Conduct Test RunsUpdated a day ago

Introduction

This article explains how to conduct a system test run and perform electrical and gas leak checks.

Perform the test run only after the system is fully installed and the electrical and gas leak checks are complete.

Electrical Leak Checks

After installation, confirm that the unit's electrical system is safe and operating properly. Electrical leak checks are required before and during the test run.

All electrical wiring must comply with the installation manual and local and national regulations. All work must be performed by a licensed electrician.

This may not be required in some locations. 

Before Test Run 

• Check the grounding work. 
• Measure the grounding resistance using a dedicated tester. The reading must be less than 4Ω. 

During Test Run

• Use an electroprobe and multimeter to perform a comprehensive electrical leakage test. 
• If electrical leakage is detected, turn off the unit immediately and call a licensed electrician to find and resolve the cause of the leakage.

Gas Leak Checks

Confirm that the system is not leaking gas. Gas leak checks are required before and during the test run.

Before Test Run

• Check all flare nut connections to ensure the system is leak-free. 
• Confirm that both the gas and liquid valves (high/low) are 100% fully opened. 

During Test Run

• During operation, the pressure of the refrigerant circuit will increase. This may reveal leaks that were not present during the initial leak check. Take time during the test run to double-check that all copper pipe connection points are leak-free.

After Test Run

• After confirming that all the pipe connection points do not leak, replace the valve cover on the outdoor unit. 

Leak Detection Methods

If a gas leak is suspected, use one of the following methods to confirm its presence: 

• Soft & Water Method: Use a soft brush to apply soapy water or liquid detergent to all pipe connection points on the indoor and outdoor units. The presence of bubbles indicates a leak. 
• Leak Detector Method: If using a leak detector, refer to the device's operation manual for proper usage instructions. 

Test Run

Perform the following test run for 30 minutes: 

1. Connect power to the system. 

2. Press the On/Off button on the remote controller to turn it on. 

3. Press the Mode button to cycle through the functions one by one. 

• Cooling: Select the lowest possible temperature. 
• Heating: Select the highest possible temperature.

Note: If outdoor temperatures are too high to enable Heating mode from the remote controller, activate it using the emergency button. Once the test is complete, power the unit off using the same button.

4. Let each function run for 5 minutes and perform the following checks: 

• No electrical leaks or abnormal noises. 
• The unit is properly grounded. 
• All electrical terminals are properly covered. 
• The indoor and outdoor units are securely installed. 
• All pipe connection points do not leak. 
• Water drains from the drain hose properly. 
• All piping is properly insulated. 
• The indoor unit responds to the remote controller. 
• The indoor unit louvers operate properly. 
• The system works in both Heating and Cooling modes. 

After the Test Run

Once the test run passes, complete the following: 

1. Use the remote control to return the system to a normal desired operating temperature. 

2. Use the insulation tape to wrap the indoor unit's refrigerant pipe connections that were left uncovered during the installation process.