prEN 378 standard: draft fails first vote, what does this mean for the industry?

The revision of the European standard prEN 378 , dedicated to the safety and efficiency of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, has encountered an initial obstacle.

The draft was not approved at the first vote, citing that some aspects still require clarification and technical analysis. For the refrigeration sector, this phase represents a crucial step: Standard 378 is a key reference for designers, installers, and manufacturers, as it establishes precise guidelines for the design, installation, maintenance, and use of systems.

The critical issues that emerged in the draft

The failure to approve prEN 378 indicates that several points of the proposal require further amendments and consensus among stakeholders. The critical issues primarily concern the management of low-GWP refrigerants , safety in applications with higher charges, and gas recovery and disposal methods.

These are sensitive issues, reflecting the market's shift toward natural and low-GWP solutions, but at the same time requiring a rigorous update of operating procedures. The negative vote does not mean a definitive halt, but rather the need to improve the text so that it is applicable and shared across all European countries.

Impacts and prospects for the sector

The postponement of the standard should not be seen simply as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to discuss and refine regulations that will directly impact the safety , design, and sustainability of refrigeration systems. It is essential for companies in the sector to stay up-to-date, as the upcoming approval of prEN 37 8 will establish new technical standards that will guide the transition to safer and more environmentally friendly systems.

Furthermore, the revision of the regulation is part of an increasingly stringent European regulatory context, which sees natural and low-GWP refrigerants as a strategic tool for decarbonization.