SENCOR SDH 2028WH Smart Mobile Dehumidifier Wi-Fi User Manual

SENCOR SDH 2028WH Smart Mobile Dehumidifier Wi-Fi

Important Safety Instructions

READ CAREFULLY AND STORE FOR FUTURE USE.

• This appliance may be used by children 8 years of age and older and by persons with physical, sensory or mental impairments or by inexperienced persons, if they are properly supervised or have been informed about how to use of the product safely and understand the potential dangers.

• Cleaning and maintenance performed by the user must not be performed by unsupervised children. Children must not play with the appliance.

• If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by an authorised service centre or by another similarly qualified person, this will prevent the creation of a dangerous situation. It is forbidden to use the appliance if it has
  a damaged power cord.

• The appliance must be installed following national installation codes.

• The appliance must be stored in a manner that prevents mechanical damage.

• The appliance must be stored in a well-ventilated location, where the dimensions of the room correspond to the dimensions specified for its operation.

• The appliance must be stored in a room where an open flame is not continuously in use (e.g. running gas appliance) or where there are sources of ignition (e.g. running electrical heating element).

• Before connecting the appliance to a power socket, check that the rated voltage on its rating label matches the electrical voltage in the power socket.

• Connect the appliance only to a properly grounded socket.

• The power socket must be freely accessible so that it is possible to quickly disconnect the power cord from the power source if necessary.

• The appliance is designed for use in households, offices and similar types of areas. Do not use it in rooms where it could be exposed to dripping or spraying water, where it could be exposed to direct sunlight, in areas where chemical or explosive substances are stored, in industrial surroundings or outdoors. Do not use it in the vicinity of a bath, shower, swimming pool, etc.

• Do not place the appliance in the vicinity of an open flame or appliances that are sources of heat.

• Do not place the appliance on unstable surfaces such as carpets with very long and thick fibres.

• The appliance may only be used on a dry, stable, smooth and horizontal surface.

• The appliance is equipped with travel wheels so pay extra attention when handling it so that it does not fall stairs or travel down from sloped areas. If necessary secure the wheels using the stoppers.

• Only use original parts to assemble the appliance. Before starting to assemble the appliance, make sure that it is turned off and disconnected from the power socket.

• Before connecting the appliance to a power socket, make sure that the appliance is correctly assembled according to the instructions in this user’s manual.

• Do not touch the appliance with wet hands. This applies especially when it is connected to a power socket.

• Do not submerge the appliance in water or in any other liquid.

• Do not cover or insert anything into the air inlet or air outlet openings. This could damage the appliance.

• During operation, there must be sufficient space for air circulation with at least 30 cm of free space on all sides.

• Do not expose yourself to a cold air current for a long time. This could hurt your health.

• To turn the appliance on or off, always use the appropriate buttons on the control panel. Do not turn off the appliance by disconnecting the power cord from the power socket.

• Always turn off the appliance and disconnect it from the power socket when leaving it without supervision, when not using it and before moving, disassembling or cleaning it.

• Do not attempt to remove the outer case of the appliance.

• Unplug the appliance from the power socket by pulling the plug, not the power cord. Otherwise, damage to the power cord or the socket could occur.

• Do not use the appliance if damaged in any way, or with a damaged mains cable or plug.

• Store the appliance in a vertical position. It may only be transported in the vertical position. If you have already used the appliance, check that all the condensate has been drained. After transporting it, wait at least 1 hour before using the appliance.

• Do not use the appliance if it is not working correctly, if it has been damaged or has been submerged in water. To avoid a hazardous situation arising, do not repair the device yourself or modify it in any way. Have all repairs or adjustments performed at an authorised service centre. By tampering with the appliance, you expose yourself to the risk of losing your legal rights regarding faulty performance or warranty for quality.

• This appliance is intended for use by experts or trained personnel in stores, light industry and in agriculture, or for commercial use by ordinary people.

  • Read this user’s manual carefully prior to installing or operating your new appliance. Make sure to keep it for future reference.
  • Read the technical documentation.
  • Read the user’s manual.

