NEWS

2020 August Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand have adopted new limits on the amount of A3 (flammable) and A2L (low flammable) that is allowed to be used in commercial refrigeration appliances and ice makers in Australia and New Zealand. The new standard (AS/NZS 60335.2.89:2020) is an “identical adoption” of IEC 60335-2-89, edition 3.0., published by the International Electrotechnical Commissionin June 2019. NZ Standards website notes that AS/NZS 60335.2.89:2020 will supersede AS/NZS 60335.2.89:2010 on 26 June 2023. In IEC 60335-2-89, edition 3.0., IEC raised the charge limit for A3 (flammable) refrigerants in self-contained cases to 13 times the lower flammability limit (LFL) of the refrigerant; for propane (R290) it increases to 500 g from 150g. The IEC standard also increases the charge limit for A2 and A2L (low flammable) refrigerants to 1,200 g from 150 g.
2020 January
Refrigeration Technician Licensing
The refrigeration trade is heading into final discussions with the NZ Government to bring about trade licensing for the refrigeration trade which has been long desired by the trade.
Licensing has similarities as is with other trades but specific to the refrigeration and air conditioning trades. Although the final details are yet to be configured this is looking positive for the trade.
December 2019 E Cargo Bike - Temperature Controlled Electric Assisted Vehicles Limited (EAV) has launched a world’s first fully temperature-controlled eCargo bike. The EAVcool Cargo was launched to exceptional interest at the Restaurant and Takeaway Show at London’s Excel Arena. Primarily designed for the urban transport and delivery of chilled or frozen goods within a continuous cold chain, the EAVcool is a purpose-built, zero-emissions, environmentally- focused quadracycle.
October 2019 Kigali Amendment Ratified New Zealand joins 196 other countries to amend the Montreal Protocol to bring about the reduction of HFC refrigerants use and production to levels of 15% of 2011 to 2013 levels by 2037. Introduced 1st January 2020 Importation levies shall increase over this period.