In hotels, refrigeration systems in machine rooms, walk-in cold rooms, kitchens and occupied spaces pose a potential risk if not properly monitored.

Even a minimal refrigerant gas leak can quickly develop into a dangerous situation, with possible effects of asphyxiation, toxicity or flammability, and with significant consequences for the hotel's operational continuity and reputation.

What is EN 378?
EN 378 is the European standard that regulates safety and environmental requirements for refrigeration systems and heat pumps, defining when it is mandatory to install gas detection and alarm systems to protect people and environments.
Its main objective is to minimise the risks associated with refrigerant leaks.

The standard is divided into four parts:
• Part 1: general requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria.
• Parts 2-3: design, construction, installation and commissioning.
• Part 4: operation, maintenance, repair and refrigerant recovery.

How EN 378 determines when gas detection is necessary
Compliance with EN 378 is based on the potential concentration of refrigerant that could accumulate within each environment.
This value is calculated by dividing the total refrigerant charge (kg) by the volume of the room (m³).
If the result exceeds the ‘Practical Limit’ defined in Annex E of EN 378, the installation of point gas detectors becomes mandatory.
Since this limit varies depending on the type and classification of the refrigerant, the assessment must be carried out individually for each room served by the system.

Practical applications of EN 378 in hotels
EN 378 defines different protective measures depending on whether a space is occupied or unoccupied, ensuring the protection of guests and staff in the event of a refrigerant leak.
When gas levels exceed the ‘Practical Limit’ or when a detector failure occurs, the alarm sequence must be activated immediately, with visual and audible signals.
Typical applications in hotels include:
• Machine rooms: audio-visual alarms inside and outside the room, automatic activation of emergency mechanical ventilation and other safety countermeasures.
• Cold rooms and walk-in freezers: alarms inside (and, ideally, also outside) the cold room, automatic activation of countermeasures and integration with building management systems (BMS).
• Occupied areas (rooms, halls, corridors, meeting rooms): audio-visual alarms inside the space and in manned areas, with automatic notifications and activation of response procedures.

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Testing plumbing and heating systems before they are put into operation is a fundamental operation that can highlight any construction defects. Defects that could otherwise lead to significant damage once the building begins to be used. Let's see in which cases it is preferable to carry out pressure testing with air or inert gas rather than water, especially in situations where the system will not be put into operation in the short term.

When the installation of a system is complete, before proceeding with insulation and finishing, it is essential to test it to verify its resistance and tightness. This test, the results of which must be meticulously documented, can be performed with water, compressed air or inert gas.

The choice of testing method is not random: it depends on the type of project, the execution times and, above all, on hygiene and corrosion prevention issues. If the system will not be put into operation immediately, the use of air or inert gas is highly recommended.

In fact, stagnant water can promote bacterial proliferation and corrosion, compromising the healthiness and durability of the system. This is particularly relevant in water and heating systems, where press fittings are most frequently used. Before performing the test with air or inert gas, it is mandatory to moisten the seals to ensure optimal sealing.

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Within its range of solutions dedicated to plumbing and heating systems, Comparato introduces new components for custom-designed heating systems made of polypropylene (PPR), a material designed to guarantee high performance, ease of installation and maximum reliability over time. Thanks to the properties of PPR and Comparato's technical expertise, this new line represents an advanced solution for the construction of modern heating systems, capable of ensuring high standards of construction quality and operational safety.

Its characteristics also make it ideal for air conditioning and cooling applications:
• Corrosion resistant: PPR is not affected by scaling or oxidation;
• No metal releases or impurities: it does not contaminate the water in the system;
• Lower weight compared to other materials;
• Low thermal conductivity;
• Excellent resistance to temperature and pressure;
• Long life and low maintenance.

The new PPR central heating components are already available from the Comparato sales network and represent a further step forward in integrated solutions for designers, installers and professionals in the sector.