26-EN
25-EN
– 13 –
• The test apparatus shall be at the correct rating.
• Replace components only with parts speci
fi
ed by the
manufacturer.
• Other parts may result in the ignition of refrigerant in the
atmosphere from a leak.
12. Cabling
• Check that cabling will not be subject to wear, corrosion,
excessive pressure, vibration, sharp edges or any other
adverse environmental effects.
• Check shall also take into account the effects of aging or
continual vibration from sources such as compressors or fans.
13. Detection of
fl
ammable 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
fl
ame) shall
not be used.
• Electronic leak detectors may be used to detect refrigerant
leaks but, in the case of
fl
ammable 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 con
fi
rmed.
• Leak detection
fl
uids are also 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 containing chlorine.
• If a leak is suspected, all naked
fl
ames shall be removed /
extinguished.
• If a leakage of refrigerant is found which requires brazing, all of
the refrigerant shall be recovered from the system, or isolated
(by means of shut off valves) in a part of the system remote
from the leak.
14. Leak detection methods
• Electronic leak detectors shall be used to detect
fl
ammable
refrigerants leak, 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 con
fi
rmed.
• Leak detection
fl
uids 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 pipework.
• If a leak is suspected, all naked
fl
ames shall be removed /
extinguished.
• If a leakage of refrigerant is found which requires brazing, all of
the refrigerant shall be recovered from the system, or isolated
(by means of shut off valves) in a part of the system remote
from the leak.
• Oxygen free nitrogen (OFN) shall then be purged through the
system both before and during the brazing process.
15. Removal and evacuation
• When breaking into the refrigerant circuit to make repairs or
for any other purpose, Conventional procedures shall be used.
However, it is important that best practice is followed since
fl
ammability is a consideration.
The following procedure shall be adhered to:
- remove refrigerant;
