The EPA has signed the final rule to allow R-152a in new motor vehicle air conditioning systems with the caveat that new R-152a systems must be designed to avoid occupant exposure to concentrations of R-152a above 3.7% in the passenger cabin free space for more than 15 seconds, even in the event of a leak.
Per the final rule that will be published in the Federal Register on June 12, EPA will require prominent labeling of R-152a MVAC systems with a warning such as "CAUTION SYSTEM CONTAINS FLAMMABLE R-152a REFRIGERANT - TO BE SERVICED ONLY BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL." Consistent with SAE J639, the label must be mounted in the engine compartment on a component that is not normally replaced and where it can be easily seen. The label is to include refrigerant identification information and indicate that the refrigerant is flammable.
The final rule also recommends additional training for MVAC service technicians and that OEMs conduct and keep on file R-152a systems FMEA to ensure that MVAC systems are safe and are designed with sufficient risk mitigation devices to ensure that occupants are not exposed to R-152a concentrations above 3.7% for more than 15 seconds in the passenger cabin free space.
The regulatory text contained in the final rule will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
