EPA Finalizes Rules for HFC Phasedown
October 12, 2021
The EPA finalized their rules for the HFC phasedown including production and consumption baselines which will be reduced over time. The rule establishes a phasedown schedule, a method for trading allowances, and an enforcement system. The final rule can be found here: Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Establishing the Allowance Allocation and Trading Program under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act.
More information about the HFC phasedown can be found in these articles:
U.S. Will Dramatically Cut Climate-Damaging Greenhouse Gases with New Program Aimed at Chemicals Used in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration
HFC Phasedown Frequently Asked Questions
HFC Phasedown Issuing Allowance Allocations.
EPA Proposed Phasedown of HFCs
May 10, 2021
The EPA has a new proposed rule regarding the phasedown of HFCs, "Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Establishing the Allowance Allocation and Trading Program under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act." The proposed rule sets HFC production levels, consumption levels, and how to allocate allowances. A copy of the proposed rule can be found here.
New Hours for the New Year
January 4, 2021
Our office hours for 2021 will be Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We will not be open on Fridays. Please call to schedule an appointment before coming to the office in person.
Comfort Cooling Not Designed for Product Cooling
December 3, 2020
The NC Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshall's October Newsletter contains a clarification that comfort cooling equipment used for product cooling is in violation of the NC Building Code.
The relevant section states:
Technical Bulletin - Comfort cooling equipment not designed for product cooling
It was brought to the attention of our department by the NC State Board of Refrigeration Contractors that some businesses are using after-market controls attached to comfort cooling equipment to act as refrigeration units for produce cooling. The aftermarket controls and devices that force the comfort-cooling unit to cool to a lower temperature than it was designed for is not in compliance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and is therefore in violation of the NC Building Code. We clarified that this is a violation of NCMC 304.1 and/or 1101.2 if this occurs in a building or process where the NC Building Code is applicable. These sections are reprinted next:
304.1 General. Equipment and appliances shall be installed as required by the terms of their approval, in accordance with the conditions of the listing, the manufacturer's installation instructions and this code. Manufacturer's installation instructions shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection.
1101.2 Factory-built equipment and appliances. Listed and labeled self-contained, factory-built equipment and appliances shall be tested in accordance with UL 207, 412, 471 or 1995. Such equipment and appliances are deemed to meet the design, manufacture and factory test requirements of this code if installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
If the cooling unit is located in a structure, and performing a purpose that meets the definitions of Industrial Equipment, then it is outside the scope of the NC Building Code, reference NCGS 143-138 paragraph b9, but it may be subject to other agency and licensure rules.
You can read the newsletter here.
Take Pictures of Faulty Work
November 17, 2020
Pictures of faulty work can be helpful in the complaint process. If you are working for a client who is thinking of making a complaint, or if you are repairing another contractor's work, it is a good idea to take pictures of the faulty work before beginning repairs.
Limited Hours, Email for Essential Business
March 24, 2020
The Board offices are currently running with limited hours. Someone will be available by phone during normal business hours.
The Governor of North Carolina announced the closure of certain non-essential businesses starting Wednesday March 25 at 5:00 PM. Refrigeration contractors are generally considered essential business.
To make sure you will be able to continue to operate, you can email information about your business to beoc@ncdps.gov. Include the following:
1) Business Name
2) Point of Contact (name, email, phone #, address)
3) The nature of your business and why it is essential
4) Business website
Zeke Smith Honored with Research Lab Name
March 4, 2020
A research lab in the new Fitts-Woodard Hall on Centennial Campus at NCSU is being named after Former Board Member Clarence 'Zeke' Smith. Congratulations to Zeke; it is much deserved honor!
EPA Section 608 Rule Changes
March 2, 2020
On February 26, 2020, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed the final rule Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Revisions to the Refrigerant Management Program's Extension to Substitutes. This action rescinds the November 18, 2016, extension of the leak repair provisions to appliances using substitute refrigerants, such has hydrofluorocarbons. This action does not rescind the applicability of the other 40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F provisions that were extended to substitute refrigerants such as the sales restriction and technician certification requirement, safe disposal requirements, evacuation requirements, reclamation standards, and requirement to use certified recovery equipment. Likewise, this action does not affect the requirements for appliances containing ozone-depleting refrigerants.
