AC Electronic Leak Detectors

[Jeeper]

Thinking about investing in an electronic AC leak detector but don't know much about them. What are people's thoughts as far as brands, features and costs?

So what are you using and what do you like/dislike. I am just a DIYer and looking for value. Not opposed to spending money if it's worth it.

 

[dogdog]

Not sure I bought one when I got tired of tracking down leaks that soap bubble didn't show up... but not sure if it is great worth while for DIYER.... sensors needs to be changed out after a while, and might not work too well on windy conditions.

I have this one , Inficon TEK-Mate but only used once, worked well as expected... but not needed again.

 

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Hmmm... i have a water detector, which will email me and text me if it detects water.

Simple and effective for piece of mind.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG9Y2MC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Can use this in a variety of applications.

 

[gungatim]

I have two of the HF halogen leak detectors. the one I used works good.

I bought two because I forgot I already bought one I never used and went and bought another. getting old....

 

[Jeeper]

Hmmm... i have a water detector, which will email me and text me if it detects water.

Simple and effective for piece of mind.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG9Y2MC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Can use this in a variety of applications.

Sorry if i wasn't clear. Looking for REFRIGERANT leak detectors. Ones that detect r134a.

 

[dclassical]

I have (had) the Tif ZX-1 and it worked great. Then one day it just stopped working and they would not cover it under warranty and I did not want to waste time fighting them.

My friend bought one and it works great as well. It allows you to really pinpoint the leak (by resetting the threshold as you get closer).

 

[royesses]

I have a TIF Super Scanner Halogen Leak Detector 5750A. I've used it for 11 years now and have no complaints. It has a pump in the wand and 2 sensitivity ranges. I haven't changed tips yet and it still works great. Comes with a spare tip.
http://acsource.net/acforum/ has a write up on the best leak detectors and is a good site for reference information. My TIF is not on their list though.

Roy

 

[Jeeper]

Anyone use any of the current snap on leak detectors? Any good?

 

[JJThrasher]

Never found one that worked well. Lots of false positives and little repeatability. Personally I just pump them full of dye and chase the leak a week later.

 

[VocaTexas]

I considered buying one last year. I wanted a cheap one, since it would be used infrequently. DO NOT buy the Harbor Freight. As stated above, the sensor tip needs to be changed periodically and HF doesn't carry the tips for the one they sell and can't tell you where to get them. Imagine that...