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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
SAFE REFRIGERANT HANDLING
While these items will not cover every conceivable situation, they should serve as a useful guide.
System contaminant, improper service procedure and/or
physical abuse affecting hermetic compressor electrical
terminals may cause dangerous system venting.
WARNING
The successful development of hermetically sealed refrigeration
compressors has completely sealed the compressor's moving
parts and electric motor inside a common housing, minimizing
refrigerant leaks and the hazards sometimes associated with
moving belts, pulleys or couplings.
Fundamental to the design of hermetic compressors is a method
whereby electrical current is transmitted to the compressor
motor through terminal conductors which pass through the
compressor housing wall. These terminals are sealed in a
dielectric material which insulates them from the housing
and maintains the pressure tight integrity of the hermetic
compressor. The terminals and their dielectric embedment are
strongly constructed, but are vulnerable to careless compressor
installation or maintenance procedures and equally vulnerable
to internal electrical short circuits caused by excessive system
contaminants.
In either of these instances, an electrical short between the
terminal and the compressor housing may result in the loss of
integrity between the terminal and its dielectric embedment.
This loss may cause the terminals to be expelled, thereby venting
the vaporous and liquid contents of the compressor housing and
system.
A venting compressor terminal normally presents no danger to
anyone, providing the terminal protective cover is properly in
place.
If, however, the terminal protective cover is not properly in
place, a venting terminal may discharge a combination of
(a) hot lubricating oil and refrigerant
(b) flammable mixture (if system is contaminated with air)
in a stream of spray which may be dangerous to anyone in the
vicinity. Death or serious bodily injury could occur.
Under no circumstances is a hermetic compressor to be
electrically energized and/or operated without having the
terminal protective cover properly in place.
See Service Section S-17 for proper servicing.
Refrigerants are heavier than air. They can “push out” the oxygen in
your lungs or in any enclosed space. To avoid possible difficulty in
breathing or death:
•
Never purge refrigerant into an enclosed room or space. By law,
all refrigerants must be reclaimed.
•
If an indoor leak is suspected, thoroughly ventilate the area
before beginning work.
•
Liquid refrigerant can be very cold. To avoid possible frostbite or
blindness, avoid contact with refrigerant and wear gloves and
goggles. If liquid refrigerant does contact your skin or eyes,
seek medical help immediately.
•
Always follow EPA regulations. Never burn refrigerant, as
poisonous gas will be produced.
WARNING
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has
issued various regulations regarding the introduction and
disposal of refrigerant introduced into this unit. Failure to follow
these regulations may harm the environment and can lead to the
imposition of substantial fines. These regulations may vary by
jurisdiction. A certified technician must perform arise, contact
your EPA office. Violations of EPA regulations may result in fines or
penalties.
WARNING
To avoid possible explosion:
•
Never apply flame to steam to a refrigerant cylinder. If you must
heat cylinder for faster charging, partially immerse it in warm
water.
•
Never fill a cylinder more than 80% full of liquid refrigerant,
•
Never add anything other than R-22 to an R-22 cylinder or R-410A
to an R-410A cylinder. The service equipment used must be listed
or certified for the type of refrigerant used.
•
Store cylinders in a cool, dry place. Never use a cylinder as a
platform or a roller.
WARNING
•
To avoid possible explosion, use only returnable (not disposable)
service cylinders when removing refrigerant from a system.
•
Ensure the cylinder is free of damage which could lead to a leak or
explosion.
•
Ensure the hydrostatic test date does not exceed 5 years.
•
Ensure the pressure rating meets or exceeds 400 lbs.
When in doubt, do not use cylinder.
WARNING
To avoid possible injury, explosion or death, practice safe
handling of refrigerants.
WARNING
