ActronAir R32 Air Conditioning Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- ActronAir
Table of Contents
- R32 Air Conditioning
- Symbols
- Warnings
- Installation
- Minimum Room Area and Maximum Charge Guide
- Information Servicing
- Repairs to Sealed Components
- Repair to Intrinsically Safe Components
- Cabling
- Detection of Flammable Refrigerants
- Leak Detection Methods
- Removal and Evacuation
- Charging Procedures
- Decommissioning
- Labelling
- Recovery
- Start Up and Commissioning Report
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
R-32 SAFETY MANUAL
Installation and Commissioning Guide
R32 Air Conditioning
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please read this manual carefully before installing or operating your air
conditioning unit. Make sure to save this manual for future reference.
CAUTION:
The system is charged with flammable refrigerant, safety checks are necessary
to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimised.
Symbols
Explanation of symbols displayed on the air conditioner. Information About This Guide
| This symbol shows that this appliance uses a flammable refrigerant. If the
refrigerant leaks and exposed
---|---
| This symbol shows that the Operation Manual should be read carefully.
| This symbol shows that a service person should be handling this equipment
with reference to the Installation Manual.
| This symbol shows that there is information included in the Operation Manual
and Installation Manual.
Warnings
- Do not use means to accelerate the defrosting process or to clean a unit, other than those recommended by manufacturer. The appliance shall be stored in a room without continuously operating ignition sources (for example: open flames, an operating gas appliance or an operating electric heater.
- Do not pierce or burn any component of the pipework or system.
- Be aware that the R-32 refrigerant may not contain an odour.
- The appliance shall be stored so as to prevent mechanical damage from occurring.
Installation
- The installation of pipe work shall be kept to minimum.
- The airconditiong system and its pipe work shall be protected from physical damage and shall not be installed in unventilated space.
- The pipe work shall be constructed so that any leaked refrigerant will not flow or stagnate so as to cause a fire or explosion hazard in areas within the appliance and connected ducts where electrical components, which could be a source of ignition and which could function under normal conditions or in the event of a leak, are fitted.
- Total Installed Refrigerant Charge (factory refrigerant charge + adjustment on refrigerant) must not exceed the allowable charge (with respect to the minimum room size of the smallest conditioned area and release height)
- Compliance with national gas regulations shall be observed.
- Mechanical connections shall be accessible for maintenance purposes.
- The appliance shall not be installed in unventilated space, if the space is smaller than the minimum area with respect to the Release Height and Total Installed Refrigerant Charge of the system as specified in Table 1.1 and 1.2.
- Ventilations (if any) shall be kept clear of obstruction.
- An unventilated area where the appliance is installed shall be constructed that should any of the refrigerant leak, it will not stagnate so as to create a fire or explosion hazard. The system shall be stored in a well-ventilated area where the room size corresponds to the room area as specified for operation.
- low temperature solder alloys, such as lead/tin alloys, are not acceptable for pipe connections or any other refrigerant pressure containing purposes.
- For ducted units:
- Ducts connected to an appliance shall not contain a potential ignition source. Examples of such potential ignition sources are hot surfaces with a temperature exceeding 700°C and electric switching devices.
- Only auxiliary devices approved by the appliance manufacturer or declared suitable with the refrigerant shall be installed in connecting ductwork.
- Duct for supply and return air shall be directly ducted to the space. Open areas such as false ceilings shall not be used as return air duct.
Service Personnel
- Only licensed HVAC technicians* should install and service this air conditioning equipment. Improper service or alteration by an unqualified technician could result in significant and major damage to the product or property which may render your warranty null and void. Such unqualified service could also lead to severe physical injury or death. Follow all safety instructions in this literature and all warning labels that are attached to the equipment.
- R-32 refrigerant (Class A2L) is mildly flammable. Installation, service, maintenance and decommissioning of this unit must be performed by a licensed HVAC technician; qualified to handle R-32 refrigerant.
- Any person who is involved with working on the refrigerant circuit should hold a current valid certificate from an industry-accredited assessment authority, which authorises their competence to handle refrigerant safely in accordance with an industry recognised assessment specification.
- Servicing shall be performed only as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Maintenance and repair requiring the assistance of other skilled personnel shall be carried out under the supervision of a person competent in the use of flammable refrigerant.
- Every working procedure that affects safety means shall only be carried out by competent persons according to Annex HH of AS/NZS 60335.2.40. Examples for such working procedures are:
- breaking into the refrigerating circuit;
- opening of sealed components;
- opening of ventilated enclosures.
