prEN 378-2
(Main)Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part 2: Design, construction, testing, marking and documentation
Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part 2: Design, construction, testing, marking and documentation
This document specifies the requirements for the safety of persons and property, provides guidance for the protection of the environment and establishes procedures for the operation, maintenance and repair of refrigerating systems and the recovery of refrigerants.
The term “refrigerating system” used in this document includes heat pumps.
This Part 2 of this standard is applicable to the design, construction and installation of refrigerating systems including piping, components and materials. It includes ancillary equipment not covered in EN 378 1, EN 378 3 or prEN 378 5 which is directly associated with these systems. It also specifies requirements for testing, commissioning, marking and documentation. Requirements for secondary heat transfer circuits are excluded except for any protection requirements associated with the refrigerating system. Ancillary equipment includes, for example, fans, fan motors, electrical motors and transmission assemblies for open compressor systems.
This document applies to:
a) refrigerating systems, stationary or mobile, of all sizes except to vehicle air conditioning systems covered by a specific product standard, e.g. ISO 13043:2011 [1];
b) secondary cooling or heating systems;
c) the location of the refrigerating systems;
d) replaced parts and added components after adoption of this document if they are not identical in function and in the capacity.
Systems using refrigerants other than those listed in prEN 378 5 are not covered by this document.
This document does not apply to goods in storage.
This document is not applicable to refrigerating systems which were manufactured before the date of its publication as a European Standard except for extensions and modifications to the system which were implemented after publication.
This document is applicable to new refrigerating systems, extensions or modifications of already existing systems, and for existing stationary systems, being transferred to and operated on another site.
This document also applies in the case of the conversion of a system to another refrigerant type.
Designation, classification, and selected properties of the refrigerant such as:
— refrigerant number, e.g. R717;
— safety classes A1, A2L, A2, A3, B1, B2L, B2, B3;
— lower flammability limits (LFL)
are specified in prEN 378 5.
Kälteanlagen und Wärmepumpen - Sicherheitstechnische und umweltrelevante Anforderungen - Teil 2: Konstruktion, Herstellung, Prüfung, Kennzeichnung und Dokumentation
Dieses Dokument legt die Anforderungen an die Sicherheit von Personen und Eigentum fest, liefert eine Anleitung in Hinblick auf den Schutz der Umwelt und enthält Vorgehensweisen für Betrieb, Instandhaltung und Instandsetzung von Kälteanlagen und die Rückgewinnung von Kältemitteln.
Die in diesem Dokument verwendete Benennung „Kälteanlage“ schließt Wärmepumpen mit ein.
Der vorliegende Teil 2 dieser Norm gilt für die Konstruktion, Herstellung und Aufstellung von Kälteanlagen, einschließlich Rohrleitungen, Komponenten und Werkstoffen. Er enthält mit diesen Anlagen direkt verbundene Zusatzausrüstung, die nicht durch EN 378 1, EN 378 3 oder prEN 378 5 abgedeckt ist. Diese Norm legt außerdem Anforderungen an die Prüfung, Inbetriebnahme, Kennzeichnung und Dokumentation fest. Anforderungen an sekundäre Wärmeträgerkreisläufe mit Ausnahme jeglicher mit der Kälteanlage verbundener Schutzanforderungen sind ausgeschlossen. Die Zusatzausrüstung umfasst z. B. Ventilatoren und Ventilatormotoren, Elektromotoren und Getriebe für offene Verdichtersysteme.
Dieses Dokument gilt für:
a) stationäre und ortsveränderliche Kälteanlagen aller Größen, mit Ausnahme von Luftkonditioniersystemen in Kraftfahrzeugen, die von bestimmten Produktnormen wie z. B. ISO 13043:2011 [1] abgedeckt werden;
b) indirekte Kühl- oder Heizsysteme;
c) den Aufstellungsort der Kälteanlagen;
d) nach der Annahme dieses Dokuments ersetzte Teile und hinzugefügte Komponenten, sofern sie nicht in Funktion und Leistung identisch sind.
Anlagen mit anderen als den in prEN 378 5 aufgeführten Kältemitteln sind nicht Gegenstand dieses Dokuments.
Das vorliegende Dokument gilt nicht für eingelagerte Güter.
Dieses Dokument gilt nicht für Kälteanlagen, die vor dem Datum seiner Veröffentlichung als Europäische Norm hergestellt wurden, ausgenommen sind im Anschluss an die Veröffentlichung erfolgte Erweiterungen und Modifizierungen an der Anlage.
Das vorliegende Dokument gilt für neue Kälteanlagen, Erweiterungen oder Modifizierungen bereits bestehender Anlagen sowie bestehende stationäre Anlagen, die an einen anderen Standort verbracht und dort betrieben werden.
Dieses Dokument gilt auch im Fall der Umstellung einer Anlage auf eine andere Art des Kältemittels.
