The European F-Gas III Regulation (EU) 2024/573 is accelerating the transition to refrigerants with a lower global warming potential. R-410A (GWP 2,088), long dominant in air-conditioning and heat pump applications, is gradually giving way to R-32 (GWP 675), which offers better energy performance and a lower climate impact. As of January 1, 2026, the use of fluorinated gases with a GWP above 2,500 is prohibited for servicing air-conditioning and heat pump systems. In 2032, the threshold will drop to 750, making the shift to A2L refrigerants not just optional, but a fundamental requirement.
This transition has a direct technical consequence: R-32, classified as A2L under ASHRAE standards, is mildly flammable. Unlike the A1 refrigerants it replaces, an R-32 leak can, under certain concentration conditions, create a flammable mixture. IEC 60335-2-40 now requires leak detection systems to be integrated into HVAC equipment using these refrigerants, with an alarm threshold set at 25% of the lower flammability limit (LFL).
For HVAC equipment manufacturers, this means integrating a reliable, calibrated and compliant gas sensor from the design stage onward. This is precisely the purpose of Figaro Engineering's FCM2630 module, available from Diltronic. The embedded module uses a MOS semiconductor sensor (TGS2630), factory pre-calibrated for R-32, with an integrated temperature-compensation circuit that ensures measurement stability across the operating range. A proprietary filter reduces the influence of interfering gases such as alcohol and solvents, limiting the risk of false alarms in real-world environments. It detects R-32 at 3.8% of the LFL.
The FCM2630 is available in several versions to meet integrators' requirements. The C01 model, with an analog output for connection to an external comparator, provides a simple and cost-effective solution. The J0A model offers digital outputs for monitoring, alarm and malfunction status, enabling more advanced integration into building management systems. Both versions comply with the requirements of IEC 60335-2-40 Edition 7.0, Annex LL.
From a mechanical standpoint, semiconductor technology offers structural advantages over NDIR sensors in embedded applications: inherent resistance to shock and vibration, a compact footprint and a cost suitable for high-volume integration. A JST connector allows the module to be replaced during scheduled maintenance without modifying the wiring.
The Figaro Engineering sensor range is available from Diltronic, which provides technical guidance, samples and integration support to equipment manufacturers navigating this regulatory transition.
