Sensitron SMART 3 R

F-Gas Regulation and Fixed Refrigerant Leak Detection

EU F-Gas Regulation (Regulation 2024/573/EU) requires operators of equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases above certain thresholds to implement regular leak detection - and above higher thresholds, to install fixed automatic leak detection systems. This applies across a wide range of applications: commercial refrigeration, industrial cooling systems, HVAC installations, marine refrigeration plant, cold storage facilities, and any other installation using HFC or HFO refrigerants covered by the regulation.

The SMART 3 R is designed and compliant for exactly this use case. Its infrared sensor covers a wide range of refrigerant gases including A2L refrigerants such as R32 and R152a - gases increasingly common in modern refrigeration and heat pump systems as the industry transitions away from high-GWP refrigerants. For operators needing to demonstrate compliance with fixed leak detection requirements under F-Gas Regulation, the SMART 3 R provides the appropriate technical solution alongside the documentation needed for regulatory evidence.

SMART 3 vs SMART 3G - Understanding the Series Difference

A common question when specifying Sensitron products is the distinction between the SMART 3 and SMART 3G series. The difference is straightforward but important:

SMART 3G series - certified for use in classified hazardous areas (Zone 1 or Zone 2) under the ATEX directive. Required where an explosive gas atmosphere may be present in normal or abnormal operating conditions. Covers the same sensor technologies and gas types but with full ATEX and SIL certification.

SMART 3 series - designed for non-classified areas where ATEX certification is not required. Not suitable for classified hazardous areas. The appropriate and cost-effective specification for installations where the area has been assessed as non-classified - including most standard HVAC plant rooms, commercial refrigeration spaces, cold storage facilities, and non-hazardous industrial areas.

Specifying ATEX-certified equipment in a non-classified area is not wrong, but it adds unnecessary cost. Specifying non-ATEX equipment in a classified area is a compliance and safety failure. If you are unsure of the area classification for your installation, this should be confirmed by a competent person before equipment is specified.

Contact us for product selection advice

Have a question about the Sensitron SMART 3 R?

Our technical team can advise on sensor selection, F-Gas Regulation compliance requirements, and whether the SMART 3 R or a SMART 3G model is the correct specification for your installation.