UL Solutions Launches Testing in China to Detect Leaks of Next-Gen Refrigerants, Helping HVACR Manufacturers Meet New Regulations
UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) has announced new testing capabilities for low-global-warming-potential (LGWP) refrigerants at its Zhongshan, China laboratory. The initiative aims to help HVACR manufacturers meet new regulations and transition to more sustainable refrigerants.
The new testing capabilities focus on flammable refrigerant detection systems and sensors, particularly for A2L and A3 classifications. These services include:
- Evaluating refrigerant sensor performance for UL component recognition
- Assessing leak-detection systems configuration
- Supporting product R&D activities
The expansion addresses the industry's shift away from traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, targeting manufacturers in Greater China and Asia Pacific who supply to North American markets. The initiative responds to updated UL Standards regarding flammable refrigerant leak-detection systems in electrical heat pumps, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and commercial refrigerating appliances.
UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) ha annunciato nuove capacità di testing per refrigeranti a basso potenziale di riscaldamento globale (LGWP) presso il suo laboratorio di Zhongshan, in Cina. L'iniziativa mira ad aiutare i produttori di HVACR a rispettare le nuove normative e a passare a refrigeranti più sostenibili.
Le nuove capacità di testing si concentrano sui sistemi di rilevamento dei refrigeranti infiammabili e sui sensori, in particolare per le classificazioni A2L e A3. Questi servizi includono:
- Valutazione delle prestazioni dei sensori di refrigerante per il riconoscimento dei componenti UL
- Valutazione della configurazione dei sistemi di rilevamento delle perdite
- Supporto alle attività di R&S dei prodotti
L'espansione affronta il cambiamento dell'industria lontano dai refrigeranti tradizionali a base di idrofluorocarburi (HFC), mirando ai produttori nella Grande Cina e nell'Asia-Pacifico che forniscono ai mercati nordamericani. L'iniziativa risponde agli aggiornamenti degli Standard UL riguardanti i sistemi di rilevamento delle perdite di refrigeranti infiammabili in pompe di calore elettriche, condizionatori d'aria, deumidificatori e apparecchi refrigeranti commerciali.
UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) ha anunciado nuevas capacidades de prueba para refrigerantes con bajo potencial de calentamiento global (LGWP) en su laboratorio de Zhongshan, China. La iniciativa tiene como objetivo ayudar a los fabricantes de HVACR a cumplir con las nuevas regulaciones y a transitar hacia refrigerantes más sostenibles.
Las nuevas capacidades de prueba se centran en los sistemas y sensores de detección de refrigerantes inflamables, particularmente para las clasificaciones A2L y A3. Estos servicios incluyen:
- Evaluación del rendimiento de los sensores de refrigerante para el reconocimiento de componentes UL
- Evaluación de la configuración de los sistemas de detección de fugas
- Apoyo a las actividades de I+D de productos
La expansión aborda el cambio de la industria alejándose de los refrigerantes tradicionales a base de hidrofluorocarbonos (HFC), dirigido a los fabricantes en la Gran China y el Asia-Pacífico que suministran a los mercados de América del Norte. La iniciativa responde a las actualizaciones de los Estándares UL relacionados con los sistemas de detección de fugas de refrigerantes inflamables en bombas de calor eléctricas, acondicionadores de aire, deshumidificadores y aparatos de refrigeración comerciales.
UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS)는 중국 중산에 있는 실험실에서 저온난방잠재력(LGWP) 냉매에 대한 새로운 테스트 기능을 발표했습니다. 이 이니셔티브는 HVACR 제조업체들이 새로운 규정을 준수하고 보다 지속 가능한 냉매로 전환할 수 있도록 돕는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다.
새로운 테스트 기능은 특히 A2L 및 A3 분류에 대한 인화성 냉매 감지 시스템 및 센서에 중점을 두고 있습니다. 이러한 서비스에는:
- UL 구성 요소 인식을 위한 냉매 센서 성능 평가
- 누출 감지 시스템 구성 평가
- 제품 R&D 활동 지원
이번 확장은 전통적인 수소불소탄소(HFC) 냉매에서 벗어나는 산업의 변화를 다루며, 북미 시장에 공급하는 대만 및 아시아 태평양의 제조업체를 대상으로 하고 있습니다. 이 이니셔티브는 전기 열 펌프, 에어컨, 제습기 및 상업용 냉장 기기의 인화성 냉매 누출 감지 시스템과 관련된 UL 기준의 업데이트에 대응합니다.
UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) a annoncé de nouvelles capacités de test pour les réfrigérants à faible potentiel de réchauffement climatique (LGWP) dans son laboratoire de Zhongshan, en Chine. L'initiative vise à aider les fabricants de HVACR à se conformer aux nouvelles réglementations et à passer à des réfrigérants plus durables.
Les nouvelles capacités de test se concentrent sur les systèmes et capteurs de détection des réfrigérants inflammables, notamment pour les classifications A2L et A3. Ces services comprennent :
- Évaluation des performances des capteurs de réfrigérant pour la reconnaissance des composants UL
- Évaluation de la configuration des systèmes de détection des fuites
- Soutien aux activités de R&D des produits
L'expansion répond au changement de l'industrie loin des réfrigérants traditionnels à base d'hydrofluorocarbures (HFC), ciblant les fabricants de la Grande Chine et de la région Asie-Pacifique qui fournissent aux marchés nord-américains. L'initiative répond aux normes UL mises à jour concernant les systèmes de détection des fuites de réfrigérants inflammables dans les pompes à chaleur électriques, les climatiseurs, les déshumidificateurs et les appareils de réfrigération commerciaux.
UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) hat neue Testmöglichkeiten für Kältemittel mit niedrigem Treibhauspotenzial (LGWP) in seinem Labor in Zhongshan, China, angekündigt. Die Initiative zielt darauf ab, HVACR-Hersteller dabei zu unterstützen, neue Vorschriften einzuhalten und auf nachhaltigere Kältemittel umzusteigen.
Die neuen Testmöglichkeiten konzentrieren sich auf Systeme und Sensoren zur Erkennung brennbarer Kältemittel, insbesondere für die Klassifikationen A2L und A3. Zu diesen Dienstleistungen gehören:
- Bewertung der Sensorleistung für die UL-Komponentenanerkennung
- Bewertung der Konfiguration von Leckageerkennungssystemen
- Unterstützung bei Forschungs- und Entwicklungsaktivitäten von Produkten
Die Erweiterung adressiert den Wandel der Branche weg von traditionellen Hydrofluorkohlenwasserstoffen (HFC) und richtet sich an Hersteller in Großchina und dem asiatisch-pazifischen Raum, die an nordamerikanische Märkte liefern. Die Initiative reagiert auf aktualisierte UL-Standards zu Systemen zur Leckageerkennung brennbarer Kältemittel in elektrischen Wärmepumpen, Klimaanlagen, Entfeuchtern und gewerblichen Kühlgeräten.
- Strategic expansion into growing HVACR testing market in Asia
- New revenue stream from testing services for sustainable refrigerants
- Positioned to benefit from regulatory-driven demand for safety testing
- None.
Insights
UL Solutions' launch of testing capabilities for low-global-warming-potential (LGWP) refrigerants in Zhongshan, China represents a strategic business expansion aligned with global environmental regulatory trends. The company is positioning itself at a critical intersection of safety science and sustainability requirements that HVACR manufacturers must navigate.
This service expansion addresses an emerging market need created by the regulatory push to replace traditional HFC refrigerants with more environmentally friendly alternatives. The more flammable nature of these new refrigerants creates technical and safety challenges for manufacturers that UL Solutions is now equipped to help solve.
The location choice is particularly noteworthy - establishing these capabilities in China targets the source of significant HVACR manufacturing for North American and other global markets. This creates a valuable service touchpoint early in the supply chain, potentially capturing testing and certification business before products reach their destination markets.
UL Solutions is leveraging its established credibility in fire protection and safety certification while extending into sustainability compliance services. This creates a comprehensive offering where manufacturers can address both safety and environmental requirements through a single service provider - an efficiency advantage for clients navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
UL Solutions' new testing capabilities represent a calculated adaptation to the industry-wide shift toward more sustainable refrigeration technologies. The transition from traditional HFCs to LGWP refrigerants presents substantial technical challenges - particularly regarding flammability and leak detection - that manufacturers must overcome to maintain regulatory compliance.
The service offering includes critical evaluation components: refrigerant sensor performance testing for UL component recognition, assessment of leak-detection system configuration, and supporting R&D activities. This creates multiple service entry points and potential for recurring revenue streams as manufacturers continuously develop and update products to meet evolving standards.
By establishing these capabilities in Zhongshan, UL Solutions gains proximity advantage to the manufacturing base serving global markets. This regional expansion enhances their ability to participate in product development cycles earlier, potentially increasing customer retention through the certification process.
The company's expertise in both fire safety and certification processes creates a specialized knowledge advantage that would be difficult for competitors to replicate quickly. This positions UL Solutions to capture market share as the regulatory-driven transition to LGWP refrigerants accelerates across the HVACR industry, with the company serving as both guide and gatekeeper in the certification process.
Refrigerants with low global warming potential are more sustainable for the planet, but often more flammable than traditional HFCs. UL Solutions’ Zhongshan laboratory is addressing safety concerns with new testing capabilities.
Refrigerants with low global warming potential are more sustainable for the planet, but often more flammable than traditional HFCs. UL Solutions’ Zhongshan laboratory is addressing safety concerns with new testing capabilities. (Photo: Business Wire)
To address growing concerns about climate change, regulators, consumers and other stakeholders have increased focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, released into the atmosphere. In response, the air conditioning and refrigeration industry has developed products using more sustainable refrigerants, complemented by detection systems and sensors to safeguard against refrigerant leaks.
“Manufacturers in
In response to flammability risks, UL Standards have been updated to establish new requirements regarding flammable refrigerant leak-detection systems. This includes A2L and A3 classifications of refrigerants. UL Solutions’ new testing capabilities in Zhongshan for flammable refrigerant detection systems and sensors are based on UL Standards1 for electrical heat pumps, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and other household items, as well as for commercial refrigerating appliances and ice makers.
The new custom testing capabilities include evaluating refrigerant sensor performance to achieve UL component recognition, which supports UL certification. UL Solutions can also evaluate the location and configuration of refrigerant leak-detection systems that incorporate refrigerant sensors. In addition, HVACR manufacturers can use test results to support product research and development activities.
As a global safety science leader with decades of experience in fire protection, UL Solutions is well-positioned to assist manufacturers in understanding fire science and bringing innovative products to market. Learn more about UL Solutions safety, performance and reliability testing for HVACR products and components at https://www.UL.com/services/flammable-refrigerants-testing-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration.
About UL Solutions
A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers’ product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers’ products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.
1UL 60335-2-40, Household and Similar Electrical Appliances - Safety - Part 2-40: Particular Requirements for Electrical Heat Pumps, Air-Conditioners and Dehumidifiers, and UL 60335-2-89, 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. UL Standards & Engagement, a nonprofit organization that translates safety science into action through standards development, partnerships and advocacy, published these UL Standards.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250221592922/en/
Media contacts:
Tyler Khan
UL Solutions
ULNews@UL.com
T: +1 (847) 664.2139
Steven Brewster
UL Solutions
ULNews@UL.com
T: +1 (847) 664.8425
Source: UL Solutions
FAQ
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