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.
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 ageing
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
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
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