UL approval certifies TE Connectivity relay series as safe for use

By January 2025, refrigerants using legacy HFC gases will no longer be allowed due to environmental regulations. By that point, all new residential HVAC units must operate with more eco-friendly gases (known as A2Ls) in their systems. Because A2L gases are more flammable than the HCFC gases that have traditionally been used, it is important to review all HVAC system components to be sure they are not a potential source of ignition. Using components that earn UL 60335-2-40 A2L certification is an acceptable method of compliance for HVAC equipment design. TE is one of the first component manufacturers to receive this UL approval.

The T9G relay series is the latest certification that TE has received for A2L compliant products, joining the Potter & Brumfield T92, T9A, T9C, SCHRACK RT, P2, and AXICOM IM relay families that were certified just a few months ago. TE engineers anticipate that the ORWH and OJS relay series will earn certification soon.

“Understanding and anticipating what our customers need to be successful is a key part of what we do at TE,” says John Hamilton, Product Manager. “With this certification, we have a full product family to help our HVAC manufacturing customers feel confident knowing they have a suite of components that will provide the safer, more reliable performance they need, while meeting government regulations for more environmentally friendly refrigerants. This effort also supports TE’s commitment to sustainability.”

A2L refrigerant gases have lower global-warming potential (GWP) than the legacy HFC gases, such as R-410A or freon that have been in use for decades. As part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 (the US response to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed regulations and a schedule for reducing HFC refrigerant import, production, and consumption. The phasedown restricts the supply of manufactured or imported restricted HFCs. “Non-ozone depleting” refrigerants, such as those classified as A2L, are acceptable. However, integrating A2L gases into HVAC systems has posed unique engineering challenges for HVAC equipment manufacturers and component suppliers.

TE has received positive feedback from customers about the fact that TE has A2L certifications already in place.

While this UL certification is new, TE’s T9G family of relays has been in the market for five years. That means HVAC manufacturers who are already using the T9G relay series – or the T92, T9A, T9C, RT, P2 or IM relays – do not have to reconfigure their designs to make room for the UL-certified component. Additional relay families that are pending certification include ORWH, and OJS.

“There is no need for manufacturers to change their bill of materials,” says Brian Lineberry, senior field application engineer. “HVAC manufacturers can keep using the approved relays they have in place today and rest assured knowing they are UL A2L certified.”