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Leak Detector

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8.4K views 22 replies 14 participants last post by  toastluffe85  
#1 ·
I am in the market for a new leak detector. What are you guys seeing as the most accurate leak detectors on the market? Mostly it will be used on R410A at this time. What are your thoughts on the NFICON D-TEK Stratus Refrigerant Leak Detector and Portable Monitor, Model: 724-202-G1, or the Fieldpiece DR82? Thank you in advance for any guidance.
 
#3 ·
I haven't tried Ultra Sonic, but I like the Fieldpiece DR58. I was skeptical because I wasn't all that impressed with the SRL8, so was hesitant to buy the DR58. I've had it for about a year and have absolutely no regrets. It also works well on R-22/407C, in fact, I just easily found a leak in an evap yesterday (407c).

Most 'leak detector' threads in this forum include mention of the DR58, so you can look through those for more info.
 
#4 ·
Thank you for your information. I went with the INFICON. I needed to find a leak in a large multi-zone Mitsubishi ducted system. It did a good job finding a leak in one of the coils that my older Inficon model could not find. I am still torn on if it was worth the price.
 
#9 ·
I used a Fieldpiece for years with pretty good results. For the really hard to locate leaks I prefer a UV dye kit.
 
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#12 ·
Hello,

I have found that the Testo 316-4 leak detector is the most sensitive refrigerant leak detector for r410a. It has found leaks that haven’t been found by the dtek stratus, fieldpiece dr58 and a few other leak detectors I’ve bought and sold. I have tested a lot of leak detector too.

The testo has alerted r410a leaks just by walking into a home with the system running. I have yet to find a better leak detector for R410a. The H10 is also a great leak detector but is not as easy to use in tight spaces that you have limited access to the equipment. I also use the testo 316-3 for locating r22 leaks.

I’ve also had some good success locating leaks with my ultrasonic leak detectors. I could actually hear a refrigerant leak from 20ft away on a York microchannel coil condenser. The ultrasonic leak detector is usually my last resort when trying locating a small leak before I break down a inject some spectroline UV dye into a system, if allowed….i know many people don’t like UV dye but find it come in very useful in some situations.

Cheers
 
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#13 ·
I know everybody's going to laugh at me, but I've had good luck with the TIFXP-1A. I just found two leaks in a four zone mini split install that I did not do. I had a hard time finding a leak with bubble leak detector. I had to use the finger method to actually see where the leak was after the TIF found it.
 
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#14 ·
I know there older leak detect work quite well. I still have it but the batteries have

Where were you found the leak you found located. I’ve started finding many leaking evaporator coils on high wall units that are only 4-5 years old. It’s ridiculous. I wish every evap coil has a expoxy coil coatings on them. Thank god unico and spacepak started selling replacement evaps that are coated.

I didn’t realize hot old this thread was when I made my post.
 
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#20 ·
For R410A, I'd throw the Forensics Detectors Freon Leak Detector into the mix
The flexible gooseneck gets into spots other detectors miss, and the color display makes readings crystal clear. Worth comparing against those two - sometimes the best option isn't the most obvious one.
 
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