
3
Thesuccessfuldevelopmentofhermeticallysealedrefrigera-
tion compressors has completely sealed the compressor's
moving parts and electric motor inside a common housing,
minimizing refrigerant leaks and the hazards sometimes
associated with moving belts, pulleys or couplings.
Fundamental to the design of hermetic compressors is a
method whereby electrical current is transmitted to the
compressormotorthroughterminalconductorswhichpass
through the compressor housing wall. These terminals are
sealedinadielectricmaterialwhichinsulatesthemfromthe
housing and maintains the pressure tight integrity of the
hermetic compressor. The terminals and their dielectric
embedmentare strongly constructed, but arevulnerable to
carelesscompressorinstallationormaintenanceprocedures
and equally vulnerable to internal electrical short circuits
caused by excessive system contaminants.
WARNING
To avoid possible injury, explosion or death, practice
safe handling of refrigerants.
SAFE REFRIGERANT HANDLING
Whilethese items will not cover every conceivablesituation, they should serve as a useful guide.
To avoid possible explosion:
• Never apply flame or steam to a refrigerant cylinder.
If you must heat a cylinder for faster charging,
partially immerse it in warm water.
• Never fill a cylinder more than 80% full of liquid
refrigerant.
• Never add anything other than R-22 to an R-22 cylinder
or R-410A to an R-410A cylinder. The service equipment
used must be listed or certified for the type of
refrigerant used.
• Store cylinders in a cool, dry place. Never use a
cylinder as a platform or a roller.
WARNING
To avoid possible explosion, use only returnable (not
disposable) service cylinders when removing refrig-
erant from a system.
• Ensure the cylinder is free of damage which could
lead to a leak or explosion.
• Ensure the hydrostatic test date does not exceed
5 years.
• Ensure the pressure rating meets or exceeds 400
lbs.
When in doubt, do not use cylinder.
WARNING
The compressor POE oil for R-410A units is
extremely susceptible to moisture absorption and
could cause compressor failure. Do not leave system
open to atmosphere any longer than necessary
for installation.
WARNING
Ineither of these instances, an electrical short between the
terminaland the compressorhousing may resultin the loss
of integrity between the terminal and its dielectric embed-
ment. This loss may cause the terminals to be expelled,
thereby venting the vaporous and liquid contents of the
compressor housing and system.
Aventingcompressorterminalnormallypresentsnodanger
toanyone,providingtheterminalprotectivecoverisproperly
in place.
If, however, the terminal protective cover is not properly in
place,aventing terminalmay dischargeacombination of
(a) hotlubricatingoilandrefrigerant
(b) flammable mixture (if system is contaminated
withair)
inastreamofspraywhichmaybedangeroustoanyoneinthe
vicinity. Death or serious bodily injury could occur.
Under no circumstances is a hermetic compressor to be
electrically energized and/or operated without having the
terminalprotectivecoverproperlyinplace.
SeeServiceSectionS-17forproperservicing.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Refrigerants are heavier than air. They can "push out"
the oxygen in your lungs or in any enclosed space.To
avoid possible difficulty in breathing or death:
• Never purge refrigerant into an enclosed room or
space. By law, all refrigerants must be reclaimed.
• If an indoor leak is suspected, thoroughly ventilate
the area beforebeginning work.
• Liquid refrigerant can be very cold. To avoid possible
frostbite or blindness, avoid contact with refrigerant
and wear gloves and goggles. If liquid refrigerant
does contact your skin or eyes, seek medical help
immediately.
• Always follow EPA regulations. Never burn refrig-
erant, as poisonous gas will be produced.
WARNING
WARNING
System contaminants, improper service procedure
and/or physical abuse affecting hermetic compressor
electrical terminals may cause dangerous system
venting.