Transitioning HVACR Products to UL 60335-2-40 / CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-40

30 Jul 2019

What the Industry Needs to Know

The regulatory landscape for the HVAC industry is evolving, ushering in major changes for manufacturers.  This is driven primarily by new requirements for low global warming potential refrigerants and a goal to achieve global harmonization of safety requirements in appliances.  One such change is the transition from UL 1995 to UL 60335-2-40, which will bring about more rigorous testing standards for HVAC equipment. Products certified to previous standards will not be grandfathered to UL 60335-2-40, meaning both new and existing products will need to undergo significant testing for the new standard, which goes into effect on January 1, 2024.

The current 2nd Edition of UL 60335-2-40 and harmonized CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-40 apply to packaged air conditioners and heat pumps; partial units; liquid chillers and hydronic fan coil units; hot water heat pumps; dehumidifiers; supplemental heaters and equipment with flammable refrigerants.  This scope also includes Room Air Conditioners which were previously certified under UL 484 and CSA C22.2 No. 117.

The harmonized standard outlines multiple requirements for spacing, components, and flammable refrigerants in both direct and indirect systems.  Examples of some of the new more stringent testing requirements for multiple factors, including:

• Loss of charge test, in appliances where the compressor is enclosed in a way that may be inadequately ventilated
• Non-metallic material flammability in proximity to electrical connections, which specifies:
• Flammability characteristics
• Nichrome wire test requirements
• Power input and current test
• Heating test
• Abnormal temperature tests
• Electric heating tests
• Ball pressure test
• Glow wire test

The standard will continue to evolve, as it will soon broaden its requirements for appliances with flammable refrigerants when the 3rd ED is published late this year. Adding to the confusion for manufacturers was the release of a new 5th Edition UL 1995.   With certification, your product will likely not be required to update or be certified to the 5th Edition of UL 1995.  With additional changes on the horizon and a standard that must be met in both new and existing products within 5 years, many manufacturers may be looking for guidance about their options for testing and certification during this transition period. 

Until the effective date in 2024, manufacturers have the option of continuing to use UL 1995 / CSA C22.2 No. 236 4th Edition to test and certify new equipment.  This option allows the use of a standard more familiar to the industry, and current UL 1995 certification can be transferred to testing partners willing to continue to use this standard.  In the interim, the new harmonized standard, 60335-2-40, can be used during the R&D phase, with the knowledge that new products will need to comply in 5 years.  New and existing products can also begin to be tested and certified to the new standard. 

When using the new standard, it is important to work with a trusted partner who can assist with the transition and help maintain operations and product development.  Stay well informed on the requirements of the standard and begin implementing the changes to meet them.

For more details on the scope and requirements of UL 60335-2-40, as well as guidelines for transitioning to the new standard, download our complimentary webinar recording or white paper.