*Qualifications required will be appropriate Electrical, Refrigeration and Refrigerant Handling License and Training dependent on local State/Territory regulations.
Minimum Room Area and Maximum Charge Guide
The Minimum Room Area (Amin ) should be less than the smallest area to be
conditioned.
For installation with release height less than or equal to 0.6m, minimum area
will be computed based on release height of 0.6m.
Where Amin is not satisfied, the installer must provide additional control
measure/s in place as per AS/NZS 60335.2.40 standard for the installation to
be acceptable.
The examples of controls measures are (but are not limited to):
- Ventilation
- Shut Off Valves
- Safety Alarm
These control measures are not provided by ActronAir and must be determined by the installer based on individual installation requirements.
NOTE
- Calculations of Amin for split products shall be based on Installed Refrigerant not to exceed the manufacturer’s specified maximum refrigerant charge.
- Total Installed Refrigerant Charge = Refrigerant Pre-Charge of the appliance + Additional Charge during installation.
- Release height refers to the lowest point refrigerant can enter the conditioned space:
- For Wall hung Splits this refers to the lowest point of the indoor unit in the conditioned space.
- For ducted systems this refers to the lowest supply or return outlet installed in the space.
Table 1.1 Required Minimum Room Area (Amin)
| Release Height (m)|
---|---|---
| | 0.6| 2.2| 2.3|
R-32 Charge (g)| 1850| 29.128| 2.167| 1.982| Minimum Floor Area
(m2)
2400| 49.022| 3.646| 3.336
2950| 74.065| 5.509| 5.04
3080| 80.737| 6.005| 5.494
3590| 109.688| 8.159| 7.465
3720| 117.776| 8.76| 8.015
3750| 119.683| 8.902| 8.145
3850| 126.152| 9.383| 8.585
4000| 136.173| 10.129| 9.267
4200| 150.131| 11.167| 10.217
4500| 172.344| 12.819| 11.729
5000| 212.771| 15.826| 14.48
5500| 257.452| 19.149| 17.52
6000| 306.39| 22.789| 20.851
During installation ensure that the Minimum Floor Area of the smallest room is
satisfied based on the Release height; or the maximum R-32
Charge amount is not exceeded. Note that safety measures as per AS/NZS
60335.2.40 may be required.
Table 1.2 Maximum Charge Amount (mmax) Requirement
| | Release Height (m)|
---|---|---|---
| | 0.6| 2.2| 2.3|
Floor Area (m2)| 2| | | 1858| Maximum R-32 Charge (g)
5| | 2810| 2938
10| | 3975| 4155
15| | 4868| 5089
20| | 5621| 5876
30| 1877| 6884| 7197
40| 2168| 7949| 8310
60| 2655| 9736| 10178
80| 3066| 11242| 11753
100| 3428| 12569| 13140
125| 3832| 14052| 14691
150| 4198| 15393|
200| 4848| |
250| 5420| | **
Based on the minimum release height.
Vertical (Upright) indoor’s release height shall not be less than 0.6 m high,
wherefore no indoor pipe routing should go below 0.6 m above the floor. In
installation that does not meet the minimum required area with respect to the
system’s refrigerant charge and release height, additional safety measures are
required, see Annex GG of the AS/NZS 60335.2.40.
Unit must be installed in accordance to Installation and Commissioning Guide.
Maximum refrigerant charge is to be calculated based on the maximum pipe
length of the unit. Installation must be in accordance with the Installation
specification and clearance of the unit.
- If charge amount is less than 1842g inclusive, there is no restriction on the floor area.
** Total refrigerant charge from 15.96 to 79.82 kg will require additional safety provisions in accordance with AS/NZS 60335.2.40.
Information Servicing
05.01. 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 minimised. For
repair to the refrigerating system, 05.02 to 05.06 shall be conducted prior to
conducting work on the system.
05.02. Work procedure
Work should be carried out using the procedures outlined in this document
whilst maintaining a high level of risk mitigation and maintaining safe work
practices.
05.03. 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 where possible, and the area around the workspace shall be sectioned
off. Ensure that the conditions within the area have been made safe by control
of flammable material Installation Instructions.
05.04. 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 toxic or
flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment being used is
suitable for use with all applicable refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking,
adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
05.05. Presence of fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any
associated parts, appropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be available
to hand. A dry powder or CO2 fire extinguisher must be kept adjacent to the
charging area.
