HOW TO READ AC NAMEPLATE SPECIFICATIONS: COMPLETE TECHNICAL GUIDE

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How to read AC nameplate specifications voltage amperage refrigerant type cooling capacity model number tonnage Mitsubishi Ashiki MUY-JX22VF electrical technical data interpretation

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How to Read AC Nameplate Specifications: Complete Decoding Guide for Technicians & Owners

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Learn how to read AC nameplate specifications with complete guide. Decode model numbers, voltage, amperage, refrigerant type, tonnage, cooling capacity, technical data.

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AC nameplate, air conditioner specifications, model number decoding, voltage amperage, refrigerant type, tonnage, cooling capacity, MUY-JX22VF, electrical specifications, HVAC technical data, nameplate information, Mbsmgroup, Mbsm.pro, mbsmpro.com, mbsm, air conditioning standards

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Master the skill of reading AC nameplate specifications with this comprehensive technical guide. Learn to decode model numbers, interpret voltage and amperage ratings, identify refrigerant types, calculate cooling capacity, determine tonnage, and understand all electrical information displayed on your air conditioning unit nameplate.

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COMPREHENSIVE ARTICLE CONTENT:

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Understanding the AC Nameplate: Your Unit’s Complete Technical Profile

Introduction

The air conditioner nameplate is far more than a decorative label—it’s a comprehensive technical document containing every critical specification your unit needs to operate safely, efficiently, and effectively. Whether you’re a licensed HVAC technician, building maintenance professional, or curious homeowner, understanding how to read and interpret the information on an AC nameplate is essential for troubleshooting, repairs, maintenance planning, and purchasing decisions.

The Mitsubishi Ashiki MUY-JX22VF nameplate demonstrates a complete example of how manufacturers present technical information. This guide breaks down every element of the AC nameplate, from basic identifiers to complex electrical specifications.

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PART 1: NAMEPLATE LOCATION & PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Where to Find the AC Nameplate

Outdoor Unit Nameplate:

Location	Visual Characteristics	Access Level
Side panel	Usually right-facing side	Easy access, outdoor
Top access panel	Cover may require removal	Moderate access
Compressor side	Bolted directly to unit	Professional access
Condenser frame	Mounted on metal housing	Visual inspection

Indoor Unit Nameplate (if present):

• Back panel behind unit
• Inside service compartment
• Sometimes absent (specs on outdoor unit only)

Physical Nameplate Materials

Material Type	Durability	Readability	Weather Resistance
Aluminum/Metal plate	Excellent	Excellent	Very high
Plastic label	Good	Good	Moderate
Adhesive sticker	Fair	Good initially	Can fade/peel
Engraved metal	Excellent	Excellent	Permanent

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PART 2: DECODING THE MODEL NUMBER

Model Number Structure Explained

The model number is the primary identifier. Using Mitsubishi Ashiki MUY-JX22VF as reference:

textMUY - JX - 22 - VF
 |    |    |    |
 1    2    3    4

1 = Manufacturer/Unit Type Code
2 = Series/Technology Code
3 = Capacity Code
4 = Variant/Configuration Code

Component Breakdown: MUY-JX22VF

Segment	Code	Meaning	Technical Interpretation
Manufacturer	MUY	Mitsubishi outdoor unit	Japanese manufacturer identifier
Series	JX	Inverter DC technology	Variable-speed compressor operation
Capacity	22	22 ÷ 12 = 1.83 tons (1.9 ton)	Cooling capacity 22,800 BTU/hr
Variant	VF	Indoor configuration	Specific indoor unit pairing

Capacity Code Conversion Formula

The magic formula all technicians use:

Cooling Capacity (Tons) = Two-digit capacity number ÷ 12

Example Conversions:

