Page 1
Tru Pointe
™
Refrigerant Leak Detector
Instruction 0019-9328
Operation & Maintenance
Rev. 3 – May 2010
Product Leadership • Training • Service • Reliability
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WARRANTY
Bacharach, Inc. warrants to Buyer that at the time of delivery this Product will be free from defects in mater ial
and manufac ture and will conform substan tially to Bach arach Inc.’s ap plicable spec i fi ca tions. Bacharach’s
li a bil i ty and Buyer’s remedy under this warranty are lim it ed to the repair or replacement, at Ba charach’s option,
of this Product or parts thereof returned to Seller at the factory of manufac ture and shown to Bacharach Inc.’s
reasonable satisfaction to have been defective; provided that written notice of the defect shall have been given
by Buyer to Bacharach Inc. within one (1) year after the date of delivery of this Product by Bacharach, Inc.
Bacharach, Inc. warrants to Buyer that it will convey good title to this Product. Bacharach’s liability and Buyer’s
remedy under this warranty of title are limited to the removal of any title defects or, at the election of Bacha rach,
to the replacement of this Product or parts thereof that are defective in title.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE GIVEN AND ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF (I) ANY
AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN CLUD ING WITH OUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHAN TABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE: AND (II) ANY
OBLIGA TION, LIABILITY, RIGHT, CLAIM OR REM E DY IN CON TRACT OR TORT, WHETHER OR NOT ARISING FROM BACH A RACH’S NEGLIGENCE, ACTUAL OR IM PLIED. The remedies of the Buyer shall be limited
to those provided herein to the exclusion of any and all other remedies includ ing, without limita tion incidental or
consequen tial dam ag es. No agree ment varying or ex tend ing the foregoing warranties, remedies or this limitation will be binding upon Bacharach, Inc. unless in writing, signed by a duly au tho rized offi cer of Bacharach.
Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer’s name: Bacharach, Inc.
Manufacturer’ address: 621 Hunt Valley Circle
New Kensington, PA 15068-7074
European Operations: Bacharach Europe
Sovereign House, Queensway
Royal Leamington Spa
Warwickshire CV31 3JR
United Kingdom
Product name: Tru Pointe
conforms to the following specifi cations:
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC EN50081-1:1992
EN61000-4-2:1995 EN61000-4-3:1995
EN50082-1:1997 Light Industrial EN50082-1:1998
EN55011:1998 Group 1,Class B
Notice:
Product improvements and enhancements are continuous, therefore the spec i fi ca tions and in for ma tion con-
tained in this document may change without notice.
Bacharach, Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior
written consent of Bacharach, Inc.
Copyright © 2003-2010, Bacharach, Inc., all rights reserved.
BACHARACH and Tru Pointe are registered trademarks of Bacharach, Inc. All other trademarks,
trade names, service marks and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.
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Instruction 0019-9328
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Tru Pointe
Contents
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................2
Features ......................................................................................................... 3
Technical Characteristics .........................................................................4
Operation ......................................................................................................6
Battery Installation ............................................................................ 6
Turning the Instrument ON / OFF .................................................... 7
Low Battery Indication .......................................................................8
Selecting High / Low Sensitivity Mode .............................................. 8
Procedure for Locating a Refrigerant Leak ....................................... 8
Sensor Failure Indication ................................................................... 9
False Refrigerant Indication ............................................................ 10
SAE Leak Detection Tips .................................................................10
Maintenance ...............................................................................................12
Routine Maintenance........................................................................12
Sensor Replacement .........................................................................13
Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................14
Parts & Service ..........................................................................................16
Replacement Parts ............................................................................ 16
Sales/Service Centers .......................................................................16
Instruction 0019-9328
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Introduction
Tru Pointe
Introduction
The Tru Pointe Refrigerant Leak Detector (Figure 1) is a portable, battery
powered instrument designed to pinpoint the location of refrigerant leaks
in air con di tion ing and re frig er ant sys tems, chillers, or cold storage units.
The use of heated-diode sensor technology allows the instrument to be
quickly responsive to all refrigerants, even when high background levels
of refrigerant vapors are present. No man u al sensitivity adjustments are
necessary during the inspection pro cess.
The instrument is suitable for HVAC Service Technicians, Refrigerant
Ser vice Technicians, Plant Maintenance Departments, Automotive Service
Facilities, and Refrigerant & Environmental Chamber Man u fac tures who
are in need of a small, lightweight and rugged instrument that is capable of
detecting and then pinpointing small to large gas leaks in tight spaces such
as those found in refrigeration units and automobile engine compartments.
