R-134a
C₂H₂F₄R-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, HFC-134a) is one of the most widely used hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants globally, found in automotive air conditioning, medium-temperature commercial refrigeration, and residential appliances. R-134a was developed as a non-ozone-depleting replacement for R-12 (CFC-12) and has been the dominant automotive refrigerant since the 1990s. With a GWP of 1,430, R-134a is subject to phase-down regulations under the EPA AIM Act and European F-gas regulations. The automotive industry is transitioning to R-1234yf, while commercial refrigeration moves toward lower-GWP alternatives. R-134a remains an A1 refrigerant (non-flammable, low toxicity), making it safe for most applications but requiring leak detection for environmental compliance.
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Key Information
Essential safety and exposure information for R-134a
Health Effects
Low acute toxicity but can cause asphyxiation in enclosed spaces. May cause cardiac sensitization at high concentrations.
Common Sources
- Automotive air conditioning
- commercial refrigeration
- and HVAC systems.
Exposure Limits
- WEEL
- 1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
- No OSHA/NIOSH limit
- No OSHA/NIOSH limit
- Simple asphyxiant hazard
- Simple asphyxiant hazard
Regulatory Status
- EPA Classification
- HFC (non-ODS)
- ASHRAE Safety Group
- A1 (low toxicity, non-flammable)
- GWP (AR5)
- 1,430
- ODP
- 0
- AIM Act Status
- Subject to sector-based phase-down
- EU F-gas
- Banned in new motor vehicles since 2017
Detection Requirements
- Sensor Technology
- Infrared (NDIR)
- Detection Range
- 0-1,000 ppm typical
- Response Time
- <30 seconds (T90)
- Calibration Frequency
- Annual recommended
- Cross-Sensitivity
- May respond to other HFC refrigerants
Detection Solutions Coming Soon
We're working on adding related products and applications for R-134a.