Model Code Number	Divided by 12	Tonnage	BTU/Hour	Kilowatts
09	÷ 12	0.75	9,000	2.6 kW
12	÷ 12	1.0	12,000	3.5 kW
18	÷ 12	1.5	18,000	5.3 kW
22	÷ 12	1.83 (1.9)	22,800	6.6 kW
24	÷ 12	2.0	24,000	7.0 kW
30	÷ 12	2.5	30,000	8.8 kW
36	÷ 12	3.0	36,000	10.5 kW
42	÷ 12	3.5	42,000	12.3 kW
48	÷ 12	4.0	48,000	14.0 kW
60	÷ 12	5.0	60,000	17.6 kW

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Series Code Meanings

Series Code	Technology Type	Compressor Style	Energy Efficiency	Cost
JX	DC Inverter (Mitsubishi)	Variable-speed	High (4.0+)	Premium
GE	Standard Inverter	Variable-speed	Moderate (3.5-3.9)	Moderate
JS	Basic Inverter	Fixed-stage	Low (3.0-3.4)	Low-Moderate
Non-letter	Non-inverter	Fixed-speed	Very Low	Lowest

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PART 3: ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The Voltage Section

Typical nameplate notation:

textVOLTAGE:     230 V
PHASE:       1 (Single Phase)
FREQUENCY:   50 Hz

What this means:

Specification	Value	Importance	Requirement
Voltage (V)	230V ± 10%	Power supply requirement	Must match exactly
Phase	Single phase (1Ph)	Electrical configuration	Determines circuit type
Frequency (Hz)	50 Hz	AC cycle rate	Region-specific (50 Hz = Asia/Europe)

Voltage Tolerance Range

The ±10% rule:

For a 230V rated unit:

Voltage Type	Actual Voltage	Safe Operation	Risk Level
Minimum safe	207V	Yes	Acceptable
Nominal	230V	Yes	Optimal
Maximum safe	253V	Yes	Acceptable
Below minimum	<207V	No	Compressor damage
Above maximum	>253V	No	Component burnout

Real-world implication: A 230V AC unit operates safely between 207-253V. Outside this range triggers protection mechanisms.

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Frequency Specification (Hz)

Frequency	Regions	Compressor Speed	Incompatibility
50 Hz	Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa	3,000 RPM (no load)	Cannot use in 60 Hz regions
60 Hz	North America, South America, Japan	3,600 RPM (no load)	Cannot use in 50 Hz regions

Critical warning: A 50 Hz unit will not work in a 60 Hz supply (and vice versa). Compressor will either fail to start or operate dangerously.

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PART 4: AMPERAGE RATINGS EXPLAINED

Types of Amperage on the Nameplate

Three different amperage ratings appear on AC nameplates, each serving different purposes:

Rating Type	Abbreviation	Value (typical 1.9-ton)	Meaning	Used For
Rated Load Amps	RLA	9.0-9.2 A	Manufacturer’s design current	Breaker sizing
Locked Rotor Amps	LRA	28-35 A	Startup current (compressor locked)	Equipment protection
Minimum Circuit Ampacity	MCA	11.0 A	Minimum wire size required	Electrical installation

Understanding RLA (Rated Load Amps)

The most important amperage specification:

RLA Definition: The steady-state current draw when the compressor operates at rated cooling capacity under standard test conditions (outdoor 35°C/95°F, indoor 26.7°C/80°F).

For the Mitsubishi Ashiki MUY-JX22VF:

• RLA = 9.0-9.2 Amperes
• This is the “normal” running current

Interpretation:

• Circuit breaker sized for RLA safety
• Unit should draw approximately this current during operation
• Higher current indicates problems (low refrigerant, dirty coils)
• Lower current indicates reduced capacity

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Understanding LRA (Locked Rotor Amps)

The startup specification:

LRA Definition: The maximum current drawn when the compressor motor starts and rotor is initially locked (not yet spinning).