Figure 1. Tru Pointe Refrigerant Leak Detector
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Instruction 0019-9328
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Tru Pointe
Features
• Quickly pinpoints the location of refrigerant leaks
• Patented heated-diode sensor that represents the latest
advancements in sensor technology
• Patented microprocessor-controlled circuitry
• High and low-sensitivity modes, push button selectable
• Automatic zero and background compensation that allows a
leak to be quickly found in contaminated atmospheres without requiring manual sensitivity adjustments
• Flexible probe 14 inches (356 mm) in length for locating
leaks in hard-to-reach areas
• One-handed operation
• No user calibration required
• Long life, DC brushless fan provides positive airfl ow past
sensor resulting in a faster response time
Introduction
• Batteries included
• One year warranty
• Extended warranty available
Instruction 0019-9328
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Technical Characteristics
Tru Pointe
Technical Characteristics
Power .......................................... Two ‘D’ Alkaline Batteries
Warm-Up Time ..........................10 seconds
Refrigerants Detected ................ All CFC, HCFC and HFC refrigerants
including: R-12, R-22, R-123, R-134a and
blends R-404A, R-408A, R-409A, and
R-410A
Sensor:
Type ......................................... Heated Diode, Dispersive Electron, Plug-In
Life Expectancy* ..................... Typically 150 hours or 1 year of normal use
Battery Life ................................ 11 hours min. high sensitivity mode,
20 hours min. low sensitivity mode,
as tested using Duracell Ultra MX1300
alkaline batteries
Response Time ...........................Instantaneous
Sensitivity................................... The instrument will detect a leak of at
least 0.5 oz/year (14 g/yr) as detected by
moving probe tip at 2" (50 mm) per sec-
ond, 0.2" (5 mm) above leak source. A leak
rate of less than 0.1 oz/year (3 g/yr) can
be de tect ed when probe tip is held steady
over leak source for at least 5 seconds.
Sensitivity Adjustment .............. Automatic
Weight ........................................ 1.16 lb (0.53 kg) w/ batteries
Size (excluding probe) ............... 2.12W x 9.5L x 2.4H inches
(53.8 x 241.3 x 61.0 mm)
Probe Length .............................. 14" (356 mm)
* Caution: Exposing the sensor to a steady stream of highly concentrated
refrigerant will severely reduce sensor life or damage the sensor.
Sensor life is directly proportional to the amount of refrigerant
that passes through the sensor.
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Instruction 0019-9328
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Tru Pointe
Technical Characteristics
Operating Environment:
Position ....................................Any
Temperature ...........................32 to 122 °F (0 to 50 °C)
Humidity .................................10 to 90% RH, non-condensing
Approvals .................................... UL certifi ed to SAE J1627
CE Mark
Instruction 0019-9328
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Operation
Tru Pointe
Operation
Battery Installation
1. Remove battery cover by pressing down on the battery cover tab, and
then sliding the cover off the instrument. See Figure 2.
2. Install two ‘D’ alkaline batteries into the battery compartment, observ-
ing the polarity markings that are molded inside of the case.
3. Slide the battery cover back onto the instrument until its tab clicks
into place.
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Figure 2. Battery Installation
Instruction 0019-9328
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Tru Pointe
Operation
Turning the Instrument ON / OFF
See Figure 3. The instrument is toggled ON and OFF by pressing the
ON/OFF button.
When the instrument is fi rst turned ON, observe that the green
LED will glow, and that the red
LEAK RATE LED fl ashes rapidly along with
POWER ON
the audible indicator producing a rapid ticking sound or constant tone.
The instrument requires a minimum of 10 seconds to warm up. After
which time both the LEAK RATE LED and audible indicator should slow
down to no more than 1 or 2 fl ashes/ticks per second.
Note that during the warm-up period, the instrument has zeroed out any
background concentration of refrigerant vapors that may have been present
in the area.
After the instrument is turned ON and allowed to warm up, it is ready
to perform leak testing as described in Section Procedure for Lo cat ing a
Refrigerant Leak.
Red LED:
Flash rate increases when the instrument
detects an increased level of refrigerant
Amber LED:
ON = High Sensitivity
OFF = Low Sensitivity
Blinking = Sensor Failure
Instruction 0019-9328
Green LED:
ON = Instrument turned ON
Blinking = Low battery condition
Press to toggle instrument ON and OFF
Press to toggle between high and low sensitivity
Figure 3. Indicators and Controls
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Operation
Tru Pointe
Low Battery Indication
A low-battery condition is indicated when the green POWER ON LED begins
to fl ash. Approximately 20 minutes of operation time remains from the
time this LED fi rst begins to fl ash; after which, the instrument’s operation
will gradually become erratic.
When a low-battery indication occurs, replace the batteries as described
under the previous Section Battery Installation.
Selecting High / Low Sensitivity Mode
When the Tru Pointe is fi rst turned ON it defaults to its low-sensitivity
mode.
Place the instrument into its high-sensitivity mode by pressing the HIGH/
LOW SENSITIVITY button until the HIGH SENSITIVITY LED turns ON (HIGH
SENSITIVITY amber LED glows).
Tip: Use the low-sensitivity mode to extend battery and sensor
life. Use the high-sensitivity mode, if necessary, to pinpoint leaks.
Return the instrument to its low-sensitivity mode by pressing the HIGH/
LOW SENSITIVITY button until the HIGH SENSITIVITY LED turns OFF.