Bezeichnungen, Klassifikation und ausgewählte Eigenschaften des Kältemittels, z. B.:
Kältemittelnummer, z. B. R717;
Sicherheitsklassen A1, A2L, A2, A3, B1, B2L, B2, B3;
untere Explosionsgrenzen (LFL, en: lower flammability limit)
wie in prEN 378 5 angegeben.
Systèmes frigorifiques et pompes à chaleur - Exigences de sécurité et d'environnement - Partie 2: Conception, construction, essais, marquage et documentation
Le présent document spécifie les exigences relatives à la sécurité des personnes et des biens, fournit des recommandations pour la protection de l'environnement et établit des modes opératoires pour l'exploitation, la maintenance et la réparation des systèmes frigorifiques et la récupération des fluides frigorigènes.
Le terme système frigorifique utilisé dans le présent document inclut les pompes à chaleur.
La présente Partie 2 du présent document est applicable à la conception, à la construction et à l'installation des systèmes frigorifiques, y compris les tuyauteries, composants et matériaux. Elle inclut les équipements auxiliaires non couverts par l'EN 378-1, l'EN 378-3 ou l'EN 378-5 qui sont directement associés à ces systèmes. Elle spécifie également des exigences pour les essais, la mise en service, le marquage et la documentation. Les exigences relatives aux circuits secondaires de fluide caloporteur sont exclues, excepté toute exigence de protection associée au système frigorifique. Les équipements auxiliaires comprennent, par exemple, les ventilateurs, les moteurs de ventilateur, les moteurs électriques et les organes de transmission pour systèmes de compresseurs ouverts.
Le présent document s'applique :
a) aux systèmes frigorifiques, fixes ou mobiles, de toutes tailles, excepté les systèmes d'air conditionné embarqués couverts par une norme de produit spécifique, par exemple l'ISO 13043:2011 [1] ;
b) aux systèmes secondaires de refroidissement ou de chauffage ;
c) à l'emplacement des systèmes frigorifiques ;
d) aux pièces remplacées et composants ajoutés après l'adoption du présent document, si leur fonction et leur capacité ne sont pas identiques.
Les systèmes utilisant des fluides frigorigènes autres que ceux mentionnés dans le prEN 378-5 ne sont pas couverts par le présent document.
Le présent document ne s'applique pas aux marchandises en stock.
Le présent document n'est pas applicable aux systèmes frigorifiques fabriqués avant sa date de publication en tant que Norme européenne, à l'exception des extensions et modifications du système mises en œuvre après la publication.
Le présent document s'applique aux systèmes frigorifiques neufs, aux extensions ou modifications de systèmes existants et, pour les systèmes fixes existants, aux systèmes transférés et exploités sur un autre site.
Le présent document s'applique également en cas de transformation d'un système pour un autre type de fluide frigorigène.
Désignation, classification et propriétés sélectionnées du fluide frigorigène, telles que :
— numéro du fluide frigorigène, par exemple R717;
— classes de sécurité A1, A2L, A2, A3, B1, B2L, B2, B3;
— limites inférieures d'inflammabilité ( LIE)
sont spécifiés dans le in prEN 378 5.
Hladilni sistemi in toplotne črpalke - Varnostnotehnične in okoljevarstvene zahteve - 2. del: Načrtovanje, izdelava, preskušanje, označevanje in dokumentacija
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2025
Hladilni sistemi in toplotne črpalke - Varnostnotehnične in okoljevarstvene
zahteve - 2. del: Načrtovanje, izdelava, preskušanje, označevanje in dokumentacija
Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part 2:
Design, construction, testing, marking and documentation
Kälteanlagen und Wärmepumpen - Sicherheitstechnische und umweltrelevante
Anforderungen - Teil 2: Konstruktion, Herstellung, Prüfung, Kennzeichnung und
Dokumentation
Systèmes frigorifiques et pompes à chaleur - Exigences de sécurité et d'environnement -
Partie 2: Conception, construction, essais, marquage et documentation
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 378-2
ICS:
27.080 Toplotne črpalke Heat pumps
27.200 Hladilna tehnologija Refrigerating technology
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
July 2025
ICS 27.080; 27.200
English Version
Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and
environmental requirements - Part 2: Design, construction,
testing, marking and documentation
Systèmes frigorifiques et pompes à chaleur - Exigences Kälteanlagen und Wärmepumpen -
de sécurité et d'environnement - Partie 2: Conception, Sicherheitstechnische und umweltrelevante
construction, essais, marquage et documentation Anforderungen - Teil 2: Konstruktion, Herstellung,
Prüfung, Kennzeichnung und Dokumentation
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 182.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 378-2:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms .11
3.1 Abbreviated terms . 11
4 Significant hazards .11
5 Safety requirements.11
5.1 General safety and environmental requirements . 11
5.2 Safety requirements for components and piping . 12
5.3 Miscellaneous components . 15
6 Requirements for assemblies .20
6.1 General. 20
6.2 Design and construction. 20
6.3 Testing . 44
6.4 Marking and documentation . 49
Annex A (normative) Additional requirements for refrigerating systems containing
R717 .54
A.1 Systems with a refrigerant charge above 50 kg .54
A.2 Systems with a refrigerant charge above 3 000 kg .54
A.3 Pumps .54
