leak detectors

[hem057]

always frustrated with leak detectors, what have you found works best?
I have 6 and each have good and bad days, or is it me?

[Dchappa21]

The D-tek select has been great for me.

The yellow jackect IMHO sucks, Ive been through multiple sensor, change in temp will set it off, and I don't trust it.

I also have the Tek-Mate (I think) it's made by inficon the same as the D-tek. It's a battey powered and alot cheaper. It seems pretty good so far I've only used it a couple of times.

[fcs]

I have the D-tek select and been very pleased not he cheapest but you get what you pay for.

[gbfromsd]

TekMate for R22
Dtek for 410,404 etc.

[beachtech]

i have the d-tek select :)

co-worker bought the highend yellow jacket last week and swears by it :)

[slctech]

I think the art of leak detection is learned through more than just relying on leak detectors. One must have an arsenal of items and methods under neath their sleeve to attack an illusive or obvious leak. Not belittling the attempt of this thread to decide which leak detector is the best, just feel that if one has six detectors and still searching, then it is not you or the detectors, but your methods.

I have found that leak detectors whether cheap or expensive have there place in the process of locating leaks. They are great for indoor conditions void of drafts, breezes, wind, and heat. These factors make it tough for searching, since refrigerant or gases can't collect/pool enough to be detected before being dispersed. For outdoor uses, one needs to simulate this by throwing a tarp or painter's drop cloth over the equipment being tested. Learn about the specific gravity of the refrigerant or gas one is trying to detect. If it is heavier than air you want to start low and work high, and obviously the opposite if it is lighter than air.
(Example: R22 has a specific graviy of 3, it is heavier than air. So if you are checking an outdoor unit, I would place my detector down low and wrap the unit and detector up tight with the blanket or cloth. Within 10 minutes you will know if you have a leak. Given if there is enough refrigerant in the system to detect.)
Practicing with the detector is good to get a feel for each one's sensitivity. Everytime I get a new one, I will just tweek a jug of r22,r410 open for a split second and run my detector around the area to get a feel for it's performance. The same with other detectors, if combustible gas, I will use a butane lighter or a gas range to get a feel. Kind of like the batchelor days, every woman was different, just had to practice abit to get the feel for what makes them scream:D
The detectors have there place.

Having a ultrasonic leak detector is a must. Once you have used one and have trained your ears. One can usually find the smallest of leaks, even in outdoor noisy enviroments. These are especially useful for in the wall leaks that either the CSST or lineset have been hit with a nail or screw. Pressurize the lineset with nitrogen or a gas line with air and follow the presumed path through the wall. You will hear it, and know exactly where to cut into a wall and ceiling. The uses for an ultrasonic detector are quite endless. I have rarely been eluded by a leak when using one of these. But then again that is why god just didn't give me ears, he also gave me eyeballs....;) leads to...

Visual inspection is another definite means, using a heavy soap mix/water and spray as you go is a wonderful way of locating leaks in open and accessible areas. Most refrigerant leaks may have tell-tell oil patterns. Metals collide! Anytime I see copper against copper or copper against metal, my interal alarm goes off and this becomes another point to search. Electrical wiring rubbing against a copper line; seen the vibration rub right through the insulation, and pop, the shorting wire arcs a hole right through the copper. Rusted out components, especially in an outdoor unit can be tricky. Found numerous times a filter drier or the very bottom of a compressor are great locations for a sneaky leak. And the last visual item I look at is capillary tubes and their corresponding distributor.

Maintain the batteries and the detector heads. Clean the heads with rubbing alcohol monthly or as required. If they are replaceable, keep an OEM head in stock rready to go.

I through this together for the newbies that are out there about, to start their first season of cooling repair.

1 visual/audible/smell check
2 leak detect with bubbles or detector
3 ultra sonic check
4 whenever you remove your gauges from a system check the schraeders for leakage and replace the caps with seal-tite. And on those garbage plastic caps, make sure the O-ring is in there and setting right. Nothing worse than leaving a job with a leak you just created.....you will be back to look for it all over again.:rolleyes:

As the bottle of yeagermeister translates to: Lucky Hunting!

[MechAcc]

A good manual on leak detection methods is Refrigeration Techologies
"Big Blu Leak Detection Manual" (http://www.refrigtech.com/LeakDetectionManual.pdf)

[mark beiser]

After 4 years of disappointment with my D-Tek Select, I'm finally happy with it. The most recent tip filter assembly update, stripping the thing into its component parts so I could clean out the wand, air pump and tubing, and re soldering a couple of components on the PC board, has it working like it was claimed when I bought it. I'm still not a big fan of how it only senses changes in concentration. If you hold it right over a small leak, it will stop alarming.

