What did you do to your van today?

[mid4did]

So you knowingly put refrigerant into a leaking system. That's both despicable and stupid as well as illegal.

I didn't buy mine withought doing a bit of research. Perhaps it's worth reading up on this system before posting this type of comment.

 

[Geek]

Sorry, I don't buy that bull. If there was a non-damaging refrigerant, don't you think the industry would be using it?

 

[GeoffL]

Sorry, I don't buy that bull. If there was a non-damaging refrigerant, don't you think the industry would be using it?

Whether you buy "that bull" or not, you have publicly and falsely accused both myself and @mid4did of carry out an illegal act. That is defamation: "a false statement that injures a third party's reputation", and I take exception.

FYI, the industry is already 'using it', but it's taking time before it fully replaces R134a and R1234yf in the same way as it took time for R134a to replace R12. Rather than doubling down on your own disinformation, perhaps you'd be better off carrying out some research. The product that @mid4did and I are using is hydrocarbon, not CFC. For your further enlightenment, here's some info served up by Brave AI:

Hydrocarbon vs CFC Refrigerants
Hydrocarbon refrigerants and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants differ significantly in their environmental impact, chemical composition, and usage. CFCs were the original refrigerants, composed of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, and were widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems during the 20th century. However, they were found to be harmful to the ozone layer, leading to the formation of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which aimed to phase out their production by 1995 due to their high ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP).

Hydrocarbon refrigerants, such as propane (R290) and isobutane (R600a), are natural refrigerants that have emerged as a more environmentally friendly alternative to CFCs. They have negligible environmental impacts, with zero ODP and very low GWP, making them a sustainable option for refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Unlike CFCs, hydrocarbons are non-toxic and have excellent thermodynamic properties, which make them efficient in cooling applications. Additionally, hydrocarbons are by-products of the petrochemical industry, making them readily available and cost-effective compared to synthetic refrigerants.

The transition from CFCs to hydrocarbon refrigerants was also driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While CFCs were phased out due to their ozone-depleting effects, hydrocarbons have gained popularity for their minimal contribution to climate change. They are now increasingly used in domestic and commercial refrigeration applications, as well as in mobile air conditioning systems, as they offer a more sustainable solution without compromising performance.

In summary, hydrocarbon refrigerants are a more environmentally friendly option compared to CFCs, with significantly lower ODP and GWP, better energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Their adoption has been supported by international agreements and regulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of refrigerants.

 

[Geek]

Sorry, but I think you are wrong. You can bluster as much as you like, but that won't change my opinion.

Using hydrocarbons is indeed less damaging, which is why new ac systems use hydrocarbons, but they don't work in r143a systems.

The stuff in those cans is not a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

Basically, the new systems use a sort of propane, with the inherent fire risk. More relevantly, they whole system has to be designed to use hydrocarbon refrigerant

 

[mid4did]

Sorry, but I think you are wrong. You can bluster as much as you like, but that won't change my opinion.

Using hydrocarbons is indeed less damaging, which is why new ac systems use hydrocarbons, but they don't work in r143a systems.

The stuff in those cans is not a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

Basically, the new systems use a sort of propane, with the inherent fire risk. More relevantly, they whole system has to be designed to use hydrocarbon refrigerant

I don't agree sorry. You can argue all you want with all your knowledgeable replies. It won't alter the fact these gases have been deemed safe for the environment.

 

[Vanterrier]

On-the-road "repairs" - suddenly no power from either plug-in twin USB chargers so flat phones in the morning as overnight charging didn't immediate suspect was a fuse but checking fuse showed it was still good... I didn't have anything else to test the sockets with apart from a multimeter ( I know but I don't like sticking two probes into a potentially live socket with my wobbly hands) and I didn't know how to test the two chargers themselves.
I couldn't think what else it could be so called in to Halfords in Leith and bought two new plug-in chargers and bingo! They both worked...
What would be the chances of two chargers failing at the same time?
K

 

[Geek]

I don't agree sorry. You can argue all you want with all your knowledgeable replies. It won't alter the fact these gases have been deemed safe for the environment.

Which "these" gases? The ones that are safe, or the ones in the cans?

