Initial Leak Testing; Evacuation - Rheem A17 Series Installation Instructions Manual

4.6 Initial Leak testing

Indoor coils have only a holding charge of dry
nitrogen. Keep all tube ends sealed until connections are
to be made.
WARNING:
to purge lines or pressurize system for leak test.
Oxygen reacts violently with oil, which can cause an
explosion resulting in severe personal injury or death.
The 2-stage condensing units must be matched to
indoor coils or air-handlers that are equipped with an
EXV or TXV. During shipment, vibration has been found
to move the EXV stem valve to a near closed position
despite being set to a fully open position in the factory.
Prior to leak testing, it is recommended to apply power
to the indoor unit if the indoor coil has an EXV, making
sure there is no call for operation by disconnecting the
EcoNet™ control center or thermostat. By doing this, the
controls will immediately close the EXV followed imme-
diately by opening it to the wide open position, permit-
ting free flow of nitrogen through the system during the
brazing process.
• Pressurize line set and coil through service fit-
tings with dry nitrogen to 150 PSIG (maximum).
Close nitrogen tank valve, let system sit for at least
15 minutes, and check to see if the pressure has
dropped. If the pressure has dropped, check for
leaks at the line set braze joints with soap bubbles
and repair leak as necessary. Repeat pressure test.
If line set and coil hold pressure, proceed with line
set and coil evacuation (see Sections 4.7 and 4.8 for
evacuation and final leak testing).
DO NOT use oxygen
ST-A1226-07-00
ST-A1226-06-00
4.0 INSTALLATION
• The suction line must be insulated for its entire
length to prevent dripping (sweating) and prevent
performance losses. Closed-cell foam insulation
such as Armaflex and Rubatex
insulations for this purpose. Use 1/2" [12.7 mm]
minimum insulation thickness. Additional
insulation may be required for long runs. The
liquid line must be insulated in any unconditioned
space when long line sets are used and anytime
the liquid line is run through an attic due to hot
temperatures that occur there.

4.7 Evacuation

Evacuation is one of the most important parts of
the entire installation and service procedure. The
life and efficiency of the equipment is dependent
upon the thoroughness exercised by the serviceman
when evacuating air and moisture from the system.
Air or nitrogen in the system increases condensing
temperature and pressure, resulting in increased
power consumption, erratic operation, and reduced
capacity.
Moisture chemically reacts with the refrigerant and oil
to form corrosive acid which attacks the compressor
motor windings and internal parts and which can result
in compressor failure.
• After the system has been leak-checked and
proven sealed, connect the vacuum pump and
evacuate system to 500 microns and hold 500
microns or less for at least 15 minutes. The vacuum
pump must be connected to both the high and low
sides of the system by connecting to the two
pressure ports. Use the largest size connections
available since restrictive service connections may
lead to false readings because of pressure drop
through the fittings.
are satisfactory
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