Is R32 more flammable than R410A?
Sarah Martinez
Updated on April 02, 2026
Flammability of R32 has 80% burning velocity less than R290 and slightly flammable when compare with R410A. Although, R32 discharge gas temperature is higher than R410A around 20°C and this can damage compressor’s motor at some heat pump condition especially at high compression zone.
What is the flammable classification for R32?
R32 falls into the “lower flammability” or Class 2L “mildly flammable” category. Class 2L refrigerants present the lowest risk of the 3 flammable categories and are defined by having a burning velocity of less than 10 cm per second. There is a diversity of low GWP refrigerants available to select from.
Is R32 hazardous?
For transportation purposes, R32 is classified as a dangerous goods class 2.1 flammable gas under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and therefore requires additional handling and storage safeguards compared to class 2.2 non-flammable gases.
Which refrigerant is flammable?
R22 and R410A are considered to have low flammability levels and are listed as A1. A and B are the toxicity levels of the refrigerant; “A” being lower than “B”, while 1,2 and 3 are the flammability ratings, with 1 being the lowest and 3 being the highest.
Is R32 explosive?
Far from being extremely flammable and highly toxic, the new document, R32 – Common Questions, maintains that R32 is not explosive, is extremely difficult to ignite and is the least toxic of all the Class A (non toxic) refrigerants listed in ISO 817.
Is 410A Freon flammable?
R-410A is not flammable at ambient temperatures and atmospheric pressure. However, this material will become combustible when mixed with air under pressure and exposed to strong ignition sources.
Is HFC 32 the same as R32?
R-32, also known as HFC-32, is an organic hydrofluorocarbon compound with the formula CH₂F₂. It’s a colorless odorless, mildly flammable gas which is insoluble in water. As we touched on earlier, a primary driver of R-32’s ascendant popularity is its combination of efficiency and low environmental impact.
Will R32 be phased out?
Take note that carbon dioxide has a GWP of 1 and ODP of 0. R11 refrigerant has a GWP of 4750 and ODP of 1. The production of R22 had been phased out in 2015….Global Warming Potential & Ozone Depletion Potential.
| Refrigerant | Global Warming Potential | Ozone Depletion Potential |
|---|---|---|
| R407C | 1770 | 0 |
| R134A | 1430 | 0 |
| R32 | 675 | 0 |
| C02 | 1 | 0 |
Is 1234 refrigerant flammable?
R1234yf is classified as an A2L mildly flammable refrigerant, and requires the use of equipment designed for use with such a refrigerant.
What pressure does R32 run at?
174-377 Psi
The working (operating) pressure of R32 is about 12 – 26 Bar (174-377 Psi). It should be noted that while the operating pressure of R32 and R410A is similar, the former has a better ability to exchange heat-load, thus delivering a higher capacity.
What is the flammability of R32 refrigerant?
R32’s flammability limit is between 14% volume (300g/m³) and 29% volume (620g/m³). AREMA points out that a 14% concentration of any foreign gas in air is the accepted oxygen deprivation safety limit and, in addition, is well above the acute toxicity exposure limit for existing refrigerants like R22 (5.9%) and R134a (5%).
Is R32 safe to use?
Also, the dispersal rate of the heavier than air gas makes it highly unlikely that ignition would take place. Unlike propane, R-32 cannot be ignited by static electricity. The bottom line is that R-32 is about as safe as any other viable refrigerants on the market today.
Is R32 a good alternative for R410A refrigerant?
In global moves towards lower GWP refrigerants, R32 is considered a key future replacement for R410A in air conditioners. Although being a more environmentally friendly alternative, R32’s A2L “mildly flammable” classification and potential hazards as recorded in the chemical’s material safety data sheets (MSDS)…
Does R32 gas cause cancer?
“Research conducted to prepare the document confirms that R32 is not an extremely flammable, highly toxic gas that causes cancer, as some industry representatives have suggested,” claims AREMA.