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Earlier editions: 20222019

Chapter 11 — REFRIGERATION

1116.3 Test Gases — 2025 California Mechanical Code

California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-09-25 · California

CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

Cite as: 2025 California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) § 1116.3 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission

Tests shall be performed with dry nitrogen or another nonflammable, nonreactive, dried gas. Oxygen, air, or mixtures containing them shall not be used. The means used to build up the test pressure shall have either a pressure limiting device or a pressure reducing device and a gauge on the outlet side. The pressure relief device shall be set above the test pressure but low enough to prevent permanent deformation of the system’s components.

Exceptions:

(1) Mixtures of dry nitrogen, inert gases, or a combination thereof such with Class 1 refrigerants in concentrations of a refrigerant weight fraction (mass fraction) not exceeding 5 percent shall be permitted for tests.

(2) Mixtures of dry nitrogen, inert gases, or a combination thereof such with Class 2L, Class 2, and Class 3 refrigerants in concentrations not exceeding the lesser of a refrigerant weight fraction (mass fraction) of 5 percent or 25 percent of the LFL shall be permitted for tests.

(3) Compressed air without added refrigerant shall be permitted for tests, provided the system is subsequently evacuated to less than 1000 microns (0.1333 kPa) before charging with refrigerant. The required evacuation level is atmospheric pressure for systems using R718 (water) or R-744 (carbon dioxide) as the refrigerant.

(4) Systems erected on the premises using Group A1 refrigerant and with copper tubing not exceeding 0.62 of an inch (15.7 mm) outside diameter shall be tested by means of the refrigerant charged into the system at the saturated vapor pressure of the refrigerant at not less than 68°F (20°C). [ASHRAE 15:10.1.2]

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▸Contents — California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4)
California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4)

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