Fire hazard
The appliance contains a flammable refrigerant. It is necessary to adhere to safety instructions.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION FOR APPLIANCES USING REFRIGERANT GAS R290

• Carefully study all the warnings.
• For defrosting and cleaning, do not use any other tools than those recommended by the manufacturer.
• The appliance must be stored in a room where there are no sources of ignition (e.g. open flame, gas appliance in operation, electrical heating equipment in operation) in continuous operation.
• Do not puncture or burn the cooling circuit.
• It is necessary to take into consideration that refrigerants may be odourless.
• The appliance must be installed, operated and stored in a room with a floor area greater than 3m2.
• This appliance contains 60g (SDH 2028WH)/74g (SDH 3028WH) of the R290 refrigerant gas.
• R290 is a refrigerant gas that meets European environmental protection directives. Do not drill into or damage any part of the cooling circuit.
• Sufficient ventilation must be provided in the room where this appliance is installed operated or stored. Otherwise, there is a risk of an explosion or fire if leaked refrigerant ignites, e.g. when a gas cooker is turned on, etc.
• The appliance must be stored in such a manner that its mechanical damage is prevented.
• Persons working with or repairing cooling circuits must have appropriate authorisation issued by an authorised institution that certifies this person’s competence to work with refrigerants by the specific assessment of the association for this sector.
• Maintenance tasks must be performed solely based on the recommendations of this appliance’s manufacturer. Maintenance and repair tasks that require the contribution of other qualified expert personnel may only be performed under the supervision of specialised experts in the flammable refrigerants sector.
• Check the rating label for the type of refrigerant gas used in your appliance.
• Do not cover the vents.
• Adhere to national codes relating to gas.
• Thank you for purchasing our SENCOR product; we hope you will be satisfied with it.
• Before using this appliance, please familiarise yourself with the user’s manual, even if you are already familiar with using similar types of appliances. Use the appliance only as described in this user’s manual. Keep the manual for future reference.
• We recommend to keep the original packaging, packaging materials, receipt, and proof of the seller’s liability or warranty certificate for a minimum of the duration of statutory right of faulty performance or warranty of quality. When transporting the appliance, we recommend packaging it again in the original box provided by the manufacturer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLIANCE

• A1 Control panel
• A2 Display (shows current air humidity)
• A3 Front panel
• A4 Travel wheels
• A5 Air outlet cover
• A6 Handles (located on both sides)
• A7 Air intake grille with built-in filter
• A8 Condensate tank
• A9 Drain hose connection outlet

Without illustration: power cord, drain hose

DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTROL PANEL

• B1 Wi-Fi indicator light
• B2 Timer indicator light
• B3 Fan speed indicator lights
• B4 Indicator light OK (indicates reaching the set humidity level)
• B5 DEFROST indicator light (indicates defrosting)
• B6 FULL indicator light (full tank)
• B7 Display (shows current relevant humidity)
• B8 Indicator light %
• B9 °C indicator light (ambient temperature display)
• B10 DRYING indicator light (dehumidifier drying)
• B11 Operating mode lights
• B12 Dehumidifier on indicator light
• B13 Control panel lock indicator light
• B14 button: used to set the timer
• B15   button: used to set the fan speed
• B16 button: used to set the humidity / extend the timer operation
• B17 button: used to set the humidity / reduce the timer operation
• B18 button: used to select the operating mode
• B19 Power button: used to turn on/off

Note:
The combination of buttons is used to activate/ deactivate the child lock – see the instructions below for more information.

PURPOSE OF USE
The dehumidifier is used to reduce the humidity in the room.

BEFORE FIRST USE

• Before first use, remove the appliance and its accessories from the packaging and remove all promotional labels and tags. Check that neither the appliance nor any of its components is damaged.
• Pull out the condensate tank and remove the drain hose from the condensate tank.
• After unpacking, let the dehumidifiers stand for 2 to 3 hours to allow the refrigerant in the cooling circuit to settle.
• Transport the dehumidifier only in the vertical position. We do not recommend transporting it in a horizontal position or tilting it.

Note:
Do not travel over carpets, door thresholds or other obstacles with the wheels. This may lead to their damage. Do not move the appliance when the condensate tank is full.

INSTALLATION LOCATION OF THE APPLIANCE

• Locate the appliance on an even, dry and stable surface within reach of a properly grounded power socket.
• Do not use the product outdoors.
• To ensure sufficient air circulation, please leave free space of at least 50cm at the back and 30cm on the sides of/above the appliance.
• Place the appliance in a room where the temperature does not fall below 5°C. Frost could form in the appliance if the temperature drops below 5°C and the appliance would need to be defrosted.
• Do not locate the appliance in the vicinity of dryers, heating devices and other sources of heat. Avoid location in direct sunlight.
• Do not use the appliance in locations where humidity could damage books or other valuable items.
• The appliance must be used in a closed room to ensure its maximum effectiveness. Therefore, close the doors and windows of the given room.