05.06. No ignition sources
- No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration system which involves exposing any pipe work that contains or has contained flammable refrigerant 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 flammable 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 where applicable.
05.07. Ventilated area
Ensure that the area is in the open or that it is adequately ventilated before
breaking into the system or conducting any hot work. A degree of ventilation
shall continue during the period that the work is carried out. The ventilation
should safely disperse any released refrigerant and preferably expel it
externally into the atmosphere.
05.08. Checks to the refrigeration 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 charge size 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;
- Refrigeration 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.
05.09. 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:
- That capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner to avoid possibility of sparking;
- That no live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, recovering or purging the system;
- That there is continuity of earth bonding.
Repairs to Sealed Components
- During repairs to sealed components, all electrical supplies shall be disconnected from the equipment being worked upon prior to any removal of sealed covers, etc. If it is absolutely necessary to have an electrical supply to equipment during servicing, then a permanently operating form of leak detection shall be located at the most critical point to warn of a potentially hazardous situation.
- Particular attention shall be paid to the following to ensure that by working on electrical components, the casing is not altered in such a way that the level of protection is affected. This shall include damage to cables, excessive number of connections, terminals not made to original specification, damage to seals, incorrect fitting of glands, etc.
Ensure that the apparatus is mounted securely.
Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded to the point that
they no longer serve the purpose of preventing the ingress of flammable
atmospheres. Replacement parts shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications.
NOTE
The use of silicon sealant can inhibit the effectiveness of some types of leak
detection equipment. Intrinsically safe components do not have to be isolated
prior to working on them.
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 aging 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 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 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.
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 shut
off valves) in a part of the system remote from the leak. For appliances
containing flammable refrigerants, oxygen free nitrogen (OFN) shall then be
purged through the system both before and during the brazing process.
Removal and Evacuation
When opening 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 is
followed since flammability is a consideration. The following procedure shall
be adhered to:
- Remove refrigerant;
- Purge the circuit with inert gas;
- Evacuate;
- Purge again with inert gas;
- Open the circuit by cutting or brazing.
The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders.
For appliances containing flammable refrigerants, the system shall be purged
with OFN to render the unit safe. This process may need to be repeated several
times. Compressed air or oxygen shall not be used for purging refrigerant
systems.
For appliances containing flammable refrigerants, flushing shall be achieved
by breaking the vacuum in the system with OFN and continuing to fill until the
working pressure is achieved, then venting to atmosphere, and finally pulling
down to a vacuum. This process shall be repeated until no refrigerant is
within the system. When the final OFN charge is used, the system shall be
vented down to atmospheric pressure to enable work to take place. This
operation is absolutely vital if brazing operations on the pipe-work are to
take place.
Ensure that the outlet for the vacuum pump is not close to any ignition
sources and that ventilation is available.
Charging Procedures
In addition to conventional charging procedures, the following requirements shall be followed.
- Ensure that contamination of different refrigerants does not occur when using charging equipment. Hoses or lines shall be as short as possible to minimise the amount of refrigerant contained in them.
- Cylinders shall be kept upright.
- Ensure that the refrigeration system is earthed prior to charging the system with refrigerant.
- Label the system when charging is complete (if not already).
- Extreme care shall be taken not to overfill the refrigeration system.
Prior to recharging the system, it shall be pressure-tested with the appropriate purging gas. The system shall be leak tested on completion of charging but prior to commissioning. A follow up leak test shall be carried out prior to leaving the site.
Decommissioning
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is
completely familiar with the equipment in detail.
It is recommended good practice that all refrigerants are recovered safely.
Actron Air does not recommend reusing R-32.
However, an oil and refrigerant sample shall be taken in case analysis prior
to reuse of reclaimed 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 manufacturer’s
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 refrigeration
system unless it has been cleaned and checked.
Labelling
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been decommissioned and emptied of refrigerant. The label shall be dated and signed. For appliances containing flammable refrigerants, ensure that there are labels on the equipment stating the equipment contains flammable refrigerant.
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 are available. All cylinders to
be used are designated for the recovered 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 all appropriate refrigerants including, when applicable,
flammable refrigerants. In addition, a set of calibrated weighing scales shall
be available and in good working order. Hoses shall be complete with leakfree
disconnect couplings and in good condition.
