Cubic Refrigerant Leakage Detection Solutions Enabling Accurate Sensing and Fast Mitigation Response

As global emphasis on environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation intensifies, regulations and policies have been introduced worldwide to mandate and standardize the early detection of high-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants such as HFCs and CFCs. Policies such as the U.S. EPA Clean Air Act Section 608, the EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573, and Canada’s Federal Halocarbon Regulations (2022) require leak detection, periodic inspections, or automated monitoring in systems containing certain refrigerants. Furthermore, the transition to low-GWP refrigerants—which are often flammable or toxic—has heightened safety requirements, making precise, real-time refrigerant monitoring critical for hazard prevention.

In addition, standards have clearly defined mitigation response. For example, EN 378 and UL 60335-2-40 specify that certain mitigation actions must be initiated within a defined time frame following leak detection. The actions typically include triggering audible and visual alarms to promptly alert personnel and enable timely intervention. The standards underscore the urgency and importance of an effective mitigation function in refrigerant detection systems.

To meet the demands, refrigerant detection systems (RDS) are designed as one major industrial practice to monitor refrigerant gas concentrations in real time, identify leaks, and trigger appropriate mitigation actions. In RDS, mitigation is an important functional feature that involves taking automatic control measures after a refrigerant leak is detected to prevent safety incidents such as fire, explosion, poisoning, or equipment damage. Its core objective is to control risks within an acceptable range at the early stage of a leak through technical means. Common mitigation actions include activating mechanical ventilation systems to dilute leaked gases, enforcing shutdown, triggering audible and visual alarms, and transmitting leak signals to building management systems or fire alarm systems for remote response. The systems are widely applied in various HVAC&R equipment, including residential and commercial air handling units (AHUs), gas furnaces, and heat pumps, as well as commercial and industrial chillers and cold chain containers.

In response to the evolving industry context, Cubic, a leading manufacturer of gas sensors and analyzers, has developed a range of RDS solutions based on advanced NDIR technology. The core of Cubic RDS solutions are the refrigerant gas sensors which support a wide range of A2L and A3 refrigerants (including R32, R454A/B/C, R290, R1234yf, and R1234ze), with select models certified to UL 60335-2-40 and compliant with UL 60335-2-89 standards. The sensors feature best-in-class accuracy across a 0–100% LFL measurement range, ensuring high precision under varying conditions. They are designed to withstand harsh environments, including high temperatures up to 95°C. In addition, to accommodate different installation needs, the sensors are available in both harnessed and non-harnessed configurations, providing added flexibility for system integration and OEMs.

Importantly, to support the implementation of RDS mitigation capabilities, Cubic offers both single and dual relay modules, supporting SPDT and DPDT configurations respectively, to enable flexible system integration and control. For system integration, Cubic provides integrated RDS solution combining the core refrigerant gas sensors with dual signal relay output and LED indicator, serving as a key functional module within the overall systems. By incorporating the relay directly with the sensor, the design eliminates the need for clients to develop the control logic circuits, as the relay acts as a switch to trigger mitigation actions once a leak is detected. The integration simplifies system architecture and facilitates more cost-effective equipment development.

By combining strong sensor technologies with flexible RDS integration options, Cubic continues to support efficient and innovative refrigerant detection systems across a wide range of industry demand. Cubic remains dedicated to the ongoing innovation of sensing solutions that support clients to achieve environmental initiatives and the progression of safety regulations.

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