Annex B (normative) Determination of category for components and refrigerating
system assemblies .55
B.1 General .55
B.2 Classification of the refrigerant .55
B.3 Determine the maximum allowable pressure of the assembly .55
B.4 Determine the state (liquid or gas) of the refrigerant.55
B.5 Determination of category of components .55
B.6 Determination of category of the assembly .61
Annex C (normative) Requirements for intrinsic safety test .62
C.1 Geneal .62
C.2 Determination of the maximum pressure during abnormal operation .62
C.3 Strength pressure test .63
C.4 Test results .63
Annex D (informative) List of significant hazards .64
D.1 List of significant hazards .64
Annex E (informative) Examples for arrangement of pressure relief devices in
refrigerating systems .66
Annex F (informative) Checklist for external visual inspection of the installation . 69
Annex G (informative) Stress corrosion cracking . 71
G.1 General . 71
G.2 Stress corrosion in copper . 71
G.3 Stress corrosion in steel . 71
G.4 Factors that influence stress corrosion cracking . 72
Annex H (informative) Leak simulation test for A2L, A2, A3, B2L, B2, B3 refrigerants 74
Annex I (informative) Commissioning procedure . 76
Annex J (informative) Information on effective ignition sources . 77
Annex K (informative) Protection of piping/fatigue test . 79
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of EU Directive 2014/68/EU [OJ L 189, 27.6.2014] aimed to be
covered . 81
Annex ZB (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Directive 2006/42/EC aimed to be covered . 83
Annex ZC (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 aimed to be covered. 85
Bibliography . 87
European foreword
This document (prEN 378-2:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 182
“Refrigerating systems, safety and environmental requirements”, the secretariat of which is held
by DIN.
This document will supersede EN 378-2:2016.
EN 378-2:2016:
— Update of normative references to refer to latest editions;
— Harmonizing requirements with Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 14 June 2023 on machinery and repealing Directive 2006/42/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council and Council Directive 73/361/EEC (Text with EEA
relevance);
— replaced obligations to economic operators with neutral requirements;
— modified requirements with references to product standards.
Following detailed changes are worth noting:
“Damage limitation requirements in the inlet to event of external
— updated subclause 6.2.2.3
fire”
— Moved requirements for protection of piping from 6.2.3.3 “Requirements for piping” to
requirements for 6.2.3.5 “Drain”;
— Added requirements for external impact to 6.2.3.3 “Requirements for piping”;
— Changed heading of 6.2.5 to “Protection devices for limiting the pressure and included
additional information in 6.2.5.1;
— updated 6.2.6 “Application of protection devices”, modified Figure 1 and the requirements
for protection of secopndary cooling and heating system;
— Added a new heading for 6.2.8 “Measures to prevent impact from operational effects due to
refrigerant flow / shift” and added new requirements 6.2.8.2 “other operational effects”;
— modified 6.2.10 “Protection against extreme temperature surfaces;
— removed 6.2.12 “vibration and drop test”;
— Updated subclause 6.2.13 “Protection against fire and explosion hazards”;
— Modified heading and subclause 6.2.14 “Requirements for location class IV”;
— added a new subclause 6.2.17 “Refrigerant detection systems”;
— Modified subclause 6.3.3; “Tightness test”
— Added new subclause 6.3.5 “Protection of piping”;
— Added new informative Annex L “Protection of piping /fatigue test”.
EN 378 consists of the following parts under the general title “Refrigerating systems and heat
pumps— Safety and environmental requirements”:
— Part 1: Basic requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria;
— Part 2: Design, construction, installing, testing, marking and documentation;
— Part 3: Installation site and personal protection;
— Part 5: Safety classification and information about refrigerants .
EN ISO 5149-4 applies for operation, maintenance, repair and recovery.
This document has been prepared under standardization requests addressed to CEN by the
European Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves
these requests for its Member States.
For relationship with EU Legislation, see informative Annexes ZA, ZB and ZC, which are integral
parts of this document.
Introduction
The introduction of prEN 378-1:2025 is applicable.
This document is a type C standard as stated in EN ISO 12100:2010.
The machinery concerned and the extent to which hazards, hazardous situations and hazardous
events are covered are indicated in the scope of this document.
When provisions of this type C standard are different from those which are stated in type A or B
standards, the provisions of this type C standard take precedence over the provisions of the
other standards, for machines that have been designed and built according to the provisions of
this type C standard.
1 Scope
This document specifies the requirements for the safety of persons and property, provides
guidance for the protection of the environment and establishes procedures for the operation,
maintenance and repair of refrigerating systems and the recovery of refrigerants.
The term “refrigerating system” used in this document includes heat pumps.