OPERATING THE APPLIANCE

• The dehumidifier is used to reduce the humidity in a room, e.g. to dry out flooded cellars, rooms with increased humidity, etc. Do not use it in areas where substances or objects are stored that require precise temperature and humidity control in the room.
• Use the appliance at an ambient temperature 5 and 35°C and humidity between 30% and 80%. These values will ensure the most effective operation of the dehumidifier.
• Always wait at least 3 minutes before turning the appliance on again.
• Do not connect the appliance to a power socket to which another appliance is already connected. We recommend connecting the appliance to an independent circuit.
• Make sure that the condensate tank is correctly installed in the appliance, otherwise, the appliance may not function correctly.

OPERATING THE APPLIANCE

Make sure that the appliance is located in a suitable place and that it is correctly assembled. Then insert the power plug into a power socket. A sound is made. The dehumidifier is in stand-by mode.

Air outlet cover

• Before turning on the dehumidifier, set the air outlet cover manually to the desired angle.
• Carefully press on the back of the cover from both sides to open it. Manually set it to the desired angle: 30°/60°/90° (see Figure C).
• Press both sides of the swing to manually set the wing to the desired angle.

Warning:
Do not use the dehumidifier with the cover closed. If the dehumidifier is in operation with the cover closed, an audible warning sounds after a while and the dehumidifier then switches off. This is a safety feature to protect the dehumidifier from overheating and damaging.

Turning on/off

• Press the button to turn on the dehumidifier. An audible warning will sound once. The power indicator light will be lit. The  button lights up green.
• The dehumidifier starts automatically in the default dehumidification mode (default relative humidity 40%). The display will show the humidity in the room and the fan will start running.
• If you need to turn off the appliance, press the  button and the indicator light will turn off. The  button will light up red. The dehumidifier is now in standby mode.
• If you need to turn the appliance off completely, pull the power plug out of the power socket.
• The operation of the dehumidifier will stop automatically if the condensate tank is full or incorrectly installed.

Note:
After turning off the dehumidifier with the button, the appliance will run for about 1 minute and then switch off (except in the fan mode). This is a normal occurrence. If you turn off the dehumidifier while it is in continuous dehumidification or laundry drying mode, the fan will continue to run for about 3 minutes after it is turned off. This is a normal occurrence. If you select the dehumidifier drying function, the fan will run for 5 minutes after the dehumidifier has been turned off.

Operating Mode Selection
Press the button repeatedly to select one of the operating modes:

• DEHUMIDIFY (dehumidifier mode)
• FAN (fan mode)
• DRY CLOTHES (laundry drying mode)

Each press will illuminate the light of the selected mode.

Dehumidifier Mode (DEHUMIDIFY)
This mode is suitable for ensuring the constant removal of air humidity. We recommend connecting the drain hose to ensure constant drainage of condensate – see chapter “CONTINUOUS CONDENSATE DRAINING VIA THE DRAIN HOSE” for more information.

• Repeatedly press the button until the DEHUMIDIFY light comes on. The display will show a default humidity of 40% and a high fan speed will be set.
• Use the buttons to set the desired humidity between 35 and 85%.
• Press the button repeatedly and select the fan speed: HIGH or LOW. Each time the button is pressed, the respective indicator will be lit on the control panel.
• When the relative air humidity goes down to the set level (tolerance + 3%), the compressor switches off and the fan speed goes down to the low speed (if it was set to high).
• When the relative air humidity increases above the set level (≥ 3%), the compressor will start and the fan will run at the set speed.
• If the relative air humidity is within +/- 3% of the set humidity level, the dehumidifier will operate continuously.
• When the relative air humidity reaches the set level, the OK indicator light comes on. When the relative air humidity changes beyond the tolerance, the indicator light OK goes out.
• The display in the dehumidifier front part is displayed in 3 colours depending on the humidity. It appears red when the relative humidity is higher than 65%; green when the relative humidity is between 45% and 65%; and blue when the relative humidity is lower than 45%.
• If the set humidity is less than 35%, “CO” (continuous dehumidification) will be displayed, regardless of the achieved humidity in the room. The compressor will be in constant operation regardless of the set humidity. The fan speed can be adjusted. It is also possible to activate the child safety lock and set the timer.

Fan Mode (FAN)
In this mode, only the fan is in operation and the compressor is turned off (no dehumidifying). It is possible to set the fan speed, but it is not possible to set the relative humidity. The display will show the relative ambient humidity from 30% to 90%.

