Refrigerant Knowledge Center
What Is R1234ze(E) Refrigerant? Properties, Uses and Safety
R1234ze(E) is an A2L HFO with ultra-low reported GWP used in purpose-designed chillers, heat pumps and selected medium-temperature systems where its pressure and capacity profile fits the application.
What Is R1234ze(E)?
R1234ze(E) is an A2L HFO with ultra-low reported GWP used in purpose-designed chillers, heat pumps and selected medium-temperature systems where its pressure and capacity profile fits the application.
R1234ze(E) is classified as single component in the HFO family. Its composition is 100% trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. Refrigerant choice is never based on designation alone: capacity, pressure, lubricant, controls, heat-exchanger behavior, safety standards and local rules all matter.
R1234ze(E) Technical Properties
General reference values for comparison; a current product specification and applicable regulatory basis govern a transaction.
| Refrigerant designation | R1234ze(E) |
|---|---|
| Chemical family | HFO |
| Composition | 100% trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene |
| Blend type | single component |
| ASHRAE safety class | A2L |
| 100-year GWP | 1 (manufacturer-reported value below 1, rounded for display) |
| Ozone depletion potential | 0 |
| Normal boiling reference | -19.0 °C |
Common R1234ze(E) Applications
Typical references include medium-temperature chillers, heat pumps, and high-temperature refrigeration.
Use depends on equipment design, operating envelope and applicable local requirements.
Use depends on equipment design, operating envelope and applicable local requirements.
Use depends on equipment design, operating envelope and applicable local requirements.
Advantages and Limitations
Selection advantages
- Established refrigerant designation with published reference data.
- Application history in medium-temperature chillers.
- ODP reference of 0.
Important limitations
- A2L safety controls must be applied.
- GWP and lifecycle status can affect long-term selection.
- No refrigerant should be treated as a universal drop-in.
Environmental Impact and Regulation
Suitability is application specific and safety treatment may vary with operating conditions and the standard applied in each market.
R1234ze(E) has an ODP reference of 0 and a stated GWP of 1 using manufacturer-reported value below 1, rounded for display. Regulations commonly distinguish between manufacturing or import, new equipment, servicing, recovered material and individual end uses.
Safety, Handling and Storage
Equipment must be designed and approved for R1234ze(E), with A2L risk controls and component compatibility verified by the system manufacturer.
The A2L classification describes toxicity and flammability groupings; it does not by itself approve a refrigerant for a particular system. Review the current safety data sheet, cylinder label, transport classification, equipment manual and local code.
R1234ze(E) Alternatives and Comparisons
Candidate alternatives must be evaluated as system choices, not simple chemical substitutions.
HFC; A1 safety class; GWP 1430 on the stated IPCC AR4 100-year basis.
HFO/HFC blend; A1 safety class; GWP 573 on the stated IPCC AR5 100-year, manufacturer-reported basis.
Review packaging, documentation and inquiry requirements for R1234ze(E).
R1234ze(E) Frequently Asked Questions
What is R1234ze(E) made of?
100% trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene; it is categorized as single component.
What is the safety class of R1234ze(E)?
The published classification used in this guide is A2L. Equipment approval and local safety rules still apply.
What is the GWP of R1234ze(E)?
The reference here is 1 on the manufacturer-reported value below 1, rounded for display basis. Other assessment bases may show a different number.
Can R1234ze(E) replace another refrigerant directly?
No universal drop-in claim is made. Compatibility and conversion requirements must be confirmed for the exact equipment.
Where is R1234ze(E) commonly used?
Typical applications include medium-temperature chillers, heat pumps, and high-temperature refrigeration, subject to equipment design and local approval.
References and Technical Sources
Source data is summarized for general education. Always use current official documents, standards and supplier-specific safety and technical data for engineering or compliance decisions.
Ask About R1234ze(E) Refrigerant
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