 

[wildebus]

Around 4 years ago I was down in Henley-on Thames at Swiss Farm Campsite and could get no TV Signal for some reason. The Campsite actually had a TV Aerial Point at every Pitch (or at least at every fully serviced pitch, which is what I had, being Posh ) and I thought "that is handy" - or it would have been if I had a cable to use and plug in!
So when I got home, decided to fit an external TV and Sat Point on the side of the van

Maxview - Outside
It turned out I never actually used this in these last 4 years
So decided to change this out for something maybe more useful? Bought this external AC Outlet last year and today was the day to install!

I do like how flush this socket is and also the way the cover is secured with magnets rather than a physical catch.


This is a nifty outlet and as well as the standard 13A Plug Socket, it has knockout positions for a 12V socket plus TV and Satellite connections, but given I didn't use the others for years, didn't see much point in adding them.

Mains Outlet - Inside


Inside, the Aerial connections went to a typical TV/Aerial socket

CBE Block - Before
That was pretty redundant now and I never used the 12V outlet either, so swapped that for a pair of switches instead

CBE Block - After
One switch controls the power to the new AC Outlet Socket, and the other I have put in line with the socket that the Microwave plugs into, so I can easily switch that off remotely instead of unplugging it when not in use.

A key use for this socket will be to use the little Induction Hob outside as shown here

And I can see this particulary useful for things like eBike Battery Charging, as that is something that ideally should not be done inside the van for safety reasons.

 

[marchie]

Around 4 years ago I was down in Henley-on Thames at Swiss Farm Campsite and could get no TV Signal for some reason. The Campsite actually had a TV Aerial Point at every Pitch (or at least at every fully serviced pitch, which is what I had, being Posh ) and I thought "that is handy" - or it would have been if I had a cable to use and plug in!
So when I got home, decided to fit an external TV and Sat Point on the side of the van

Maxview - Outside
It turned out I never actually used this in these last 4 years
So decided to change this out for something maybe more useful? Bought this external AC Outlet last year and today was the day to install!

I do like how flush this socket is and also the way the cover is secured with magnets rather than a physical catch.


This is a nifty outlet and as well as the standard 13A Plug Socket, it has knockout positions for a 12V socket plus TV and Satellite connections, but given I didn't use the others for years, didn't see much point in adding them.

Mains Outlet - Inside


Inside, the Aerial connections went to a typical TV/Aerial socket

CBE Block - Before
That was pretty redundant now and I never used the 12V outlet either, so swapped that for a pair of switches instead

CBE Block - After
One switch controls the power to the new AC Outlet Socket, and the other I have put in line with the socket that the Microwave plugs into, so I can easily switch that off remotely instead of unplugging it when not in use.

A key use for this socket will be to use the little Induction Hob outside as shown here

And I can see this particulary useful for things like eBike Battery Charging, as that is something that ideally should not be done inside the van for safety reasons.

We use the 'Broom Cupboard [not big enough to be a garage!]' twin 13 amp socket that you fitted for outside cooking on the Induction Hob, and for charging the ebike batteries, but we have to have the cupboard door open, so restricted to using it in dry weather ...

Steve

 

[marchie]

Used the M/Home for ablutions whilst the bathroom is being gutted - much more comfortable than discovering a wee bit of broken tile under the seat ... . The apprentice plumber/labourer was able to crack on with the strip down and finished the removal early, so earned a couple of hours in the fresh air.

Steve

 

[wildebus]

We use the 'Broom Cupboard [not big enough to be a garage!]' twin 13 amp socket that you fitted for outside cooking on the Induction Hob, and for charging the ebike batteries, but we have to have the cupboard door open, so restricted to using it in dry weather ...

Steve

I have a socket in my external 'electrics' locker which is handy but the wrong side of the van The new one I like the position of, being by the hab door and I can put the awning out against any showers, which is good.

(I have had an 16A outlet hidden under the skirt already actually but that has proved to be too much of a pain to access as need to lay on the ground to plug and unplug a cable).

 

[Geek]

And I can see this particulary useful for things like eBike Battery Charging, as that is something that ideally should not be done inside the van for safety reasons.

I hope you'll charge them.a bit further away than that, for safety reasons.

 

[Geek]

I don't agree sorry. You can argue all you want with all your knowledgeable replies. It won't alter the fact these gases have been deemed safe for the environment.

Neat. Are you related to the tory who announced that we've had enough of experts?
At the end of the day, refrigerants that work in r143a systems are damaging to the environment. Fact, not opinion.
Hydrocarbon-based refrigerants are less harmful, but cannot be used in systems designed for r143a. Fact, not opinion.
Hydrocarbon refrigerants have NOT been deemed safe for the environment.
They have just been deemed less damaging. Fact, not opinion.

