Service Equipment

Because R-134a is not interchangeable with R-12, separate sets of hoses, gauges and recovery/recycling equipment are required to service vehicles. This is necessary to avoid cross-contamination and damaging system.

All equipment used to service systems using R-134a must meet SAE standard J1991. The service hoses on the manifold gauge set must have manual (turn wheel) or automatic back-flow valves at the service port connector ends. This will prevent refrigerant from being released into the atmosphere.

For identification purposes, R-134a service hoses must have a Black stripe along their length and be clearly labeled SAE J2196/134a. The low pressure test hose is Blue with a Black stripe. The high pressure test hose is Red with a Black stripe. The center test hose is Yellow with a Black stripe.

NOTE: Refrigerant R-12 service hoses will ONLY be labeled SAE J2196.

R-134a manifold gauge sets can be identified by one or all of the following:

Labeled FOR USE WITH R-134a on set.
Labeled HFC-134 or R-134a on gauge face.
Light Blue color on gauge face.

In addition, pressure/temperature scales on R-134a gauge sets are different from R-12 manifold gauge sets.