N.Y.C. Admin. Code § MC 1102: Section MC 1102: System Requirements

1102.1 General.

The system classification, allowable refrigerants, maximum quantity, enclosure requirements, location limitations, and field pressure test requirements shall be determined as follows:

1. Determine the refrigeration system's classification, in accordance with Section 1103.3.

2. Determine the refrigerant classification in accordance with Section 1103.1.

3. Determine the maximum allowable quantity of refrigerant in accordance with Section 1104, based on type of refrigerant, system classification, and occupancy.

4. Determine the system enclosure requirements in accordance with Section 1104.

5. Refrigeration equipment and appliance location and installation shall be subject to the limitations of Chapter 3.

6. Nonfactory-tested, field-erected equipment and appliances shall be pressure tested in accordance with Section 1108.

1102.2 Refrigerants.

The refrigerant shall be that which the equipment or appliance was designed to utilize or converted to utilize. Refrigerants not identified in Table 1103.1 shall be approved by the department before use. Refrigerants not identified in Table 1103.1, other than those having a Safety Group Classification of A-1 or A2L, shall also be approved by the Fire Department before use.

1102.2.1 Mixing.

Refrigerants, including refrigerant blends, with different designations in ASHRAE 34 shall not be mixed in a system.

Exception: Addition of a second refrigerant is allowed where permitted by the equipment or appliance manufacturer to improve oil return at low temperatures. The refrigerant and amount added shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

1102.2.2 Purity.

Refrigerants used in refrigeration systems shall be new, recovered or reclaimed refrigerants in accordance with Section 1102.2.2.1, 1102.2.2.2 or 1102.2.2.3. Where required by the equipment or appliance owner, the installer shall furnish a signed declaration that the refrigerant used meets the requirements of Section 1102.2.2.1, 1102.2.2.2 or 1102.2.2.3.

Exception: The refrigerant used shall meet the purity specifications set by the manufacturer of the equipment or appliance in which such refrigerant is used where such specifications are different from that specified in Sections 1102.2.2.1, 1102.2.2.2 and 1102.2.2.3.

1102.2.2.1 New refrigerants.

Refrigerants shall be of a purity level specified by the equipment or appliance manufacturer.

1102.2.2.2 Recovered refrigerants.

Refrigerants that are recovered from refrigeration and air-conditioning systems shall not be reused in other than the system from which they were recovered and in other systems of the same owner. Recovered refrigerants shall be filtered and dried before reuse. Recovered refrigerants that show clear signs of contamination shall not be reused unless reclaimed in accordance with Section 1102.2.2.3.

1102.2.2.3 Reclaimed refrigerants.

Used refrigerants shall not be reused in a different owner's equipment or appliances unless tested and found to meet the purity requirements of AHRI 700. Contaminated refrigerants shall not be used unless reclaimed and found to meet the purity requirements of AHRI 700.

1102.3 Access port protection.

Refrigerant access ports shall be protected in accordance with Section 1101.12 whenever refrigerant is added to or recovered from refrigeration or air-conditioning systems.