Leak Testing Refrigerant System

TM 5-4120-393-14

5-12. Leak Testing Refrigerant System

This task covers:

a. Service

Initial setup.

Tools:

Tool kit, service, refrigeration unit NSN 5180-00-596-1474

Leak detector NSN 4940-00-531-0362

Rubber gloves NSN 8415-00-266-8677

Safety goggles NSN 4240-00-052-3776

Personnel: 1

Materials:

Equipment condition:

1. Turn unit power off at power source. If there is a chance that it will be turned on, also disconnect power cable

to air conditioner.

General Safety Instructions:

WARNING

Death or serious injury may result if personnel fail to observe safety precautions.

Use great care to avoid contact with liquid refrigerant or refrigerant gas being

discharged under pressure. Sudden and irreversible tissue damage can result

from freezing. Wear thermal protective gloves and a face protector or goggles in

any situation where skin-eye-contact is possible.

Prevent contact of refrigerant gas with flame or hot surfaces. Heat causes the

refrigerant to break down and form carbonyl chloride (phosgene), a highly

poisonous and corrosive gas.

SERVICE

NOTE

The entire repaired area should be thoroughly leak tested after repair or

replacement of any component before it is recharged with refrigerant-22. Leak

testing is also the method for troubleshooting when a system has lost all or part of

its refrigerant charge through an undetermined cause.

Testing Method. There are two acceptable methods for leak testing the refrigeration system.

Refrigerant gas leak detector. If an electronic refrigerant gas leak detector is available, it should be used in

accordance with the procedures contained in TM 9-4840-435-14, "Leak Detector, Refrigerant Gas".

NOTE

The electronic gas leak detector is highly sensitive to the presence of a minute

quantity of gas in the air, and due to this factor is quite effective in the detection of

small leaks. However, due to the rapid dispersion of refrigerant gas into the

surrounding air, difficulty may be encountered in pinpointing large leaks. The

detector must be used in a well ventilated but draft-free area.

5-24