Fieldpiece SRL8 Review

What is It?

The SRL8 Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector is designed exclusively to make the HVAC/R Technician’s job easier, faster, safer and more efficient. We set out to develop the best heated diode leak detector for HVAC/R. We believe the SRL8 is it. It comes in kit form in a rugged, blow-mold case with all of the extras you don’t get from the other guys.

The Fieldpiece ergonomic standalone design fits naturally in your hand. The ruggedized construction stands up to abuse most other leak detectors can’t handle. The 15-hour battery life lets you work all day and then some before recharging. The included vehicle and wall chargers help you during overtime. The MUTE and ZEROing functions allow you to work the way you want to work. The magnetic hanger helps keep the detector out of the way when repairing a leak, but visible enough so you won’t leave it on the job.

How Does it Work?

The SRL8 heated diode refrigerant leak detector triggers on absolute concentration of refrigerant present.  Meaning, the closer you get to the leak, the more intensely it will trigger on both the LED display and audio alerts.  It zeroes out automatically or can be adjusted manually to zero in on leaks.

Simply turn it on, manually or automatically zero, adjust the sensitivity to the desired level and begin testing.

Competitive Advantages

Why Heated Diode technology?
Based on the success of our infrared refrigerant leak detector (model SRL2) and multiple requests from technicians, we decided to develop the best heated diode refrigerant leak detector for HVAC/R. Some technicians like the way heated diode sensors trigger on absolute concentration, meaning the closer you get to the leak, the LEDs and audio alerts increase in frequency because more refrigerant is passing the sensor. The infrared leak detector senses change in refrigerant levels and requires a sweeping motion to pinpoint leaks. IR sensors zero out and stop triggering if kept hovering over a leak. Bottom line: We made the best detector available for the way you like to test. We let you decide which is right for you.

Advantages Over Other Refrigerant Leak Detectors

• Triggers on all CFCs, HFCs, HCFCs and blends.  More sensitive to some refrigerants than others.
• 15-hour rechargeable, user replaceable battery. It lasts almost two full workdays on a single charge (if your hunting down leaks all day). You can also use it while it’s hooked up to the wall or vehicle charger.
• Filter system helps protect the sensor from moisture and other contaminants. The sensor is connected to the body at the other end of the snout. The filter is at the tip of the snout. If you accidentally hit some condensation or oil, the filter swells, shutting off the pull to the sensor and protecting it from failure.
• Manual or automatic zeroing. It auto zeros every two seconds until a leak triggers the sensor. After that you can manually zero the detector to help further pinpoint leaks..
• Up and running in 30 seconds. Some heated elements and corona discharge units take much more time to warm up. UV dyes can take several hours to travel through a running system and can degrade system components.

SRL8 – Designed for HVACR

• Three sensitivity levels from 6.6oz/yr to <0.1oz/yr. Meets new SAE standards.
• Rugged / Ergonomic Features. Ruggedized boot and it fit’s in your hand.
• Heated Diode Senso lasts up to 5 years (depending on use and exposure).
• Audible/Visual Alarm. Turn the beep on or off – you decide.
• 15-hour Battery Charge. Work all day and all night on one charge.
• Battery life check. See how much charge you have left by looking at the LED display.
• Non-conductive, Sturdy Probe. Stays where you want it.
• LED and Audio alerts. Find leaks in noisy environments.
• Mute: Turn off the sound when you don’t want anyone to hear what you’re doing.
• Magnetic Hanger. Hang the unit while you repair the leak.
• Weighs 14-oz. Tough doesn’t have to mean heavy.

What’s Included

• Advanced Refrigerant Leak Detector – SRL8
  
• (5) O-rings and 10 replacement filters – RFL2
  
• 9-inch Flex-Probe Extension – RFE2
  
• Rigid Extension Probe – RRE2
  
• Blow-Molded Case – ABMK3
• Operator’s manual

My Review:  I never had a chance to try this one out.  Instead here are some actual reviews from Amazon.com:

this leak detector is better than it looks, i took it out of the box and it has a durable rubber shield all around it, putting me at ease working with it regularly.
Durable case also. and came with everything i need to troubleshoot the leaks i’m looking for. First leak i found on a 20 year old fridge with r 12. So far found 5 leaks in just a month of use. I am confident this one will last for years.                                   by Henk

Overall Rating
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TiF ZX-1 Review

