Baltimore-based Danfoss has relaxed the rules for sale of its compressors and controls for flammable refrigerants such as ethane, propane, butane, isobutane and propylene (R170, R290, R600, R600a and R1270, respectively).

Sales of compressors and controls by Danfoss for use in systems with flammable refrigerants have until now required that customers sign a special agreement with Danfoss. This requirement is now removed in EU and EFTA countries, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and China.

The change is due to the fact that safety standards are in place —  specifically EN 378 and EN/IEC 60335 — and are an integrated part of legislative frameworks. Also, increased usage and the resulting increased competence in the market played a role.

Danfoss products for flammable refrigerants comply with EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) for Fluid Group I and are compliant with the requirements for IEC 60079 and ATEX Zone 2.