Here is a real shocker. The best leak detector I have ever owned, is my TIF:eek: ZX-1 I bought used for $25 from a forum member. $35 for a sensor and $50 for a new battery, and it is the best damn detector I have used, for both R-22 and R-410A.
Normally I wouldn't recommend any product made by Tif, for the simple reason that it is made by Tif, but the ZX-1 seems to be a real winner.

I also use an ultra sonic leak detector made by Draco Systems.

I use Big Blue leak detector solution to pinpoint the exact site of the leak once I have found the leak area with an electronic or ultra sonic.

[DPSwitch]

Big blue does work very very well, I'll vouch for that also. Most times its all I need.

[tarheel_tech]

Big blue does work very very well, I'll vouch for that also. Most times its all I need.

Same here,and Mark I believe you on your TIF.I won an CPS leak seeker about the time I became an service technician from an supply house customer appreciation day.It is by far the best leak detector that I have used.But only one draw back on it,it does not pick up 410A very well.I have been thinking about replacing it with an D-Tek select,just waiting for the A/C season to start which has started last week.Everything else I have had from CPS has been crap,so I have not figure this leak detector out yet?

[beachtech]

Same here,and Mark I believe you on your TIF.I won an CPS leak seeker about the time I became an service technician from an supply house customer appreciation day.It is by far the best leak detector that I have used.But only one draw back on it,it does not pick up 410A very well.I have been thinking about replacing it with an D-Tek select,just waiting for the A/C season to start which has started last week.Everything else I have had from CPS has been crap,so I have not figure this leak detector out yet?

you couldn't pry my d-tek from my cold dead hands :D saddle up though, its around 350-375 :eek:

[hem057]

thanks for all the comments, I didn't want to say too much in the original thread, I wanted to hear what others have found without tainting or directing their thoughts, and your comments have really helped, actually I have two old D teks that are kind of retired, 2 new D teks, (one I carry in my truck and my son has one of them in his truck) I have found them to be pretty reliable, but at times they are frustrating, but then I have heard there is an up grade kit for them, I have 1 TIF (actually got it free at a trade show, door prize) it is in our other tecks truck, and he likes it too, we find it almost too sensitive, and I just bought a yellow jacket and am trying it out, but not convinced about it either..... and finally I have Big Blue (always have gallon of both temp ranges in stock), actually our local wholesaler started bringing it in for others on my request,
I should try out the ultra sonic, have only tried it once before, so can't really say that I have much experience with it.....

[mikep]

I have found that the ultra sonics only detect large leaks and under the right conditions so it does have its place but I haven't used mine in years. For finer leak detection, the ones that are difficult. I use my H-10 to find the general area and pinpoint with Big Blue. Not unlike most nowadays, the battle of the electronic snifers seems to be a matter of what you have adopted and learned to like or dislike. I hated my CPS.

[model m-man]

Is the upgrade kit for the D Tek or the D Tek Select? Is it just a different sensor? I have the D Tek which does work much better than the CPS & TIF that I have, but still leaves a bit to be desired. They latter two are both pretty much useless. (IMO)

[TCreacy]

I prefer Big Blue over my DTek Select, mainly because I forget to charge the battery every so often and when I do need it, the batteries are dead. It a good leak detector as long as you remember to plug it in every few days to recharge it.

[Gib's Son]

I got one CPS that's around ten years old now. Love it. I've owned other mfrs. but never liked them as much.

Big blue, good stuff. In a pinch, use Windex. Seriously!

[AcDOCnTRAINING]

I have own several TIF's my pops does not use anything else (old school).
My D-Tek is bad azz, does all refrigerants portable light very accurate, even has a car charger. :D

[beachtech]

I prefer Big Blue over my DTek Select, mainly because I forget to charge the battery every so often and when I do need it, the batteries are dead. It a good leak detector as long as you remember to plug it in every few days to recharge it.

my d-tek stays charged forever!! really i charge it maybe once a month. maybe you should have your battery replaced or checked out. is there a batteries plus store in your area?? thay got a replacement for my older d-tek that keep as a just in case back up,but haven't needed it :)

[TCreacy]

I might look into replacing the battery...seriously, straight out of the box I charged it fully, and within a week of sitting it would be dead. I never though about trying a new battery

[Zeus]

Nice thread, I've been looking around at the various brands...and prices so this is coming at the right time. For those of you who have used multiple brands/models recently have you noticed if one brand requires more maintenace than another? If so what?

