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 e ects. The check shall also take into account the e ects 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 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 is found which requires brazing, all of the refrigerant shall
be recovered from the system, or isolated (by means of shut o 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.
12.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 flammability is a consideration. The following
procedure shall be adhered to: Remove refrigerant; Purge the circuit with inert gas; Evacuate; Purge again with
inert gas; Open the circuit by cutting or brazing.
The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders. The system shall be flushed with
OFN to render the unit safe. This process may need to be repeated several times. Compressed air or oxygen shall
not be used for this task.Flushing shall be achieved by breaking the vacuum in the system with OFN and continuing
to fill until the working pressure is achieved, then venting to atmosphere, and finally pulling down to a vacuum.
08
EN