Home / Blog / R290 in Commercial Refrigeration
R290 in Commercial Refrigeration: Safety, Compliance & Service Myths (Australia)
R290 (propane) is now standard in many glass‑door and upright commercial fridges and freezers. This guide explains—in plain Australian English—how R290 works, how to buy and site cabinets with confidence, and how to service them safely without risking compliance or warranty.
Last updated: 21 September 2025 • Word target: 4,000–6,000 • Links checked to stable regulator/standards pages.
Relevant categories: Shop Commercial Fridges · Shop Commercial Freezers · All Commercial Fridges & Freezers
1) Intent, persona & how to use this guide
Primary intent: answer “Is R290 safe and compliant for my venue, how do I check cabinets and siting, and what does service actually look like?”
Audience personas
- Budget‑tight café owner: wants reassurance on safety, a clear buying checklist, and how to place the unit near cooking without breaching rules.
- Multi‑site ops/facilities: needs a policy for R290 cabinets—what to file (labels, EEI, GEMS), what to train, and who can service in each state.
- Tech/contractor: wants quick links to standards and state guidance to quote confidently and keep teams safe.
Pillar model: this article links your refrigeration pillar (energy, compliance) with future cluster pieces (e.g., “A2L vs A3 in small cabinets”, “How to read EEI labels”).
2) R290 basics: safety class & climate upside
What it is: R290 is propane—a hydrocarbon refrigerant. Under AS/NZS ISO 817 safety classification it’s Class A3 (low toxicity, higher flammability). The Australian government lists R‑290 among “non‑HFC refrigerants” with GWP < 5 on its reference page for refrigerant GWPs and safety classes. That same page points to AS/NZS ISO 817 for the A3 classification (flammability). Source‑linked See References for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) listing and explanation.
Why it’s used: Ultra‑low GWP and strong efficiency in small, self‑contained cases—especially glass‑door and upright merchandisers. Internationally, safety standards have evolved to allow larger hydrocarbon charges in some self‑contained commercial cabinets (e.g., IEC 60335‑2‑89:2022 recognises higher charge limits for A3 in defined scenarios). Always check what edition your model complies with in Australia and follow the manufacturer labelling. See the standards overview and regulator notes in Section 4.
3) Compliance map (Australia): who regulates what
Federal (national settings)
- GWP & classification reference: DCCEEW publishes refrigerant GWP references and safety classes (A1/A2L/A2/A3) used in Australia. R‑290 is listed among non‑HFCs with GWP < 5, safety class A3. See DCCEEW refrigerants page.
- Energy regulation (GEMS): Refrigerated cabinets sold in AU/NZ are regulated for energy performance via the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards program (Energy Rating). The official “Refrigerated cabinets” pages explain the test methods (ISO 23953 etc.) and timelines. See Energy Rating.
States & territories (WHS & gas)
- Work health & safety (WHS): State regulators publish practical guidance for flammable refrigerants (risk assessment, ventilation, ignition controls, labelling). See NSW SafeWork, WorkSafe Victoria and WorkSafe Queensland in References.
- Queensland licensing: QLD specifically requires a Gas Work Licence (hydrocarbon refrigerants) for work on R290 refrigeration gas systems; it also maintains an approval register for hydrocarbon appliances. See “Hydrocarbon refrigerants guideline” (Business Queensland). If you’re national, build QLD’s rule into your service policy.
- AS/NZS 5601.1 (gas installations) context: This gas standard governs gas appliances (cookers, pipework). It doesn’t ban R290 cabinets; it does drive where you can place gas appliances and controls around ignition. When refrigeration and open‑flame appliances share a space, apply WHS risk assessment and the gas installer’s clearances together. See the standards and regulator notices linked in References.
4) Product standards, labelling & EEI/GEMS
Know the label on the back
- Safety standard: Australian cabinets cite AS/NZS 60335.2.89 (commercial refrigerating appliances & ice‑makers). 2020 is the current edition (with a 2024 Amendment). The label/manual will also show refrigerant type and charge. If you need to reference the standard, use the Standards NZ/Australia shop pages (paywalled but stable).
- Refrigerant marking: Look for “R290” and the flammable pictogram on the rating plate and inside the service manual.
- Charge limits & international context: Internationally, IEC 60335‑2‑89:2022 increased allowable A3 charge in certain self‑contained commercial cabinets (often cited as “up to ~500 g” depending on construction and placement). Australian compliance follows the edition your specific model is certified to—always check the cabinet documentation.