[beachtech]

Nice thread, I've been looking around at the various brands...and prices so this is coming at the right time. For those of you who have used multiple brands/models recently have you noticed if one brand requires more maintenace than another? If so what?

not really when you get into the 300-400 dollar range. almost no maintenance across the board :) i really like my d-tek select, because its really rerally simple to change and check the filter. i am really liking my co-workers new Y/J because the sensor is at the end of the tool and not inside, so it doesn't have to pull as much air, or pick up as much junk :) i had bad luck with the TIF zx-1 i had. but i just think it was bad luck. lot of other guys swear by it and love it. but i am a little shy after my personnel experience with that one :)

[bustawrench1]

D-Tek Select works better than anything else I've owned.

They say the H-10 is better, but at $125.00 more than the D-Tek, it was out of my range last time I needed a new detector.

[skoonen]

I see testo makes a leak detector, anyone ever try it?

[itsiceman]

Any one use a Fieldpiece SRL2 I/R?
http://www.fieldpiece.com/SRL2_infrared_refrigerant_leak_detector.html

[lawrencep]

Like SLCTECH said leak detection in my opinion is an art,knowing where to look,oil tracers,rate of leak if known(high or low side).But I prefer the H-10.

[caddy]

I only use my H-10. Never failed finding a leak from a split a/c to a screw or centrifugal chiller. I use H-10 to find and snoop or big blue to pin point leak.

[hvac6470]

Heno57 I’ve had an RLD-H10PM-1 for five or six years. It’s been the best tool I have purchased. Replace a couple batteries and get the tune up kit every two or three years. Can find leaks as small as an oz or two a year.

http://www.johnstonesupply.com/7/tabid/1783/default.aspx?product_group=1004

[papa_jo]

tif zx-1- works for me- soap bubbles, and I use dye- I no some on here <and I use to be one of them> don't like putting something other than refrigerant into the system, but I have found that some of the customers like to see the dye and no there really is a leak. Than when I tell them I no longer will charge their system till the problem is resolved do they understand.

[douggie45]

Tif zx-1 best on the market and you cant beat the warranty

[coolmen]

I decided to go with the D TEC select and picked one up yeasterday .
Thank for info.
CJ

[NGHTYRTE]

i have sold all brands of leak dectors. started in 1974-wholesale. the h-10 is tried and proven. pricey. changed some , a little harder to use than most but still great...i sell more d-teks than any other. i wonder why? its just under the price of the h-10 but to me --easyer to use and better. i sell a lot of them by tecs. saying i cant find this twice a year leak. i let them use one and say if you cant find the leak--bring it back. i dont think i have ever had one returned. just my opinion. its the best .

[CHLR618]

After reading the post I noticed a lot of D-Tek users. I own a D-Tek select and a Tek-Mate. When my old D-Tek needed replacing (10 years plus of great service) I bought the Select. Found out after getting it in the fine print it is not recommended for R11 or R123. . I use the Tek-Mate (same sensor as old D-Tek just less options) for low pressure - just wish it hat a headphone jack. D-Tek has been proven time and time again to be very reliable.

[BobbyBJr]

I have the H10-PM and the D-Tek and both work really well. I don't know that I'd recommend one over the other. I purchased the H-10 one day when I was in a bind on a 20 ton unit with a leak that I couldn't find. It rescued me that day....lol. I bought the D-Tek off one of the office guys who had bought it and never used it. No problems with either.

[tirednow]

i have a yellow jacket accu probe. this is the first detector i've used that could actually pinpoint the leak. i have a uei detector but it will only detect the prescence of regrigerant. the yellow jacket actually showed where it was and i put tru blue on and verified the location. when ever i check for leaks time stands still and i don't move the probe fast at all. still couldn't get the uei to point to the leak. good luck

[MechAcc]

i have a yellow jacket accu probe. this is the first detector i've used that could actually pinpoint the leak. i have a uei detector but it will only detect the prescence of regrigerant. the yellow jacket actually showed where it was and i put tru blue on and verified the location. when ever i check for leaks time stands still and i don't move the probe fast at all. still couldn't get the uei to point to the leak. good luck


tirednow,

Holding the tip at one location will depend on the sniffer that you are using. Some of the newer ones will auto adjust if left in an atmosphere that has refrigerant. If you have a leak that is intermittent one should be okay holding the probe stationary or moving too slow to locate the leak area.

