What is the standard refrigerant pressure for car air conditioning?
2 Answers
Under normal conditions, when the compressor operates at 1500-2000 rpm, the high pressure is approximately 1.5-2.0 MPa, while the low pressure is around 0.15-0.35 MPa. Here is some extended knowledge: 1. If the ambient temperature around the vehicle is high, the high pressure may reach about 2.5-2.8 MPa, but it generally does not exceed 3.1 MPa, otherwise the pressure protection switch will be triggered. 2. To ensure the safe operation of the air conditioning compressor, most vehicle air conditioning systems are equipped with a pressure protection switch. When the system pressure is too high or too low, the switch will be triggered, stopping the compressor. 3. Causes of excessively high low pressure in the air conditioning system include overcharging of refrigerant, poor heat dissipation from the condenser, and the presence of air in the system. 4. Causes of excessively low high pressure include refrigerant leakage and blockages in the refrigerant circuit.
I often tinker with my car's air conditioning myself. Last time when the cooling wasn't effective, I checked the refrigerant pressure. Under standard weather conditions, around 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, the low pressure is typically 25 to 45 PSI, and the high pressure is between 150 to 250 PSI. However, when temperatures are higher, the pressure increases; in winter when it's lower, the pressure drops. I've used a pressure gauge myself, but you have to be careful about the tool's accuracy—inaccurate readings can lead to misjudgment. Low low pressure might indicate a leak, while high high pressure could mean a blockage. If not addressed properly, it can damage the compressor. So before testing, it's best to ensure the system is stable, avoid doing it under direct sunlight, and refer to the vehicle's manual to avoid misinterpreting the standards. Always pay attention to the cooling performance of the AC, and check for abnormalities to avoid major repairs.
