Below is a comprehensive list for tools and working with R454B A2L Refrigerant. The document shows a bunch of different tools that we may not necessarily have. Get with our counter staff to make sure you are getting the right tools. 

RECOVERY MACHINES:
Used for: removal of refrigerant from the system, during repair or end of life.
R-454B/R-32 Implications: because R-454B and R-32 refrigerants have a mildly flammable characteristic, a nonsparking
recovery machine is required. The model below is non-sparking and has a purge feature (purged into
recovery tank) that allows it to be used with both A2L refrigerants (R-454B & R-32) and A1 refrigerants (R-410A)
without cross-contamination.

RECOVERY CYLINDERS:
Used for: recovery of refrigerant from the HVAC system for recycling or reclamation.
R-454B/R-32 Implications: because R-454B and R-32 have a mildly flammable characteristic, there are several key
changes to the recovery cylinder. The tops will be red for identification purposes, there will be two warning labels
(compressed gas and flammability), cylinders will utilize a pressure relief valve for safety instead of a rupture disc,
and the threads will be reversed (left-handed instead of right-handed for R-410A refrigerants). A R-454B / R-32
refrigerant recovery cylinder can only be used for R-454B/R-32 refrigerant; R-410A refrigerant recovery cylinders
will still be required for R-410A refrigerants. Note that because the threads are reversed, a reverse thread adapter
is required to connect the hoses (see “gauges, manifolds, hoses, and adapters” section).

VACUUM PUMPS
Used for: removing air, moisture, and any residual refrigerant from the system.
R-454B/R-32 Implications: because R-454B and R-32 have a mildly flammable characteristic, a non-sparking
vacuum pump is required. All the models below are non-sparking, and because purging occurs through normal
operation, they can be used with R-410A, R-454B, and R-32 refrigerants without risk of cross-contamination.

GAUGES, MANIFOLDS, HOSES, ADAPTERS, AND SWAGE KITS
Used for: measuring the refrigerant pressure in the HVAC system. Using a manifold with gauges allows monitoring
of both high-side and low-side pressure while connected to a recovery machine or refrigerant cylinder.
R-454B/R-32 Implications: while the new R-454B and R-32 refrigerants have similar operating pressures as
R-410A, the saturation temperatures are different for each refrigerant. As a result, new R-454B/R-32 Pressure and
Control Gauges are needed if using the gauge saturation temperature guidance. To minimize the risk the accidental
cross-contamination, separate gauges, manifolds, and hoses are recommended for each refrigerant.
Because the new R-454B and R-32 refrigerant and recovery cylinders are reverse threaded, adapters are needed
to connect the hoses. Additionally, swage kits are available to assist with soldering linesets (when no refrigerant is
present).

FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Used for: extinguishing fires.
R-454B/R-32 Implications: because R-454B and R-32 have a mild flammability characteristic, a fire extinguisher is
highly recommended for all service personnel. The Kidde fire extinguisher model below is a large-capacity single
use / low maintenance (no hydrostatic test required) while still being low-weight and portable.

LEAK DETECTORS
Used for: detecting refrigerant leaks. Typically, two types of detectors are used – a “sniffer” (electronic unit) to
detect the presence of a leak, and a spray-on “bubble” leak detector to find the exact location.
R-454B/R-32 Implications: because R-454B and R-32 have a mildly flammable characteristic, “sniffer” (electronic)
style leak detectors should be fully sealed to prevent electrical spark exposure, such as with the units below.
“Bubble” leak detectors have no spark risk and thus are safe to use around any refrigerant.

DIGITAL SCALES
Used for: measuring the weight of a recovery cylinder to determine when full.
R-454B/R-32 Implications: there are no R-454B/R-32 implications for digital scales. The following model is available
through Replacement Components.

PRESS FIT FILTER-DRIERS
Used for: filter driers connect to the refrigerant line and “filters” out physical contaminants while “drying” liquid
contaminants.
R-454B/R-32 Implications: all existing filter-driers will work with the R-454B/R-32 refrigerants, and as the refrigerant
lines are evacuated prior to replacing there is no flamability risk. However, Replacement Components now offers
“press fit’ filter-driers that can be attached with a coupling - no brazing required.