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leak detection repair

Electronic Leak Detection

Use an electronic leak detector as one method of locating refrigerant leaks.

12 steps4 criticalLimit 10 minAlways tested

Steps

  1. 1Check that the detector is made for the refrigerant in the system, and read its warnings about flammable gas and A3 refrigerants such as propane
  2. 2Check that the battery has enough charge for the whole inspection
  3. 3Critical stepPower on in clean air, away from refrigerant, and let the warm-up finish
  4. 4Check that the detector responds to refrigerant using the manufacturer's test method
  5. 5Critical stepSet the sensitivity the manufacturer recommends for the size of leak you are looking for
  6. 6Sweep slowly with the probe tip close to every fitting, joint, braze, valve and service port, following the circuit in one continuous path
  7. 7When the detector alarms, move the tip away for a few seconds to clear the sensor, then return to find the strongest reading
  8. 8Critical stepWatch for false alarms from cleaners, solvents or dirt near the joint, wipe the area with a dry cloth, and retest
  9. 9Keep testing the rest of the system after you find a leak
  10. 10Mark each leak location
  11. 11On an appliance covered by 40 CFR 82.157, record the date, method, each leak location, and that all visible and accessible parts were inspected
  12. 12Power off the detector and store it; replace filter tips and sensors on the manufacturer's schedule

What graders are watching for

Tips
  • Detectors list the refrigerants they can sense; check your model's manual before trusting a silent result.
  • Sweep speed is set by the detector maker: two manuals say no faster than about 3 inches per second. Follow your own manual, not a remembered number.
  • Part 82 leaves the leak inspection method to the certified technician; a leak detection device, operated and maintained per the manufacturer, is one of the potential methods EPA names.

Common mistakes

  • Using a detector that is not made for the refrigerant in the system.
  • Powering on in refrigerant-laden air so the detector zeroes on the leak.
  • Moving the probe too fast or too far from the joint; follow the manufacturer's speed.
  • Stopping at the first leak and missing a second one.
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