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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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
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