• Press the button repeatedly until the FAN light comes on.
• Press the button repeatedly the select the required fan speed: HIGH or LOW. Each time the button is pressed, the respective indicator will be lit on the control panel.

Laundry Drying Mode (DRY CLOTHES)
This mode is suitable for drying laundry at home. In this mode, the compressor is always running and the fan speed is automatically set to high regardless of the relative humidity in the room. To protect against damage, the compressor starts with a three-minute delay. The fan speed and the humidity level in the room cannot be set. The ambient relative air humidity level (30–90%) will appear on the display.

• Press the button repeatedly until the DRY CLOTHES light comes on.
• The dehumidifier switches to this mode. The fan starts running at high speed and the compressor starts 3 minutes later.

Automatic Turning Off
The dehumidifier is equipped with an automatic turn-off feature after the set time.

1. While the dehumidifier is in operation, press . The front display will flash and the timer indicator light comes on.
2. Use the / buttons to set the desired time between 0 and 24 hours. Wait for the set time on the display to stabilise and the countdown will start automatically.
3. After the set time has elapsed, the dehumidifier turns off and enters standby mode.

• If you need to check the automatic turn-off time, press the button briefly. The display in the front part will flash briefly and the remaining time until the automatic shut off will be shown. Wait until the time has stabilized and the countdown will continue.
• If you need to cancel the automatic shutdown function, press  the button briefly. The display in the front part flashes briefly. While it is blinking, press the button  again and the timer will be cancelled.

Control Panel Lock

• The lock enables the control panel elements to be locked to prevent accidentally changing your settings.
• Hold down the  and  buttons simultaneously to enable the control panel lock. The control panel lock light comes on. All the buttons on the control panel will be inactive.
• To deactivate the lock, hold down the and  buttons simultaneously. The lock will be cancelled and the lock indicator light on the control panel will turn off.

Temperature display

• To check the ambient temperature, hold down the and buttons simultaneously. The display will show ambient temperature and the indicator light °C comes on. After 10 seconds, it will automatically switch to the humidity display state.

Turning the display off

• If you need to turn the display on the front of the dehumidifier off, hold down the button . The display will turn off.
• If you need to turn the display back on, hold down the button .

CONTROL THROUGH THE Sencor HOME APP
The dehumidifier can be controlled via the Sencor HOME application. Download the application to your smart phone, register yourself and control the dehumidifier via the application.

• If you already have the application installed, add the dehumidifier to your devices.

Adding the Dehumidifier to the Device List via Bluetooth
You can add the mobile air conditioner to the Sencor HOME application by pairing it via Bluetooth.

1. Turn on the Bluetooth function on your mobile phone.
2. Turn on the dehumidifier.
3. Open the app and on the app’s home page, click the “+” icon in the top right corner.
4. The device itself will offer the “Add Device” option.
5. Click and the app will automatically guide you through adding it.

Note:
If the Bluetooth connection fails or is not possible, make sure there are no solid obstacles between your phone and the convector and that the two devices are close together. Adding the Dehumidifier to the Device List via a QR code

• The dehumidifier can also be added to the Sensor HOME application using the QR code provided below. On the app’s home page, click the“+” icon and in the top right corner of the add device screen, click “[-] Scan QR Code”.
• You will be prompted to reset the device. Hold down the button for about 5 seconds. The Wi-Fi indicator light is blinking. This means that the dehumidifier is ready to be paired. Instructions can also be found on the application screen.
• In the app, confirm that the (Wi-Fi) light is flashing, then click “Next”.
• The process of adding the device starts. Wait until the dehumidifier is paired
• In the device list on the main screen, click on the icon of the dehumidifier to enter the control interface.

QR Code for Adding the Dehumidifier Control Panel to the Sencor HOME SDH 2028WH and SDH 3028WH App.

Manually Adding the Dehumidifier to the Device List

• In the upper right corner of the main screen, click “Add device” or “+”, then click “Add device”.
• A screen with appliance categories and a list of appliances will appear.
• Click “Air quality” and select the convector model from the product list.
• You will be prompted to reset the device. Hold down the button for 5 seconds. The Wi-Fi indicator light is blinking. This means that the dehumidifier is ready to be paired. Instructions can also be found on the application screen.
• In the app, confirm that the (Wi-Fi) light is flashing, then click “Next”.
• On the next screen, you will be prompted to select a Wi-Fi network. Select the network, enter your password and click “Next”.
• The process of adding the device starts. Wait until the convector is paired.
• In the device list on the main screen, click on the icon of the dehumidifier to enter the control interface.

