The safety test was first carried out in Thailand so that manufacturers understand what to focus on when developing and producing R290 units.
With its zero ODP and very low GWP, R290 is considered the definitive solution to environmental damage and positioned as the alternative for the next generation of refrigerants for room air conditioners. However, its use is hindered by its flammability and the resulting concerns on safety. The safety demonstration named “Safety Demonstration with Source of Ignition and Leak Simulation Test”, held by the RAC NAMA project and the College of Industrial Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) , took place on 29 – 31 January 2020 and was designed to help producers understand the implications of using R290 in AC systems and prove that the application of R290 is safe if applicable safety standards (for ACs: IEC 60335-2-40) are met, and installation and servicing are conducted by trained technicians.