This Part 2 of this standard is applicable to the design, construction and installation of
refrigerating systems including piping, components and materials. It includes ancillary
equipment not covered in EN 378-1, EN 378-3 or prEN 378-5 which is directly associated with
these systems. It also specifies requirements for testing, commissioning, marking and
documentation. Requirements for secondary heat transfer circuits are excluded except for any
protection requirements associated with the refrigerating system. Ancillary equipment includes,
for example, fans, fan motors, electrical motors and transmission assemblies for open
compressor systems.
This document applies to:
a) refrigerating systems, stationary or mobile, of all sizes except to vehicle air conditioning
systems covered by a specific product standard, e.g. ISO 13043:2011 [1];
b) secondary cooling or heating systems;
c) the location of the refrigerating systems;
d) replaced parts and added components after adoption of this document if they are not
identical in function and in the capacity.
Systems using refrigerants other than those listed in prEN 378-5 are not covered by this
document.
This document does not apply to goods in storage.
This document is not applicable to refrigerating systems which were manufactured before the
date of its publication as a European Standard except for extensions and modifications to the
system which were implemented after publication.
This document is applicable to new refrigerating systems, extensions or modifications of already
existing systems, and for existing stationary systems, being transferred to and operated on
another site.
This document also applies in the case of the conversion of a system to another refrigerant type.
Designation, classification, and selected properties of the refrigerant such as:
— refrigerant number, e.g. R717;
— safety classes A1, A2L, A2, A3, B1, B2L, B2, B3;
— lower flammability limits (LFL)
are specified in prEN 378-5.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
ISO 5149-4:2022, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps — Safety and environmental
requirements — Part 4: Operation, maintenance, repair and recovery
prEN 378-3:2025, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements
- Part 3: Installation site and personal protection
EN 809:1998+A1:2009, Pumps and pump units for liquids - Common safety requirements
ISO 817:2024, Refrigerants — Designation and safety classification
Pressure gauges - Part 1: Bourdon tube pressure gauges - Dimensions, metrology,
EN 837-1:1996,
requirements and testing
EN 837-2:1997, Pressure gauges - Part 2: Selection and installation recommendations for pressure
gauges
EN 837-3:1996, Pressure gauges - Part 3: Diaphragm and capsule pressure gauges - Dimensions,
metrology, requirements and testing
EN 1012-3:2013, Compressors and vacuum pumps - Safety requirements - Part 3: Process
compressors
EN 1092-1:2018, Flanges and their joints - Circular flanges for pipes, valves, fittings and
accessories, PN designated - Part 1: Steel flanges
EN 1736:2008, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Flexible pipe elements, vibration isolators,
expansion joints and non-metallic tubes - Requirements, design and installation
EN 1861:1998, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - System flow diagrams and piping and
instrument diagrams - Layout and symbols
FprEN ISO 3744:2024, Acoustics - Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound pressure - Engineering methods for an essentially free field over a reflecting plane (ISO/FDIS
3744:2024)
EN ISO 4126-1:2013, Safety devices for protection against excessive pressure - Part 1: Safety valves
(ISO 4126-1:2013)
EN ISO 4126-2:2019, Safety devices for protection against excessive pressure - Part 2: Bursting disc
safety devices (ISO 4126-2:2018)
EN ISO 4871:2009, Acoustics - Declaration and verification of noise emission values of machinery
and equipment (ISO 4871:1996)
EN ISO 7010:2020, Graphical symbols - Safety colours and safety signs - Registered safety signs
(ISO 7010:2019, Corrected version 2020-06)
EN ISO 10675-1:2021, Non-destructive testing of welds - Acceptance levels for radiographic
testing - Part 1: Steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys (ISO 10675-1:2021)
As impacted by EN 809:1998+A1:2009/AC:2010.
As impacted by EN 837-1:1996/AC:1998.
