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R-32 Leak Safety Response — A2L Flammability Emergency Procedure
Likely causes
On-arrival emergency (evacuate/ventilate/remove ignition)
Check: **R-32 properties**: ASHRAE 34 A2L (low toxicity, mildly flammable). LFL = 14%. Compare: R-410A=A1 (non-flammable), R-22=A1, R-290 (propane)=A3 (highly flammable). R-32 has low explosion risk but is flammable — fire possible near ignition sources. **Immediate response to a leak**: ① Evacuate people and pets. ② Open all windows/doors, run vent fans. ③ System OFF + breaker OFF. ④ Remove ignition sources at once (stoves off, no candles/lighters/cigarettes; do NOT toggle switches — sparks). ⑤ No phone use (battery heat). ⑥ Measure concentration with A2L-compatible electronic detector.
What to do: **After ventilation (15 min–1 hr)** = confirm concentration <25% of LFL (3.5% v/v), then start repair. **Recover → repair leak → vacuum → fresh R-32 weighed charge**. When using torch = **ventilation + extinguisher + second person mandatory** (A2L flammable gas work standard). Avoid working in pressurized-gas conditions. After repair = nitrogen leak test first + vacuum decay test second, then charge. **EU F-Gas 514/2024** = R-32 leaks require repair within 24 hours + recordkeeping. **Korea** = MOE Air Conservation Act = mandatory for commercial/industrial, recommended for residential.
**Field trick**: R-32 leak incidents are rare but worker safety comes first. **A2L-compatible detector + extinguisher + vent fan = essential service-bag items**. Korea = ≥70% of new installs are R-32 from 2025 = incidents gradually rising. **User education** = if suspecting a leak (mild gas odor, condensate color change, outdoor pressure gauge 0), turn system OFF and ventilate. **R-290 (propane) systems** (small fridges, some small ACs) = much more flammable than R-32, requires stricter safety.
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