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Replace components only with parts specified by the
manufacturer. Other parts may result in the ignition of
refrigerant in the atmosphere from a leak.
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.
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.
Leak detection methods
The following leak detection methods are deemed acceptable
for all refrigerant systems.
Electronic leak detectors may be used to detect refrigerant
leaks but, in the case of
flammable refrigerants
, 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.
