Whirlpool R600A - Pre-Work Checks; Sealed System Access

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R600A Sealed System
Sealed System Repair
Pre-Work Checks
Pre-Work Checks
Prior to work on an R600a refrigerator, ensure the
immediate area is suitable for working safely, and
the appropriate precauons are in place. Proper
safety checks before beginning work will minimize
the potenal for an ignion event. Take the following
precauons before working on the sealed system:
Ensure the area work environment is safe.
• The work area should be sufficiently sized.
• R600a refrigerators should not be serviced in small
poorly ventilated spaces such as very small ‘galley’
kitchens, storage closets.
• Suggested that you not perform sealed system
maintenance in spaces smaller than 6’ X 6’.
• Refrigerators in insufficiently sized spaces should be
moved to a larger area to work safely.
• The work area should be properly ventilated. Proper
ventilation allows any refrigerant inadvertently
released to disperse safely.
• When working behind the appliance, create as much
clearance as possible between the appliance and
the wall, or other obstructions, to allow proper air
movement. Locate the leak detector also behind the
appliance.
• Use supplemental venlaon, such as a fan. Ensure
the fan is located at minimum of 9 feet/3 meters
from the nearest sealed system component.
• Ensure a dry-powder re exnguisher rated for
Class B res is accessible on site.
• Use of a suitable gas detector will alert the
technician of the presence of ammable gas.
• If ammable refrigerant is detected, immediately
venlate the room, evacuate the area, and nofy
the owner or customer.
• Recheck with a combusble gas leak detector
before proceeding.
• If quesoned, inform the customer the detector
allows the work to be done safely.
• Remove any ignion sources from the work area
Disconnect power by unplugging the appliance
before servicing.
• The area should be free of open ame or burning
materials, including cigarees, candles, or similar
materials.
• Do not operate appliances that ulize open ames
or have hot surfaces electric or gas ranges, electric
or gas dryers, toasters, electric or baery powered
tools, and other small appliances while servicing the
appliance.
• Inform the homeowner/consumer that no open
ignion sources should be present in or near the area,
including cigaree smoking materials.
• Check the area and the appliance for any signs of
ignion that might have occurred prior to the service.
• If there are signs of ignion, stop work and ventalate
the work area. Maintain a safe zone around the
appliance during service work to prevent ignion
sources or entry by the customers.
• An appliance on/o switch, or power buon, is not
adequate for removing power, as voltage will sll be
present in the unit.
• Ensure all necessary supplies, tools, and parts are on-
hand.
• Maintain all equipment in accordance with
manufacturer specicaons.
• Inspect all equipment and hoses for damage prior to
each use. Do not use damaged equipment or hoses.
Sealed System Access
¾ DO NOT access the sealed system by means of cung
or breaking the sealed system piping.
¾ DO NOT access the sealed system by means of a torch
or any type of open ame.
¾ The sealed system should only be accessed through
the process tube and through the drier.
¾ Quick disconnect ngs must be used when accessing
the sealed system. Use of quick disconnect valves
minimize or eliminate the discharge of any ammable
refrigerant into the work area. Quick disconnect
ngs can be used with Schrader valves, if present, or
with piercing pliers.
¾ If there is no direct means of accessing the sealed
system, use piercing pliers.
¾ If the sealed system is accessed by piercing, ensure the
correct diameter ng is selected based on the size of
the sealed system pipe.