
V-Design Series “Wall” Type R32 AC: Safety Precautions
III
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2.10 Repairs to sealed components
During repairs to sealed components, all electrical sup-
plies shall be disconnected from the equipment being
worked upon prior to any removal of sealed covers, etc.
If it is absolutely necessary to have an electrical supply
to equipment during servicing, then a permanently ope-
rating form of leak detection shall be located at the most
critical point to warn of a potentially hazardous situation.
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 ca-
bles, 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 degra-
ded 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 effective-
ness of some types of leak detection equipment.
Intrinsically safe components do not have to be isolated
prior to working on them.
2.11 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.
2.12 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.
2.13 Detection of flammable refrigerants
Under no circumstances shall potential sources of igni-
tion be used in the searching for or detection of refrige-
rant leaks.
A halide torch (or any other detector using a naked fla-
me) shall not be used.
2.14 Leak detection methods
The following leak detection methods are deemed
ceptable for systems containing flammable refrigerants.
Electronic leak detectors shall be used to detect flam-
mable refrigerants, but the sensitivity may not be ade-
quate, or may need re-calibration. (Detection equip-
ment shall be calibrated in a refrigerant-free area.)
Ensure that the detector itself 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 percenta-
ge of gas (25 % maximum) is confirmed.
Leak detection fluids are suitable for use with most
refrigerants but the use of detergents containing chlori-
ne shall be avoided as the chlorine may react with the
refrigerant and corrode the copper pipe-work.
If a leak is suspected, all naked flames shall be remo-
ved or extinguished.
If a leakage of refrigerant is found which
brazing, all of the refrigerant shall be recovered from
the system, or isolated (by means of shut off
in a part of the system remote from the leak.
Oxygen free nitrogen (OFN) shall then be
through the system both before and during the
ing process.
2.15 Removal and evacuation
When breaking into the refrigerant circuit to make
or for any other purpose, conventional procedures
be used.
However, it is important that best practice is
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
recovery cylinders.
The system shall be flushed with OFN to render the
safe. This process may need to be repeated several
mes. Compressed air or oxygen shall not be used for
task.
Flushing shall be achieved by breaking the vacuum in
system with OFN and continuing to fill until the
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
vented down to atmospheric pressure to enable work
take place. This operation is absolutely vital if
operations on the pipe-work are to take place.
Ensure that the outlet for the vacuum pump is not
to any ignition sources and there is ventilation available.