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The revolutionary new “Generation X” line of TIF refrigerant leak detectors brings you tomorrow’s technology today. We not only changed the way our leak detectors look, but the way to look at leak detectors. Innovative MPC circuitry and Advanced Digital Signal Processing monitor the sensing tip up to 2000 times per second. Automatic reset, true mechanical pump, and visual indicators speed and simplify leak searches. A completely re-designed sensing tip increases sensitivity, improves reliability, and lasts twice as long as its predecessor. Detects all halogenated refrigerants and has CE approval and is certified to SAE J1627. The TIFZX features patent pending Heated Pentode sensor technology, refrigerant specific detection, detects ALL halogenated refrigerants at levels below 0.1 oz./yr., as low as 0.05 oz./yr. for R-12, tri-color visual leak size indication, tactile keypad controls with one touch reset and adjustable sensitivity, true mechanical pump provides instant response and clearing, sensor failure indication and a 16” flexible stainless probe. Revolutionary design and comes complete with carrying case, re-charger, and Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. 25-year warranty.

Product Description

• Patent pending Heated Pentode™ Sensor technology: refrigerant specific detection, elimination of false alarms, unaffected by rapid temperature change, sensor can not be “poisoned” by excessive refrigerant
• Detects ALL halogenated refrigerants, including R-410A
• True mechanical pump provides instant response and clearing
• Tri-color visual leak size indication
• Tactile keypad controls

The TIFZX1 also features adjustable sensitivity and one touch reset, mute feature silences audible alarm, sensor status indication, battery self test and 16″ flexible stainless probe. Ballistic nylon carrying case and battery charger included. CE approved, certified to SAE J1627. Comes with a 25 year warranty.

My Review:

Pros:  Very sensitive, pinpoints even the smallest leaks, 25 year warranty

Cons: Within the first year had to send it back to TiF 3 times

Verdict: Great detector, when it works

 
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Overall Rating
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CPS LS 3000 Review

Features and Benefits:

• State-of-the-Art Cold Cathode (CCD) Sensor Technology
• 8 LED Tachometer Display
• Easy one button operation
• Unique “Gearshift” LED display for leak sizing
• High output alarm speaker
• MADE IN USA

The CCD Sensor Technology delivers quick response to leaks and maintains maximum sensitivity throughout the life of the sensor. The 8 LED Tachometer Display enables user to pinpoint exact location of leak. Fully automatic electronic refrigerant leak detector for all HFC, HCFC, CFC, SF6 gasses and blends. Exclusive POWERSHIFT™  software automatically monitors, controls and adjusts all critical instrument settings to ensure maximum leak search results under any job environment. Two separate visual LED displays enables user to pinpoint the exact location of leak source and the approximate size of that leak.  Highly resistant to background contaminates including heavy condensation, oils, leak solutions, brake fluid, radiator coolants, washer fluids, etc. High output alarm speaker delivers clear crisp alarm tones. Fully automatic selection allowing detection of a 0.25oz/yr (7g/yr) leak rate of HFC.  Operating temp: 0 to 140°F / -18 to 60°C. Includes carrying case, batteries and spare sensor.

Part Number: CPSLS3000
Brand: CPS Products
Weight: 3 lbs.

My Review:

Pros: One button operation, good sensitivity, super easy to use

Cons: Speaker died within the first month

Verdict: Great product, I keep this in the truck as a second leak detector

 
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Overall Rating
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Fieldpiece SRL2K7

The SRL2 essentially reacts to all refrigerants the same, meaning it triggers on R-507 the same way it does on R-22. The SRL2 has sensitivity equal to or better than heated element detectors and sensitivity can be adjusted to react like heated elements using the Turbo Mode (see manual) function.
Simply put, the SRL2 reacts to all refrigerants the same way. If the refrigerant used in the system is in the refrigerant IR spectrum, the detector is going to find it.

Why Infrared Technology?
Infrared sensors by far are the longest-lasting leak detection sensors on the HVACR market today. We’ve improved the technology so that, with normal use, your SRL2 Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector should last for the life of the instrument (UP TO 10 YEARS in testing.)

