• Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
  • ENGINEERS
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
  • INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
  • RESOURCES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • CONTRACTORS
  • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
  • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
  • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • WATER TREATMENT
  • PMC COLUMNS
  • PMC COLUMNS
  • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
  • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
  • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
  • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
  • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
  • CONTINUING EDUCATION
  • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
  • FIRE PROTECTION
  • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
  • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
  • PME COLUMNS
  • PME COLUMNS
  • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
  • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
  • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
  • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
  • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
  • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
  • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
  • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
  • CODES
  • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
  • PROJECT PROFILES
  • COLUMNS
  • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • COLUMNS
  • Codes Corner
  • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
  • Guest Editorial
  • MEDIA
  • PODCASTS
  • VIDEOS
  • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
  • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
  • DIRECTORIES
  • EBOOKS
  • PM BOOKSTORE
  • CE CENTER
  • MARKET RESEARCH
  • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
  • EMAGAZINE
  • ARCHIVE ISSUES
  • CONTACT
  • ADVERTISE
  • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • EBOOKS
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!
ColumnsCodes Corner

Codes Corner: Upcoming changes to I-Codes on new lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) A2L refrigerants

Prepare to adapt

By Jim Cika
Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning technician
December 7, 2022

A2L refrigerants are the latest refrigerants recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) as substitutes in residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems.

These next-generation refrigerants have lower toxicity and flammability than other classifications of flammable refrigerants, making A2Ls the second-safest category for all refrigerants. Keeping up with code changes is integral to ensuring safe and efficient practices for industry professionals. Given the ongoing EPA-mandated phasedown of HFC refrigerants, there is an increasing demand to switch to A2L refrigerants, and it is becoming more important for industry professionals to anticipate upcoming code changes and understand the rationale behind them.

As we enter a new era of A2L refrigerant implementation, there is a need across the industry for codes and standards to be updated to meet the most current industry requirements. Many codes currently in place are not consistent with the most recent editions of The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers Standard 15-2022, ASHRAE Standard 34 and UL 60335-2-40, which have all been updated to include A2L refrigerants. To ensure the codes are compatible and cohesive with these standards, changes have been made to the 2024 International Building Code, International Fire Code and International Mechanical Code that permit the usage of A2L refrigerants consistent with ASHRAE Standard 15-2022 and UL 60335-2-40.

Codes currently implemented across many municipalities do not permit the use of A2Ls for comfort cooling applications. Therefore, if local codes are not updated as we progress further through the various stages of the EPA phasedown, there will be significant increases in costs associated with comfort cooling system installation. There is an opportunity for jurisdictions to amend their existing codes with A2L-specific language pulled from the updated 2024 codes to support industry professionals and the market in making the transition earlier and avoiding the rising costs as the HFC phasedown proceeds.

The following points are important to consider with regard to upcoming changes to A2Ls, including the benefits of amending codes early as well as the implications of these changes on industry professionals.

The importance of amending codes early

The EPA mandated a 10% reduction in the production and use of HFC refrigerants from 2021 baseline levels on Jan. 1, 2022. From a more long-term perspective, The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 mandates an 85% phasedown of HFC refrigerants over the next 15 years. The application-specific program requires allowances for the production and consumption of HFCs, which will further accelerate the transition from HFCs to A2L refrigerants. It is important for industry professionals to understand that as the phasedown of HFCs proceeds, there are benefits to amending code language preemptively. A mandatory 40% phasedown of HFCs by the EPA will go into effect in January 2024, and it is imperative that businesses prepare for the shift that will follow. For example, the phasedown will cause an extreme shortage of HFCs in the marketplace, resulting in higher costs to the consumer.

These changes will also impact storage practices for A2L refrigerants due to their different flammability characteristics in comparison to other refrigerants. Machinery rooms for Group A2L and B2L refrigerants must comply with elevated temperatures, refrigerant detectors and mechanical ventilation requirements consistent with ASHRAE 15. This means that A2L refrigerants, as well as B2, A2, or B3, cannot be used in areas with open flames, or that have surfaces with temperatures over 800° F (427° C).

These changes also impact storage rooms for manufacturers by requiring that all industry professionals charged with storing A2L refrigerants accommodate these changes with appropriate equipment and storage measures. Allowing for adequate storage space is an area of particular concern for industry professionals as flammability poses a fire risk and therefore a serious safety concern.

Additionally, it is important to differentiate lower-flammability refrigerants from other higher-flammability gases in storage by using the classifications and labeling provisions of the 7th edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. IMC refrigerant Table 1103.1 was recently updated with the new refrigerants that have been added to the ASHRAE Standard 34, Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants. This table reflects the space needed to accommodate these new standards and comply with safety measures. Overall, current and future storage practices will be impacted, affecting multiple groups of industry professionals, and ultimately resulting in significant cost implications for those that choose to wait to adapt to new code language.


