ISO 14903:2017 provides the qualification procedure for type approval of the tightness of hermetically sealed and closed components, joints and parts used in refrigerating systems and heat pumps as described in relevant parts of ISO 5149. The sealed and closed components, joints and parts concerned are, in particular, fittings, bursting discs, flanged or fitted assemblies. The tightness of flexible piping made from non-metallic materials is dealt with in ISO 13971. Metal flexible piping are covered by this document.

The requirements contained in this document are applicable to joints of maximum DN 50 and components of internal volume of maximum 5 l and maximum weight of 50 kg.

ISO 14903:2017 is intended to characterize their tightness stresses met during their operations, following the fitting procedure specified by the manufacturer, and to specify the minimal list of necessary information to be provided by the supplier of a component to the person in charge of carrying out this procedure.

It specifies the level of tightness of the component, as a whole, and its assembly as specified by its manufacturer.

It applies to the hermetically sealed and closed components, joints and parts used in the refrigerating installations, including those with seals, whatever their material and their design are.

ISO 14903:2017 specifies additional requirements for mechanical joints that can be recognized as hermetically sealed joints.