These three grades cover jobs the common refrigerants can't: R417a = an A1 (non-flammable) drop-in for R-22 that works on the existing system without changing the compressor — a bridge before investing in new R-32 gear. R454C = an A2L HFO/HFC blend with very low GWP for new refrigeration/heat-pump equipment (an R-410a-class alternative). R123 = an HCFC for low-pressure centrifugal chillers, replacing R-11 in legacy service. All three are made-to-order (quote-only) — send the machine spec and volume for a quote.
The main refrigerant grades (R-32, R-410a, R-134a, R-404a) cover most jobs, but three specific jobs can't use them — and their grades are hard to find on the open market: replacing R-22 without rebuilding the unit, very-low-GWP new refrigeration equipment, and low-pressure centrifugal chillers. This article explains when to use R417a, R454C, or R123.
R417a — a drop-in R-22 replacement
Air-con and refrigeration units still on R-22 face the same problem: R-22 is phasing out (import banned in Thailand from 2030) and its price rises every year. The long-term answer is a new R-32 unit — but you may not be ready to invest yet. R417a is an A1 (non-flammable) drop-in that runs on the existing R-22 system without changing the compressor or valves — a bridge that keeps the current unit going until the replacement cycle.
- Best for: existing R-22 units that must keep running 2-4 more years before replacement
- Trade-off: slightly lower COP than original R-22; check/change oil per guidance
- Alternatives: for a long-term plan, consider R407c (retrofit) or a new R-32 unit
R454C — very low-GWP A2L for new equipment
R454C is an A2L (mildly flammable) HFO/HFC blend with very low GWP, designed for new refrigeration and heat-pump equipment built for low-GWP A2L refrigerants — not a drop-in for R-410a. Unlike R454B (which targets R-410a replacement in new AC/chillers), R454C has lower GWP and different capacity, so it's for equipment that specifically calls for R454C.
- Best for: new refrigeration/heat-pump systems wanting the lowest GWP under the phase-down plan
- Caution: it's A2L — install per flammable-refrigerant requirements (charge-per-room / ventilation)
R123 — low-pressure centrifugal chillers
R123 is an HCFC specifically for large low-pressure centrifugal chillers (replacing R-11). These machines can't easily switch refrigerants, so R-123 is still supplied for servicing/recharging existing units.
- Best for: existing centrifugal chillers on R-123/R-11 — service, recharge, R-11 retrofit
- Pack: 90.8 kg drum, made-to-order
Ordering
All three are made-to-order (quote-only) — not routinely stocked like R-32/R-410a. Send (1) the grade, (2) machine model/spec, (3) volume, (4) delivery province for a quote and lead-time confirmation. See all 15 refrigerant grades on the refrigerant service page or compare R-32 vs R-410a vs R-22.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1Can R417a really replace R-22 without changing the compressor?
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2How is R454C different from R454B and R-410a?
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3What equipment uses R123, and why still an HCFC?
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4How do I order these three grades — are they in stock?
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