Notes for Safety Guide

• This appliance is not accessible to the general public.

• This appliance uses a flammable refrigerant. If the refrigerant is leaked and exposed to an external ignition source, there is a risk of fire.

• This appliance includes a ground connection that can be used for functional purposes only.

• Refer space of installation guide.

• Refer to refrigerant charge in the installation manual for additional refrigerant charge.

• Outdoor unit can be installed and used outside.

• Means for disconnection must be incorporated in the fixed wiring in accordance with the wiring rules.

• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard.

• Pipe-work including piping material, pipe routing, and installation shall include protection from physical damage in operation and service, and be in compliance with national and local codes and standards, such as ASHRAE 15, ASHRAE 15.2, IAPMO Uniform Mechanical Code, ICC International Mechanical Code, or CSA B52. All field joints shall be accessible for inspection prior to being covered or enclosed.

• To ensure no leaking, field-made refrigerant joints indoors shall be tightness tested. The test method shall have a sensitivity of 5 grams (0.176 oz) per year of refrigerant or better under a pressure of at least 0.25 times the maximum allowable pressure. No leak shall be detected.

• Technical Safety

  • This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.

• Installation

  • Contact an authorized service center when installing or relocating the air conditioner.

  • Do not install the air conditioner on an unstable surface or in a place where there is danger of it falling.

• Operation

  • Do not modify or extend the power cable. Scratches or peeling insulation on the power cables may result in fire or electric shock, and should be replaced.

  • Make sure that the power cable is neither dirty, loose, nor broken.

• The refrigerant and insulation blowing gas used in the appliance require special disposal procedures.

• Consult a service agent or a similarly qualified person before disposing of them.

• This appliance is not intended for the purposes of cooling INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT.

• Qualification of workers

  The manual shall contain specific information about the required qualification of the working personnel for maintenance, service and repair operations. Every working procedure that affects safety means shall only be carried out by qualified person by manufacturer. Examples of such work procedures are as follows:

  • breaking into the refrigerating circuit;

  • opening of sealed components;

  • opening of ventilated enclosures.

• Ventilated area

  Ensure that the area is open and adequately ventilated before accessing the system or performing high-temperature work.

  A certain level of ventilation must be maintained for the duration of the work.

  Ventilation should be such that any refrigerant emitted is safely dispersed and preferably moistened into the outside atmosphere.

• Cabling

  Check that the cable is not subject to wear, corrosion, excessive pressure, vibration, sharp edges, or other adverse environmental influences. When checking, you should also take into account the effects of aging or continuous vibration of ignition sources such as compressors or fans.

• Detection of flammable refrigerants

  Under no circumstances should potential ignition sources be used to detect or detect refrigerant leaks. Do not use halide lamps (or other detectors that use fine salts).

• 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.Leak detection fluids 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 the copper pipe-work.

  Examples of leak detection fluids are:

  • bubble method

  • fluorescent method agents

  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 shutoff valves) in a part of the system remote from the leak.Removal of refrigerant shall be according to removal and evacuation procedure.

• Removal and evacuation

  When breaking into the refrigerant circuit to make repairs – or for any other purpose – conventional procedures shall be used. However, for flammable refrigerants it is important that best practice be followed, since flammability is a consideration. The following procedure shall be adhered to:

  • safely remove refrigerant following local and national regulations;

  • evacuate;

  • purge the circuit with inert gas (optional for A2L);

  • evacuate (optional for A2L);

  • continuously flush or purge with inert gas when using flame to open circuit; and

  • open the circuit.

  The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders if venting is not allowed by local and national codes. For appliances containing flammable refrigerants, the system shall be purged with oxygen-free nitrogen to render the appliance safe for flammable refrigerants. This process might need to be repeated several times.Compressed air or oxygen shall not be used for purging refrigerant systems.

  For appliances containing flammable refrigerants, refrigerants purging shall be achieved by breaking the vacuum in the system with oxygen-free nitrogen and continuing to fill until the working pressure is achieved, then venting to atmosphere, and finally pulling down to a vacuum (optional for A2L). This process shall be repeated until no refrigerant is within the system (optional for A2L). When the final oxygen-free nitrogen charge is used, the system shall be vented down to atmospheric pressure to enable work to take place.

