This European Standard is intended to describe the qualification procedure for type approval of the tightness of hermetically sealed and closed components, joints and parts used in refrigerating systems and heat pumps as described in EN 378. The sealed and closed components, joints and parts concerned are, in particular, fittings, bursting discs, flanged or fitted assemblies. The tightness of flexible piping made from non-metallic materials is dealt with in EN 1736. Metal flexible piping are covered by this standard.
The requirements contained in this document are applicable to joints of maximum DN 50 and components of internal volume of maximum 5 l and maximum weight of 50 kg.
This document is intended to characterise their tightness stresses met during their operations, following the fitting procedure specified by the manufacturer, and to specify the minimal list of necessary information to be provided by the supplier of a component to the person in charge of carrying out this procedure.
It specifies the level of tightness of the component, as a whole, and its assembly as specified by its manufacturer.
It applies to the hermetically sealed and closed components, joints and parts used in the refrigerating installations, including those with seals, whatever their material and their design are.
This European Standard specifies additional requirements for mechanical joints that can be recognised as hermetically sealed joints.