Yellow Jacket 16260 Plus II 3/8" Heavy Duty Charging Hose User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and effective use, setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Yellow Jacket 16260 Plus II 3/8" Heavy Duty Charging Hose. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the product to ensure proper function and longevity.

2. Product Overview

The Yellow Jacket 16260 Plus II is a heavy-duty charging hose designed for various industrial and HVAC applications, particularly for vacuum and charging tasks. Its 3/8" diameter allows for faster vacuum pulling compared to standard 1/4" hoses.

• Material: Durable rubber construction.
• Fittings: Features 3/8" Flare x 1/4" Flare, 45-degree connections.
• Operating Temperature: Suitable for temperatures ranging from -22°F to 176°F (-30°C to 80°C).
• Pressure Ratings: Minimum burst pressure of 3000 psi; maximum working pressure of 600 psi.
• Bend Radius: Minimum bend radius of 8 inches.
• Length: 60 inches.

An image showing the Yellow Jacket 16260 Plus II 3/8 inch Heavy Duty Charging Hose. The hose is black with 'YELLOW JACKET' printed on it, and features brass flare fittings on both ends, one with a knurled grip.

3. Safety Information

Always adhere to the following safety guidelines when using the charging hose:

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and gloves, when handling refrigerants or working with pressurized systems.
• Ensure all connections are tight and secure before applying pressure or vacuum. Leaks can cause injury or system damage.
• Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of 600 psi.
• Avoid kinking or sharply bending the hose, as this can damage its internal structure and compromise its integrity.
• Inspect the hose for cuts, abrasions, or other damage before each use. Do not use a damaged hose.
• Keep the hose away from sharp objects, extreme heat sources, and corrosive chemicals.
• Always depressurize systems slowly and carefully.

4. Setup

Follow these steps to properly set up your charging hose:

1. Inspect the Hose: Before each use, visually inspect the entire length of the hose and its fittings for any signs of wear, cracks, cuts, or damage. Ensure the flare connections are clean and free of debris.
2. Connect to Equipment:
   • Connect the 3/8" flare end of the hose to the appropriate port on your vacuum pump or manifold gauge set.
   • Connect the 1/4" flare end of the hose to the system port (e.g., service port on an HVAC/R system) or another component as required for your application.
3. Secure Connections: Hand-tighten all connections, then use a wrench to tighten them an additional quarter to half turn to ensure a leak-free seal. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the flare fittings.
4. System Compatibility: Ensure the hose is compatible with the refrigerants or gases being used and that the pressure ratings of all connected equipment meet or exceed the system's operating pressure.

5. Operating Instructions

This hose is primarily used for vacuuming and charging refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Always refer to the specific instructions for your vacuum pump, manifold gauge set, and the system being serviced.

1. For Vacuuming:
   • Ensure all connections are secure as described in the "Setup" section.
   • Open the appropriate valves on your manifold gauge set to allow the vacuum pump to pull a vacuum through the hose and into the system.
   • Monitor the vacuum level using a vacuum gauge. The 3/8" diameter of this hose facilitates faster evacuation.
   • Once the desired vacuum is achieved, close the manifold valves and turn off the vacuum pump.
2. For Charging:
   • After vacuuming, connect the charging hose to the refrigerant cylinder and the system's service port via your manifold gauge set.
   • Purge air from the hose by slightly cracking the valve on the refrigerant cylinder and then the manifold valve, allowing a small amount of refrigerant to escape before fully opening.
   • Carefully open the manifold valves to allow refrigerant to flow into the system. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific system being charged.
   • Monitor the charge amount using a scale or by observing system pressures.
3. Disconnection:
   • Always ensure the system is depressurized or isolated before disconnecting the hose.
   • Slowly loosen the fittings to release any residual pressure, then fully disconnect.

6. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and reliable performance of your charging hose.

• Regular Inspection: Before and after each use, inspect the hose for any signs of wear, cuts, cracks, bulges, or damage to the fittings. Pay close attention to the areas near the fittings where stress is common.
• Cleaning: Wipe down the hose with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt, oil, or refrigerant residue. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that could degrade the rubber material.
• Storage: Store the hose in a clean, dry, and cool environment, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and sharp objects. Coil the hose loosely to prevent kinking.
• Fitting Care: Keep the flare fittings clean and free of debris. Periodically check the internal O-rings (if applicable to your specific fitting design) for wear and replace if necessary to maintain a proper seal.
• Replacement: Hoses are wear items. Replace the hose immediately if any damage is detected or if it shows signs of age and degradation.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using your charging hose, consider the following:

• Leaks at Connections:
  • Ensure fittings are tightened correctly (hand-tight plus a quarter to half turn with a wrench).
  • Check for damaged flare surfaces or worn O-rings. Replace if necessary.
  • Verify that the correct size fittings are being used for the ports.
• Slow Vacuum Pull:
  • Confirm all valves on the manifold and system are fully open.
  • Check for leaks in the hose or connections (see "Leaks at Connections").
  • Ensure the vacuum pump is functioning correctly and has fresh oil.
  • Verify the system being evacuated is not excessively large or has blockages.
• Hose Damage:
  • If the hose shows any signs of cuts, bulges, or severe abrasion, discontinue use immediately and replace it.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty coverage, technical support, or replacement parts for your Yellow Jacket 16260 Plus II Heavy Duty Charging Hose, please contact Yellow Jacket customer service or visit their official website. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.

Manufacturer: Fotronic Corporation