Feature
THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB , AND USING IT CORRECTLY
Compiled by Benjamin Brits
Tools will always be required by refrigeration technicians , no matter if hand , electronic or testing work needs to be performed to care for a client ’ s investment .
Although the primary use of any tool is to perform work on a system , too often hear of harrowing stories of misfortune such as people getting injured or losing their lives in work accidents as a result of simple errors .
As an HVACR technician , there are obvious risks because of pressurised systems and tool operation , as well as refrigerant gases , extremely cold or hot components , and oils and electrical hazards that need to be considered .
Speaking to various suppliers recently , it is evident that the incorrect use of tools in a technician ’ s possession can also lead to not only costly damage to a client ’ s property , but damage to tools and even damage to self . An example is the use of undersized equipment in a pressurised system resulting in tool failure , and in extremes , gauges bursting causing injury to the technician .
It is therefore highly important to use the correct tools correctly , and so in this article , product professionals advise on the most common tools used by refrigeration technicians and the some of the ways failure or system damage arises when these tools are used incorrectly .
Product professionals , being in the refrigeration and AC sales environment for many years , are often posed the question of what the ‘ essential tools ’ are that a technician requires to perform the commissioning of new installations , or fault-finding on existing units or installations .
Looking at the basics , there are the essential tools that are required to fulfill most , if not all , general tasks , some suppliers specialise in particular tools , while others sell a value ranges or sets of tools . Tools are considered to exist to “ make any technician ’ s job simpler and more enjoyable ”.
REFRIGERATION GAUGE / MANIFOLD SET This is by far the most invaluable tool that a technician has at his disposal , as this gives the tech the ability to ascertain the running conditions of the system he is working on as most manifolds have both the HP and LP gauges and will also give a clear indication on the current system operation conditions .
All images : MACS Cool .
Gauges come in varying pressure-ratings and usually indicate
the pressure in Bar , PSI and kPa , and accordingly with the gas it is supposed to measure . Options these days are great , as there are mechanical and electronic units that can be utilised , and although you get sets that can read almost all the gases that are used in our industry , you still need to ensure you use the right tool , for the right application .
Here are some general safe handling rules for your gauge sets . Use the right manifold for the right gas , suppliers see many
1 3
2
1 . A vacuum pump removes moisture and air but must be used at the correct pressure .
2 . You can quickly ascertain the current operating conditions of the system with a tong tester .
3 . It is essential to be aware of how much refrigerant a service cylinder can recover , as different refrigerants have different properties .
4 . Be sure to use the right manifold for the right gas in the system .
4
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I April 2021 19