General Retrofitting Guidelines

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR RETROFITTING WITH ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS (OTHER THAN R-134A)

NOTE: For detailed procedures, see specific refrigerant manufacturer retrofitting procedures.

- All traces of the original refrigerant must be removed. Under the provisions of the EPA's Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP), mixing differing types of refrigerant is prohibited. Separate, dedicated, EPA approved equipment must be used to recover and store the R-12 removed from the system.

NOTE: It is illegal to vent any type of refrigerant to the atmosphere.

- The system should be inspected thoroughly for leaks and deteriorated components. If the system is operational it should also be checked for proper performance. Any deficiencies noted should be corrected prior to retrofitting.

- Unique fittings must be added to all service ports, or the service port must be permanently disabled.

- The original refrigerant service label should be removed and a new service label (unique in color to the alternative refrigerant) should be installed.

- All exising mineral oil should be removed from the system and replaced with a compatible oil, see specific refrigerant manufacturer requirements.

NOTE: Many alternative blended refrigerants contain R-134a which is incompatible with mineral oil (used with R-12 systems).

- If components are removed, R-134a compatible gaskets and O-rings should be used during installation.

- If alternative refrigerants containing R-22 are used, all non-barrier A/C hoses must be replaced with barrier type hoses. Chemical Compositon

NOTE: Non-barrier type neoprene hoses may be identified by the thin ribbing running the length of the hose. Non-barrier hoses are often thicker and more flexible than barrier hoses.