Rittal Cooling Units and Chillers Now UL/CSA 60335-2-40 Approved

With UL Standard 1995 and CSA Standard C22.2 No. 236, two standard requirements that apply to heating and cooling equipment, currently scheduled to sunset on November 16, 2022 and November 30, 2022, respectively, facilities across industries are preparing for the next generation of climate control standards.

When UL 1995 and CSA C22.2 No. 236 are withdrawn, the latest versions of the bi-national UL/CSA Standard 60335-2-40 will become effective, and UL/CSA 60335-2-40 will be mandated after January 1, 2024. Part 2-40 refers to Particular Requirements for Electrical Heat Pumps, Air-Conditioners and Dehumidifiers and is expected to broadly affect industrial climate control solutions. For material handlers who have invested heavily in automation, it will be essential to audit existing enclosure air conditioners and chillers to assess whether replacements are required to remain in compliance.

A growing trend toward safe sustainability

Regulatory trends continue to point toward reducing emissions. For example, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adopted legislation that prohibits the use of high-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants for USE and ULE equipment effective January 1, 2023 and chillers effective January 1, 2024. New Department of Energy standards will take effect within the same timeframe. The shared goal of these standards is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants.

At the same time, low-GWP refrigerants tend to be more flammable. For this reason, we’re also seeing a trend toward regulations like UL/CSA 60335-2-40, which focuses on the safety of the climate control unit. And while UL/CSA 60335-2-40 is a binational standard that applies to the U.S. and Canada, it’s based on the international IEC 60335-2-40 standard, which is currently being used to certify HVAC equipment using low-GWP refrigerants in Europe and around the globe.

Smart leak detection

One of the main requirements of UL/CSA 60335-2-40 is that climate control systems be outfitted with smart leak detection systems if they use flammable refrigerants. Among other specifics, these systems’ sensors must have set points that are factory-set, and they must run self-test protocols every hour.

One solution is to invest in climate control solutions that don’t use flammable refrigerants to begin with, such as Rittal Blue e+ chillers. But if your current cooling solutions do use flammable refrigerants and don’t yet have smart leak detection systems, now is the time to either retrofit or upgrade.

How to comply with UL/CSA 60335-2-40

A wide range of Rittal’s Blue e+ cooling units and chillers are already UL/CSA 60335-2-40 approved. As a company that prioritizes energy efficiency both for its cost savings implications and for the planet, Rittal has a history of innovation in safe, sustainable climate control.

The world’s most efficient industrial climate control solutions, Blue e+ cooling units provide energy savings of up to 75% and Blue e+ chillers use 55% less refrigerant thanks to microchannel technology.

These climate control solutions feature:

• Touch-screen displays for relevant performance data at a glance
• Real-time remote monitoring and, if needed, quick modification of the unit’s settings from the operator’s mobile device
• Longer service life thanks to component-friendly cooling and integrated monitoring sensor technology

Benefits of early compliance

Transitioning to approved climate control solutions now will not only ensure you are ready for UL/CSA 60335-2-40, but it can also reduce your energy usage, decrease the time you spend on maintenance, and lower your energy costs.

Rittal is prepared to help you navigate the transition from UL Standard 1995 to UL/CSA Standard 60335-2-40. Find the energy-efficient climate control solution that’s right for you by downloading the climate control solutions handbook, which includes technical specs on Rittal’s full range of industrial climate solutions.