EN ISO 10675-2:2021, Non-destructive testing of welds - Acceptance levels for radiographic
testing - Part 2: Aluminium and its alloys (ISO 10675-2:2021, Corrected version 2022-02)
EN ISO 11202:2010, Acoustics - Noise emitted by machinery and equipment - Determination of
emission sound pressure levels at a work station and at other specified positions applying
approximate environmental corrections - Amendment 1 (ISO 11202:2010/Amd 1:2020)
EN ISO 11688-1:2009, Acoustics - Recommended practice for the design of low-noise machinery
and equipment - Part 1: Planning (ISO/TR 11688-1:1995)
EN ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk
reduction (ISO 12100:2010)
EN ISO 21922:2021, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Valves - Requirements, testing and
marking (ISO 21922:2021)
EN 12237:2003, Ventilation for buildings - Ductwork - Strength and leakage of circular sheet metal
ducts
EN 12263:1998, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety switching devices for limiting the
pressure - Requirements and tests
EN 12693:2008, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements
- Positive displacement refrigerant compressors
EN 12735-1:2020, Copper and copper alloys - Seamless, round tubes for air conditioning and
refrigeration - Part 1: Tubes for piping systems
EN 12735-2:2024, Copper and copper alloys - Seamless, round tubes for air conditioning and
refrigeration - Part 2: Tubes for equipment
EN 12799:2000, Brazing - Non-destructive examination of brazed joints
EN ISO 24664:2024, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Pressure relief devices and their
associated piping - Methods for calculation
EN 13445-3:2021, Unfired pressure vessels - Part 3: Design
EN 13480-3:2024, Metallic industrial piping - Part 3: Design and calculation
EN ISO 13732-1:2008, Ergonomics of the thermal environment - Methods for the assessment of
human responses to contact with surfaces - Part 1: Hot surfaces (ISO 13732-1:2006)
EN ISO 13732-3:2008, Ergonomics of the thermal environment - Methods for the assessment of
human responses to contact with surfaces - Part 3: Cold surfaces (ISO 13732-3:2005)
EN ISO 13849-1:2023, Safety of machinery - Safety-related parts of control systems - Part 1:
General principles for design (ISO 13849-1:2023)
EN ISO 13857:2019, Safety of machinery - Safety distances to prevent hazard zones being reached
by upper and lower limbs (ISO 13857:2019)
As impacted by EN ISO 11202:2010/A1:2021.
As impacted by EN ISO 21922:2021/A1:2024.
EN ISO 14120:2015, Safety of machinery - Guards - General requirements for the design and
construction of fixed and movable guards (ISO 14120:2015)
EN 14276-1:2020, Pressure equipment for refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Part 1: Vessels
- General requirements
EN 14276-2:2020, Pressure equipment for refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Part 2: Piping -
General requirements
EN ISO 14903:2025, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Qualification of tightness of
components and joints (ISO 14903:2025)
EN ISO 17638:2016, Non-destructive testing of welds - Magnetic particle testing (ISO 17638:2016)
EN ISO 17640:2018, Non-destructive testing of welds - Ultrasonic testing - Techniques, testing
levels, and assessment (ISO 17640:2018)
EN ISO 21922:2021, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Valves - Requirements, testing and
marking (ISO 21922:2021)
EN ISO 22712:2023, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Competence of personnel (ISO
22712:2023)
EN 62233:2008, Household and similar electrical appliances - Electromagnetic fields - Methods for
evaluation and measurement
EN IEC 60079-10-1:2021, Explosive atmospheres - Part 10-1: Classification of areas - Explosive gas
atmospheres
EN 60204-1:2018, Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines - Part 1: General
requirements
EN IEC 60335-2-34:2023, Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-34:
Particular requirements for motor-compressors
EN IEC 60335-2-40:2023, Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-40:
Particular requirements for electrical heat pumps, air-conditioners and dehumidifiers
EN IEC 60335-2-89:2022, Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-89:
Particular requirements for commercial refrigerating appliances and ice-makers with an
incorporated or remote refrigerant unit or motor-compressor
EN IEC 61000-6-1:2019, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-1: Generic standards -
Immunity standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
EN IEC 61000-6-2:2019, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-2: Generic standards -
Immunity standard for industrial environments
EN IEC 61000-6-3:2021, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-3: Generic standards -
Emission standard for equipment in residential environments
As impacted by EN IEC 60335-2-89:2022/AC:2023-11.
EN IEC 61000-6-4:2019, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-4: Generic standards -
Emission standard for industrial environments
EN 61508-1:2010, Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-
related systems - Part 1: General requirements
EN IEC 62061:2021, Safety of machinery - Functional safety of safety-related control systems
prEN 378-1:2025, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements
- Part 1: Basic requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria
prEN 378-3:2025, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements
- Part 3: Installation site and personal protection
prEN 378-5:2025, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements
- Part 5: Safety classification and information about refrigerants
prEN 14624:2025, Performance of portable locating leak detectors and of fixed gas detectors for
all refrigerants
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms given
in EN 378-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
3.1 Abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, abbreviated terms given in prEN 378-1:2025 and the
following apply.
DN Nominal size (see prEN 378-1:2025, 3.5.14)
PS Maximum allowable pressure in bar (1 bar = 0,1 MPa) (see prEN 378-1:2025, 3.3.1)
LFL Lower flammability limit in kg/m (see prEN 378-1:2025, 3.7.15)
4 Significant hazards
The list of significant hazards related to the Machinery Directive is given in Annex D.
5 Safety requirements
5.1 General safety and environmental requirements
5.1.1 General
Safety and environmental requirements are specified for components and piping in 5.2 and 5.3
and for assemblies in Clause 6.
Refrigerating systems complying with product standards such as
— EN IEC 60335-2-40:2023 for electrical heat pumps, air-conditioners and dehumidifiers;
— EN IEC 60335-2-89:2022 for commercial refrigerating appliances with an incorporated or
remote refrigerant condensing unit or compressor
are in compliance with this document up to and including category I as determined in Annex B,
provided they are also compliant with the applicable safety requirements for machinery or low
voltage. For refrigerating systems of category II and higher, as determined in Annex B, the
relevant requirements for pressure safety in Clause 5 and Clause 6 apply.