For similar 1.9-ton units:

• LRA = 28-35 Amperes (3-4x the RLA)

Why this matters:

The starting current is dramatically higher than running current because:

1. Motor starting requires breaking initial static friction
2. No back-EMF initially (back-EMF develops as motor spins)
3. Resistance is minimal at startup
4. Brief but intense current spike (typically <1 second)

Electrical design consequence: Circuit breakers and wire must handle brief LRA spikes without nuisance tripping.

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Understanding MCA (Minimum Circuit Ampacity)

The electrical installation specification:

MCA Definition: The minimum current-carrying capacity of the supply wire and circuit breaker needed to safely supply the unit.

Typical MCA = 125% of RLA

For RLA of 9.0A:

• MCA = 9.0 × 1.25 = 11.25A (rounded to 11.0A)

Installation requirement: An electrician must use:

• Wire rated for at least 11 Amperes
• Circuit breaker rated for at least 15 Amperes (standard minimum in residential)
• Dedicated circuit (not shared with other devices)

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Actual Current Draw During Operation

Real-world vs. rated current:

Operating Condition	Expected Current	Explanation
Startup (compressor kick-in)	20-35A (LRA range)	Locked rotor startup spike
Acceleration phase	12-18A	Motor speeding up
Full load operation	8-10A (RLA)	Steady-state cooling
Part-load operation	4-7A	Reduced speed (inverter)
Idle/standby	0.1-0.3A	Minimal draw, electronics only

Inverter advantage: DC inverter units (like MUY-JX22VF) can ramp up gradually, avoiding the harsh LRA spike that damages older equipment and causes electrical stress.

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PART 5: REFRIGERANT SPECIFICATIONS

Refrigerant Type Identification

The nameplate clearly identifies the refrigerant chemical used in the unit:

Refrigerant	Notation	Characteristics	Global Warming Potential
R32	HFC (or R32 directly)	Modern, efficient	675 GWP
R410A	HFC Blend	Previous standard	2,088 GWP
R134A	HFC	Older technology	1,430 GWP
R22	HCFC	Phased out (CFC)	1,810 GWP (obsolete)

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Reading Refrigerant Charge Information

Typical nameplate notation:

textREFRIGERANT:     R32
CHARGE:          0.89 kg
              or 1.95 lbs

What each specification means:

Information	Value	Purpose	Importance
Refrigerant type	R32	Identifies chemical	Must match exactly for refill
Charge amount	0.89 kg	Factory-filled quantity	Reference for maintenance
Charge weight	In pounds + ounces	Alternative measurement	Used in some regions

Critical Refrigerant Rules

✅ Always use the exact refrigerant specified on the nameplate

• Never mix refrigerants (R32 + R410A = chemical reaction)
• Incompatible with old equipment if upgrading refrigerant type
• Different pressures/oil requirements per refrigerant

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Refrigerant Pressure Standards

Each refrigerant operates at specific pressures. The nameplate may reference:

Pressure Specification	Metric	Meaning
High-side (discharge)	2.8-3.2 MPa	Compressor outlet pressure
Low-side (suction)	0.4-0.6 MPa	Evaporator inlet pressure
Design pressure	4.5 MPa	Maximum safe operating pressure

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PART 6: COOLING CAPACITY SPECIFICATIONS

Understanding BTU and Kilowatt Ratings

The nameplate lists cooling capacity in two formats:

Format	Unit	Example (1.9-ton)	Conversion
British Thermal Units	BTU/hr	22,800	Standard US measurement
Kilowatts	kW	6.6-6.8	Metric measurement
Tons of refrigeration	Tons	1.9	Industry standard (1 ton = 12,000 BTU)

Capacity Ranges

Modern AC units don’t operate at a single fixed capacity. The nameplate specifies:

Capacity Range	Value (1.9-ton)	When This Occurs
Minimum capacity	1,600-2,000W (5,500-6,800 BTU)	Part-load, idle operation
Rated capacity	6,600W (22,800 BTU)	Full-load cooling
Maximum capacity	6,700W (22,900 BTU)	Turbo/high-speed mode

Inverter technology explanation: Traditional fixed-speed units run at 100% or 0%. Inverter units (DC) modulate between 10-100% capacity based on room temperature demands.

