Which of the following should be used to minimize refrigerant release when hoses are connected or disconnected?

To minimize refrigerant release when connecting or disconnecting hoses, the best choice is to use quick couplers, self-sealing hoses, and hand valves. This combination of equipment is specifically designed to provide a tighter seal and reduce the chances of refrigerant escaping into the atmosphere.

Quick couplers allow for a fast and efficient connection and disconnection of hoses, enabling a secure fit that helps to contain the refrigerant. Self-sealing hoses are engineered to automatically close off their ends when disconnected, preventing any refrigerant from escaping. Hand valves give technicians manual control over refrigerant flow and can be closed to stop any potential leakage when hoses are being attached or detached.

Using standard hoses would not provide the same level of safety and leak prevention as the specialized options mentioned. Similarly, while hand valves alone can help control flow, they do not offer the sealing properties of quick couplers and self-sealing hoses that are vital for minimizing refrigerant release. Manual connectors might not have features designed specifically to prevent leaks during the connection process either. Therefore, the combination of these specialized tools is the best approach for minimizing refrigerant release.