Wi-Fi Reset
While the dehumidifier is in operation, hold down the button for at least 5 seconds. The Wi-Fi settings will be reset and the Wi-Fi icon will flash quickly (twice per second).

Full Tray Indicator (Fig. D)

• If the condensate tank becomes full while the dehumidifier is in operation, the compressor and the fan will stop running, an audible warning will sound and the full tank indicator light will flash on the control panel. “FL” will appear on the front display.
• Carefully pull the condensate tank from the back of the dehumidifier and pour out the condensate. Insert the tank back. Make sure that the condensate tank is inserted properly.
• When the condensate tank is reinstalled, the dehumidifier will automatically resume operation. When the dehumidifier is in the dehumidification mode, the compressor will start only after 3 minutes.

DRYING FUNCTION

• While the dehumidifier is turned on, hold down the button for 3 seconds until the “DRYING indicator light comes on. After the dehumidifier is turned off, only the fan will remain in operation for 5 minutes. During this time, the excess moisture inside the dehumidifier that has not been drained during normal operation will be automatically removed. Therefore, we recommend that you select this function before storing the dehumidifier for a prolonged period of time.

Note
The feature is factory disabled and must be always selected manually.

Continuous condensate draining via the drain hose (Fig. E)
A drain hose must be connected for continuous condensate drainage. Proceed as follows:

1. Remove the plastic plug at the rear of the outlet. Store the well for future use.
   Note:
   If there is water in the outlet after removing the plug, wipe it with a dry cloth.

2. Insert the end of the drain hose into the outlet. The internal diameter of the drain hose is 10 mm. Make sure the hose end is properly inserted to prevent condensate leakage.

3. Locate the free end of the hose so that the condensate can flow out freely. The container or the place where the condensate is drained must be lower than the outlet. Do not bend the hose or step on it.

Note:
When not using the drain hose for continuous draining of condensate, remove it, wipe away any water and close the outlet using the plug.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Before cleaning, unplug the power cord from the main socket.

Note
To clean any appliance parts, never use cleaning agents with abrasive effects, thinners etc. that could damage the appliance surface.

Warning:
To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not submerge the appliance, plug or power cord in water or any other liquid.

Cleaning the Condensate Tank

• Empty out the condensate tank whenever you finish using the appliance and wipe it using a wiping cloth.
• To prevent undesirable bacteria, micro-organisms or moulds from multiplying inside the tank, clean it out at least once per month using a cloth dampened in lukewarm water with the addition of neutral detergent. Then rinse it out thoroughly using clean water, and wipe it dry and insert it back into the appliance.
• Do not wash the condensate tank in a dishwasher.

Cleaning the protective filter grille

• Check and clean the protective grille at least once every two weeks, or more often if you use the appliance every day.
• Remove the protective filter grille from the dehumidifier (Fig. F).
• You can remove the dust using a brush with gentle bristles. If the filter grille is more heavily soiled, you can vacuum up the dust and dirt using the vacuum cleaner at its lowest setting with the upholstery brush fitted. Alternatively, you can soak the filter grille in warm water (water temperature maximum 40°C) and use a soft sponge to clean it. Leave in a dry, shady and well-ventilated place to dry. Do not use a dryer or hair dryer to dry. Do not dry in direct sunlight. Make sure the filter grille is completely dry before inserting it into the appliance.
• Install back in place.

Warning
Do not use the appliance without the protective filter grille properly installed. Do not wash the protective filter grille in a dishwasher.

Cleaning the Outer Case

• To clean the outer casing, use a cloth slightly dampened with lukewarm water and a little dishwashing liquid. Make sure that water does not enter into the vents. If air inlet and outlet grilles are only dusty, you may clean them with a vacuum cleaner.

Storage

• When not using the appliance for an extended period, disconnect the power plug from the power socket and clean it according to the instructions provided above.
• Clean the condensate tank only 24 hours after turning the appliance off since a small amount of condensate may accumulate even during this time.
• Store the appliance in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated place away from extreme temperatures and out of the reach of children or pets.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Dehumidified air passes through a heating element, whereby the air is heated up (without the cooling function).
The dehumidifier didn’t turn on.| The dehumidifier is not connected to a mains socket.| Insert the power plug into a properly grounded power socket.
The condensate tank is full.| Empty the condensate tank.
The condensate tank is not inserted correctly.| Insert the tank correctly into the dehumidifier.
The dehumidifier is not removing humidity from the room.| The temperature and humidity in the room are low.| If the temperature and humidity in the room are low, reduce dehumidification power. Check the temperature and humidity in the room.