It is important for industry professionals to understand that as the phasedown of HFCs proceeds, there are benefits to amending code language preemptively. A mandatory 40% phasedown of HFCs by the EPA will go into effect in January 2024, and it is imperative that businesses prepare for the shift that will follow. For example, the phasedown will cause an extreme shortage of HFCs in the marketplace, resulting in higher costs to the consumer.


Specific impacts of code changes on industry professionals

Changes around A2Ls will alter the landscape of the industry and require strategic considerations for industry professionals who manufacture, distribute, install and service HVAC systems, such as contractors and service technicians. Some of these changes include standards surrounding refrigerant pipes. For example, the new ASTM A333-18 Standard, Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Steel Pipe for Low-Temperature Service and other Applications with required Notch Toughness, has been added to Table 1107.4. This table is now consistent with ASHRAE 15 and indicates that certain refrigerants must be used with pipes of a particular material depending on their classification. With these new changes, high probability direct systems for human comfort must use either Group A1 or A2L refrigerants. This may require that technicians change pipes if their current pipes do not comply with these requirements.

These changes specifically impact contractors as they are responsible for installing the equipment that is designed for these refrigerants. According to new I-codes, high probability equipment using Group A2L, A2, A3 or B1 refrigerant shall comply with UL 484, UL/CSA 60335-2-40, or UL/CSA 60335-2-89. By adding this requirement, the code clarifies which safety standards should be used for equipment utilizing these refrigerants. This is consistent with the ASHRAE 15 Standard, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems. Contractors should be aware of this new installation process and the accompanying requirements because they may need to update equipment accordingly and amend their current practices.

Upcoming mandates around A2Ls require planning to ensure a safe and efficient transition. Industry professionals should consider adapting to the new code language early and should plan to accommodate measures such as safety, training and building code updates. Those who make appropriate accommodations now will reap the rewards of preparedness later, and will ultimately save on cost, enhance safety, and prevent complications in the future.

For those interested in preparing for these upcoming changes with safety training, amending code language and more, here are two additional resources: Code changes on A2L refrigerants - ICC (iccsafe.org) and www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/i-codes/a2l-refrigerants-transition.

KEYWORDS: certifications plumbers and pipefitters training and education water quality Water Quality Association water treatment

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Jim Cika, director, PMG technical resources for ICC, serves as a subject matter expert to the plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas codes. He represents ICC in federal and state coalitions, task forces, committees and councils where expertise in I-Code subjects is required. Cika has more than 20 years of experience in the manufacturing and construction industry where he has served as chief technical expert for regulatory, product standards, building code and product engineering matters.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Worker using the Milwaukee Tool SWITCH PACK drain cleaner

    Pipeline profits: Drain cleaning, pipe inspection create opportunities

    Drain cleaning and inspection services offer lucrative...
    Green Plumbing and Mechanical
    By: Nicole Krawcke
  • Uponor employee, Arturo Moreno

    The reinvestment in American manufacturing and training

    Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke and...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke and Natalie Forster
  • March 2024 Women in Plumbing hero image of woman engineer overlayed by circle of hexagon shapes with numbers from 1 to 10

    Celebrating 10 Influential Women in the Plumbing Industry

    Celebrating Women's History Month and Women in...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke
Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • eMagazine
  • Manage My Preferences

Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

NIBCO Press Solutions

NIBCO Press Solutions

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Plumbing & Mechanical audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Plumbing & Mechanical or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • J.J. Keller CMV vehicles on road
    Sponsored byJ. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

    The dash cam game-changer for small business safety

Popular Stories

The interior of a government building.

President Trump signs executive order promoting skilled trades and apprenticeships

Figure 1 is a sketch of the flow problems of the current plumbing system.

Hydronic heating glitch solved: Why adding a circulator won't fix primary loop flow issue

Underfloor heating installation with drain sewer hole in bathroom close up on water floor heating.

Using hydronics to leverage time-of-use electrical rates

PM BEMIS June 25 Free Webinar: Optimizing Plumbing Solutions for Single-Family, Multi-Family & Public Spaces

Events

November 13, 2024

Future Proofing MEP: Navigating the 2026 High Efficiency Water Heating Standards

Join our deep dive into DOE’s new standards so you can future-proof your MEP practice.

EARN: 0.1 ASPE CEU; 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 IACET CEU*; 1 PDH

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Will business be up or down in 2025?

Do you anticipate business in 2025 to be up or down in comparison to 2024?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Water Came To A Stop

The Water Came To A Stop

See More Products

Download the FREE Water Conservation, Quality & Safety eBook: Plumbing Trends Increasing Safe Water Availability

Related Articles

  • Codes Corner

    Codes Corner: Water efficiency is critical to creating sustainable and resilient communities

    See More
  • Codes Corner

    Codes Corner: New digital strategies for building safety will be key to future sustainability

    See More
  • Gavel In Front Of Yellow Safety Helmet

    Plumbing and HVAC policy changes from around the world

    See More
×

Keep your content unclogged with our newsletters!

Stay in the know on the latest plumbing & piping industry trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Supply House Times
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • EBOOKS
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!