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Koeltechnicus Cat I study materials
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Koeltechnicus Cat I: F-gas Certification for Refrigeration Technicians (Category I)

Koeltechnicus Cat I · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

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F-gas Certification for Refrigeration Technicians (Category I)

Scope and responsibilities

Category I technicians may work on any refrigeration system, including those with charges of 3 kg or more of F-gas, and may perform leak checks, recovery, installation, and maintenance. They must understand the environmental impact of fluorinated greenhouse gases (high GWP), legal obligations under the EU F-gas Regulation (or equivalent national rules), and the requirement for certification and company registration.

Key concepts

  • GWP and CO2 equivalent: The CO2 equivalent is the charge in kg multiplied by the GWP of the refrigerant. For example, R-404A has a GWP of 3922 (AR4) or 3943 (AR5); a 5 kg charge equates to 19,610 kg CO2e (using AR4).
  • Leak checking frequency: Based on CO2 equivalent thresholds: 5–50 t CO2e: every 12 months; 50–500 t: every 6 months; ≥500 t: every 3 months. Systems with a leak detection system have relaxed intervals (double the thresholds). Hermetically sealed systems with <10 t CO2e are exempt.
  • Record keeping: Maintain records of refrigerant quantity, type, and leak checks for at least 5 years.
  • Recovery and recycling: Mandatory recovery of refrigerant during service, maintenance, and decommissioning. Only certified personnel may handle F-gases. Recovered refrigerant must be reclaimed or destroyed; venting is prohibited.
  • Labeling: Equipment containing F-gases must be labeled with refrigerant type and charge.

Traps in questions

  • Confusing GWP values from different IPCC assessment reports (AR4 vs AR5). Always use the value specified in the regulation (AR4 for EU F-gas).
  • Misapplying leak check intervals when a leak detection system is installed (intervals are halved).
  • Forgetting that hermetically sealed systems have different thresholds.
  • Assuming all refrigerants are F-gases; natural refrigerants (CO2, ammonia, hydrocarbons) are not covered.

Worked example

A system contains 8 kg of R-134a (GWP 1430). CO2 equivalent = 8 × 1430 = 11,440 kg = 11.44 t. This falls in the 5–50 t band, so leak checks are required every 12 months. If a leak detection system is fitted, the interval becomes 24 months.