Refrigerant Cylinder Identifiers and Color Codes
What the color of a refrigerant cylinder does and does not tell you: the recovery cylinder, the red band on flammable refrigerants, and the rule that the label decides. No account, nothing to install.
Reference only
These are general industry reference values, not a guarantee for your specific equipment. Always verify against the manufacturer's own specifications. You are responsible for doing your own research before acting on this.
Refrigerant Cylinder Identifiers
DOT Recovery Cylinders. Gray body with Yellow top/shoulder (universal for all refrigerant recovery cylinders).
Flammable Refrigerants (A2L / A3). Red band on the cylinder shoulder regardless of primary body color.
Identifier Warning. Cylinder color is not a reliable identifier — always confirm by reading the container label.
Frequently asked questions
What color is a refrigerant recovery cylinder?
Gray body with a yellow top and shoulder. The Equipment Tracker app's reference lists this as the DOT recovery cylinder color, universal for all refrigerant recovery cylinders.
How can I tell a flammable refrigerant cylinder?
A flammable refrigerant (A2L or A3) cylinder has a red band on the shoulder, regardless of the cylinder's primary body color.
Can I identify a refrigerant by the color of the cylinder?
No. Cylinder color is not a reliable identifier. Always confirm the refrigerant by reading the container label.
Does this page give a color for each refrigerant?
No. The Equipment Tracker app's reference lists the recovery cylinder color, the flammable band and the warning that color is not an identifier, and does not list a body color for each refrigerant, so none is shown here. For the pressure and temperature of each refrigerant see the refrigerant PT chart.
Does this page store anything or need an account?
No to both. These are general industry reference values, not a guarantee for your specific equipment. Always verify against the manufacturer's own specifications.
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