Service Equipment

A/C systems using R-134a refrigerant and PAG lubricants cannot use R-12 refrigerant or mineral oil lubricants. R-134a refrigerant is NOT compatible or interchangeable with R-12 refrigerant. Separate sets of hoses, manifold gauge sets and recovery/recycling equipment are required to service the different systems. This is necessary to avoid cross-contaminating and damaging A/C system. A single set of A/C service equipment cannot be cleaned thoroughly enough to be used with both types of refrigerant.

All equipment used to service A/C systems using R-134a must be U.L. listed and certified to meet SAE standard J2210. The service hoses on the manifold gauge set must have manual (turn wheel) or automatic backflow valves at the service port connector ends. This will prevent refrigerant from being released into the atmosphere.

For identification purposes, R-134a service hoses must have a Black stripe along its length and be clearly labeled SAE J2196/R-134a. The low pressure test hose is Blue with a Black stripe. The high pressure test hose is Red with a Black stripe, and the center test hose is Yellow with a Black stripe.

R-134a manifold gauge sets can be identified by one or all of the following: Labeled FOR USE WITH R-134a on set, labeled HFC-134a or R-134a on gauge face, or by a Light Blue color on gauge face. In addition, pressure/temperature scales on R-134a gauge sets are different from R-12 manifold gauge sets.