  The outlet for the vacuum pump shall not be close to any potential ignition sources, and ventilation shall be available.

• Charging procedures

  In addition to the existing filling procedure, the following requirements must be observed: When using the charging device,make sure that it is not contaminated with other refrigerants. The hose or pipe should be as short as possible to minimize the amount of refrigerant in it.The cylinder should be stored in the proper location according to the instructions.Make sure the refrigeration system is grounded before filling the system with refrigerant.When charging is complete, label the system (if it is not already there).Be careful not to overfill there frigerant. Before recharging the system, a pressure test should be performed with an appropriate purge gas. After charging is complete and before Dry Run, the system must be inspected for leaks. Follow-up should be carried out before leaving the site.

• Recovery

  When removing refrigerant from a system, either for servicing or decommissioning, it is recommended good practice that all refrigerants are removed safely.

  When transferring refrigerant into cylinders, ensure that only appropriate refrigerant recovery cylinders are employed. Ensure that the correct number of cylinders for holding the total system charge is available. All cylinders to be used are designated for there covered refrigerant and labelled for that refrigerant (i.e. special cylinders for the recovery of refrigerant). Cylinders shall be complete with pressure-relief valve and associated shut-off valves in good working order. Empty recovery cylinders are evacuated and, if possible, cooled before recovery occurs.

  The recovery equipment shall be in good working order with a set of instructions concerning the equipment that is at hand and shall be suitable for the recovery of the flammable refrigerant. If in doubt, the manufacturer should be consulted. In addition, a set of calibrated weighing scales shall be available and in good working order. Hoses shall be complete with leak-free disconnect couplings and in good condition.

  The recovered refrigerant shall be processed according to local legislation in the correct recovery cylinder, and the relevant waste transfer note arranged. Do not mix refrigerants in recovery units and especially not in cylinders.

  If compressors or compressor oils are to be removed, ensure that they have been evacuated to an acceptable level to make certain that flammable refrigerant does not remain within the lubricant. The compressor body shall not be heated by an open flame or other ignition sources to accelerate this process. When oil is drained from a system,it shall be carried out safely.

• Checks to the area

  Prior to beginning work on systems containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks are necessary to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimized. For repair to the refrigerating system, the following precautions shall be complied with prior to conducting work on the system.

• Work procedure

  Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimize the risk of a flammable gas or vapour being present while the work is being performed.

• General work area

  All maintenance staff and others working in the local area shall be instructed on the nature of work being carried out. Work in confined spaces shall be avoided.

• Checking for presence of refrigerant

  The area shall be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector prior to and during work, to ensure the technician is aware of potentially flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment being used is suitable for use with flammable refrigerants,i.e. non-sparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.

• Presence of fire extinguisher

  If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigerating equipment or any associated parts, appropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be available to hand. Have a dry powder or CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.

• No ignition sources

  No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigerating system which involves exposing any pipe work shall use any sources of ignition in such a manner that it may lead to the risk of fire or explosion.

  All possible ignition sources,including cigarette smoking, should be kept sufficiently far away from the site of installation, repairing, removing and disposal, during which refrigerant can possibly be released to the surrounding space.

  Prior to work taking place, the area around the equipment is to be surveyed to make sure that there are no flammable hazards or ignition risks. “No Smoking” signs shall be displayed.

• Checks to the refrigerating equipment

  Where electrical components are being changed, they shall be fit for the purpose and to the correct specification.

  At all times the manufacturer’s maintenance and service guidelines shall be followed. If in doubt consult the manufacturer’s technical department for assistance.

  The following checks shall be applied to installations using flammable refrigerants:

  • The actual refrigerant charge is in accordance with the room size within which the refrigerant containing parts are installed.

  • The ventilation machinery and outlets are operating adequately and are not obstructed.

  • If an indirect refrigerating circuit is being used, the secondary circuit shall be checked for the presence of refrigerant.

  • Marking to the equipment continues to be visible and legible. Markings and signs that are illegible shall be corrected.

  • Refrigerating pipe or components are installed in a position where they are unlikely to be exposed to any substance which may corrode refrigerant containing components, unless the components are constructed of materials which are inherently resistant to being corroded or are suitably protected against being so corroded.

