Pipe insulation shall be used to protect refrigerant piping when surface temperature drops below ___________.

Pipe insulation shall be used to protect refrigerant piping when surface temperature drops below ___________.

• A. Dew point
• B. Freezing point
• C. Ambient temperature
• D. 32°F

Answer: (A)

Condensation on cooled surfaces happens when the pipe surface temperature drops to or below the dew point of the surrounding air. Insulation is used on refrigerant piping to keep the surface temperature above that dew point, preventing moisture from condensing on the pipe. The dew point is determined by the humidity in the air, not a fixed temperature like freezing or ambient temperature. If the surface goes below the dew point, water will condense; insulating the pipe raises its surface temperature relative to the air, stopping that moisture from forming.

Condensation on cooled surfaces happens when the pipe surface temperature drops to or below the dew point of the surrounding air. Insulation is used on refrigerant piping to keep the surface temperature above that dew point, preventing moisture from condensing on the pipe. The dew point is determined by the humidity in the air, not a fixed temperature like freezing or ambient temperature. If the surface goes below the dew point, water will condense; insulating the pipe raises its surface temperature relative to the air, stopping that moisture from forming.