With the start of a new year comes expected change. 2021 is no different for the Automotive Service Technician with some finalized rules behind Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) service.
The EPA, under the direction of Administrator Wheeler, signed a final rule entitled, “Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Systems Servicing”, on Monday, January 11, 2021.
SAE safety standards
Under this new ruling, any person repairing or servicing an R-1234yf MVAC system for consideration, “compensation”, must use properly certified Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling (RRR) equipment, meeting SAE J2843, J2851, and J3030 standards.
These new SAE standards create safety requirements for R-1234yf RRR service carts, due to the slight flammability of R-1234yf refrigerant.
A/C service carts
A/C service carts are equipped with a process of venting the interior of a cart to remove refrigerant vapors
"Technicians who have previously serviced R-134a equipped vehicles to need to be aware of new safety requirements, such as new A/C service cart features, refrigerant identification standards, as well as a vacuum decay test," said an official.
A/C service carts are equipped with anti-arcing switches, motors, and solenoids, and a process of venting the interior of a cart to remove refrigerant vapors that might otherwise accumulate.
Refrigerant identification
Refrigerant identification is a requirement, and the refrigerant identifier used must meet SAE J2927 or J2912 standards and is either embedded in the RRR machine or capable of communicating remotely to a certified cart to confirm the quality of refrigerant before recovery is allowed.
Contaminated refrigerant can negatively affect the integrity of the A/C system and the identifier ensures cross-contamination will not occur during the service process. Any contaminated refrigerant detected will require the use of a separate SAE J2851 machine, which is designed to recover mixed refrigerant.
Vacuum decay test
A vacuum decay test is yet another new requirement. This standard must be completed at the end of the service to ensure no gross system leaks have occurred. This test allows 15% recharge to confirm no refrigerant leaks are occurring in the passenger cabin.
With the final ruling, any technician completing R-1234yf MVAC service for consideration will need new equipment to adhere to the EPA 609 requirements.
R-1234yf MVAC service
Technicians are sure to see increased demand for R-1234yf MVAC service in 2021
Any technician in violation of this requirement can face upwards of $42,000 in fines. There are roughly 52 million vehicles equipped with R-1234yf in North America, and approximately 26 Million are expected to fall outside the manufacturer’s warranty in 2021.
Technicians are sure to see increased demand for R-1234yf MVAC service in 2021 and will need to ensure they have the proper equipment to meet these affirmed EPA requirements.
Legend Series refrigerant analyzers
Technicians interested in servicing R-1234yf vehicles can use the SAE website to ensure the A/C service equipment they are considering is certified to the required standards. Selecting the SAE standard and using the search function will allow any user to easily confirm which manufacturers are certified.
Bacharach’s Neutronics Brand of Refrigerant Identifiers is the trusted solution for all refrigerant identifier needs. The Legend Series refrigerant analyzers are the latest handheld devices that provide a solution for all automotive refrigerants, both past, and present.