Flammable Refrigerants

One of the first steps in safely working on a system is to identify the refrigerant used in the system and whether it is flammable. There are several ways to check if a system uses flammable refrigerant. 

1. Check the system nameplate 

The system nameplate indicates the type of refrigerant intended for use in the system. Before servicing, make sure you are familiar with the specified refrigerant and its classification.  Safety classifications for refrigerants are found in ASHRAE 34. You can also consult this list of refrigerants and lubricants approved for use with Copeland compressors. (NOTE: Remember Class 3, 2, and 2L refrigerants are flammable). 

2. Check for a flame symbol on the system

Systems using flammable refrigerants are required to the bear following symbols: 

Safety Symbol for Class 2 and 3 Refrigerants

Safety Symbol for Class A2L refrigerantS

3. Check for red tubing near the compressor

Systems using flammable refrigerants should be colored red at the refrigerant process tubing and service ports or wherever a service technician may puncture the tubing.
 

If any of these three checks indicates that flammable refrigerants are present, then service techniques specific to flammable refrigerants must be used.

A system may contain a number of Copeland components - compressors, drives, refrigeration controls, etc. Visit the Copeland online product information page to access data on Copeland components, including compatible refrigerants.

If you have any questions regarding Copeland products, consult your local Copeland representative.

You should have the following tools and equipment to service a system with flammable refrigerants:

1. Combustible gas monitor
2. Appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety goggles and gloves
3. Safety Placard (Indicating flammable gases may be present)
4. Class B Fire Extinguisher
5. Ventilating fan
6. Recovery equipment – Vacuum pump, tank, manifold gauge set – rated for flammable refrigerants
7. Dry Nitrogen to Purge System Lines
8. Pinch Off or Tubing Cutter Tool
9. Crimper and crimper valves
10. Appropriate replacement refrigerant for the system being serviced
11. Liquid soap to check for leaks

If you do not have these items with you, do not service any system containing flammable refrigerants.

Working with flammable refrigerants requires special precautions. You should learn these through specific training on flammable refrigerants. As always, you should also follow all warnings and instructions from the system manufacturer, as well as from the manufacturer of any component involved in the service task.

Examples of the types of precautions to take when working with flammable refrigerants include:

• Never disconnect power, unplug anything, or begin servicing a system before checking the area for the presence of flammable refrigerants or other flammable substances with a combustible gas monitor designed for use with flammable refrigerants and that meets the manufacturer recommendations.
• After the absence of flammable refrigerants has been confirmed, the system should be de-energized before any further servicing is conducted.
• Service technicians must: Monitor–Ventilate–Eliminate
  • Monitor the area for combustible gases.
  • Ventilate the area to get rid of any combustible gases.
  • Eliminate any sources of ignition.
• If flammable refrigerants are purged from the system, use recovery equipment designed for use with flammable refrigerants. Use an inert gas such as dry nitrogen or something similar when purging the system. If controlled venting of flammable refrigerants is permitted, venting should take place in a well-ventilated area, far from all sources of ignition. Maintain at least a 10-foot radius around the compressor free of sources of ignition, people, and anything that can burn. The work area should be designated and sectioned off, and any others working in the vicinity should be alerted to the possible presence of flammable substances. Leave the combustible gas monitor on until it no longer detects flammable gases or vapors.
• Never use a torch to remove compressor components or tubing. Always use tubing cutters.
• Always use approved components when replacing parts.
• Before finalizing service, make sure that all wires are correctly and tightly connected. Improper connections may cause fire or electric shock, or explosion in systems containing flammable refrigerants.