerants called HFCs (or Hydro Fluro Carbons). Although they also have the potential for global warming, but still, they are better than HCFCs as they do not deplete the ozone layer. The most common HFC used in air conditioners is R-410A.

Currently used refrigerants in Vapor compression units: R410A, R407C, R134a, R404a, R717 (Ammonia); R22 is being phased out; R123 is another refrigerant which is under use currently. Refrigerant used in vapor absorption chiller is DM Water.

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