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Cooling Capacity vs. Room Size

The 1.9-ton capacity suits specific square footage:

Room Size	Square Feet	1.9-Ton Adequacy	Notes
Very small	100-150	Oversized	Excessive capacity
Small bedroom	150-190	Optimal	Perfect match
Large bedroom	190-250	Excellent	Maximum efficiency
Small living room	250-300	Marginal	May cycle frequently
Large living room	300+	Undersized	Insufficient cooling

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PART 7: PROTECTIVE COMPONENTS & SAFETY RATINGS

Fuse/Breaker Information

The nameplate specifies electrical protection required:

Typical notation:

textFUSE SIZE:       15A
BREAKER SIZE:    20A
MAX BREAKER:     25A

What this means:

Protection Type	Size	Purpose	Installation
Recommended fuse	15A	Basic protection	Older installations
Breaker size	20A	Modern standard	Current best practice
Maximum allowed	25A	Safety limit	If larger, risk damage

Protection hierarchy:

textWire gauge
  ↓
Circuit breaker (breaks circuit on overload)
  ↓
Compressor thermal overload (protects motor)
  ↓
Electrical components (capacitors, contactors)

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Design Pressure Rating

The pressure specifications indicate maximum safe pressures:

Pressure Type	Specification	Purpose	Monitoring
Design pressure	High: 4.5 MPa	Maximum safe limit	Professional gauge required
Test pressure	Per nameplate	Factory testing standard	Service technician check
Operating pressure	Varies by temp	Normal running conditions	Should be within range

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PART 8: NOISE LEVEL SPECIFICATIONS

Decibel (dB) Ratings

The nameplate may specify noise levels:

Typical 1.9-ton AC noise:

Operating Mode	Noise Level	Equivalent	Perception
Silent mode	27 dB(A)	Whisper	Library quiet
Low speed	32 dB(A)	Quiet conversation	Very quiet
Medium speed	40 dB(A)	Normal conversation	Quiet
High speed	45 dB(A)	Busy office	Acceptable
Maximum/turbo	51 dB(A)	Moderate traffic	Noticeable

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PART 9: PERFORMANCE RATINGS

COP (Coefficient of Performance)

What COP means:

COP = Cooling output (kW) ÷ Electrical input (kW)

Example calculation (MUY-JX22VF):

• Cooling output: 6.6 kW
• Electrical input: 2.05 kW
• COP = 6.6 ÷ 2.05 = 3.22

Interpretation:

• COP of 3.22 means the unit delivers 3.22 kW of cooling for every 1 kW of electricity consumed
• Higher COP = better efficiency
• COP 3.0+ is considered efficient

Comparison:

COP Value	Efficiency Level	Typical Unit Type
<2.5	Poor	Older non-inverter
2.5-3.0	Fair	Budget non-inverter
3.0-3.5	Good	Standard inverter
3.5-4.0	Excellent	Premium inverter
>4.0	Outstanding	High-efficiency inverter

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SEER/ISEER Ratings

SEER = Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
ISEER = Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio

These measure seasonal average efficiency, not just rated conditions.

SEER/ISEER	Efficiency	Energy Bills	Star Rating
<3.5	Poor	High	⭐
3.5-4.0	Fair	Moderate-High	⭐⭐
4.0-4.5	Good	Moderate	⭐⭐⭐
4.5-5.2	Excellent	Low	⭐⭐⭐⭐
>5.2	Outstanding	Very Low	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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PART 10: COMPLETE NAMEPLATE READING EXAMPLE

Mitsubishi Ashiki MUY-JX22VF Complete Specifications

Let’s assemble all nameplate information into a complete profile:

