Choosing a Vacuum Pump for Split Systems
Why 7–8 CFM dual-stage beats 5 CFM on longer runs and multi-split, what "15 microns" really means, and when to use a high-flow vacuum hose.
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Featured Guide
The Standard Install Kit — R32 / R410A Split & Multi-Split
What a professional installation team actually needs on the van, and how many of each. All items are available from our authorised trade range — request a bundle quote.
| Function | Our Product (recommended) | Qty / team |
|---|---|---|
| Evacuation — vacuum pump | Fieldpiece VP67 (6 CFM) · Javac CC-141 / CC-231 | 1 per team |
| Deep-vacuum verification | Testo 552i / 552 · Javac VG64 · Javac Digital Micron | 1 per team |
| Pressure & commissioning | Fieldpiece SM382V / SM482V · Javac 2- / 4-valve manifold kits | 1 set per team |
| Hoses — evacuation & charging | Tri-colour hose sets supplied with manifold kits · HS-336-BV charging hose set with ball valves (1/4" SAE, 60") | 1–2 sets per team |
| Valve core removal | VCR1 2-in-1 valve core removal tool (1/4" & 5/16", 20-micron vacuum rated) | 1–2 per team |
| Refrigerant charging by weight | Javac Procharge 100 · Fieldpiece SR47 · Advanced Engineering 9030 · ST-RF100 wireless refrigerant scale (220 lb) | 1 per team |
| Flaring | Javac JAV-1024 / JAV-1023 · Rothenberger Grabber | 1 set per team |
| Cutting & deburring | ST-532 bearing tube cutter (5–32 mm) · VRT-301 internal & external deburring tool | 1–2 per team |
| Bending | ST-R999 hydraulic tube bender with 7 dies (1/4"–7/8") | 1 per team |
| Torque — flare nuts | DS-ST-02L ratchet torque wrench set (4 pc, 1/4"–5/8") | 1 per team |
| Leak detection | Fieldpiece DR58 / DRX3 · Testo 316-3 · Bosch CS-LD 1.0 · K2427 leak detector · NML1 rechargeable leak detector (R32 / R454B) | 1 per team |
| Recovery (service vans) | Javac XTR-PRO-DV · Fieldpiece MR45INT / MR53INT · Bosch Promax RG4 / RG3000 | 1 per van |
| Electrical diagnostics | VMC1 digital clamp meter (600A AC/DC, NCV, temperature) | 1 per team |
Buying order for new teams: evacuation & vacuum measurement → manifold & hoses → copper pipe work → torque & weighing → leak detection. Add a recovery machine once your team also handles breakdowns and decommissioning.
Also on every van (sourced separately): OFN nitrogen bottle & regulator, recovery cylinders rated for R32/A2L, electrical safety testers (two-pole & insulation resistance), SDS/core drills, wet & dry vac, and full PPE.
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Knowledge Base
More Guides for Installers
Vacuum Decay Testing Done Right
A manifold gauge's negative reading can't confirm deep vacuum. How to use a micron gauge, hold a decay test, and document it for the customer.
Get a micron gauge →Flares That Don't Leak: Cut, Deburr, Torque
Most R32 leaks start at the flare. The three-step discipline — square cut, clean deburr, manufacturer torque — and the tools that make it repeatable.
See pipe tools →Leak Detection After Install
Nitrogen pressure testing vs electronic detection — where to probe, what ≤2–3 g/year sensitivity means in practice, and checks for R32/A2L applicability.
See detectors →Charging by Weight, Not by Feel
Extra pipe length means extra refrigerant — charged in grams per metre. Why a 2–5 g resolution scale matters and how to log the final weight.
See scales →Beyond Tools: The Rest of a UK Install Van
OFN nitrogen kit, A2L-rated recovery cylinders, electrical safety testers, drills and PPE — the non-tool kit every compliant install van still needs.
Talk to us →Want this list as a spreadsheet?
Request our full installer kit list with models, quantities and trade pricing.