5.1.2 Hazards to persons, property and environment
Refrigerating systems and components shall be designed and constructed with the intention to
eliminate possible hazards to persons, property and the environment. Deliberate discharge of
refrigerants shall only be permitted in a manner which is not harmful to persons, property and
the environment and in accordance with national laws.
5.2 Safety requirements for components and piping
5.2.1 General requirements
Components and piping shall comply with the related standards or requirements as indicated in
Table 1. Requirements for components not included in Table 1 and which are below category II
as defined in Clause B.5 are indicated in 5.3.
NOTE Components that are declared to comply with the relevant directives using an alternative
method also comply with the requirements of this document.
Where the product standards for components or piping are not harmonized for the EC
provisions in relation to pressure or if the essential requirements of such provisions are not
covered, then the relevant requirements for pressure shall be confirmed by risk assessment.
Table 1 — Components and piping requirements
COMPONENT related standard AND
requirements
Heat exchangers: EN 14276-1:2020 or
EN 13445-3:2021 if applicable
— pipe coil without air (tube in tube)
combined with 5.2.2 of this
— multi-tubular (shell and tubes)
document
Plate heat exchangers EN 14276-1:2020 or
EN 13445-3:2021 if applicable
combined with 5.2.2 of this
document
Headers, coils and grids with air as secondary fluid EN 14276-2:2020 or
EN 14276-1:2020 if applicable
combined with 5.2.2.2 of this
document
Receiver/accumulator/economizer EN 14276-1:2020 or
EN 13445-3:2021 if applicable
combined with 5.2.2 of this
document
Oil separator EN 14276-1:2020 or
EN 13445-3:2021 if applicable
combined with 5.2.2 of this
document
COMPONENT related standard AND
requirements
Drier EN 14276-1:2020
or EN 13445-3:2021 if
applicable combined with 5.2.2
of this document
Filter EN 14276-1:2020
or EN 13445-3:2021 if
applicable combined with 5.2.2
of this document
Muffler EN 14276-1:2020 or
EN 13445-3:2021 if applicable
combined with 5.2.2 of this
document
Hermetic positive displacement motor-compressor EN 14276-1:2020 ,
EN IEC 60335-2-34:2023 or
EN 12693:2008,
EN 12693:2008
Semi-hermetic positive displacement motor-compressor EN IEC 60335-2-34:2023 or
EN 12693:2008
Open positive displacement compressor EN 12693:2008
Non positive displacement compressor EN 14276-1:2020,
EN 1012-3:2013 or
EN 13445-3:2021 if applicable
combined with
EN 60204-1:2018
Pump general requirements EN 809:1998+A1:2009, and
combined with 5.2.2.2 and
5.2.2.4 of this document
additional requirements for Annex A
pumps in refrigerating systems
and heat pumps with R-717
Piping EN 14276-2:2020 or
EN 13480-3:2024
Piping joints: permanent joints EN 14276-2:2020
Piping joints: detachable joints 5.2.2.2 and 5.2.2.3 of this
document
Flexible piping EN 1736:2008
Valves general EN ISO 21922:2021
isolating valves EN ISO 21922:2021
hand operated valves EN ISO 21922:2021
valves with seal cap EN ISO 21922:2021
pressure relief valve EN ISO 24664:2024 and
EN ISO 4126-1:2013 combined
with 5.2.2 of this document
Safety switching devices for limiting the pressure EN 12263:1998combined with
5.2.2.2 of this document
COMPONENT related standard AND
requirements
Bursting disc EN ISO 4126-2:2019 and
EN ISO 24664:2024 combined
with 5.2.2.2 of this document
Liquid level indicators EN ISO 21922:2021 combined
with 5.2.2.2 of this document
Gauges EN 837-1:1996, EN 837-2:1997
and EN 837-3:1996 combined
with 5.2.2.2 of this document
Brazing and soldering materials 5.3.1.3 e), f) of this document
Welding materials EN 14276-2:2020
If the component contains electrical parts, and if the component standard does not cover
electrical safety, then the component shall fulfil the electrical requirements of
EN IEC 60335-2-40:2023, EN IEC 60335-2-89:2022 or EN 60204-1:2018 as relevant.
5.2.2 Specific requirements
5.2.2.1 General
In addition to the requirements of 5.2.1, the following requirements are applicable for
incorporation of specific components and piping into the refrigerating system. For components
Table 1, 5.2.2 and subclauses apply only when specifically stated in Table 1.
listed in
5.2.2.2 Tightness
A tightness test shall be performed according to the type approval procedure as specified in
EN ISO 14903:2025.
Components, not covered by the scope of EN ISO 14903:2025 shall be tested with detection
equipment having a sensitivity equivalent to 3 g/year of refrigerant leakage or better, under a
pressure of at least 0,25 × PS. The acceptance criterion is that no leak shall be detected.