Energy (EEI, kWh/24 h) & GEMS
- EEI & test methods: The Energy Rating (GEMS) pages detail which test methods apply (e.g., ISO 23953‑2:2023 for display cabinets) and confirm the 5 October 2025 transition dates for reports against the newer standards. Ask suppliers for the model’s EEI and tested kWh/24 h.
- Why it matters: R290 cabinets often achieve better EEI at the same duty than legacy HFC models, reducing running cost and heat rejection in your front‑of‑house.
- Photo of rating plate showing R290 and charge
- Copy of manual page citing AS/NZS 60335.2.89
- Supplier email with EEI and kWh/24 h
- GEMS product family info from Energy Rating site
- If in QLD: service provider’s Gas Work Licence (hydrocarbon)
Energy Rating and standards links are listed in References. (We avoid linking to paywalled standard texts; use the official standards shop pages when needed.)
5) Service myths—busted (with sources)
| Myth | Fact | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| “R290 fridges aren’t legal in Australia.” | They are widely supplied and certified to AS/NZS 60335.2.89. R‑290 is listed by the Australian government among non‑HFC refrigerants with GWP < 5 and safety class A3. | Buy documented, certified cabinets from reputable suppliers; keep the label/manual in your records. |
| “You can’t put an R290 fridge anywhere near a gas cookline.” | There’s no blanket ban. Manage ignition sources and ventilation under WHS. Gas appliances must meet AS/NZS 5601.1 clearances; refrigeration placement follows the cabinet manual. Apply risk assessment when both share a space. | Work with your gasfitter and refrigeration tech to confirm siting; avoid directing open flames or hot exhaust onto the cabinet; maintain manufacturer clearances. |
| “No one is allowed to service R290.” | Wrong. Queensland requires a specific Gas Work Licence (hydrocarbon refrigerants) to work on gas systems; other jurisdictions focus on WHS risk control and competence. Always check your state’s rules. | In QLD, use a licensed hydrocarbon gas worker. Elsewhere, use competent techs following WHS, manufacturer procedures and flammable‑refrigerant guidance (see state links). |
| “R290 is dangerous to store on site.” | As a sealed charge inside an appliance, risk is controlled by design and standards. Bulk cylinders and decanting are different—follow hazardous chemicals rules, ventilation and ignition controls. | Don’t stockpile cylinders. If you store any, follow your regulator’s hazardous‑chemicals guidance and the SDS. |
6) Where you put it matters: siting, ventilation & near‑gas reality
Five siting rules that hold up in audits
- Follow the manual’s clearances for condenser intake/exhaust—never block vents.
- Avoid hot airstreams (pizza ovens, chargrills) blowing onto the fridge; heat drives energy use and stresses components.
- Keep casters accessible so you can pull the unit forward to clean the condenser safely.
- Don’t modify the refrigerant circuit unless you’re authorised/licensed where required (QLD: hydrocarbon gas licence).
- Near gas appliances: respect both sets of rules—AS/NZS 5601.1 clearances for the gas appliance and the refrigeration manual. Eliminate ignition sources during any service work on R290 systems; ventilate the work area.
Quick flowchart: same‑room gas + R290 cabinet
This flowchart summarises regulator guidance: follow the gas standard for gas, the cabinet manual for refrigeration, and apply WHS controls during any work.
7) Buyer & commissioning checklist (table)
| What to check | Ask the supplier/tech | Why it matters | Where to file it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety compliance | Confirm AS/NZS 60335.2.89 on the rating plate/manual | Proves electrical & mechanical safety for commercial refrigeration | Equipment file → “Safety compliance” |
| Refrigerant & charge | R290 charge (g) and A3 label present | For emergency/insurer; confirms flammable marking intact | Photo of label → “Refrigerant” |
| Energy performance | Provide EEI and tested kWh/24 h; GEMS family | Lets you model running cost vs legacy cabinets | Specs → “Energy” |
| Clearances | Manual page noting intake/exhaust ventilation distances | Prevents overheating; avoids nuisance faults | Install notes → “Siting” |
| Service policy | Who services in your state? (QLD: hydrocarbon gas licence) | Prevents delays and compliance issues | Contracts → “Service” |
| Training & WHS | Toolbox talk on flammable refrigerants for staff | Meets WHS duty to manage hazardous chemicals | Induction → “WHS” |
When in doubt, ask us for a “cabinet file” template: label photos, EEI/kWh, siting sign‑off, and service contacts, ready for auditors or insurers.
8) Energy & ROI: EEI, kWh/24 h & simple calculator
R290’s thermodynamic performance helps many certified cabinets achieve lower kWh/24 h than older HFC models at the same duty. The Energy Rating site explains which test methods apply to your cabinet type and when (ISO 23953‑2:2023 for display cabinets; IEC 60335 for storage types), which then flow into EEI and registration. Use actual tested kWh/24 h to model cost.
