Refrigerant color codes are useful for us to recognize the type of gas that is stored in the cylinders. The name of the gas are usually labelled on the cylinders as an added aid so that we will not make any mistakes in recognizing them. Putting the wrong gas into our air conditioning systems can damage the compressors.
Take note that in the future, all CFCs and HCFCs will eventually be phased out due to their effect on the ozone layers.
In an effort to reduce confusion over the color codes of all refrigerant containers, the AHRI has announced that all refrigerant will be using the same color code which is light grey/green based on the RAL 7044 Color Code by the year 2020. Hence, the identification by then will be by product markings and labels instead of by color codes as practiced now.
CFCs
| Number | Old Cylinder Color | Refrig. Name | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-11 | Orange | Trichloromonofluoromethane | Centrifugal Chillers |
| R-12 | White | Dichlorodifluoromethane | Reciprocating and rotary equipments |
| R-13 | Light Blue | Monochlorotrifluoromethane | Used in low stage of cascade systems |
| R-13B1 | Coral | Bromotrifluoromethane | Low to Medium temperature applications |
| R-113 | Purple | Trichlorotrifluoroethane | Low capacity centrifugal chillers |
| R-114 | Dark Blue | Dichlorotetrafluoroethane | High capacity Chillers |
| R-500 | Yellow | Refrig. 152A/12 | Industrial and commercial reciprocating compressors |
| R-502 | Light Purple | Refrig. 22/115 | Reciprocating and rotary equipments |
| R-503 | Aquamarine | Refrig. 23/13 | Low temperature commercial refrigeration |
HCFCs
| Number | Old Cylinder Color | Refrig. Name | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-22 | Light Green | Monochlorodifluoromethane | Residential, commercial and industrial |
| R-123 | Light Gray | Dichlorotrifluoroethane | R-11 replacement for centrifugal chillers |
| R-124 | Deep Green | Chlorotetrafluoroethane | Medium pressure chillers |
| R-401A | Coral Red | R-22 + R-152a + R-124 | Medium temperature systems |
| R-401B | Mustard Yellow | R-22 + R-152a + R-124 | Transport refrigeration, domestic refrigerators |
| R-402A | Light Brown | R-22 + R-125 + R-290 | Ice machine, vending, supermarket and food service |
| R-402B | Green Brown | R-22 + R-125 + R-290 | Supermarket, food service and transport |
HFCs
| Number | Old Cylinder Color | Refrig. Name | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-23 | Light Gray | Trifluoromethane | Low temperature refrigerant |
| R-134a | Light Sky Blue | Tetrafluoroethane | Automotive industry and refrigeration systems |
| R-404A | Orange | R-125 + R-143a + R-134a | Medium and low temperature |
| R-407C | Chocolate Brown | R-32 + R-125 + R-134a | R-22 Replacement |
| R-410A | Rose | R-32 + R-125 | Replacement for residential air conditioning |
| R-507 | Light Brown | Refrig. 125/143a | Replacement for low-temp commercial refrig. |
