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With an increasing number of air conditioning units using R32, one of the leading manufacturers has stressed the importance of specialist training before using this \u201cmildly flammable\u201d refrigerant.<\/p>\nWith an increasing number of air conditioning units using R32, one of the leading manufacturers has stressed the importance of specialist training before using this \u201cmildly flammable\u201d refrigerant.<\/p>\n
R32 pioneers Daikin have now been joined by fellow market leaders Mitsubishi Electric in introducing air conditioners using this lower GWP alternative to R410A in the UK.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201c<\/strong>Transitioning towards the use of lower GWP refrigerants, many installers have commented that the current tools will be incompatible, meaning unwelcome upfront investment in new tools for use with R32,\u201d said Martin Passingham.<\/p>\n There have also been concerns voiced that during the interim period this will mean keeping two sets of tools that need to be maintained.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is one area in particular where training is invaluable,\u201d said Martin Passingham, pointing out that training courses, such as Daikin\u2019s\u00a0R32 System Installations \u2013 Are You Ready?,<\/em>\u00a0cover the complete installation process and all of the essential aspects of R32 system installation, discussing commissioning, repair, tool requirements, legislation compliance and safe handling information.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring the session, installers can also discover how to evaluate their current tools and equipment to test for cross compatibility between R410A and R32 \u2013 saving on costs and the inconvenience of carrying multiple tools,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n As the R32-based systems have a very similar installation process to R410A systems, there are actually a wide range of tools and safety measures that are applicable to both installations.<\/p>\n \u201cFor example, the charge hose and gauge manifold are interchangeable between R410A and R32 when a gauge that indicates R32 on the dial has been purchased, Passingham observes. \u201cSeveral manufacturers have been producing R32 compatible gauges for many years, so it is worth checking current equipment for this dial. Also, the scales, flaring tools and other fixing equipment can be used for both R410A and R32 installations \u2013 this is because the pipework installation process is exactly the same for both gasses.<\/p>\n \u201cFor other pieces of equipment, such as the cylinder, refrigerant recovery machines and leak checking, devices must be compatible with R32 \u2013 however, a simple check with the manufacturer will confirm this either way, with adapters available for cylinders.\u201d<\/p>\n As the F-gas phase down of high GWP refrigerants begins and R32 becomes more prominent in air conditioning systems, Passingham maintains that those offering R32-based systems will have a competitive edge over their slower to adapt counterparts.<\/p>\n Cambridge-based contractor Airway Air Conditioning installed its first R32 unit last year and has since installed around 30. Operations director Luke Harris commented: \u201cAlthough they may look different, the installation process is easy and straightforward. Requiring minimal training to make the move to R32 system installations, we\u2019re reaping the benefits that R32 offers to our customers and would strongly recommend that other installers make the change now.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/learntechnique.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/R32.jpg\")
Daikin UK\u2019s DX product manager Martin Passingham maintains that industry training will give installers more confidence when approaching their first R32 installation.\u00a0<\/strong>It will also enable engineers to dispel some misconceptions and\u00a0learn which of their current R410A tools and equipment are compatible with R32.<\/p>\n