Leading as First Sensor Innovator in the Asia-Pacific Region: Cubic Refrigerant Leak Sensor Earns UL Certification

Cubic has obtained UL 60335-2-40 certification

Recently, Cubic refrigerant gas leak monitoring sensors successfully passed the UL60335-2-40/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-40 "Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances - Particular Requirements for Electrical Heat Pumps, Air Conditioners, and Dehumidifiers" Appendix LL tests at the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) North America laboratory. Cubic refrigerant gas leak monitoring sensors have received official UL recognition, making Cubic the first gas sensor company in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve this certification. The success of acquiring UL certification highlights Cubic's excellent commitment to product quality and safety, to provide manufacturers of air conditioners with a UL-certified one-stop solution to meet increasingly stringent refrigerant regulatory requirements.

On June 14, 2024, UL Solutions awarded Cubic Sensor and Instrument Co., Ltd. the first certification in the Asia-Pacific region for a new type of environmental-friendly refrigerant gas leak monitoring sensor based on the UL 60335-2-40 standard. The certification ceremony was held in the hall of Cubic R&D Center, with the attendance of over 20 representatives, including Ms. Karine Johnfroe, Global General Manager of Built Environment at UL Solutions, Mr. Jie Xu, General Manager of the Asia-Pacific Region at UL Solutions, and Dr. Youhui Xiong, Chairman of Cubic.

Dr. Youhui Xiong, Chairman of Cubic, delivered a speech at the award ceremony. “As a globally acknowledged independent certification institution, UL Solutions has been committed to promoting the world towards a safer and more sustainable direction through science and innovation. The certification achievement of Cubic is not only thanks to the innovative development and sincere cooperation of Cubic A2L refrigerant gas leak sensor research and industrialization team but also to the professional and efficient work of UL Solutions' certification testing team over the past few months.

Six years ago, Cubic began research and development of A2L refrigerant gas leak sensors, and conducted feasibility studies on various technological principles, including NDIR, thermal conductivity, and ultrasonic, ultimately choosing NDIR technology as the primary research focus and developing products like AM4205 series and AM4203 series. The acquisition of UL certification for A2L refrigerant gas leak sensors reflects Cubic technological innovation capabilities and high-quality product industrialization capabilities, which will significantly accelerate the marketization and internationalization process of Cubic A2L refrigerant gas leak sensors.

As an important component of the industrial device supply chain, the quality and safety of sensors are crucial. Cubic is striving to build an international brand in the sensor field and greatly needs the support and assistance of UL Solutions. We will continue to maintain close cooperation with UL Solutions to develop more intelligent gas sensor products from Cubic to the world.”

As a globally leading testing and certification organization, UL assists companies in demonstrating safety, confirming compliance, and ensuring product quality and performance through independent research, standards development, testing, certification, and the provision of analysis and digital solutions. UL certification represents high standards of product performance and independent third-party recognition, and is a highly regarded authoritative certification in many industries. Applying UL-certified components can significantly simplify the product certification process, reduce compliance costs, and accelerate the time-to-market process. UL certification is crucial for HVACR industry, which stands for company’s commitment to safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Today, in the face of climate change and the advancement of carbon neutrality goals, Europe and the United States have implemented policies to ban high-GWP refrigerants. On October 6, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the latest action under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act to phase down climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Additionally, on January 19, 2024, the European Union passed legislation to further regulate emissions of fluorinated gases, aiming for "zero emissions" of HFCs by 2050. These rules have driven the HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) industry to transition to low-GWP refrigerants. However, low-GWP refrigerants pose safety risks, requiring equipment to be equipped with efficient and reliable refrigerant gas leak monitoring sensors to ensure product safety.

Based on comprehensive sensing technology platforms and technological innovations, Cubic has successfully developed a complete set of refrigerant monitoring solutions capable of detecting various refrigerant gas leakages including R-32, R-454A, R-454B, R-454C, R-290, R-1234yf, and R-1234ze, based on NDIR, MEMS thermal conductivity, and ultrasonic technologies. Cubic has introduced refrigerant gas leakage sensor solutions tailored for both residential and commercial heat pump & AC units, with mass production capability. At the same time, Cubic also developed refrigerant gas leakage detectors suitable for after-sales maintenance and repair services in HVAC and heat pump industry. To support refrigerant research and analysis in the enterprise laboratories, Cubic designed high-end refrigerant gas analysis instruments compliant with UL/IEC Appendix LL and Appendix MM testing requirements.

The significant advancements in Cubic refrigerant gas leak sensing solutions are underpinned by a steadfast commitment to ongoing research and development investment and stringent product quality control. Cubic will develop its products not only compliant with stringent safety regulations but also meet customer expectations. To contribute significantly to global gas safety monitoring and the pursuit of dual-carbon objectives, Cubic will remain resolute in its mission by spearheading innovative gas sensing technologies and will strive to create a safer, more sustainable future towards heightened environmental stewardship and industrial responsibility.