Selco Thermostats in R290 Applications - FLA Technology Sales, Inc.

Thermostats are essential for controlling temperature within refrigeration and HVAC systems, ensuring they operate efficiently and safely. In systems using R290, the choice of thermostat is particularly important due to the unique characteristics of this natural refrigerant.

As the refrigeration and HVAC industries increasingly shift toward environmentally friendly solutions, the adoption of R290 (propane) as a natural refrigerant is now a requirement for many of our OEM customers. One critical component for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of R290-based systems is selecting the appropriate thermostat. Selco is onboard with EPA’s efforts to allow substitutes that enable the phase down of high-global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in the industry.

Key Features to Look for in a Thermostat for R290 Applications

Flame-retardant and explosion-proof casing: Ensures that the thermostat can withstand potential hazards associated with flammable refrigerants.
High-precision temperature sensors: These help optimize the performance of R290 by providing accurate control for efficient cooling and heating.
Low-voltage operation: Many R290-based systems work best with low-voltage electronics, so the thermostat must be compatible with this requirement.
Compatibility with variable-speed compressors: R290 applications often rely on variable-speed compressors to improve energy efficiency, and thermostats need to be designed to work seamlessly with these systems.
Compliance with relevant safety and regulatory standards(e.g., UL, CE, ISO): Ensures the thermostat is up to code for safe use in flammable refrigerant applications. This includes verifying that any components which produce and arc or spark during normal operation are tested against UL 60079-15, IEC 60079-15.