We have expanded AB 308 accreditation: Ecodesign (EU) 2024/1834 for fans, ISO 5149-2 for system tightness, and the PN-EN 14825 compensation method for heat pumps.
We have expanded the accredited scope of our testing laboratory PCA AB 308. The changes cover three areas: fan testing under the latest Ecodesign regulation, leak and pressure strength testing of refrigerating systems to an international standard, and heat-pump testing using the compensation method.
PCA document: current AB 308 accreditation scope (PDF). On our website: AB 308 scope, flexible scope.
1. Fan testing — Ecodesign (EU) 2024/1834
We hold PCA accreditation for testing fans used in HVACR equipment. The scope already included aerodynamic characteristics and verification against Regulation (EU) No 327/2011. We have added testing in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1834 of 3 July 2024 to AB 308.
Reference documents in the accreditation
- PN-EN ISO 5801 (ISO 5801) — fan performance testing using standardised airways (including methods A/B),
- ANSI/AMCA 210 / ANSI/ASHRAE 51 — international performance methods,
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 327/2011 — ecodesign for fans driven by motors with electric input power from 125 W to 500 kW,
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1834 — successor to 327/2011 for the same power range; applies from 24 July 2026, repealing 327/2011 with transitional provisions.
Measurement scope
On the laboratory stand we determine Q–p characteristics (flow vs static and total pressure), shaft power, efficiency and efficiency metrics required for ErP / Ecodesign assessment. We test axial, centrifugal and mixed-flow fans; a typical airflow range is 0–5000 m³/h.
We can therefore prepare accredited reports with a view to the 2024/1834 requirements before the regulation’s application date.
Service page — fan testing · order portal
2. System tightness and strength — ISO 5149-2
Until now we performed accredited leak and pressure strength tests of refrigerating systems and heat pumps under the European standard PN-EN 378-2 (together with PN-EN 14276-1/-2). AB 308 now also includes ISO 5149-2 — the international reference for safety and tightness of refrigerating systems.
Scope of this area
- refrigerating systems and heat pumps,
- vessels and piping in refrigeration circuits,
- leak tests by the pressure method,
- pressure strength tests of the circuit.
We can perform both European (EN 378-2) and international (ISO 5149-2) assessments in one laboratory.
Related services: heat pump testing, low-temperature testing.
3. Heat pumps — PN-EN 14825 compensation method
We provide accredited heat-pump testing under PN-EN 14511 (COP/EER), PN-EN 16147 (DHW) and PN-EN 14825 (part-load conditions and seasonal indicators). AB 308 now also includes accreditation for the compensation method according to PN-EN 14825 — alongside calorimetric / direct measurement methods.
What the compensation method does
The compensation method balances the thermal load of the test facility: ambient fluctuations are accounted for in a controlled way, and test conditions are closer to real equipment operation. Classical procedures can be more sensitive to temperature instability in the chamber.
Under this method we determine, among other things:
- capacity under part-load conditions,
- seasonal coefficient of performance SCOP,
- seasonal space-heating energy efficiency ηs,
- seasonal energy efficiency ratio SEER (for reversible units).
These parameters are required for energy labelling and Ecodesign conformity assessments. Our accredited reports are covered by ILAC MRA recognition.
Service page — heat pump testing · order portal
Summary of AB 308 changes
| Area | Previously | Expansion |
|---|---|---|
| Fans | ISO 5801, AMCA 210, (EU) 327/2011 | (EU) 2024/1834 (from 24 July 2026; repeals 327/2011) |
| Circuit tightness / strength | PN-EN 378-2, PN-EN 14276 | ISO 5149-2 |
| Heat pumps — 14825 | Seasonal / part-load testing | Compensation method PN-EN 14825 |
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