As a rule, humidity will be higher during the cooler months. This is

not a defect.

The air outlet or air inflow is blocked.| Eliminate the cause of the blockage of the air outlet or inlet.
The dehumidifier does not exhaust air.| The protective filter grille is dirty.| Clean the protective filter grille.
The dehumidifier is noisy.| The dehumidifier is located on an uneven floor, is tilted, or is located on an unstable surface.| Place the dehumidifier on a flat, firm and stable surface.
The protective filter grille is dirty.| Clean the protective filter grille.

If the problem persists or is not listed in the table above, stop using the appliance and contact an authorised service centre.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SDH 2028WH

SDH 3028WH

We reserve the right to change the text and technical specifications. SENCOR hereby declares that the SDH 2028WH and SDH 3028WH radio device types comply with Directive 2014/53/EU. For the full version of the EU Declaration of Conformity, please refer to www.sencor.eu.

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION ON DISPOSAL OF USED PACKAGING MATERIAL
Dispose of used packaging material at a site designated for waste in your municipality.

DISPOSING OF USED ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
This symbol on the products or accompanying documents indicates that used electrical and electronic products should not be disposed of with regular municipal waste. For proper disposal and recycling, take these products to designated collection points. Or in some European Union states or other European countries, the products can be returned to the local retailer when buying an equivalent new product. Disposing of this product correctly helps save valuable natural resources and prevents damage to the environment by improper waste disposal. Ask your local authorities or collection facility for more details. By national regulations penalties may be imposed for the incorrect disposal of this type of waste.

For Business Entities in European Union States
If you want to dispose of electric or electronic devices, ask your retailer or supplier for the necessary information.

Disposal in Other Countries Outside the European Union
This symbol is valid in the European Union. If you wish to dispose of this product, request the necessary information about the correct disposal method from the local council or your retailer. This product complies with all the essential requirements of the EU directives that apply to it.

SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS

• The service manual is intended only for qualified personnel with authorisation for handling flammable refrigerants.

Area check
Before starting work on a system containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks are necessary to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimised. When repairing a cooling system, the following measures must be adhered to prior to performing any work.

Work procedure
Work must be performed following a controlled procedure so that the risk of flammable gases or fumes being present during this time is minimised.

General work area
The whole maintenance crew and other personnel at the site must be informed about the nature of the work being performed. Work in tight areas must be prevented. The area around the work site must be divided into sections. It must be ensured that the conditions inside the area are safe employing inspections of flammable materials.

Check for the presence of a refrigerant
The area must be checked using an appropriate detector for the presence of refrigerant before and during work to ensure that technicians are aware of a potentially flammable atmosphere. It must be ensured that the device used for the detection of leaks is suitable for use on flammable refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking, appropriately sealed or intrinsically safe.

Presence of a fire extinguisher
If any work is performed on the cooling device or associated parts under heat, then a suitable fire extinguisher must be on hand. In the vicinity of the filling area, there must be a powder or CO2 fire extinguisher.

No ignition sources
No person performing work related to the cooling system that encompasses the uncovering of any pipes that contain or have contained flammable gasses may use any ignition sources in a manner that could lead to a fire or explosion hazard. All possible ignition sources, including the smoking of cigarettes, should be kept at a sufficient distance from the installation, repair, removal or disposal location, during which flammable refrigerant could potentially be released into the surrounding environment. Before starting work, the area around the appliance must be checked to ensure that there are no fire hazards or ignition risks present. A “smoking forbidden” sign must be installed.

Ventilated area
It must be ensured that the area is ventilated or appropriately ventilated prior to penetrating the system or performing any work under heat. The intensity of ventilation must continue for the time that work is performed. Ventilation should safely dissipate any released refrigerant and draw it out into the atmosphere as a priority.

Cooling system checks
In places where electrical components are replaced, these components must be suitable for this purpose and conform to the correct specifications. The manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and service must always be followed. If any doubts arise, it is necessary to request help from the manufacturer’s technical department.