Advantages Over Other Types of Refrigerant Leak Detectors

Triggers on all CFCs, HFCs, HCFCs and blends.ABMK3_w_SRL2
Sealed sensor. Unlike heated diode and corona discharge leak detectors, the sensor doesn’t “touch” refrigerant as it passes through the instrument. Heated diode and corona discharge units tend to degrade or fail when they come in contact with high concentrations of refrigerant or touch liquid.
Doesn’t trigger on oil or moisture like other types of detectors.
Senses change in refrigerant levels. Works even in contaminated environments.
Up and running in less than 30 seconds. Some heated elements and corona discharge units take much longer to warm up. UV dyes can take several hours to travel through a running system and can degrade system components.

Designed for HVACR

Superior – Controlled Sensitivity. Doesn’t trigger on nuisance leaks unless in Turbo Mode.
Rugged / Ergonomic Features. Ruggedized boot and it fit’s in your hand.
Infrared Sensor. Lasts up to 10 years.
Three Sensitivity Levels. Meets new SAE standards.
Audible/Visual Alarm. Turn the beep on or off – you decide.
8-hour Battery Charge. Work all day on one charge.
Non-conductive, Sturdy Probe. Stays where you want it.
Peak / Mute Buttons. Find leaks in noisy environments.
Magnetic Hanger. Hang the unit while you repair the leak.
Weighs 14-oz. Tough doesn’t have to mean heavy.

My Review:

Pros: Rugged, easy to use

Cons: Was not very sensitive and reliable for me. Tried on both R410 A and R22

Verdict: There are better products in this price range

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Overall Rating
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Inficon TeK-Mate Review

The Affordable, Portable Leak Detector.
Moderately priced, portable leak detector with proven heated-diode sensor technology. The electrochemical heated- diode sensor resists dirt, water, oil, and other contaminants offering exceptional resistance to the effects of contamination.

Features At A Glance:

• Equal sensitivity to CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs eliminates resetting or switching for different refrigerants.
• Variable-intensity audible signal and single flashing LED to help pinpoint leaks.
• The automatic background compensation feature continuously monitors and automatically compensates for changing background “noise” without the need for manual adjustments by the operator.
• Two year warranty.

My Review:

Pros: Price, decent sensitivity

Cons: Too sensitive to outside factors i e moisture, wind etc

Verdict: Perfect for starters in HVAC field this detector is super cheap and decent quality

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Overall Rating
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Bacharach H10-PM Review

My Review:

Pros: Superb sensitivity, ability to zero in on the leak, lasts for years

Cons: Takes a while to learn how to use, battery quality isn’t all that great

Verdict: IMHO, the best leak detector on the market, very reliable

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Overall Rating
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D-Tek Select Review

Innovative Infrared Technology Delivers Enhanced Sensitivity, Selectivity and Longer Life

As the first accurate, reliable, highly sensitive, cordless refrigerant leak detector, the original D-TEK revolutionized the field. Now we have built on that technology leadership to create D-TEK Select. This next-generation refrigerant leak detector uses an innovative infrared absorption sensing cell that is extremely sensitive to all refrigerants – and only refrigerants. D-TEK Select maintains that sensitivity over time for consistent, accurate and reliable performance, even with the newer refrigerant blends. Best of all, the sensing cell lasts for approximately 800 hours – almost 10 times longer than the original D-TEK sensor – to lower your cost of ownership and improve job site productivity.

Additional enhancements include a charging status indicator, sensor failure indication, and NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries. All in an easy-to-use unit with the quality and durability you’ve come to expect from INFICON.

Features At A Glance:

• 0.10 oz. (3 gm)/year sensitivity
• equally sensitivie to all refrigerants, including R-22, R134a, R-404a, R-410a, R-507 (AZ-50) and all CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs
• 800-hour infrared cell life for low cost of ownership
• infrared cell does not weaken over time, so response
• remains consistent and accurate
• infrared cell cannot be overloaded or “poisoned” by exposure to large amounts of refrigerant
• selective to refrigerants only; will not react to smoke, humidity, airflow or temperature changes
• high-efficiency air sampling pump provides quick response and quick clearing (“zeroing”)
• on-board diagnostics indicate charging status and warn of low battery or infrared cell failure
• NiMH power stick is environmentally friendly, won’t corrode, and provides greater charging capacity
• includes hard plastic case, NiMH power stick, 2V and 120V adapter/recharger, tip filters and infrared cell

My Review:

Pros: Easy to use, very sensitive, good battery life

Cons: Price

Verdict:  Excellent product, one of the best out there, especially if you dont’ like the H-10 PM

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