Identification Section:

textMANUFACTURER:        Mitsubishi Electric
MODEL:              MUY-JX22VF
SERIAL NUMBER:      5010439T
STANDARD:           IS 1391 (Part 2)
MANUFACTURING DATE: 2025-06

Electrical Section:

textVOLTAGE:            230V
PHASE:              1 (Single Phase)
FREQUENCY:          50 Hz
RATED INPUT POWER:  2,050W
RATED CURRENT:      9.0-9.2A
MINIMUM CIRCUIT:    11.0A
CIRCUIT BREAKER:    20A
FUSE SIZE:          15A

Cooling Performance Section:

textREFRIGERANT TYPE:   R32
REFRIGERANT CHARGE: 0.89 kg
COOLING CAPACITY:   6,600W (22,800 BTU/hr)
CAPACITY RANGE:     1,600-6,700W
TONNAGE:            1.9 tons
COP (RATED):        3.22

Safety Section:

textDESIGN PRESSURE:    4.5 MPa
TEST PRESSURE:      5.25 MPa
IP RATING:          IP24 (Dust & Moisture)

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PART 11: PROFESSIONAL READING & INTERPRETATION

Technician’s Nameplate Checklist

When servicing an AC unit, use this verification sequence:

Check Point	Action	What to Verify	Critical Issue
1. Location	Find nameplate visually	Readable, not corroded	Cannot proceed without
2. Model	Record model number	Matches unit purchased	Wrong model = wrong parts
3. Voltage	Check power supply	Matches 230V requirement	Voltage mismatch = burnout
4. Frequency	Verify 50 Hz (Asia) vs 60 Hz	Correct region specification	Wrong Hz = compressor failure
5. Refrigerant	Identify R32, R410A, etc.	Required for recharging	Wrong refrigerant = damage
6. Charge amount	Note 0.89 kg specification	Reference for low charge diagnosis	Low charge = inefficiency
7. RLA current	Compare to actual draw	Should match 9-9.2A	High current = problems
8. Pressure limits	Note 4.5 MPa design pressure	Reference for pressure gauge testing	Over-pressure = safety risk

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Common Nameplate Reading Errors & Solutions

Error	Result	Prevention
Confusing RLA with LRA	Undersizing equipment protection	Understand RLA is steady-state
Wrong refrigerant refill	Chemical incompatibility	Always match nameplate exactly
Ignoring voltage tolerance	Electrical damage	Verify supply ±10% range
Missing frequency info (50 vs 60 Hz)	Non-functional unit	Check region before install
Dirt/corroded nameplate	Cannot read specifications	Clean gently with soft cloth
Confusing tonnage with weight	Incorrect system sizing	Remember: tonnage = cooling capacity

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PART 12: STANDARDS & CERTIFICATIONS

IS 1391 (Part 2) Standard

The Mitsubishi Ashiki nameplate includes “IS 1391 (Part 2)” reference:

This means:

• IS = Indian Standard (Bureau of Indian Standards certification)
• 1391 Part 2 = Split air conditioner specification standard
• 2018/2023 = Latest revision year

IS 1391 requirements for nameplate:

Required Information	Purpose	Verification
Manufacturer name	Identification	Mitsubishi Electric
Model number	Equipment specification	MUY-JX22VF
Rated cooling capacity	Performance specification	6,600W
Voltage/frequency/phase	Electrical safety	230V/50Hz/1Ph
Refrigerant type & charge	Environmental/safety	R32, 0.89 kg
Rated input power	Efficiency tracking	2,050W
Nameplate current	Electrical safety	9.0-9.2A

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PART 13: COMPARISON WITH NON-INVERTER NAMEPLATE

Inverter vs Non-Inverter Nameplate Differences

Inverter Unit (MUY-JX22VF):

textCooling Capacity:    1,600-6,700W (variable)
RLA Current:         9.0A
LRA Current:         15-18A (gradual startup)
Input Power:         340-2,200W (varies)
COP:                 3.22 (at rated)
SEER:                4.22 (seasonal average)

