NAVAC A2L-compatible HVAC/R Tools 

A2L-compatible products include premium vacuum pumps, recovery units, manifold gauges and left-handed thread hoses, among other solutions. 

NAVAC, the world’s largest supplier of vacuum pumps in addition to a wide array of tools, gauges, charging machines, recovery units and industry-specific items, has further expanded its line of tools compatible with A2L refrigerants. The series extension comes amid news that the EPA will require technology transitions to equipment utilizing greener refrigerants beginning January 1, 2025.

Since legacy HFC refrigerants such as R-410A will still be used on a scaled-down basis, NAVAC’s portfolio of HVAC/R tools are designed to handle both newer and older refrigerants. Industry groups as well as manufacturers like NAVAC have been spreading the word about the pending phasedown, and developing solutions to ensure a seamless transition to more eco-friendly refrigerants. 

A2L refrigerants have higher flammability than their predecessors. Refrigerants in this class include R-32 and R-454B, which offer a lower global warming potential (GWP) than legacy products like R-410A. NAVAC is among the first HVAC/R manufacturers to offer a comprehensive line of A2L-compatible solutions, whose features include sparkless design, DC brushless motors, soft contact power switches, fans, and covered connections for all electrical terminations. Highlighted solutions include: 

• NAVAC’s Pro Series NP7DP2 Vacuum Pump features a dual-stage pump and a ¾ horsepower motor, and delivers a 7cfm flowrate and an ultimate vacuum down to 15 microns. The unit’s integrated cylinder structure, coupled with forced oil circulation, assures high performance and reliability. 

• To differentiate newer, slightly flammable A2L refrigerants  from A1 non-flammable ones, refrigerant tanks containing R-32 and R-454B have adopted left-handed connections. To accommodate this change, NAVAC’s NH5L Left-Handed Thread Hose helps ensure tight, leak-free connections to A2L refrigerant tanks. The new thread hose is easily discerned from traditional thread hoses by its orange color and two rings on the reverse threaded side (versus one ring on a conventional thread).

• Compatible with both R-32 and R-454B refrigerants, NAVAC’s N2A4B Manifold Gauge effectively measures the pressure of various gases and liquids, helping technicians reduce leaks and system failures. Featuring a durable aluminum body and ball valves, the gauge can diagnose and determine the status of four refrigerants in total, surpassing the versatility of similar models. The N2A4B Manifold Gauge’s impact-resistant design includes a molded protective shell and rubber covering for shock absorption, and an integrated folding hook design offers ease of transport. 

For NAVAC, other A2L-compatible vacuum pumps include the NP4DLM & NP2DLM Cordless Vacuum Pumps, part of the company’s BreakFree Series® of cordless HVAC/R solutions. The NP4DLM features a high-performance lithium battery capable of up to one hour of continuous running time, while the NP2DLM is a compact, lightweight unit suitable for residential HVAC systems up to 5 tons with high-speed evacuation hoses.

The company’s popular NRP8Di and NRP6Di units – the market’s first DC-driven vacuum pumps – also are A2L-compatible. Featuring a digital control interface, the units offer unsurpassed intuitiveness with features such as task reminder, extended evacuation for improved vacuum, and precision vacuum measurement technology with digital display. 

NAVAC’s A2L-compatible recovery units include the NRDD Recovery Unit, recently substantiated as the market’s fastest twin-cylinder recovery unit per UL certification data. The unit features a brushless DC motor that allows it to provide substantial power in a compact size and weight of just 25 pounds. This DC technology also provides better starting performance under low voltage conditions.

The NRDC4M Recovery Unit – which, as the world’s first DC inverter 4-cylinder recovery unit, is the fastest and most powerful machine of its kind on the market – also is A2L-compatible. Operating up to 40% faster than 2-cylinder units, the NRDC4M utilizes an efficient brushless DC motor and ultra-effective condenser with an oversized microchannel coil and three cooling fans. 

About NAVAC

NAVAC is a global manufacturer that has dedicated over 20 years to the R&D and manufacturing of industrial vacuum solutions and HVAC/R tools. NAVAC draws upon its commitment to technical innovation, strong customer service and robust R&D allocation to deliver solutions offering unsurpassed efficiency, accuracy and ease of use.    

Comprising a full lineup of vacuum pumps, tools, gauges, and detectors, among other solutions, NAVAC’s product portfolio is designed with one overarching concept in mind: user-friendliness. The company seeks to meet a need for simpler, lighter, faster solutions that expedite service without sacrificing accuracy. For more information, www.navacglobal.com.