Ecodesign Directive
The Ecodesign Directive which applies to a wide variety of Professional Refrigerated Storage Cabinets has seen some changes since it was first introduced into this product category on the 1st July 2016. Pentland Wholesale is continually working with our suppliers to ensure that all our products comply with relevant legislation and we have seen a positive effect of the legislation with more energy efficiency cabinets being produced.
The most efficient energy rating for a professional refrigerator is A+++, and the lowest on the label is a G, however the minimum permissible energy rating is an E classification. It is important that when comparing energy efficiency marks, you only compare similar cabinets as the testing criteria is different for different types of equipment.
1st March 2021 will see further changes to the Ecodesign Directive which will widen the scope of cabinets to include cabinets with a direct sales function. This means that most display refrigeration cabinets will now require an energy efficiency rating, the energy label is rated from A to G. Pentland Wholesale is working closely with our suppliers to ensure that cabinets supplied by Pentland Wholesale will comply with the new standards and are tested to the correct testing standards for the applications for which they are being used.
BREXIT changes
1st January 2021 saw the end of the transition period and new legislation is now applicable in the UK. All units falling under the EU Ecodesign and energy labelling directive, now fall under the UK Ecodesign and energy labelling regulations, the initial change is with the energy labels having the UK flag and information in the English language.
The UKCA mark also was introduced to indicate that equipment supplied for the UK market conforms with any applicable UK regulations. The CE marking on some products will remain valid for use in the UK until 1st January 2022.
Recent F Gas changes and the effects of High GWP Refrigerants
F Gas regulations places restrictions on the use of some HFC refrigerants which have a high GWP (Global Warming Potential). This regulation sets limits on the products used in specific types of systems with an aim to reduce the contribution of refrigerant gases to global warming.
1st January 2020 saw a mandatory limit of 2500GWP being introduced, which effectively prevents the manufacture of products containing a refrigerant with a GWP higher than 2500 and a limitation on the use of high GWP refrigerants in servicing.
Pentland Wholesale’s suppliers are now using hydrocarbon refrigerants like R600A and R290, which have a very low GWP (Global Warming Potential). Larger capacity cabinets are now using alternative refrigerants like R448A or R452A, which have a lower GWP and comply fully with the latest legislation.
Existing equipment
Please be aware that the refrigerant gas within a system should not need replacing regularly and should last the lifetime of the appliance, the refrigerant will only need replacing if a component or pipework within the refrigeration circuit fails.
If your cabinet was initially manufactured using R404A refrigerant you do not need to replace the cabinet, if it ever needs a repair involving the refrigerant gas, there are suitable alternative lower GWP refrigerant gases like R452A available to ensure the cabinet can be still be repaired. It is important that you seek the advice of a qualified refrigeration engineer to carry out any repairs.