Service Information for A2L RefrigerantsUpdated 2 hours ago

This article provides service information for A2L refrigerants.

Store the appliance in a manner that prevents mechanical damage.
Competent personnel must carry out any work procedures affecting safety measures.
Do not attempt to accelerate the defrosting process or remove the frost manually.
Follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures.
Store the appliance in a room free of continuously operating ignition sources, such as open flames, active gas appliances, and operating electric heaters.
Do not pierce or incinerate the appliance or its components.
Be aware that refrigerants may be odorless.

Initial Safety Checks

Fully discharge the capacitors in a controlled manner to prevent sparking.
Verify that no live electrical components or exposed wiring are present during system charging, refrigerant recovery, or purging.
Confirm that the earth bonding continuity is maintained.

Before performing service on systems containing flammable refrigerants, complete safety checks to minimize the risk of ignition.
When repairing the refrigeration system, observe all the following precautions before beginning any work.
Inform all maintenance personnel and individuals in the vicinity about the nature of the work being performed.
Avoid working in confined spaces whenever possible.
Section off the work area to prevent unauthorized access.

Conduct all work under a controlled process to minimize the risk of flammable gas or vapor from being present during service.

Area Ventilation

Ensure that the work is conducted in either an open area or in a space with adequate ventilation before breaking into the system or performing any heat-producing tasks.
Maintain ventilation throughout the duration of the work.
Ensure that the area is free from flammable materials and conditions are controlled to maintain a safe working environment.
Ensure that the ventilation system effectively disperses any released refrigerant and directs it safely to an external atmosphere, if possible.

Checking for Refrigerant Presence

Monitor the work area for refrigerant leaks using an appropriate refrigerant detector before and during service.
Ensure the leak detection equipment used is suitable for flammable refrigerants, such as non-sparking, adequately sealed, or intrinsically safe.

Presence of Fire Extinguisher

If performing any hot work on the refrigeration equipment or its associated components, ensure appropriate fire extinguishing equipment is readily available. Position a dry powder or CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.

Elimination of Ignition Sources

Do not use ignition sources that could pose a fire or explosion risk when conducting any work involving the exposure of the refrigeration system piping.
Keep all potential ignition sources, including smoking, at a safe distance from the installation, repair, removal, disposal areas, and locations where refrigerant may be released unintentionally into the surrounding space.
Before commencing work, inspect the area to ensure that no flammable hazards or ignition risks are present.
Clearly display "No Smoking" signs in the work area.

Inspection of Refrigeration Equipment

When replacing electrical components, ensure that they meet the correct specifications and are suitable for its intended purpose.
Follow the manufacturer's maintenance and service guidelines.
If unsure, consult the manufacturer's technical support department for guidance.

Inspection for Installation Using Flammable Refrigerants

Ensure that the refrigerant charge size complies with the minimum room size requirements when installing refrigerant-containing components.
Verify that the ventilation equipment and exhaust outlets are functioning properly and free from obstructions.
If using an indirect refrigerant circuit, inspect the secondary circuit for any presence of refrigerant.
Confirm that all equipment markings remain visible and legible. Replace or correct any illegible markings or signs.
Install the refrigeration piping and components in locations where they are not exposed to substances that could cause corrosion. If exposure is unavoidable, verify that the components are either made from corrosion-resistant materials or are adequately protected against corrosion.

Inspection of Electrical Devices

Ensure the repair and maintenance of electrical components include initial safety checks and a thorough inspection of components.
If the fault cannot be corrected immediately but continuing work is necessary, implement a temporary solution that is safe and effective.
Report any temporary measures to the equipment owner, ensuring all relevant parties are informed.

Repairs to Sealed Components

Repairs to Intrinsically Safe Components

Cabling

Do not expose the cabling to wear, corrosion, excessive pressure, vibration, sharp edges, or other adverse environmental factors.
Consider the long-term effects of aging and continuous vibration from components such as compressors and fans.

Detection of Flammable Refrigerants

Do not use potential sources of ignition for refrigerant leak detection under any circumstances.
Use electronic leak detectors to detect leaks in systems containing flammable refrigerants.
- Set the detector to a percentage of the refrigerant's Lower Flammability Limit (LFL).
- Calibrate the detector to confirm that the appropriate gas concentration does not exceed 25% of the LFL.
Use leak detection fluids to detect leaks in systems containing flammable refrigerants.
- This method is suitable for most refrigerants but must not contain chlorine. Chlorine can react with the refrigerant and corrode copper piping.
If a leak is suspected, remove or extinguish all open flames.
If a refrigerant leak requiring brazing is detected, fully recover the refrigerant or isolate the refrigerant using the shut-off valves to prevent accidental release. Purge oxygen-free nitrogen through the system before and during brazing.

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