Safety Warnings; Compressor Testing; Charging Sealed Systems; Soldering - Electrolux Side by Side Refrigerator Service Manual

Section E - Refrigeration System

SAFETY WARNINGS

Compressor Testing

Whenever testing a compressor, extreme caution should be used to prevent
damaging the terminals. A compressor with a damaged terminal or a grounded
winding can expel a terminal from its insulated housing when the compressor is
energized. If this happens, a mixture of refrigerant and oil will be released that could
be ignited by an external heat source (open flame, heater, etc.). Also, if there is air
in the system when this happens, a spark at the compressor shell could ignite the
refrigerant and oil mixture

Charging Sealed Systems

Overcharging a refrigeration system with refrigerant can be dangerous. If the
overcharge is sufficient to immerse the major parts of the motor and compressor
in liquid refrigerant, a situation has been created which, when followed by a
sequence of circumstances can lead to the compressor shell seam separating.
A hydraulic block occurs, preventing the compressor from starting. This condition
is known as locked rotor. Electric current continues to flow through the
compressor motor windings which become, in effect, electric resistance heaters.
The heat produced begins to vaporize the excess refrigerant liquid causing a rapid
increase in system pressure. If the compressor protective devices fail, the
pressure within the system may rise to extremes far in excess of the design limits.
Under these conditions, the weld seam around the compressor shell can separate
with explosive force, spewing oil and refrigerant vapor which could ignite.
To eliminate this exceedingly rare but potential hazard, never add refrigerant to a
sealed system. If refrigerant is required, evacuate the existing charge and recharge
with the correct measured amount of the refrigerant specified for the system.

Soldering

WARNING
WEAR APPROVED SAFETY GLASSES WHEN WORKING WITH OR ON ANY PRESSURIZED
SYSTEM OR EQUIPMENT. HAVE AN APPROVED DRY TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHER HANDY
WHEN USING ANY TYPE OF GAS OPERATED TORCH.
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