 

[wildebus]

I hope you'll charge them.a bit further away than that, for safety reasons.

I always keep them outside, but under the van to protect from rain, and usually right next to the LPG tank (oh, reminds me ... I really need to fix that gas leak ).

 

[mid4did]

Another 2 cans of

Neat. Are you related to the tory who announced that we've had enough of experts?

I think you need to stand back and have a good look at yourself.
jean-Jacques Rousseau: 'Insults are the arguments employed by those who are in the wrong.'
2 more cans ordered today.
Compatible with OEM R134a systems (most cars upto 2016 most commercials upto 2021.) Incredible performance - makes your warm vehicle ice cold. Refill your vehicle AC and get back peak performance and freshness.
Propellant - This AC topup system has been developed and refined by us over a more than ten year period to be a fast and inexpensive way to recharge your AC system. The product is hydrocarbon based and so is able to dissipate more heat meaning colder AC for better driver comfort. Use a suitable manifold and gauge (not supplied) to deploy enough product into the vehicle to fill to the specified level to restore peak AC performance.
Product requires additional purchase for use - use correct Aircontopup hose or check suitability of your hose. Wrong hose lost product. Cans sized for an average car low on but not empty of coolant. Refer to vehicle data for capacity as some vehicles may require more than one can. Use gauge or weights to ensure correct fill. Returns not accepted on deployed cans.
Can has 1/2'' ACME Coarse right hand thread.
Engine & AC compressor must be running & switched on before attempting to add product.
Check under bonnet or in car manual to see if your vehicle is R134a or R1234yf before purchase. They are not interchangeable. Ensure that you can access your AC low side port before order.

Pierce type can. Will not self seal - use sealing type hose only.

R134a Equivalent does NOT contain HFC's (Hydroflurocarbons.)

Product Data​

• Ozone Friendly Natural Hydrocarbon - Atmospheric vent does not infringe UK regulations. (This product is NOT HFC Hydroflurocarbon)
• Suits competent DIY use - no F Gas license required.
• Understand the instructions before attempting to use - if in doubt ask us first.
• Do not vacuum AC system before use.
• Do not overtighten - stripped or crossed threads not warrantable.
• Wear safety goggles and gloves when working on AC systems. Never wear loose clothing around running engines. Tested for use in automotive systems only. Sometimes the cans arrive from the factory painted in black rather than white. Product is identical.

Compatible with OEM R134a systems (most cars upto 2016 most commercials upto 2021.) Incredible performance - makes your warm vehicle ice cold. Refill your vehicle AC and get back peak performance and freshness.







Propellant - This AC topup system has been developed and refined by us over a more than ten year period to be a fast and inexpensive way to recharge your AC system. The product is hydrocarbon based and so is able to dissipate more heat meaning colder AC for better driver comfort. Use a suitable manifold and gauge (not supplied) to deploy enough product into the vehicle to fill to the specified level to restore peak AC performance.



Product requires additional purchase for use - use correct Aircontopup hose or check suitability of your hose. Wrong hose lost product. Cans sized for an average car low on but not empty of coolant. Refer to vehicle data for capacity as some vehicles may require more than one can. Use gauge or weights to ensure correct fill. Returns not accepted on deployed cans.

Can has 1/2'' ACME Coarse right hand thread.

Engine & AC compressor must be running & switched on before attempting to add product.

Check under bonnet or in car manual to see if your vehicle is R134a or R1234yf before purchase. They are not interchangeable. Ensure that you can access your AC low side port before order.

Pierce type can. Will not self seal - use sealing type hose only.

R134a Equivalent does NOT contain HFC's (Hydroflurocarbons.)

Product Data​

• Ozone Friendly Natural Hydrocarbon - Atmospheric vent does not infringe UK regulations. (This product is NOT HFC Hydroflurocarbon)
• Suits competent DIY use - no F Gas license required.
• Understand the instructions before attempting to use - if in doubt ask us first.
• Do not vacuum AC system before use.
• Do not overtighten - stripped or crossed threads not warrantable.
• Wear safety goggles and gloves when working on AC systems. Never wear loose clothing around running engines. Tested for use in automotive systems only. Sometimes the cans arrive from the factory painted in black rather than white. Product is identical.

 

[Geek]

I'm sorry, but I don't believe what they say.
If there was a 'pour-in' hydrocarbon replacement that worked on R143a systems, everyone would be using it.