Taking proactive steps to serve the mobile air conditioning industry, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide has successfully become the first Section 609 certification provider to certify a new technician training program to SAE J2845 under the SAE J2911 program.
“What this means,” explains Elvis L. Hoffpauir, MACS Worldwide president and chief operating officer, “is that in response to the introduction of the new refrigerant
(HFO) R-1234yf and its unique service procedures, SAE International has created new service and training standards for mobile A/C technicians. MACS Worldwide is the first to meet those standards in our Section 609 certification training program for
(HFO) R-1234yf. While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has yet to announce any changes to Section 609 programs, MACS has met the SAE standard and is ready to introduce the new program when any new federal requirements are announced. I am very proud of the MACS technical training team for their efforts on this program.”
SAE International created the J2911 and J2845 standards in response to changes in the refrigerants used in mobile A/C systems, SAE Interior Climate Control Standards Committee (ICCSC) co-chairman Ward Atkinson explains. “SAE J2845 covers servicing of (HFO) R-1234yf and R-744 mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems. Technicians need to be trained to recognize which refrigerant is being handled, how to handle it safely, and be equipped with the essential information and proper equipment and tools, which are unique to these refrigerants. The SAE ICCSC members created SAE standard J2911 because, over the years, we have found that some manufacturers and sellers of equipment and chemical additives have advertised that their product meets or exceeds SAE requirements with no published facts available to a consumer,” Atkinson continued. “Now, in order to advertise or use labeling language that implies such certification, or use the SAE logo, the manufacturer or seller of a product shall meet the appropriate SAE standard and also comply with SAE J2911 by posting the certifying data on the SAE website.”
The SAE International website (http://macdb.sae.org/) is available to consumers, other interested parties and regulatory agencies, to determine if a product is listed and the required J2911 compliance information is posted.
Founded in 1981, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) is the leading non-profit trade association for the mobile air conditioning, heating and engine cooling system segment of the automotive aftermarket. MACS represents a growing membership in North America and 47 countries around the world, and is affiliated with the Vehicle Air Conditioning Specialists of Australia (VASA). MACS also provides information and services to more than 60,000 industry shops, suppliers and technicians. The Society serves the industry through informational tools, self-paced educational materials, leader-led training clinics, advocacy and other member services. Since 1991, MACS has assisted more than one million technicians to comply with 1990 Clean Air Act requirements for certification in refrigerant recovery and recycling to protect the environment. To learn more about MACS Worldwide and the upcoming Be the Best of the Best 33rd Annual Training Conference and Trade Show, to be held February 7-9, 2013 at the Caribe Royale Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, FL, visit our website at www.macsw.org.