Before using the recovery machine, check that it is in satisfactory working
order, has been properly maintained and that any associated electrical
components are sealed to prevent ignition in the event of a refrigerant
release. Consult manufacturer if in doubt.
The recovered refrigerant shall be returned to the refrigerant supplier 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 evacuation process shall
be carried out prior to returning the compressor to the suppliers. Only
electric heating to the compressor body shall be employed to accelerate this
process. When oil is drained from a system, it shall be carried out safely.
Start Up and Commissioning Report
NOTE This form has to be filled by the installer and handed over to the customer for future reference
CUSTOMER | Name: | Tel. Number: |
---|
Address:
INSTALLER| Name:| Tel. Number:
Address:
Site Address :| Date Installed:
Model:| Serial Number:
Cooling
Circuit Temperature Settings
Supply Air Temperature| °C
Return Air Temperature| °C
Suction Temperature| °C
Discharge Temperature| °C
Condenser Coil Temperature| °C
Ambient Temperature| °C
Indoor Fan Settings|
Indoor Fan Current| Amps
Indoor Fan Airflow| l / s
Indoor Fan PWM| %
Set Static| Pa
Outdoor Fan Settings|
Outdoor Fan Current| Amps
Heating
Circuit Temperature Settings
Supply Air Temperature| °C
Return Air Temperature| °C
Suction Temperature| °C
Discharge Temperature| °C
Condenser Coil Temperature| °C
Ambient Temperature| °C
Indoor Fan Settings|
Indoor Fan Current| Amps
Indoor Fan Airflow| l / s
Indoor Fan PWM| %
Set Static| Pa
Outdoor Fan Settings|
Outdoor Fan Current| Amps
Unit Installation
Total Installed Refrigerant Charge* | kg |
---|---|
Pipe Sizes (Liquid/Gas line) | Field Pipe Length |
System A | m |
System B** | m |
System C** | m |
System D** | m |
System E** | m |
Release Height (min) | m |
Actual Smallest Room Area | m² |
Computed A min | m² |
Is additional safety measures require?
If yes, tick which applies:|
Leak Detection device installed| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Ventilation| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Others| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Was the Refrigerant Information Label on the outdoor electrical box properly
filled out| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Are piping protected or enclosed to avoid mechanical damage.| ☐ Yes ☐ No
- Total Installed Refrigerant Charge = Refrigerant Pre-Charge of the appliance + Additional Charge during installation.
** Applicable only to multisplit installation.
Outdoor Unit Installation
Was there any blockage of airflow through variable speed drive?|
---|---
Anti-vibration rubber is installed under all of the unit’s feet?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Anti-vibration rubbers are rated to provide stable support without impairing
the unit’s structural integrity?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Was the unit installed to avoid water pooling occuring within the condenser?|
☐ Yes ☐ No
Are spaces around the unit free from any obstructions?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Is minimum airflow and service clearances met?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Indoor Unit Installation
Is/Are the air filter/s are fitted? | ☐ Yes ☐ No |
---|
Is there sufficient space in the conditioned room for the supply and return
air location?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Is total system airflows are achieved?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Was P-Trap correctly fitted on the drain line of the evaporator?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Are condensate drain lines are not blocked?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Does the water on the condensate drain installation flow freely and does not
leak?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Does the drain tray overflow?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Indoor/Outdoor System Installation
Are the electrical connection and specification installed in unit sub-mains
correct| ☐ Yes ☐ No
---|---
cable size
Type:
Size:|
circuit breaker
Type:
Size:|
Was pull test done?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Is the correct rated RCD installed as per AS/NZS 3000?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Is wiring installation set-up and configuration is according to the Wiring
diagram?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Is any Wiring left exposed?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Was Certificate of Compliance issued?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Are there any loose fasteners?| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Are all the panels, covers and guards firmly reinstalled onto the unit ?| ☐
Yes ☐ No
Make sure that there are no fan blades interference and no damage to the fans
and guards.| ☐ Yes ☐ No
Check No Active Error Codes on the Unit| ☐ Yes ☐ No
---|---
Checked by:
Date Checked:|
actronair.com.au
1300 522 722
©Copyright 2022 Actron Engineering Pty Limited ABN 34 002767240. ®Registered
Trade Marks of Actron Engineering Pty Limited.
ActronAir is constantly seeking ways to improve the design of its products,
therefore specifications are subject to change without notice.
R-32 Safety Manual
Doc. No.0525-101 Ver. 4 230628
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>