An advance copy of the rule is available at https://www.epa.gov/section608/revised-section-608-refrigerant-management-regulations which will be updated once the rule is published in the Federal Register. This final rule will be effective 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register. To view the public docket in the Federal Register, visit www.regulations.gov and search for docket number EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0629.
Fax Number
February 11, 2020
We will not be renewing our fax number. If you need to send us a document, please use our email address.
New Efficiency Regulations Effective in 2020
November 21, 2019
New regulations for Walk-In Cooler and Freezer Efficiency go into effect in 2020. All condensing units used in new installations, service replacement, or packaged systems must meet these efficiency standards. For medium-temperature units, the new regulations go into effect on January 1, 2020. For low-temperature units, the new regulations go into effect on July 10, 2020. Contractors and wholesalers are allowed to use and stock condensing units manufactured before these enforcement dates.
The regulations cover enclosed walk-in coolers and freezers, whether indoor or outdoor, with a chilled storage area of less than 3,000 square feet. Equipment designed and marketed exclusively for medical, scientific, or research purposes is exempt. Equipment designed and marketed to serve more than one walk-in cooler or freezer is exempt. Compressor-based racks that serve multiple refrigeration loads are exempt. Remote air-cooled condensers and fluid coolers not used for walk-in coolers and freezers are exempt.
More information on the new regulations can be found here.
New SNAP Substitutes
November 5, 2019
The EPA notified us about changes in the Significant New Alternatives (SNAP) program. The new substitutes are:
R-1224yd(Z) in centrifugal and positive displacement chillers and industrial process refrigeration (new and retrofit equipment)
R-407H in refrigerated transport--refrigerated trucks and trailers and retail food refrigeration--refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment (new and retrofit equipment)
R-448A, R-449A, and R-449B, in ice skating rinks (new equipment);
R-453A in refrigerated transport--refrigerated trucks and trailers (new and retrofit equipment).
Further information about the SNAP program can be found at the EPA's website.
Board Meeting and Renewals
October 22, 2019
At the last meeting of the Board, the Board members voted to retain the current officers for fiscal year 2020:
B.R. Cook - Chairman
T.F. Welch - Secretary
G.G. Ramsey - Treasurer
All renewals and reinstatements for 2020 have been sent out. We will be mailing reminder notices at the end of November. If you have not received a renewal or reinstatement notice and would like to renew or reinstate your license, please contact our office.
Contractor's Exam Reference Books
July 23, 2019
We have added a link on the sidebar to a page that lists all the reference books that may be needed for the various contractor exams.
CFC Replacement Cards
June 25, 2019
If you received a CFC Certification Card from us and need a new card, you can get one by filling out the form available on this website. On the left you will see a link called "Replacement CFC Card." Download this form, print it out, and mail it to us along with the $25 fee, and we will send you a new card.
New Officers and Board Members
March 7, 2019
The following have been elected to lead the Board during 2019:
Brad Cook, Chairman
Tim Welch, Secretary
Gary Ramsey, Treasurer
The Board is pleased to welcome Tom Backman as their newest member, replacing Morton Blanchard. Mr. Blanchard will be missed for his acute acumen and significant contributions to the Board and the refrigeration industry.
Statement Concerning Comfort Cooling Used for Refrigeration
March 5, 2019
It has come to the Board's attention that some businesses are using comfort cooling equipment outside their operating envelope to act as refrigeration units. We asked the Departent of Insurance if this was legal in North Carolina and received the following response:
The short answer is no, this is not in compliance with the NC Mechanical Code, and the section that code officials would primarily cite is NCMC Section 304.1, and Section 1101.2.
304.1 General. Equipment and appliances shall be installed as required by the terms of their approval, in accordance with the conditions of the listing, the manufacturer's installation instructions and this code. Manufacturer's installation instructions shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection.
1101.2 Factory-built equipment and appliances. Listed and labeled self-contained, factory-built equipment and appliances shall be tested in accordance with UL 207, 412, 471 or 1995. Such equipment and appliances are deemed to meet the design, manufacture and factory test requirements of this code if installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
The aftermarket controls and devices that force the comfort-cooling unit to cool to a lower temperature it was designed for is not in compliance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Website Update
February 19, 2019
We are in the process of rebuilding the website. External links to pages and pdf files may need to be updated. Please let us know about any broken links.
