The Xtend Eco heat pump can operate without a safety zone

At the VSK+E earlier this year, Intergas introduced the brand-new Xtend Eco monoblock with capacities of 5 and 7 kW, which uses propane (R290) as a refrigerant. After further investigation, Intergas has now concluded that the safety zone previously specified is no longer required under normal operating conditions. What does this mean in practice?

A safety zone is typically required when installing heat pumps. Initially, during the product launch, Intergas stated that it was mandatory to maintain the specified safety zone when installing the new Xtend Eco monoblock. In other words, a minimum amount of free space is required around the unit. The exact amount and location depend on the installation method—such as freestanding, wall-mounted at ground level, wall-mounted at an elevated level, or a corner installation on the left or right. The exact specifications for the required safety zone can be found in the Xtend Eco installation instructions.

Safety zone no longer applies

There must be absolutely no sources of ignition within a safety zone, such as sparking devices or tools, electrical outlets, and switches—let alone open flames. This makes sense, since R290 (propane) is a flammable gas. It is completely safe as long as it remains within the closed refrigeration circuit, but what if there is a leak? Openings such as windows, doors, skylights, and ventilation openings must also be located outside the safety zone. The same applies to property lines or any public spaces, such as a sidewalk.

All in all, the safety zone can make installing a heat pump quite difficult, especially when space is already at a premium. Intergas recently commissioned an independent study examining the design and use of the Xtend Eco. The study shows that this monoblock is designed in such a way that, under normal operating conditions, there is absolutely no risk to the surrounding area. As a result, the previously required safety zone is no longer necessary under normal operating conditions. This is good news, as it provides additional freedom and flexibility when installing an Xtend Eco.

When a safety zone is required

This certainly does not mean that the safety zone is now completely eliminated. It remains mandatory if work on the refrigerant circuit is required during maintenance. However, Intergas immediately points out that this rarely occurs in practice with monoblock heat pumps. However, should this be necessary in a rare case—for example, when replacing a compressor—the outdoor unit must first be dismantled and moved to a location outside the mandatory safety zone before the repair can and may take place.

Option: with or without a safety zone

With the elimination of the safety zone under normal operating conditions, there is greater flexibility in determining the most suitable installation location for individual situations. Is there more than enough space available? In that case, as an installer, you can still decide—in consultation with the customer—to observe the safety zone. This ensures that the heat pump can always remain in place—regardless of whether, for example, a compressor needs to be replaced—and a technician can get to work immediately. Are installation options limited? In that case, there are now more options to choose from than before, but the unit will need to be temporarily moved outside the safety zone should a repair to the refrigerant circuit unexpectedly become necessary. The choice is yours and the client’s!