NOTE This method can be specified in the components standard (see Table 1).
Clause 6 may require components incorporated in assemblies to conform to specified tightness
control levels according to EN ISO 14903:2025.
Tightness tests shall be conducted only after the component has passed a strength pressure test
or has been verified by a type test for strength pressure.
For environmental and safety reasons, nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide or mixtures of low level
hydrogen are preferred test gases.
Mixtures of air and flammable test gas shall be avoided. Air may be used if the hazard of ignition
is eliminated, and worker safety is ensured. Oxygen shall not be used for tightness tests.
5.2.2.3 Piping joints
Joints shall be designed so that they will not be damaged due to freezing of water on the outside.
They shall be suitable for the pipe, the piping material and the pressure, temperature and fluid.
Coated (e.g. galvanized) pipes shall not be welded, unless all coating has been completely
removed from the joint area. Welded joints shall be suitably protected.
5.2.2.4 Refrigerant liquid pumps
Refrigerant liquid pumps shall be provided with the following information as a minimum, which
shall be durable and permanently affixed:
a) manufacturer;
b) type designation;
c) serial number;
d) year of manufacture;
e) maximum allowable pressure (PS).
5.3 Miscellaneous components
5.3.1 Materials
5.3.1.1 General
The material of the component shall be suitable for the intended temperature and pressure
range and compatible with the fluids used in the refrigerating system. The material of the
component shall conform to relevant standards.
Restrictions for use of dangerous or hazardous substances and preparations shall be taken into
account.
NOTE For example as required in EC/1907/2006 (REACH) and 2011/65/EU (RoHS).
5.3.1.2 Ferrous materials
a) Cast iron and malleable iron
Cast iron and malleable iron shall only be used, when suitable for the particular application in
accordance with the requirements of this document.
NOTE 1 Since some grades of cast iron are brittle, their application is dependent on temperature, stress
and design consideration.
NOTE 2 Malleable iron has two general classifications with several different grades in each. These
grades can have very different mechanical properties.
b) Steel, cast steel, carbon steel, low alloy steel and high alloy steel.
Steel, cast steel, carbon steel, low alloy steel and high alloy steel may be used for all components
and piping in contact with refrigerant or heat-transfer fluid. Where there is a combination of low
temperatures and high pressure, or where corrosion risks or thermal stresses are present, the
impact strength of the steel shall comply with EN ISO 21922:2021, 6.2, taking into account the
thickness, the lowest operating temperature and the welding properties of the component.
NOTE 3 Guidance on stress corrosion cracking in carbon steel is given in Annex G.
High alloy steel can be necessary where there is a combination of low temperatures and high
pressure, or where corrosion risks or thermal stresses are present.
c) Stainless steel
When using stainless steel, care shall be taken to ensure that the grade of stainless steel is
compatible with the process fluids and possible atmospheric impurities, such as for example
sodium chloride (NaCl) or sulphuric acid (H SO ).
2 4
5.3.1.3 Non-ferrous materials and their alloys (cast, forged, rolled and drawn)
a) Copper and copper alloys
Copper in contact with refrigerants shall be oxygen-free or de-oxidized, for example Cu-DHP as
specified in EN 12735-1:2020 and EN 12735-2:2024.
Copper and alloys with a high percentage of copper shall not be used for parts carrying R-717
unless their compatibility has been proved by test or experience.
NOTE 1 Guidance on stress corrosion cracking in copper pipe is given in Clause G.2.
b) Aluminium and aluminium alloys
Aluminium used for gaskets for use with R-717 shall be of at least 99,5 % purity. Aluminium
alloys containing more than 2 % magnesium shall not be used with halogenated refrigerants
unless their compatibility has been proved by test or experience.
Methyl chloride (CH Cl) shall not be used in contact with aluminium and its alloys.
Aluminium and aluminium alloys may be used in any part of the refrigerant circuit provided it
is compatible with the refrigerants and the lubricants being used.
c) Magnesium and magnesium alloys
Magnesium and magnesium alloys shall not be used unless their compatibility with refrigerants
has been proved by test or experience.
d) Zinc and zinc alloys
Zinc shall not be used in contact with R-717, except in electro zinc plated components.
Methyl chloride (CH Cl) shall not be used in contact with zinc.
e) Soldering alloys
Soldering alloys shall not be used for refrigerant containment purposes.
f) Brazing alloys
Brazing alloys shall not be used unless their compatibility with refrigerants and oils has been
proved by test or experience.
g) Tin and lead tin alloys
Tin and lead tin alloys may be corroded by halogenated refrigerants and shall not be used unless
their compatibility has been proved by test or experience.
NOTE 2 Copper free lead antimony or lead tin alloys can be used for valve seats.
5.3.1.4 Non-metallic materials
a) Gasket and packing materials
Gasket and packing materials for sealing joints and for sealing stuffing boxes on valves, etc. shall
be resistant to the refrigerants, oils and lubricants used and shall be suitable for the expected
range of pressures and temperatures.
