What is the purpose of using an inert gas during a refrigerant leak test?

Using an inert gas during a refrigerant leak test primarily serves the purpose of pressurizing the system. This is crucial because it allows technicians to detect leaks in the refrigerant system. By introducing an inert gas, such as nitrogen, the pressure within the system is increased, making it easier to identify any potential leaks. If a leak is present, the gas will escape, indicating the location of the problem through the drop in pressure.

Pressurizing the system with an inert gas rather than the refrigerant itself helps prevent contamination and ensures that the refrigerant does not escape into the environment during the testing process. This method is safe and effective, ensuring that the integrity of the refrigerant circuit can be assessed without introducing potential hazards or complications associated with using the refrigerant directly.