Dedicated set of manifold gauges?

[ColdQuack]

Not sure why they make one set of manifold gauges that you can use R22,404 and R410a with. I wouldn't use the same gauges for R22 that I use with R410 cause of the chance of mixing R22 in the other systems. I got a dedicated set of manifold gauges just for use with R410a. I havent seen R407C only gauges. Has anyone else?

[jpsmith1cm]

Boy.
Good thing I disagree with you, or I'd only have room in my truck for manifold gauges.

I regularly work with about 12 different refrigerants

12, 134, 401a, 401b, 22, 407c, 401a, 402a, 402b, 404a, 502, and 507.

Yeah. I'm sure glad I don't have to carry a dedicated set for every refrigerant I work with.

[GoColts]

Well jp, (not trying to say your wrong and I mean no offence) I know guys who do carry a different set of manifold guages for each referigerant that they use, about 10 sets if I remember correctly. They mostly do start-up work and use the braided hoses to boot. And too answer your question ColdQuack you have too order 407c guages from your local supply house ( I ordered mine on tuesday). I carry about 5 manifold guage sets, one for each of the referigerants I work with and a dedicated set for recovery on systems with acid in them. This is an open ended question, Im sure that you will get many different opinions on how many manifolds to carry, so its probally best that you decide whats best for you.

[ColdQuack]

Wow JP, you sure are special to use only one guage set for all them there refrigerants! I wish I was as special. I normally work with almost all those you listed, but I have a whopping 3 sets of gauges, and only one of those is for R410a. I'm sure you don't think I would buy one set for each refrigerant...but I'm not as cool & smart as you be.

P.S. I have lots of Mechanical rooms to put as many guages as I want into. I don't drive around in a crappy van anymore.

[Realist]

Purge , Purge ,Purge no trouble , I come across at least 4 refs. regulary 22,404a,502,410a However have 3 sets of gauges JB,YJ, Testo. Would I need 4 reclaimers too???

[ColdQuack]

Wow JP, you sure are special to use only one guage set for all them there refrigerants! I wish I was as special. I normally work with almost all those you listed, but I have a whopping 3 sets of gauges, and only one of those is for R410a. I'm sure you don't think I would buy one set for each refrigerant...but I'm not as cool & smart as you be.

P.S. I have lots of Mechanical rooms to put as many guages as I want into. I don't drive around in a crappy van anymore.

Purge , Purge ,Purge no trouble , I come across at least 4 refs. regulary 22,404a,502,410a However have 3 sets of gauges JB,YJ, Testo. Would I need 4 reclaimers too???

What do you mean would I need 4 reclaimers too? I didnt say you couldnt use the same gauges. But I heard its better to use R410 guages separate than R22 or other guages. Do what ever you want to do.

[fitzyfitta]

I'm sure JP doesn't drive a crappy van...

[Realist]

Sorry BAD DAY, But purge the set and should have no trouble with cross ref. contamination . I do use different gauge sets for different applications. Is what I ment , as long as the gauges are of the correct scale /pressure capabillity.

[ColdQuack]

Sorry BAD DAY, But purge the set and should have no trouble with cross ref. contamination . I do use different gauge sets for different applications. Is what I ment , as long as the gauges are of the correct scale /pressure capabillity.

I understand this. So in other words, its ok to use what ever combination guages for whatever they are made for as long as we purge and dont contaminate different systems. Sweet! I feel so much better now and smarter too. Thanks

[ColdQuack]

I'm sure JP doesn't drive a crappy van...

No, but he sure has a crappy smart-ass attitude.

[UltraLowTemp]

I generally keep (4) sets of Manifold Gauges. IMHO you cannot purge oil from hoses.

Set 1: Mineral Oil Systems; R-22, R-12, etc.
Set 2: POE/AB Systems: R-404a, R-134a, R-507, etc.
Set 3: R-410a: I know its POE, but runs a higher pressure
Set 4: Junker: Recovering a burn-out

Also keep a low side gauge and high side gauge on stubs to put on critically charged systems to minimize loss.

[AiResearch]

Hey vans are kool

Personally , with purging , dont think that tiny bit of wrong oil is going to harm a system.

Unless you are working on a 1/64 hp.

[UltraLowTemp]

Or your running R507 at -60C with a 24" of Hg Suction.

Anecdote: A wise old man was once asked what belonged in a refrigeration system. Thats obvious says the old man, refrigerant and oil. Oil his student asked, any kind? No was the retort, only the kind it needs.

Seriously though, low temp, med temp, hi temp, air conditioner, ice machine, or freeze-dryer, I take comfort in knowing that the POE from the Air Conditioner I just worked on does not end up in the Mineral Oil of the Freezer I just fixed. May not cause any problems, May not.