R-123
CHCl₂CF₃R-123 (2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, HCFC-123) is a low-pressure refrigerant primarily used in large centrifugal chillers for commercial and industrial cooling applications. R-123 was developed as a transitional replacement for R-11 (CFC-11) in existing chiller systems. As an HCFC, R-123 has a very low ozone depletion potential (0.02) and low GWP of 77, making it one of the more environmentally favorable legacy refrigerants. However, R-123 is classified as B1 due to higher toxicity concerns, requiring machinery room ventilation and refrigerant monitoring systems. The EPA has established an exposure limit of 50 ppm (8-hour TWA). Leak detection is critical for both safety compliance and environmental protection in facilities using R-123 chillers.
Need R-123 Detection?
Get expert guidance on the right detection solution for your application.
Key Information
Essential safety and exposure information for R-123
Health Effects
Exposure can cause central nervous system depression. May cause liver effects with prolonged exposure. Lower toxicity than many alternatives.
Common Sources
- Large centrifugal chillers
- industrial cooling systems
- large commercial HVAC
Exposure Limits
- WEEL
- 50 ppm (8-hr TWA)
- IDLH
- Not established
- Low toxicity refrigerant
- Low toxicity refrigerant
Regulatory Status
- EPA Classification
- Class II ODS (HCFC)
- ASHRAE Safety Group
- B1 (higher toxicity, non-flammable)
- GWP (AR5)
- 77
- ODP
- 0.02
- Exposure Limit
- 50 ppm (8-hour TWA)
- Phase-out Status
- Production phase-out January 1, 2030
Detection Requirements
- Sensor Technology
- Infrared (NDIR)
- Detection Range
- 0-500 ppm (safety) or 0-1,000 ppm (leak detection)
- Response Time
- <30 seconds (T90)
- Calibration Frequency
- Annual recommended
- Alarm Setpoints
- Low alarm at 25 ppm, high alarm at 50 ppm (OSHA PEL)
Detection Solutions
Sensors and detectors for R-123 monitoring
cGas Detector VRF IR Refrigerant Transmitter
An aesthetic, non-dispersive infrared refrigerant gas detector for acute leak detection in modern energy-efficient buildings utilizing Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC systems.
cGas-SC Self-Contained Controller
A self contained controller with up to 3 gas channels, Plug & Play Smart Sensor Technology and configurable logic control and priority settings. Offers superior user customization and reliable gas detection performance for monitoring many gases.
cGas Detector IR Refrigerant Transmitter
Non-dispersive infrared refrigerant gas detector with accurate, low level leak detection, available with analog output or BACnet® or Modbus® output and Plug & Play Smart Sensor Technology.
FCS Multi Channel System Controllers
High performance controller with logic and priority settings for monitoring toxic, combustible and refrigerant gases with versatile control functionality. Available with Modbus® or BACnet® communication with BAS, supports 4-20 mA and Modbus® driven VFDs.