Under EC Regulations 517/2014, a system must be fitted with an automatic leak detector if it contains a CO2 equivalent charge weight greater than what?

According to EC Regulation 517/2014, an automatic leak detection system must be installed for refrigeration systems containing a CO2 equivalent charge exceeding 500 tonnes. This regulation aims to mitigate the environmental impact of refrigerants by ensuring that leaks, which can release these potent greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, are detected promptly.

The threshold of 500 tonnes is significant because systems that operate with such high quantities of refrigerants are at a greater risk for substantial leaks, which could have serious environmental consequences. Consequently, to promote responsible management of these systems and enhance safety measures, the regulation mandates the installation of automatic leak detectors in these high-capacity systems.

The other options represent lower thresholds that do not trigger the requirement for an automatic leak detection system, as the risk associated with those charges is deemed manageable without such technology. Hence, only the 500-tonne level necessitates the use of advanced leak detection measures to ensure that both environmental and safety standards are upheld.