In shortR502 was the standard low-temperature refrigerant in older commercial refrigeration. It was banned because of its CFC component; R404A and R507A replaced it, and today lower-GWP blends are used.
R502 properties
| Code | R502 |
|---|---|
| Chemical name / composition | Blend of R22 and R115 R22 / R115 (48.8% / 51.2%) |
| Family | CFC |
| GWP (AR4, 100 years) | 4,657 |
| ODP | 0.33 |
| Safety class (ISO 817 / ASHRAE 34) | A1: lower toxicity, non-flammable |
| Boiling point (1 atm) | −45.3 °C |
| Temperature glide | 0.0 K |
| Charge equal to 5 t CO₂e | 1.07 kg |
| Status | Banned / legacy |
Where is R502 used?
- Old cold rooms and blast freezers
- Old supermarket freezer cabinets
- Ice machines
Service and safety notes
- Azeotropic blend: negligible glide, but blends are still charged in liquid phase.
- Non-flammable and low toxicity (A1). A large leak in a closed room can still displace oxygen, so gas detection is recommended in small plant rooms.
- Never charge a system with a refrigerant other than the one on its nameplate; retrofits need manufacturer approval and oil and component checks.
- Charging, recovery and leak checks must be done and recorded by F-gas certified technicians.
R502 and regulations
Banned under the Montreal Protocol. Refrigerant left in old equipment must be recovered by certified technicians and destroyed; systems are not recharged.
Alternatives to R502
- R448A: HFO/HFC blend, GWP 1,387, A1
- R449A: HFO/HFC blend, GWP 1,397, A1
- R404A: HFC blend, GWP 3,922, A1
- R744: Natural refrigerant, GWP 1, A1
Compare all refrigerants in our refrigerant guide.
Other refrigerants
R12R22R123R134aR404AR407CR407FR410AR417AR422DR507AR32R448AR449AR452AR454BR454CR513AR1234yfR1234zeR1233zdR514AR290R600aR1270R744R717
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Frequently asked questions
What is the GWP of R502?
The 100-year global warming potential (AR4) of R502 is about 4,657.
Is R502 flammable?
A1: lower toxicity, non-flammable.
What can replace R502?
Depending on the application: R448A, R449A, R404A, R744. Conversions require manufacturer approval and oil and component checks.