Under European F-Gas rules, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases must be leak checked at intervals set by the charge size expressed in CO₂ equivalent, not in kilograms. Systems at or above 500 t CO₂e must additionally have a fixed automatic leak detection system installed, itself checked at least every twelve months.
This page explains how the thresholds are calculated, what a compliant fixed detection installation looks like, and how the requirements differ between EU member states, Türkiye and Gulf jurisdictions.
How the CO₂ Equivalent Threshold Is Calculated
The obligation depends on charge × global warming potential, not charge alone. CO₂ equivalent in tonnes equals the refrigerant charge in kilograms multiplied by the GWP of that refrigerant, divided by 1,000. The same 100 kg charge can fall in completely different compliance bands depending on which gas is in the system.
| Refrigerant | Indicative GWP | Charge reaching 500 t CO₂e |
|---|---|---|
| R-404A | ≈ 3,922 | ≈ 127 kg |
| R-410A | ≈ 2,088 | ≈ 240 kg |
| R-134a | ≈ 1,430 | ≈ 350 kg |
| R-32 | ≈ 675 | ≈ 740 kg |
| R-1234ze | < 10 | Effectively not reached |
Indicative values for orientation. The GWP figures that apply legally are those listed in the regulation in force in your jurisdiction — always calculate against the published annex, not a general table.
This is why refrigerant selection is a compliance decision as well as a technical one. Replacing R-404A with a lower-GWP alternative can move a plant out of the quarterly inspection band entirely, and in some cases below the fixed-detection threshold — an operating cost saving that continues for the life of the equipment.
When a Fixed Leak Detection System Is Required
A fixed automatic leak detection system is mandatory for equipment containing 500 t CO₂e or more. Where one is fitted, the required leak-check interval is halved. The detection system itself must be verified at least once every twelve months to confirm it still functions.
The system must alert the operator when a leak occurs — not merely log it. In practice this means detectors in the plant room and above the equipment, a controller with alarm outputs, and integration into the site BMS or an audible and visual alarm where no BMS exists.
Record keeping is part of the obligation, not an optional extra. Operators must keep records of refrigerant quantity and type, quantities added or recovered, results of leak checks, and the identity of the certified company or technician performing the work. In an inspection, missing records are treated the same as a missing system.
What a Compliant Installation Looks Like
A workable installation combines correctly positioned detectors, a controller with alarm and BMS output, defined alarm thresholds, and a documented verification routine. Detector placement matters more than detector count: most refrigerants are heavier than air and collect at low level.
- Detector type — semiconductor, infrared or heated diode, selected for the refrigerant and the required sensitivity. Infrared holds calibration longest in dirty plant rooms.
- Placement — low level near likely leak sources: compressors, valve stations, flanged joints, oil separators.
- Communication — Modbus RTU output allows integration into an existing BMS without a separate monitoring system.
- Alarm strategy — a pre-alarm for early leaks and a main alarm for concentrations requiring evacuation and ventilation.
- Verification — annual functional test with calibration gas, documented.
We supply and install fixed refrigerant detection including our APEX-EK-RV-00 detector with Modbus RTU output, together with controllers, calibration service and the documentation required for inspection.
EU, Türkiye and Gulf Practice
EU member states in the Balkans — Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Greece — apply the European F-Gas regime directly. Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania and Bosnia are progressively aligning. Türkiye operates its own F-Gas regulation with comparable inspection and record-keeping duties. Gulf states work primarily through the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment HFC phase-down rather than an equivalent inspection regime.
For a plant operator this means the equipment specification is broadly portable but the paperwork is not. A detection system that satisfies an EU inspection will satisfy a Turkish one technically; the reporting format and the certification of the company performing checks differ. Tell us the jurisdiction at enquiry stage and we will supply documentation in the expected form.
Regulatory information on this page is provided for orientation only and is not legal advice. Requirements change and differ by jurisdiction — confirm the current obligations applying to your site with your competent authority or a qualified compliance adviser.
Find out which band your plant falls into
Send the refrigerant type and charge per circuit. We calculate the CO₂ equivalent, tell you the inspection interval and whether fixed detection is required.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my plant needs a fixed leak detection system?
Calculate the charge in CO₂ equivalent: kilograms of refrigerant multiplied by its GWP, divided by 1,000. At or above 500 t CO₂e a fixed automatic leak detection system is required under European rules. Send us the refrigerant type and charge per circuit and we will run the calculation.
Why is the threshold in CO₂ equivalent rather than kilograms?
Because the environmental impact of a leak depends on which gas leaks, not only how much. A 130 kg R-404A charge and a 740 kg R-32 charge sit at roughly the same CO₂ equivalent. Expressing thresholds this way also creates a direct incentive to move to lower-GWP refrigerants.
How often must leak checks be carried out?
Under European rules: at least every 12 months from 5 t CO₂e, every 6 months from 50 t CO₂e, and every 3 months from 500 t CO₂e. Where a fixed leak detection system is installed, these intervals are halved in the operator\u2019s favour.
Does installing detection reduce the inspection burden?
Yes. For systems required to have fixed detection, the presence of a compliant, verified system extends the interval between manual leak checks. The detection system itself must be verified at least every twelve months for that relief to apply.
Where should refrigerant detectors be positioned?
Most common refrigerants are heavier than air and accumulate at low level, so detectors belong near the floor and close to likely leak sources — compressors, valve stations, flanged joints and oil separators. Placement matters more than the number of detectors installed.
What records must be kept?
Refrigerant type and quantity, any amounts added or recovered, dates and results of leak checks, verification of the detection system, and the identity of the certified company or technician who carried out the work. In an inspection, absent records are treated as an absent system.
Do these rules apply outside the European Union?
EU member states in the Balkans apply them directly, and neighbouring countries are progressively aligning. Türkiye has its own F-Gas regulation with comparable duties. Gulf states currently work through the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment phase-down rather than an equivalent inspection regime, so obligations differ by country.
Can you supply detection systems and commissioning outside Türkiye?
Yes. We supply fixed refrigerant detection including the APEX-EK-RV-00 detector with Modbus RTU output, controllers and calibration service, across the Balkans, the Levant, North Africa and the Gulf. Tell us the jurisdiction and we prepare documentation in the expected format.