[MrFreeze344]

I've been in this field since 1980 and if you can't see the leak with soap bubbles & your own eyes, I only use the H-10 Brand 115v Halogen Leak Detector. Sold under names such as Penn/Johnson, Mars, Yowkawa, and GE.
Hands down the Best in the market, this leak detector is my Best friend, tried trusted,true and reliable to me, everytime I use it. I use the 115v on for it all boils down to the source ( 115v vers Battery ) for the reliability.
Do yourself a favor and invest in one of these, you will not be disappointed.:cool:

[ga1279]

I use a H10G, when I first bought it I could not control the rate until I played with the heater adjustment on the backside. Now it has more than paid for itself. I also have the battery powered version that I keep charged up in my van. I don't use 12 volt chargers for any of my gear as I have installed a 750 watt inverter in my van to convert 12 volt to 120 volt AC. It works better on the batteries plus I have a real good interior lighting system. I just purchased the Ificon D-Tek and I like it a lot. I do alot of industrial plant work and certain guidelines must be followed. For soap I prefer the flouresant and so do most of my customers. jmho.....ga1279

[Jax]

I had not used a modern leak detector. All I had were very old and cheap. I mainly relied on nito and soap. I Bought the D tek Select last year, and I feel like I have finally learned how to use it. Mark makes a good point, which made leaning to use it difficult for me. It detects the change in levels, and auto adjusts to surrounding level so it is necessary to keep it moving in and out as a leak is detected. This spring I have found at least a dozen leaks, some of which I have been charging every year for several years because I could not find the leak. There has only been two systems I could not find the leak.

[guywithgauges]

you wouldnt happen to have a model or stock number would ya?

[DPSwitch]

Same as Jax......... I started finding stuff with the Dtek .... when I found one I figured it was a malfunction.... lol

[Mr Chesapeake]

I just started using Bacharach's combo leak detector this season; a replacement the company I work for bought for me after my CPS died. It works pretty good so far.

[wannafreeze]

TIF RX-1 has been my choice for the last 5 years.I buy it on-line for about $120.Tif and soap has been enough to find any leak so far.The toughest leak I had to find was on a roof top at a condensor manifold,I knew there was a leak in there somewhere but it was hard to find it with the fan running and wind blowing.Finally I bought a tarp and there it was..

[raidersfan7]

So H-10 Leak Detector Is A Good One?? How Much They Cost???i Heard Good Reviews About That Detector

[bobb25]

So H-10 Leak Detector Is A Good One?? How Much They Cost???i Heard Good Reviews About That DetectorIf you have to get just one leak detector, get the H-10. They've been around for years and it seems like they get very little complaints compared to other detectors. I believe GE made the first one, but I'm not positive. They've been bought out several times, and the design and features have changed somewhat, but they all use the basic heated diode technology. They come in 110VAC and 12VDC.

Here are some that I know of: GE H-10 120VAC, Mars 25301/GE H-10B 120VAC, Johnson/Penn RLD-H10G-1 120VAC, and Yokogawa H-10 12VDC.

[voodoo]

I think tif had a model too!

[cib11mike]

I just bought the Tif XP-1A. Last week I tested it on a known leak againt the Tek-mate I had on the truck. The Tif is going to be sent back for a refund. I bought another Tek-mate on Saturday.

[wannafreeze]

I just bought the Tif XP-1A. Last week I tested it on a known leak againt the Tek-mate I had on the truck. The Tif is going to be sent back for a refund. I bought another Tek-mate on Saturday.

What's the model of the Tek-mate.I might wanna order one.

[cib11mike]

What's the model of the Tek-mate.I might wanna order one.

Not sure if there is a model number, I don't have it handy right now, it's called the Tek-mate by Inficon, got it at the supply house. It's the cheaper one by inficon.

[newoldtech]

What's the model of the Tek-mate.I might wanna order one.


I also use the Tek mate and occasionally break out the old H10. I like both of them. Here is a Ebay link to the Tek mate.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Inficon-705-202-G1-TEK-Mate-Refrigerant-Leak-Detector_W0QQitemZ140230157663QQihZ004QQcategoryZ6 6999QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksid Zp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

[lordhelmet]

Dtek select is the only way to go, got a coworker that has a H-10 and everytime he has a difficult leak he comes and borrows the dtek. Only problem I had was with the battery but inficon sent me another been good to me ever sense (2 years strong)

[caddy]

Dtek select is the only way to go, got a coworker that has a H-10 and everytime he has a difficult leak he comes and borrows the dtek. Only problem I had was with the battery but inficon sent me another been good to me ever sense (2 years strong)

I think your co-worker needs to get his H-10 serviced. I have never had a leak my H-10 could not find. At an industrial plant we service their maintenace dept has a dtek. They used the detek but could not find leaks on a couple systems that had been topped off with about 110# of R-22. I pulled my H-10 and found the leaks with no problems. After that incident they are going to get a corded H-10.

[coolperfect]

Any one use a Fieldpiece SRL2 I/R?
http://www.fieldpiece.com/SRL2_infrared_refrigerant_leak_detector.htmlJust got one today supply house says its the hot set up I will let you know $400

[starr]

I only use my H-10. Never failed finding a leak from a split a/c to a screw or centrifugal chiller. I use H-10 to find and snoop or big blue to pin point leak.


:D Same for me ..........my H10 and big blue.