Use the tested values from the spec sheet or Energy Rating registration. EEI is the efficiency index; kWh/24 h is your cost lever.
Shopping? Start here: Commercial Fridges · Commercial Freezers · All Fridges & Freezers.
9) Safe maintenance SOP (front‑of‑house cabinets)
What your team can do (no gas work)
- Monthly condenser clean (power off): brush/vacuum filters/coils; restore clear airflow.
- Visual checks: labels intact; no damage to cabinet skin; no heat sources aimed at vents.
- Door seals: wipe, inspect, replace when torn/hardened.
- Temperature checks: log food/product temperatures with a probe (±1 °C accuracy).
What only a qualified tech should do
- Any work on the refrigerant circuit (opening, charging, replacing components).
- Electrical fault‑finding beyond basic checks.
- QLD only: hydrocarbon gas work requires a Gas Work Licence (hydrocarbon refrigerants).
Service flow (tech)
This flow follows state regulator guidance for flammable refrigerants: isolate ignition, ventilate, verify labelling/charge, and only then proceed per the manufacturer’s method.
10) Case study (modelled): inner‑Melbourne café
Modelled on real‑world specs and regulator guidance. Swap in your model’s tested kWh/24 h and your tariff for exact numbers.
| Context | Problem | Interventions | Outcomes (modelled) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two glass‑door uprights on front‑of‑house line; shared room with gas cookline; rising energy costs; old HFC units (early 2010s). | Hot airstreams causing compressor strain; high energy use; staff worried about “flammable gas” headlines. |
|
|
11) FAQ
- Is R290 legal in Australian commercial fridges?
- Yes—R290 cabinets are certified under AS/NZS 60335.2.89. R‑290 is listed by DCCEEW as a non‑HFC refrigerant with GWP < 5 and A3 safety class.
- What about the “500 g” headlines?
- International standard IEC 60335‑2‑89:2022 allows higher hydrocarbon charge limits in some self‑contained commercial cabinets. In Australia, compliance is what your model is certified to (see its label/manual). Ask your supplier which edition applies.
- Can I site an R290 fridge near my gas cookline?
- There’s no blanket ban. Respect AS/NZS 5601.1 clearances for the gas appliance, follow the fridge manual’s ventilation rules, and manage ignition sources—especially during service.
- Who can service R290?
- Use competent refrigeration technicians who follow flammable‑refrigerant procedures. Queensland requires a Gas Work Licence (hydrocarbon refrigerants) for gas‑system work. Elsewhere, regulators focus on WHS risk control and competence—check your state pages in our references.
- Is R290 better for energy?
- Often yes at the same duty, reflected in lower tested kWh/24 h and stronger EEI. Compare actual test figures on the spec sheet or Energy Rating listing.
12) Next steps
We’ll map your floor plan, gas appliance clearances, cabinet ventilation, service policy (QLD included) and EEI options—so your team knows exactly what to buy, where to put it and how to look after it.
13) References (stable links)
- Australian government (refrigerants, safety & energy)
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW): Refrigerant GWP values & safety classes (incl. non‑HFCs like R‑290; A3 class)
- DCCEEW: Safety considerations when using flammable refrigerants (hydrocarbons)
- Energy Rating (GEMS): Refrigerated cabinets — test methods & dates
- Energy Rating (GEMS): Streamlining regulation for refrigerated cabinets (program update)
- State regulators (WHS & gas)
- Queensland — Business Queensland: Hydrocarbon refrigerants guideline (Gas Work Licence requirement; approvals)
- WorkSafe Queensland: Flammable refrigerants (WHS responsibilities)
- SafeWork NSW: Flammable refrigerant gases — position paper and Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals
- WorkSafe Victoria: Using flammable refrigerants (guidance for occupiers & duty holders)
- Standards context (paywalled text; stable overviews)
- AS/NZS 60335.2.89:2020 (commercial refrigerating appliances & ice‑makers): Standards NZ shop page (Amendment 1: 2024 also available); summary note in government report: Cold Hard Facts 2020
- AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 (gas installations): Standards Australia shop page and regulator notices (e.g., WA Government notice)
- International context (not a legal reference in AU): IIR note on IEC 60335‑2‑89:2022 higher hydrocarbon charge limits
- Extra WHS references
- WorkSafe Queensland: Hazardous area classification (fire & explosion)
We favour .gov.au regulator pages and official standards shop pages for long‑term stability. If an external page changes, navigate from the site’s landing page to update the link in your CMS.
