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Refrigerant Charging
Proper refrigerant charge is essential to proper unit opera-
tion. Operating a unit with an improper refrigerant charge will
result in reduced performance (capacity) and/or efciency.
Accordingly, the use of proper charging methods during ser-
vicing will insure that the unit is functioning as designed and
that its compressor will not be damaged.
Too much refrigerant (overcharge) in the system is just as bad
(if not worse) than not enough refrigerant (undercharge). They
both can be the source of certain compressor failures if they
remain uncorrected for any period of time. Quite often, other
problems (such as low air ow across evaporator, etc.) are
misdiagnosed as refrigerant charge problems. The refrigerant
circuit diagnosis chart will assist you in properly diagnosing
these systems.
An overcharged unit will at times return liquid refrigerant
(slugging) back to the suction side of the compressor eventually
causing a mechanical failure within the compressor. This
mechanical failure can manifest itself as valve failure, bearing
failure, and/or other mechanical failure. The specic type of
failure will be inuenced by the amount of liquid being returned,
and the length of time the slugging continues.
Not enough refrigerant (undercharge) on the other hand, will
cause the temperature of the suction gas to increase to the point
where it does not provide sufcient cooling for the compressor
motor. When this occurs, the motor winding temperature will
increase causing the motor to overheat and possibly cycle open
the compressor overload protector. Continued overheating of
the motor windings and/or cycling of the overload will eventually
lead to compressor motor or overload failure.
Unplug and/or disconnect all electrical power
to the unit before performing inspections,
maintenances or service.
Failure to do so could result in electric shock,
serious injury or death.
Sealed Refrigeration System contains refrigerant
and oil under high pressure.
Proper safety procedures must be followed,
and proper protective clothing must be worn
when working with refrigerants.
Failure to follow these procedures could
result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
HIGH PRESSURE HAZARD
SEALED REFRIGERATION SYSTEM REPAIRS
ANY SEALED SYSTEM REPAIRS TO COOL-ONLY MODELS REQUIRE THE INSTALLATION OF A LIQUID LINE DRIER.
ALSO, ANY SEALED SYSTEM REPAIRS TO HEAT PUMP MODELS REQUIRE THE INSTALLATION OF A SUCTION LINE DRIER.
IMPORTANT
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
1. Voltmeter
2. Ammeter
3. Ohmmeter
4. E.P.A. Approved Refrigerant Recovery System
5. Vacuum Pump (capable of 200 microns or less
vacuum.)
6. Acetylene Welder
7. Electronic Halogen Leak Detector capable of detect-
ing HFC (Hydrouorocarbon) refrigerants.
8. Accurate refrigerant charge measuring device such
as:
a. Balance Scales - 1/2 oz. accuracy
b. Charging Board - 1/2 oz. accuracy
9. High Pressure Gauge - (0 - 750 lbs.)
10. Low Pressure Gauge - (30 - 200 lbs.)
11. Vacuum Gauge - (0 - 1000 microns)
12. Facilities for owing nitrogen through refrigeration tubing
during all brazing processes.
EQUIPMENT MUST BE CAPABLE OF:
1. Recovering refrigerant to EPA required levels.
2. Evacuation from both the high side and low side of the
system simultaneously.
3. Introducing refrigerant charge into high side of the
system.
4. Accurately weighing the refrigerant charge actually
introduced into the system.
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