• On installations containing flammable refrigerants, it is necessary to perform the following checks:
  • the amount of refrigerant corresponds to the size of the room in which components containing refrigerant are installed;
  • ventilation systems and outlets are in full working order and are not clogged;
  • if any indirect cooling circuit is used, the second circuit must be checked for the presence of refrigerant;
  • the markings on the appliance must remain constantly visible and legible, and markings and signs that are illegible must be repaired;
  • The cooling pipes and components are installed in locations where it is not probable that they will be exposed to any substances that could corrode the parts containing refrigerant unless these components are built using materials that are inherently resistant to corrosion or are appropriately protected against corrosion.

Electrical device check
The repair and maintenance of electrical components must include safety checks and inspections of components. In the event of a malfunction that could affect safety, no electrical power may be connected to the circuit until the malfunction is satisfactorily resolved. If the malfunction cannot be immediately repaired but it is necessary to continue running the appliance, an appropriate temporary solution must be used. The owner of the appliance must be informed in such a way that all parties know about it. The initial safety check must ensure:

• that capacitors are discharged: this must be performed in a safe way to prevent the possibility of sparking;
• that no electrical components or wiring is uncovered during the process of filling, draining or cleaning the system;
• that the grounding is not interrupted.

Repair of sealed components
When repairing sealed components, all the electrical power supply must be disconnected from the appliance on which work is being performed before sealed lids, etc. are removed. When it is necessary to have a live power supply going into the appliance while servicing the appliance, it is necessary to install a permanent device in the most critical point to detect leakage so that a dangerous situation is averted. Special attention must be paid to ensuring that as a result of the work performed on electrical components, the cover is not changed to the extent of affecting the level of protection. This must also include damage to cables, excessive number of connections and terminals not performed according to original specifications, damaged gaskets, incorrect configuration of plugs, etc. It is necessary to ensure that the appliance is mounted safely. It is necessary to ensure that gaskets or sealing materials are not damaged in such a way that they no longer serve to prevent the entry of a flammable atmosphere. Spare parts must conform to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Note:
The use of silicone gaskets and seals may suppress the efficiency of certain types of leak detection devices. Intrinsically safe components do not need to be disconnected before being worked on.

Repairs of intrinsically safe components
No permanently inductive or capacitative load may be placed on the circuit without it being ensured that the permitted voltage and current for the used appliance is not exceeded. Intrinsically safe components are the only type on which it is possible to work in a flammable environment even while under live current. Testing equipment must have correct specifications. Parts are replaced using only parts specified by the manufacturer. Different parts could result in the ignition of refrigerant upon leakage into the environment.

Cabling
Check that cabling is not exposed to wear and tear, corrosion, excessive pressure, vibrations, sharp edges or any other negative environmental effects. This check must also take into consideration the effects of aging and permanent vibrations from sources such as compressors or fans.

Detection of flammable refrigerants
Under no circumstances may potential sources of ignition be used for locating or detecting refrigerant leaks. A halogen burner (or any other type of detector utilising an open flame) must not be used.

Leak detection methods
The following leak detection methods are considered acceptable for systems containing flammable refrigerants. For the detection of flammable refrigerants, electronic leak detectors must be used, however, their sensitivity may not be appropriate or they may require recalibration. (Detection equipment must be calibrated in an area without any refrigerant present). It is important to ensure that the detector is not a potential ignition source and that it is suitable for the used refrigerant. The leak detector must be set to a percentage of LFL refrigerant and must be calibrated for the used refrigerant and the respective gas percentage is confirmed (maximum 25 %). Leak-detection liquids are suitable for use on most refrigerants, however, detergents containing chlorine must be excluded since chlorine may react with the refrigerant and corroded copper pipes. In the event of a suspected leak, all open flames must be removed/ extinguished. If the refrigerant leak is found and requires hard soldering, then all the refrigerant must be drained from the system or separated (by closing a valve) in a part of the system distant from the leak. The system must then be cleaned out using oxygen-free nitrogen (OFN) both before as well as after the hard soldering process.

Collection and pump discharge
If the cooling circuit is breached due to repairs – or for any other reason – conventional procedures must be followed. It is, however, important to adhere to the best method due to flammability. It is necessary to adhere to the following procedure:

• collect the refrigerant;
• clean out the circuit using inert gas;
• pump out;
• again clean out using inert gas;
• open the circuit by cutting or hard soldering.

