Digital Refrigerant Leak Detector Delivers Dual Leak Detection Technologies

The new Made in America Digital Dual Mode Refrigerant Leak Detector RLD440 from General Tools & Instruments offers HVACR technicians and contractors advanced technologies that make leak detection easier and more accurate. The RLD440 is built to detect all commercially available HFC, HFO, HC, HCFC and CFC refrigerant gases. It’s ideal for inspecting and maintaining mobile and stationary air conditioners, refrigerators, chillers and heat pumps. And it’s certified to comply with ASHRAE standard 173-2012; SAE J2791, J2913 and J1627 standards; and European standard EN14624.

The RLD440’s ultraviolet (UV) detection mode allows technicians and contractors to quickly determine if a refrigerant gas leak exists. After charging a system with fluorescent dye, technicians and contractors use the RLD440 to scan system components with UV light from three LEDs mounted on the end of the instrument’s grip. Any dye escaping from the system will glow a bright yellow-green.

The instrument’s other detection technology—a solid electrolyte semiconductor sensor—can pinpoint the source of a leak and gauge its size. Among the RLD440’s best-in-class features is the lifespan of this proprietary sensor, which is specified at more than 10 years of normal use. Test data indicate no decline in the sensor’s performance after thousands of hours of operation.

The RLD440 is typically used in this way: First, technicians and contractors employ the UV mode to establish whether or not a leak exists. Then, they switch to semiconductor sensor mode to isolate and gauge the size of the leak.