BASIC SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, maintenance, or use of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment can cause explosion, fire, electrical shock, or other conditions that may cause personal in- jury or property damage. Consult a qualified installer, a service agency, or a distributor branch for information or assistance. The qualified installer or agency must use factory-authorized kits or accessories when modifying any product. Refer to the individual instructions packaged with the kits or accessories when in- stalling. You will notice that most codes tell you to observe the manufacturer’s instructions when installing.
Here are some essential guidelines:
• Follow all safety codes
• Wear safety glasses and work gloves
• Use quenching cloths for brazing operations
• Have fire extinguishers available
• Read the instructions thoroughly and follow all warnings or cautions attached to the unit
• Consult local building codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC) for special requirements
It is important to recognize safety information. This is the safety-alert symbol: . When you see this symbol on the unit and also in installation instructions or manuals, be alert to the potential for personal injury.
Understand the signal words:
• DANGER
• WARNING
• CAUTION
• NOTE
These words are used with the safety-alert symbol. DANGER identifies the most serious hazards, which will result in severe personal injury or death. WARNING signifies hazards that could result in personal in- jury or death. CAUTION is used to identify unsafe practices that may result in minor personal injury or equipment and property damage. NOTE is used to highlight suggestions that will result in enchanced reli- ability or operation.
When working with electricity, it is very important to make sure that you do not touch the “hot” wire (ei- ther black or red in a three-wire cable) and ground. There is usually a bare wire (it goes to ground) and a white wire, which is neutral or also a ground. If you touch the white or the bare wire and either the black or red wire, you will be shocked with 120 volts in most instances. If you make contact with the black and red wires, you will probably receive a shock with 240 volts pushing enough current through your body to cause your heart to start fibrillating or stop. Take adequate precautions when working around 120 or 240 volts.
Sometimes the circuits you will be working with will be powered with 240 volts. You must be aware of and take appropriate safety precautions to prevent electrical shock hazards. Be sure to wear safety glasses while working.
In many situations the equipment will have electric motors for fans. Needless to say, the motors may have rotating shafts with belts and pulleys. Keep clear of rotating motor shafts and equipment powered by them. Fan blades can be very sharp and can inflict a great deal of personal damage.
Some compressors use a start-and-run capacitor for proper starting and operating. These electrolytic ca- pacitors are capable of storing a charge sufficient to kill a human being. Be careful not to get across the two terminals of the capacitor.
You can discharge the capacitor by shorting across the terminals. Use a screwdriver with an insulated handle. The discharge produces a loud pop noise and may cause pitting of the screwdriver blade. The arc produced by the discharge can cause fires or other damage. Remember, a capacitor must be shorted five times in order to completely discharge it. You can still get a shock after the initial discharge surge.
With the split-phase type of motor it is suggested that you not wear loose-fitting clothing. Keep away from the rotating end of the motor shaft. Also keep your hands away from the shaft, belt, and pulley.
When working with pressure controls, make sure safety precautions are taken to protect your body and eyes. Wear safety glasses and gloves when appropriate. Make sure you use eye protection and gloves when working with refrigerant. When working with heating equipment, it is very possible to get burned by the heat exchanger, exhaust pipes, and other parts of the system. Wear proper protection.