Important Safety Information
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
8. 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 for the equipment in use. Intrinsically
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.
9. 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 continual
vibration from sources such as compressors or fans.
10. 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. 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 or
pipe-work.
• If a leak is suspected, all naked flames shall be removed or extinguished.
• If 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.
Removal and evacuation shall be in according to the removal and evacuation section.
11. 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 the best practice is followed since flammability is a
consideration. The following procedures shall be adhered to:
• safely remove refrigerant following local and national regulations;
• purge the circuit with inert gas;
• evacuate (optional for A2L);
• purge again with inert gas (optional for A2L);
• open the circuit by cutting or brazing.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
7