Where are refrigeration service valves typically located?

Refrigeration service valves are typically located on the compressor due to their critical role in system maintenance and operation. The service valves provide access to the refrigeration system for both charging and recovering refrigerants, allowing technicians to perform necessary service tasks safely and efficiently.

Having these valves located at the compressor is advantageous because the compressor is a central component in the refrigeration cycle. Service work often involves monitoring or adjusting pressures and refrigerant levels, which is most effectively done near this key component. Furthermore, the compressor is the point where the refrigerant changes from low-pressure vapor to high-pressure vapor, making access to the service valves essential for proper diagnostic measurements.

While service valves could conceptually be placed near other components such as the evaporator, expansion device, or condenser—each of which also plays important roles in the refrigeration cycle—it is most practical and common to find them on or near the compressor. This allows technicians to manage refrigerant flow and pressure effectively during maintenance, ensuring optimal system performance.