Define work before model
A technician looking for losses on small splits, commercial power stations, CO2 plants or systems with A2L refrigerants does not need the same. First fill out a short matrix: refrigerants treated today and in the coming years, size of plants, ventilated or confined environment, available time, frequency of use and need to document the intervention.
Check in the official list of the manufacturer the individual refrigerant and any approval for relevant environments or classes of flammability. The word “HVAC/R” does not guarantee that a tool is suitable for each gas.
A service leak detector serves to locate a loss during controlled research. It does not replace a fixed or personal detector intended to monitor toxicity, asphyxiation or flammability of the environment. For A2L, A3, CO2 and ammonia explicitly verify function, field, certifications and procedure of the site.
Main technologies
Infrared
The sensor identifies radiation absorption by target gases. It can offer good selectivity and long useful life, but compatibility, response time and behavior with mixtures must be verified model by model.
Diode heated
It is widespread for halogenated refrigerants and can offer high sensitivity. The sensor is a component subject to consumption and contamination: duration, replacement cost and maintenance procedure are part of the total cost.
Ultrasound
It detects the noise generated by a pressure escape and does not depend directly on the refrigerant chemistry. It can be useful in specific contexts, but environmental noise, pressure difference and loss size affect the result.
Dedicated solutions
CO2, traceable hydrogen, ammonia and flammable refrigerants may require specific sensors or tools. Do not automatically transfer the experience of a HFC/HFO detector to a different application.
Eight criteria to compare
| CRITERIO | DOMANDA CORRETTA |
|---|---|
| Supported gases | Is my refrigerant listed expressly in the documentation? |
| Sensitivity and levels | What is the declared sensitivity and how is it verified? |
| Response time/recovery | After a strong alarm, how quickly can I locate the point? |
| Azerbaijan | Automatic or manual? How do you behave with background contamination? |
| Probe | Length, stiffness, point and filter are suitable for real spaces? |
| Battery | Autonomy, charging and replacement support a working day? |
| Maintenance | How much do sensor, filters and calibration cost? Are they available locally? |
| Documentation | Can I register result, customer, refrigerant and intervention? |
The research technique affects the instrument
The indications of producers converge on a slow and systematic research: inspect joints, fittings, valves, service doors and brazing; keep the tip close to the surface; move it without stopping; confirm the suspicious point and complete the control of the entire system. Wind, dirt, oil, detergents and large concentrations can affect the alarm.
Before searching, check the system and the detector procedure. In some cases it is necessary to ventilate, reduce air speed or use an authorized complementary method. The loss identified must then be repaired and verified according to applicable regulations and instructions.
Three levels of purchase
- Targeted occasional use: correct compatibility and simplicity, without paying functions that will not be maintained.
- Daily professional use: robustness, quick recovery, available spare parts, battery, functional test and assistance become priority.
- Specialistico/multirefrigerante: can be more sensible to own dedicated tools or a documentable platform instead of a single “universal” detector.
Compare tools for application: Refrigerant, detection method, limits, periodic verification and documentation. A document card does not show absolute superiority or field trial.
Qualifications and obligations in the European Union
Regulation (EU) 2024/573 requires measures to prevent emissions, repair without undue delay of losses detected and, in the cases provided for, controls carried out by certified persons. The implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2215 defines the minimum certification requirements for equipment with alternative refrigerants. Before work, it checks applicable obligations, required qualifications, national registrations and rules.
From guide to catalogue
The section Professional Professional Tools & equipment will be expanded with verified models of Text, FielPPEece, INFICON and other specialized manufacturers. Each card will separate official data, editorial judgement and retail offer.
Official sources consulted
- European Union — Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated gases )
- European Union — Execution Regulation (EU) 2024/2215 on certification and qualifications di
- Text — Refrigeration: finding leaks :
- Text 316-4 — manual instruction (PDF) )
- INFICON — HVAC/R leak detector selection Practical guides (PDF) )
- INFICON — Leak testing e-book
Trademarks cited for information purposes. No manufacturer has endorsed or sponsored this page.