5.3003.30 Refrigerant Charge Evaluation—Mid and High Rise

Topic: 
Forced Air
Subtopic: 
System Assessment and Maintenance
Desired Outcome: 
Correct refrigerant charge
For supporting material, see Referenced Standards.
TitleSpecification(s)Objective(s)
5.3003.30a
Verify

Equipment must be installed in accordance with written and manufacturer specifications

Proper air flows and/or water flows through the heat exchanger will be within manufacturer tolerances before refrigerant evaluation can be performed

System will be within the manufacturer-permissible temperature tolerances and in steady state condition before refrigerant evaluation can be performed

Ensure accuracy of the evaluation
5.3003.30b
Testing equipment

Measurement equipment will be calibrated and field checked according to manufacturer specifications

Measurement equipment will be selected so that design value (pressure and temperature) will be within the accurate range of the measuring device

Ensure accurate measurements of refrigerant charge
5.3003.30c
Testing procedure

Proper refrigerant charge will be evaluated and documented in accordance with ANSI ANSI American National Standards Institute, www.ansi.org / ACCA ACCA Air Conditioning Contractors of America, www.acca.org Standard 5

Examples of acceptable procedures that may be performed are:

  • Superheat test done under outdoor ambient temperatures specified by the manufacturer. Superheat value must be within +/- 5°F of the manufacturer-specified superheat value (or within manufacturer-recommended tolerances)
  • Subcooling test done under outdoor ambient temperatures specified by the manufacturer. Subcooling value must be within +/- 3°F of the manufacturer-specified subcooling value (or within manufacturer-recommended tolerances)
  • Any method approved and specifically documented by the manufacturer that will ensure proper refrigerant charge

Ensure optimal operation of the equipment
5.3003.30d
Documentation

Documentation will be done in accordance with ANSI ANSI American National Standards Institute, www.ansi.org / ACCA ACCA Air Conditioning Contractors of America, www.acca.org Standard 5

Documented field data (including, but not limited to, operating refrigerant pressures, superheat and subcooling values, etc.), and operating conditions will be recorded at time of testing

Provide documentation for optimal operation and maintenance of equipment