• Checks to electrical devices

  Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and component inspection procedures. If a fault exists that could compromise safety, then no electrical supply shall be connected to the circuit until it is satisfactorily dealt with. If the fault cannot be corrected immediately but it is necessary to continue operation, an adequate temporary solution shall be used. This shall be reported to the owner of the equipment so all parties are advised.

  Initial safety checks shall include:

  • Capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner to avoid possibility of sparking.

  • No live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, recovering or purging the system.

  • Continuity of earth bonding.

• Repair to sealed components

  "Sealed electrical components shall be replaced."

• Repair to intrinsically safe components

  "Intrinsically safe components must be replaced."

• Decommissioning

  Before carrying out this procedure,it is essential that the technician is completely familiar with the equipment and all its detail.

  It is recommended good practice that all refrigerants are recovered safely. Prior to the task being carried out, an oil and refrigerant sample shall be taken in case analysis is required prior to re-use of recovered refrigerant. It is essential that electrical power is available before the task is commenced.

  a) Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.

  b) Isolate system electrically.

  c) Before attempting the procedure ensure that:

  • mechanical handling equipment is available, if required, for handling refrigerant cylinders

  • all personal protective equipment is available and being used correctly

  • the recovery process is supervised at all times by a competent person

  • recovery equipment and cylinders conform to the appropriate standards.

  d) Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.

  e) If a vacuum is not possible,make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed from various parts of the system.

  f) Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.

  g) Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with instructions.

  h) Do not overfill cylinders. (No more than 80 % volume liquid charge).

  i) Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even temporarily.

  j) When the cylinders have been filled correctly and the process completed, make sure that the cylinders and the equipment are removed from site promptly and all isolation valves on the equipment are closed off.

  k) Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another refrigerating system unless it has been cleaned and checked.

• Labelling

  Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-commissioned and emptied of refrigerant.

  The label shall be dated and signed.

  Ensure that there are labels on the equipment stating the equipment contains flammable refrigerant.

• Mechanical connections (mechanical connectors or flared joints) shall be accessible for maintenance purposes.

• When mechanical connectors are reused indoors, sealing parts shall be renewed.

• When flared joints are reused indoors, the flare part shall be re-fabricated.

• This appliance incorporates an earth connection for functional purposes only.

• Flexible pipe elements shall be protected against mechanical damage, excessive stress by torsion, or other forces. They should be checked for mechanical damage annually.

• Protection devices, piping and fittings shall be protected as far as possible against adverse environmental effects, for example, the danger of water collecting and freezing in relief pipes or the accumulation of dirt and debris.

• Precautions shall be taken to avoid excessive vibration or pulsation to refrigerating piping.

• Piping in refrigerating systems shall be so designed and installed to minimize the likelihood hydraulic shock damaging the system.

• Provision shall be made for expansion and contraction of long runs of piping.

• Use a supply cord shall be between 1.5~3 m(4.9~9.8 ft) long and shall be either and extra hard usage or a hard usage cord.

• Ampacities of supply cords and attachment plugs shall not be less than the current rating of the appliance and shall be suitable for the application in accordance with national electrical installation requirements.

• An unventilated area where the appliance using flammable refrigerants is installed shall be so constructed that should any refrigerant leak, it will not stagnate so as to create a fire or explosion hazard.

• Non-duct connected appliances containing A2L refrigerants with the supply and return air openings in the conditioned space may have the body of the appliance may be installed in open areas such as false ceilings not being used as return air plenums, as long as the conditioned air does not directly communicate with the air of the false ceiling.

• For appliances with REFRIGERANT DETECTION SYSTEMS(Optional), the instructions shall include the following:

  For REFRIGERANT DETECTION SYSTEMS, the function and operation and required servicing measures.

  For LIMITED LIFE REFRIGERANT SENSORS used in REFRIGERANT DETECTION SYSTEMS, the specified end of life and instructions for replacement.

  REFRIGERANT SENSORS for REFRIGERANT DETECTION SYSTEMS shall only be replaced with sensors specified by the appliance manufacture.

  LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM installed. Unit must be powered except for service.

  This unit is equipped with a refrigerant leak detector for safety. To be effective, the unit must be electrically powered at all times after installation, other than when servicing.