Am I subject to the logbook obligation?
Whether a refrigeration installation is subject to the leak-check and logbook obligation depends on the CO₂ equivalent: refrigerant charge × GWP. Choose your refrigerant and charge below — you will see immediately where you stand.
BRL 100 and STEK are Dutch national certification schemes — full support today is NL-only. See our honest country-coverage disclosure.
GWP = global warming potential (CO₂ = 1), per EU 2024/573 Annex I.
The total refrigerant content of the installation. Slide or type your own value — above 50 kg you can type the number directly.
Calculation: 3 kg × GWP 2088
CO₂ equivalent
6.26 tonnes CO₂-eq
This installation must keep a logbook with all refrigerant changes and leak checks, and is required to be checked for leakage periodically.
Indicative. Calculated as charge × GWP (AR4) per Annex I of EU 2024/573. For hermetically sealed systems the threshold is higher (from 10 tonnes CO₂ equivalent). An approved leak detection system can halve the required check frequency. Always consult your certification body for your specific situation.
The thresholds at a glance
≥ 5 tonnes CO₂-eq
Annual leak check
Logbook mandatory. Check for leakage at least once a year.
≥ 50 tonnes CO₂-eq
Six-monthly leak check
Twice a year. A logbook with all changes remains mandatory.
≥ 500 tonnes CO₂-eq
Fixed detection system
Leak detection system mandatory, in addition to the six-monthly check.
Hermetically sealed systems: the first threshold is at 10 tonnes CO₂ equivalent.
Frequently asked questions
When is a refrigeration installation subject to the logbook obligation?
An installation with 5 tonnes CO₂ equivalent or more is subject to the logbook and leak-check obligation. The CO₂ equivalent is the refrigerant charge (kg) multiplied by the GWP of the refrigerant. Hermetically sealed systems have a higher limit of 10 tonnes.
How often do I need to carry out a leak check?
From 5 tonnes CO₂ equivalent annually, from 50 tonnes every six months, and from 500 tonnes a fixed leak detection system is mandatory in addition to the six-monthly check. An approved leak detection system can halve the required frequency.
What is CO₂ equivalent?
The amount of refrigerant (kg) multiplied by the GWP (global warming potential) of that refrigerant. Example: 3 kg of R410A (GWP 2,088) is 6,264 kg, or just over 6 tonnes CO₂ equivalent.
Does the logbook obligation also apply to air conditioners and heat pumps?
Yes. The threshold depends on the CO₂ equivalent, not on the type of installation. An air conditioner or heat pump with a sufficiently high-GWP refrigerant falls under it just as much as a refrigeration installation.
What needs to be in the logbook?
Among other things, the refrigerant changes (top-up, draining, recovery), the leak checks carried out with date and result, and who carried out the work.
Keep your logbook without the hassle?
Koldwerk calculates the CO₂ equivalent automatically and tracks your leak-check deadlines. Monthly cancellable.
Create an account