Handling Tubing And Fittings

Kinks in the refrigerant tubing or sharp bends in the refrigerant hose lines will greatly reduce the capacity of the entire system. High pressures are produced in the system when it is operating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure that all connections are pressure tight. Dirt and moisture can enter the system when it is opened for repair or replacement of lines or components. The following precautions must be observed. The system must be completely discharged before opening any fitting of connection in the refrigeration system. Open fittings with caution even after the system has been discharged. If any pressure is noticed as a fitting is loosened, allow trapped pressure to bleed off very slowly.

Never attempt to re-bend formed lines to fit. Use the correct line for the installation you are servicing. A good rule for the flexible hose lines is keep the radius of all bends at least 10 times the diameter of the hose.

Sharper bends will reduce the flow of refrigerant. The flexible hose lines should be routed so that they are at least 80 mm (3.1 inches) from the exhaust manifold. It is good practice to inspect all flexible hose lines at least once a year to make sure they are in good condition and properly routed.

On standard plumbing fittings with O-rings, these O-rings are not reusable.