The contents of the circuit must be collected into the correct collection cylinders. The system must be “flooded” with OFN (oxygen-free nitrogen) for the unit to remain safe. It may be necessary to repeat the procedure several times. For this task, neither compressed air nor oxygen may be used. Flooding may be achieved by disrupting the vacuum in the system with the use of OFN, and by continued filling until the operating pressure is achieved, then venting into the atmosphere and finally lowering to a vacuum. This process must be repeated if refrigerant still remains in the system. When the last OFN cartridge is used, the system must be ventilated to atmospheric pressure to enable work to be performed. This activity is necessary if hard soldering is to be performed on the pipes. It is necessary to ensure that the vacuum pump outlets are not nearby to any ignition source, and ventilation must be provided.

Filling procedure
Apart from conventional filling procedures, also the following requirements must be adhered to.

• It is necessary to ensure that no contamination by various refrigerants occurs when the filling device is used. Hoses or pipes must be as short as possible to minimise the amount of refrigerant contained inside of them.
• Cylinders must be held vertically.
• It is important to ensure that the cooling system is grounded before being filled with refrigerant.
• When filling is complete, the system must be marked with a label (if it does not have one already).
• It is necessary to pay extreme care to ensure that the cooling system is not overfilled.

A pressure test using OFN must be performed before refilling the system. In the case of a leak, the system must be tested after being refilled but also before being put into operation. A verification test must be performed before leaving the installation location.

Taking out of operation
Before performing this procedure, it is essential that the technician fully acquaints him/herself with the device and all its particulars. Correct practice of safely collecting all refrigerant is recommended. Before performing this activity, oil and refrigerant samples must be taken if an analysis is required before using the regenerated refrigerant for the first time. It is essential that before starting this activity electricity is available.

• Acquainting one’s self with the device and its activity.
• Electrical disconnection of the system.
• Before starting the procedure, ensure that:
  • if required, a mechanical device for handling the cylinder with refrigerant is available;
  • all personal protective devices are available and used correctly;
  • the collection process is constantly under the supervision of a competent person;
  • the collection device and cylinders comply with respective norms.
• Pump out the cooling system if possible.
• If achieving a vacuum is not possible, collection pipes are created to enable the collection of refrigerant from various parts of the system.
• Ensure that the cylinder is placed on the scale before the collection of refrigerant is started.
• The collection device is turned on and runs according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Cylinders are not overfilled. (No more than 80 % of liquid content capacity).
• The maximum operating pressure of the cylinder is not exceeded, even temporarily.
• When the cylinders are properly filled up and the procedure is complete, ensure that the cylinders and devices are immediately removed from the installation location and that all the separation valves on the device are closed.
• The collected refrigerant must not be filled into a different cooling system until it is cleaned and checked.

Marking with a label

• The appliance must be marked with a label indicating that it has been put out of operation and is without refrigerant. The label must be dated and signed. It is ensured that there are labels on the appliance indicating that it contains flammable refrigerant.

Collection

When the refrigerant is collected from the system, either due to servicing or when it is put out of operation, it is recommended to adhere to proper practice and safely collect all the refrigerant. When the refrigerant is transferred into the cylinders, it is necessary to ensure that appropriate cylinders for collecting refrigerant are used. It is necessary to ensure that there is a sufficient number of cylinders available to contain the complete contents of the system. All the cylinders that are to be used must be intended for collecting refrigerant and be marked with a label for this refrigerant (i.e. special cylinders for collecting refrigerant). The cylinders must be complete with a safety valve and associated closing valves in good working condition. The empty collection cylinders are pumped empty and if possible cooled before collecting refrigerant.

The collection device must be in good operating condition with a set of manuals relating to the device, which are on hand and it must be suitable for collecting flammable refrigerants. Apart from this, a set of calibrated scales in good operating condition must also be available. Hoses must be complete with couplers without seepage and in good condition. Before using the collection device, check that it is in satisfactory operating condition, has been properly maintained and all the associated electrical components are sealed to prevent ignition in the event of refrigerant being released. If in any doubt, consult the manufacturer. The collected refrigerant must be returned to the refrigerant supplier in the correct collection cylinder and with a respectively arranged waste transport letter. Refrigerants are not to be mixed in the collection units and especially not in the cylinders. If compressors or compressor oils are to be collected, ensure that they are pumped out to an acceptable level to ensure that flammable refrigerant does not remain in the lubricant. The pump discharge process must be performed before the compressor is returned to the supplier. To speed up this process, only electrically heated compressor elements may be used. When the oil is drained from the system, it must be disposed of safely.

• U Sanitasu 1621 CZ-251 01 Říčany www.sencor.eu

References

• Design and quality for you | Sencor
• Design and quality for you | Sencor

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