Non-Inverter Unit (for comparison):

textCooling Capacity:    Fixed 6,500W (on/off only)
RLA Current:         11.5A
LRA Current:         28-32A (harsh spike)
Input Power:         2,100W (constant high)
COP:                 2.8 (constant)
SEER:                3.1 (poor seasonal)

Key Nameplate Differences:

Specification	Inverter	Non-Inverter	Advantage
RLA current	9.0A	11.5A	Inverter uses less power
LRA current	15-18A	28-32A	Inverter has softer startup
Input power range	340-2,200W	Fixed ~2,100W	Inverter flexible
Capacity range	Variable range	Fixed single speed	Inverter more efficient
COP specification	3.22 (excellent)	2.8 (fair)	Inverter wins

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PART 14: PRACTICAL TROUBLESHOOTING USING NAMEPLATE DATA

Diagnosing Problems with Nameplate Information

Problem: Unit runs but cools slowly

1. Check rated cooling capacity (should be 6,600W for 1.9-ton)
2. Measure actual electrical input (compare to nameplate 2,050W)
3. If input is low → low refrigerant charge (compare to 0.89 kg specification)
4. If input is high → dirty condenser or high outdoor temp exceeding design

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Problem: Tripped circuit breaker

1. Check MCA specification (should be 11.0A minimum wire size)
2. Check circuit breaker size (should be 20A per nameplate)
3. If breaker is 15A → breaker too small for this unit
4. If tripping on startup → LRA spike (normal, but may need breaker adjustment)

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Problem: Unit won’t accept refrigerant charge

1. Verify refrigerant type on nameplate (R32 vs R410A)
2. Check design pressure limit (4.5 MPa maximum)
3. If pressure exceeds spec → too much charge or blocked lines
4. Always match refrigerant type exactly to nameplate

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PART 15: INSTALLATION & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Critical Installation Rules from Nameplate

Electrical installation must follow:

Specification	Requirement	Safety Risk if Ignored
Voltage: 230V	±10% tolerance (207-253V)	Over/under-voltage damage
Frequency: 50Hz	Exact match required	Compressor failure
Phase: Single	Not three-phase	Motor burnout
Circuit breaker: 20A	Dedicated circuit only	Nuisance tripping
Wire gauge: 11A MCA	Copper wire minimum	Overheating/fire risk
Ground connection	Mandatory	Electrocution hazard

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Refrigerant Handling

From the nameplate refrigerant specification:

✅ Must use R32 (exact match)

• Never mix with R410A or R134A
• Never top-up with wrong refrigerant
• Requires EPA certification for handling
• Recovery equipment must be R32-compatible

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CONCLUSION: Mastering AC Nameplate Reading

The air conditioner nameplate is a comprehensive technical document designed to provide every specification necessary for:

✅ Proper installation – Electrical, refrigerant, mounting requirements
✅ Safe operation – Voltage tolerances, pressure limits, protection settings
✅ Effective maintenance – Refrigerant type, charge amount, service intervals
✅ Accurate troubleshooting – Comparing actual vs rated performance
✅ Regulatory compliance – IS 1391, environmental standards, safety codes

Whether you’re reading the Mitsubishi Ashiki MUY-JX22VF nameplate or any other modern inverter AC unit, the principles remain consistent:

1. Model number encodes capacity (divide two-digit code by 12)
2. Electrical specs must match exactly (voltage, frequency, phase)
3. Refrigerant type is non-negotiable (exact match required)
4. Current ratings serve different purposes (RLA = running, LRA = startup)
5. Cooling capacity defines room size suitability (tonnage matching)

Professional competency in nameplate reading separates expert technicians from novices. Every repair, installation, and maintenance task begins with nameplate verification. This comprehensive guide provides the knowledge framework to read, interpret, and apply all information displayed on your AC unit’s nameplate with confidence and precision.

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