Proposed EPA Section 608 Changes
October 25, 2018
The EPA proposed changes to Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. You can read the proposed revisions here.
One of the main changes removes the management requirements for substitute refrigerants that are not on the list of class I or class II substances here. Many common refrigerants would be legal to buy without certification and legal for big box stores and online retailers to sell. This could have a negative impact on refrigeration manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors.
You can comment on the proposed changes here, but you must do so before November 15, 2018.
Renewals for 2019
October 11, 2018
The License Renewal Notices for 2019 have been mailed out. If you need to update your mailing address or do not receive a renewal notice in the next week, please contact our office.
New Electrical Code Book
October 4, 2018
The Electrical Code section of the exam will start using references from NEC 17 starting on November 1, 2018.
CFC Certifications Now on the Website
July 26, 2018
The EPA requires all CFC testing organizations to list the people who passed the CFC examination or received CFC cards.
There is a new section on the website, CFC Test Results, which shows all the cards issued by year.
If you want to opt-out of the list, please call the board or send us an email requesting to be left off the list including your first and last name and social security number.
New Contractor's Exam Booklet
July 12, 2018
The Exam Application for Refrigeration Contractors has been updated with the latest General Statutes and Administrative Code.
EPA Regulations Document Added to CFC Section
July 6, 2018
The Changes to the EPA's Section 608 program have been added to the CFC Section to the left. Click on Section 608 EPA Changes to the left or here to view the PDF.
Here and There
December 18, 2017
License renewals/reinstatements are due in the Board office by December 31, 2017. Reinstatements after January 1, 2018 have been increased to $120.00.
Other changes effective January 1, 2018 include:
1. The name of the Board is changed to State Board of Refrigeration Contractors.
2. The Board member positions to be filled by academia have been expanded to include "any accredited college or university located in this State."
3. Two new classes of licensure for refrigeration contractors are added:
a. Industrial - All persons, firms or corporation engaged in refrigeration contracting with the use of ammonia as a refrigeration gas.
b. Service - All persons, firms, or corporations engaged in the maintenance, servicing, and repairing of refrigerating machinery, equipment, devices and components.
Current commercial contractors' licenses will continue to include service and transport. Additionally, current commercial contractors will hold both a commercial and industrial license and their license number will be modified to reflect both classifications upon 2018 renewal. The 2018 $40 renewal/$75 reinstatement fee will cover both classifications.
The following fees will be charged beginning January 1, 2018:
1. Examination fee - $100;
2. Initial Licensure fee - $80;
3. Renewal fees - $80 annually;
4. Reinstatement fees - $120 annually.
Also effective January 1, the following officers have been elected to serve during 2018:
Chairman - W.D. Frye
Secretary - B.R. Cook
Treasurer - T. F. Welch
Board Proposes Rule Changes
July 21, 2017
The State Board of Refrigeration Examiners has filed proposed new rules, rule amendments and rule repeals for implementation on January 1, 2018 with the Rules Review Commission.
Click here for a PDF of the proposed changes.
A public hearing will be held on September 13, 2017 at 2PM in the Board Office (1027 US Hwy 70 W., Suite 221, Garner, NC 27529). Public comments will be accepted until October 16, 2017 and may be mailed to:
Barbara Hines, SBRE
1027 US Hwy. 70 W.
Suite 221
Garner, NC 27529
NC Sales and Use Tax Notice
July 6, 2017
The NC Sales and Use Tax Division published the following notice regarding repair, maintenance, and installation services. Page three of the notice contains a section on Commercial Refrigeration Equipment. The Board is drawing attention to the notice, but cannot offer legal advice.
2017 Notice
June 16, 2017
Senate Bill 131, Regulatory Reform Act of 2016-2017, was signed into law by Governor Cooper on May 4, 2017.
This bill includes amendments as follows to Article 5, Section 87, Board of Refrigeration Examiners:
Current commercial contractors' licenses will continue to include service and transport. Additionally, current commercial contractors will hold both a commercial and industrial license and their license number will be modified to reflect both classifications upon 2018 renewal. The 2018 $40 renewal/$75 reinstatement fee will cover both classifications
These changes are effective January 1, 2018 and will apply to all fees collected after that date.