VIGO V52HD
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2. REPAIRS TO SEALED COMPONENTS
2.1
During repairs to sealed components, all electrical supplies shall be disconnected
from the equipment being worked upon prior to any removal of sealed covers, etc. If it
isabsolutely necessary to have an electrical supply to equipment during servicing, then a
permanently operating form of leak detection shall be located at the most critical point to
warn of a potentially hazardous situation.
2.2
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 cables, 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 degraded 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 effectiveness of some types of leak detection
equipment.
Intrinsically safe components do not have to be isolated prior to working on them.
3. 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.
4. 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 ccount the
effects of aging or continual vibration from sources such as compressors or fans.
5. 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.
6. LEAK DETECTION METHODS
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 re-calibration. (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 pipe-work. If a
leak is suspected, all naked flames shall be removed/extinguished. If a leakage of refrigerant
