2.2 Particular attention shall be paid to the following to ensure that by working
on electrical components, the casing is not altered in such a way that the level of
protection is affected. This shall include damage to cables, excessive number of
connections, terminals not made to original specification, damage to seals, incorrect
fitting of glands, etc.
Ensure that apparatus is mounted securely.
Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded such that they no longer
serve the purpose of preventing the ingress of flammable atmospheres. Replacement
parts shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
NOTE The use of silicon sealant may inhibit the effectiveness of some types of leak
detection equipment. lntrinsically safe components do not have to be isolated prior
to working on them.
3
REPAIR TO INTRINSICALLY SAFE COMPONENTS
Do not apply any permanent inductive or capacitance loads to the circuit without
ensuring that this will not exceed the permissible voltage and current permitted tor
the equipment in use.
lntrinsically safe components are the only types that can be worked on while live in
the presence of a flammable atmosphere. The test apparatus shall be at the correct
rating.
Replace components only with parts specified by the manufacturer. Other parts may
result in the ignition of refrigerant in the atmosphere from a leak.
4
CABLING
Check that cabling will not be subject to wear, corrosion, excessive pressure,
vibration, sharp edges or any other adverse environmental effects. The check shall
also take into account the effects of aging or continua! vibration from sources such
as compressors or fans.
5
DETECTION OF FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANTS
Under no circumstances shall potential sources of ignition be used in the searching
for or detection of refrigerant leaks. A halide torch (or any other detector using a
naked flame} shall not be used.
6
LEAK DETECTION METHODS
The following leak detection methods are deemed acceptable for systems containing
flammable refrigerants. Electronic leak detectors shall be used to detect flammable
refrigerants, but the sensitivity may not be adequate, or may need recalibration.
(Detection equipment shall be calibrated in a refrigerant-free area.)
Ensure that the detector is not a potential source of ignition and is suitable for
the refrigerant used. Leak detection equipment shall be set at a percentage of the
LFL of the refrigerant and shall be calibrated to the refrigerant employed and the
appropriate percentage of gas (25 % maximum} is confirmed.
Leak detection fluids are suitable for use with most refrigerants but the use of
detergents containing chlorine shall be avoided as the chlorine may react with the
refrigerant and corrode the copper pipework.
lf a leak is suspected, all open flames shall be removed/extinguished.
lf a leakage of refrigerant is found which requires brazing, all of the refrigerant shall
be recovered from the system, or isolated (by means of shut off valves} in a part of
the system remote from the leak. Oxygen free nitrogen (OFN) shall then be purged
through the system both before and during the brazing process.
7
REMOVAL AND EVACUATION
When breaking into the refrigerant circuit to make repairs - or for any other purpose
- conventional procedures shall be used. However, it is important that best practice
is followed since flammability is a consideration. The following procedure shall be
adhered to: remove refrigerant; purge the circuit with inert gas; evacuate; purge
again with inert gas; open the circuit by cutting or brazing.
The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders. The
system shall be "flushed" with OFN to render the unit safe. This process may need
to be repeated several times. Compressed air or oxygen shall not be used for this
task. Flushing shall be achieved by breaking the vacuum in the system with OFN and
continuing to fill until the working pressure is achieved, then venting to atmosphere,
and finally pulling down to a vacuum. This process shall be repeated until no
refrigerant is within the system.
When the final OFN charge is used, the system shall be vented down to atmospheric
4
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