NOTE See EN ISO 14903:2025 [2].
b) Glass
Glass may be used in refrigerant circuits and for electrical terminal insulators, indicators and
sight glasses, but it shall be resistant to the pressures, temperatures and chemical actions which
may occur.
c) Asbestos
Asbestos shall not be used.
d) Plastics
When plastics are used, they shall be suitable for the mechanical, electrical, thermal, chemical
and long term creep conditions to which they are subjected.
e) Elastomers
When elastomers are used, they shall be suitable for the mechanical, electrical, thermal and
chemical conditions occurring, chemically and physically compatible with refrigerant or
refrigerant-oil mixtures with which they are in contact, and they shall not create fire hazards.
5.3.2 Testing
5.3.2.1 Tests
All the components shall undergo the following tests:
a) strength pressure test (refer to 5.3.2.2);
b) tightness test (refer to 5.2.2.2);
c) functional test.
The results of these tests shall be recorded.
NOTE Some or all of these tests can be conducted after the component has been incorporated into an
assembly.
5.3.2.2 Strength pressure test for miscellaneous components
5.3.2.2.1 General
The strength pressure test shall be one of the following methods:
— individual strength-pressure test according to 5.3.2.2.2, or
— strength-pressure type test according to 5.3.2.2.3, or
— fatigue test according to 5.3.2.2.4.
The test criteria specified in 5.3.2.2.5 shall apply.
5.3.2.2.2 Individual strength pressure test
Components shall be designed with a thickness according to standards of similar components of
Table 1 and each component shall be strength pressure tested individually at a pressure which
is no less than 1,43 × PS.
Individual strength pressure tests shall be carried out pneumatically or hydrostatically.
Pneumatic tests shall be by means of air or some other non-hazardous gas. A hydrostatic
pressure test by means of water or some other liquid may be accepted under the condition that
the refrigeration circuit shall not be contaminated when the test is complete.
Precautions shall be taken to prevent danger to people and to minimize risk to property.
5.3.2.2.3 Strength pressure type test
Components shall be type tested at a test pressure value which is no less than 3 × PS.
If the continuous operating temperature of the component is less than or equal to
— 125 °C for copper or aluminium, or
— 200 °C for steel,
the test temperature of the component part or assembly shall be at least 20 °C.
If the continuous operating temperature of the component exceeds
— 125 °C for copper or aluminium, or
— 200 °C for steel,
the test temperature of the parts or assemblies that are at these temperatures, and subjected to
the pressure, shall be at least
— 150 °C for copper or aluminium and
— 260 °C for steel.
For other materials or higher temperatures, the effects of temperature on the material fatigue
characteristics shall be evaluated.
5.3.2.2.4 Fatigue test
Three test samples shall be subjected to a strength pressure test at a test pressure value not less
than 2 × PS.
Three test samples, other than the samples used for the strength pressure test, shall be filled
with fluid, and shall be connected to a pressure-driving source. The pressure shall be raised and
lowered between the upper and lower cyclic values at a fixed rate for a total number of
250 000 cycles. The entire specified pressure excursion shall occur during each cycle. Pressure
cycles shall be between 20 cycles per minute and 60 cycles per minute.
A non-compressible fluid should be used.
The following test pressures shall be applied:
For components at the low pressure side, PS of the low pressure side shall be applied for the first
cycle. For components at the high pressure side, PS of the high pressure side shall be applied for
the first cycle. The pressure of the test cycles shall be as follows:
— the upper pressure value shall not be less than 0,7 × PS and the lower pressure value shall
not be greater than 0,2 × PS. The upper pressure value shall not be less than 0,9 × PS for
water heat exchangers in heat pumps,
— for the final test cycle, the test pressure shall be increased to a pressure value not less than
1,4 × PS (2 times 0,7 × PS). The pressure value shall not be less than 1,8 × PS (2 times
0,9 × PS) for water heat exchangers in heat pumps
If the continuous operating temperature is less than or equal to
— 125 °C for copper or aluminium, or
— 200 °C for steel,
the test temperature of the component part or assembly shall be at least 20 °C.
If the continuous operating temperature of the component exceeds
— 125 °C for copper or aluminium, or
— 200 °C for steel,
the fatigue test temperature of the parts or assemblies that are at these temperatures, shall be
at least 10 K above the continuous operating temperature.
Static test pressure shall be increased by the ratio of allowable stress of material at room
temperature to that at the highest continuous operating temperature.
For other materials, the effects of temperature on the fatigue characteristics shall be evaluated
to determine the test conditions.
5.3.2.2.5 Acceptance criteria
In the case of individual strength pressure test at minimum 1,43 × PS, permanent deformation
shall not result from this test.
In the case of strength pressure type test, the samples tested shall withstand a pressure not less
than 3 × PS without rupture.
In the case of the fatigue test, the samples tested shall not rupture, burst, or leak after completion
of this tes
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...