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Lesson 26/52Preview

Hydrocarbon Refrigerants in Small Appliances

Understand the properties, safety classifications, charge limits, and servicing precautions for flammable hydrocarbon refrigerants R-290 and R-600a.

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R-290 & R-600a Overview

R-290 (propane) and R-600a (isobutane) are hydrocarbon refrigerants increasingly used in small appliances due to their excellent thermodynamic properties and minimal environmental impact. R-600a is now the dominant refrigerant in new domestic refrigerators worldwide, while R-290 is common in small commercial units like vending machines and bottle coolers. Both have zero ODP and very low GWP (R-290 GWP=3, R-600a GWP=3), making them strong alternatives to HFCs.

R-290 (propane) and R-600a (isobutane) both have zero ODP and GWP of only 3, but are highly flammable.

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