Which part of a refrigeration system is referred to as the high side?

In a refrigeration system, the term "high side" refers to the components that are subjected to the highest pressure within the system, which typically occurs after the refrigerant has been compressed. This includes the condenser and the associated piping and components that carry refrigerant away from the condenser.

The condenser pressure is higher because it is where the refrigerant releases heat to the surroundings, causing it to condense from a gas to a liquid. The high-pressure side of the system is crucial for the performance and efficiency of the refrigeration process, as it directly relates to the condensation temperatures and pressures that the system operates under. Understanding the dynamics of the high side helps refrigeration operators in maintaining and troubleshooting the system effectively.

In contrast, the options regarding evaporator pressure, ambient pressure, and parts not under pressure do not involve the high-pressure characteristics of the refrigeration cycle, thereby clarifying why those choices are not suitable in identifying the high side of the refrigeration system.