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SERVICING PRECAUTIONS FOR UNITS USING REFRIGERANT R32
Servicing precautions for units using refrigerant R32
WARNING
This unit uses a flammable refrigerant.
If refrigerant leaks and comes in contact with fire or heating part, it will create harmful gas and there is risk of fire.
Do not use means to accelerate the defrosting process or to clean, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.
The appliance shall be stored in a room without continuously operating ignition sources (for example: open flames, an operating gas appliance or an operating
electric
heater.)
Do not pierce or burn.
Be aware that refrigerants may not contain an odor.
Pipe-work shall be protected from physical damage.
The installation of pipe-work shall be kept to a minimum.
Compliance with national gas regulations shall be observed.
Keep any required ventilation openings clear of obstruction.
Servicing shall be performed only as recommended by the manufacturer.
The appliance shall be stored so as to prevent mechanical damage from occurring.
Basic work procedures are the same as those for conventional units using refrigerant R410A.
However, pay careful attention to the following points.
1. Information on servicing
Checks on the Area
Prior to beginning work on systems containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks are necessary to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimized.
Work Procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimize the risk of a flammable gas or vapor being present while the work is being performed.
General Work Area
All maintenance staff and others working in the local area shall be instructed on the nature of work being carried out. Work in confined spaces shall be avoided.
The area around the workspace shall be sectioned off. Ensure that the conditions within the area have been made safe by control of flammable material.
Checking for Presence of Refrigerant
The area shall be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector prior to and during work, to ensure the technician is aware of potentially toxic or flammable
atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment being used is suitable for use with all applicable refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking, adequately sealed or
intrinsically
safe.
Presence of Fire Extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated parts, appropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be available to hand.
Have a dry powder or CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
No Ignition Sources
No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration system which involves exposing any pipe work shall use any sources of ignition in such a manner that
it may lead to the risk of fire or explosion. All possible ignition sources, including cigarette smoking, should be kept sufficiently far away from the site of installa-
tion, repairing, removing and disposal, during which refrigerant can possibly be released to the surrounding space. Prior to work taking place, the area around
the equipment is to be surveyed to make sure that there are no flammable hazards or ignition risks. "No Smoking" signs shall be displayed.
Ventilated Area
Ensure that the area is in the open or that it is adequately ventilated before breaking into the system or conducting any hot work. A degree of ventilation shall
continue during the period that the work is carried out. The ventilation should safely disperse any released refrigerant and preferably expel it externally into the
atmosphere.
Checks on the Refrigeration Equipment
Where electrical components are being changed, they shall be fit for the purpose and to the correct specification. At all times the manufacturer's maintenance
and service guidelines shall be followed. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer's technical department for assistance.
The following checks shall be applied to installations using flammable refrigerants:
• The charge size is in accordance with the room size within which the refrigerant containing parts are installed.
• The ventilation machinery and outlets are operating adequately and are not obstructed.
• If an indirect refrigerating circuit is being used, the secondary circuit shall be checked for the presence of refrigerant.
• Marking to the equipment continues to be visible and legible. Markings and signs that are illegible shall be corrected.
• Refrigeration pipe or components are installed in a position where they are unlikely to be exposed to any substance which may corrode refrigerant containing
components, unless the components are constructed of materials which are inherently resistant to being corroded or are suitably protected against being cor-
roded.
Checks on Electrical Devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and component inspection procedures. If a fault exists that could compro-
mise safety, then no electrical supply shall be connected to the circuit until it is satisfactorily dealt with. If the fault cannot be corrected immediately but it is nec-
essary to continue operation, an adequate temporary solution shall be used. This shall be reported to the owner of the equipment so all parties are advised.
Initial safety checks shall include that:
• capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner to avoid possibility of sparking;
• no live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, recovering or purging the system;
• there is continuity of earth bonding
2. Repairs to Sealed Components
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 is absolutely 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.
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 the apparatus is mounted securely.
Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded to the point 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.
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 account the effects of aging or continual vibration from sources such as compressors or fans.
OBH832