Procedure for Locating a Refrigerant Leak
After the instrument is turned ON and allowed to warm up, observe that
both the LEAK RATE LED and the audible indicator should be fl ashing/tick-
ing at no more than 1 or 2 times a second, indicating that the instrument
is in its idle state and currently not detecting an increasing concentration
of refrigerant.
Important: The instrument’s function is to detect a change
in refrigerant level, and not to make a quantitative mea sure ments. The technique of locating a leak by detecting a change
in level allows an op er a tor to quickly locate the source of a
leak without making manual sensitivity ad just ments, or being concerned about the background refrigerant level in the
sur round ing area.
Begin by slowly moving the probe tip toward the area of the suspected leak
source. If surfaces are dirty or wet, wipe them off with a shop towel. Avoid
allowing dirt to clog the probe tip, or allowing water to enter the instrument.
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Instruction 0019-9328
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Tru Pointe
Operation
When the instrument fi rst detects an increase in the refrigerant level, the
LEAK RATE LED begins fl ashing and the audible indicator begins ticking
at a faster rate. If movement of the probe is stopped for more than 10 seconds, the instrument will self-zero and return to its idle state even though
refrigerant is still present.
Once the presence of refrigerant has been determined and the instrument
allowed to self-zero, moving the probe toward the leak source will once
again cause the instrument to respond in a positive manner. The instrument’s audible and visual indications will fall if the probe is moved away
from the leak source.
Caution: Exposing the sensor to a steady stream of highly
concentrated refrigerant will severely reduce sensor life or
damage the sensor. Sensor life is directly proportional to the
amount of refrigerant that passes through the sensor.
Use the following general procedure to pinpoint the source of a leak:
1. Move the probe tip along the refrigerant lines and around the fi ttings
until the
LEAK RATE LED begins fl ashing and the audible indicator
starts ticking at a faster rate.
2. Continue moving the probe tip in a direction that keeps the instrument responding in a positive manner.
3. Once the source of the leak has been passed, the instrument’s visual and
audible indications will fall. At this point, reverse the di rec tion of probing
so that the instrument once again responds in a positive manner.
4. Repeat Step 3 until a small movement of the probe tip over the leak
source results in the rapid indication of increasing and decreasing
refrigerant levels.
Sensor Failure Indication
A failed sensor is indicated when the HIGH SENSITIVITY LED begins to fl ash.
Refer to the Trou ble shoot ing Guide Section of this manual for information
on how to remedy this condition.
Instruction 0019-9328
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Operation
Tru Pointe
False Refrigerant Indication
False refrigerant indications are usually caused by abnormal changes in
sensor temperature. These temperature changes are typically due to a sudden change in air fl ow past the sensor, or the sensor being heated or cooled
by an outside source. To avoid false re frig er ant indications, DO NOT . . .
• allow the probe tip to become clogged with dirt,
• allow the probe to suck in hot gases.
SAE Leak Detection Tips
The following was derived from SAE Surface Vehicle Standard J1628,
Technician Procedure for Using Electronic Refrigerant Leak Detectors for
Service of Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems:
• The electronic leak detector shall be operated in accordance with the
equipment manufacturer’s operating instructions.
• Leak test with the engine not in operation.
• The air conditioning system shall be charged with suffi cient refrigerant
to have a gauge pressure of at least 340 kPa (49 psi) when not in op er a tion. At temperatures below 15 °C (59 °F), leaks may not be mea sur able,
since this pressure may not be reached.
• Take care not to contaminate the detector probe tip if the part being
tested is contaminated. If the part is particularly dirty, it should be
wiped off with a dry shop towel or blown off with shop air. No cleaners
or solvents shall be used, since many electronic detectors are sensitive to
their ingredients.
• Visually trace the entire refrigerant system, and look for signs of airconditioning lubricant leakage, damage, and corrosion on all lines, hoses, and components. Each questionable area shall be carefully checked
with the detector probe, as well as all fi ttings, hose-to-line couplings,
re frig er ant controls, service ports with caps in place, brazed or welded
areas, and areas around attachment points and hold-downs on lines and
components.
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Instruction 0019-9328
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Tru Pointe
Operation
• Always follow the refrigerant system around in a continuous path so
that no areas of potential leaks are missed. If a leak is found, always
continue to test the remainder of the system.
• At each area checked, the probe shall be moved around the location, at
a rate no more than 25 to 50 mm/sec (1 to 2 in./sec), and no more than
5 mm (0.2 inch) from the surface completely around the position. Slower
and closer movement of the probe greatly improves the likelihood of
fi nding a leak.
• An apparent leak shall be verifi ed at least once by blowing shop air into
the area of the suspected leak, if necessary, and repeating the check of
the area. In cases of very large leaks, blowing out the area with shop air
often helps locate the exact position of the leak.
• Leak testing of the evaporator core while in the air conditioning module
shall be accomplished by turning the air conditioning blower on high for
a period of 15 seconds minimum, shutting it off, then waiting an ad di tion al 15 seconds minimum for the refrigerant to accumulate in the case,
then inserting the leak detector probe into the blower resistor block or
condensate drain hole if no water is present, or into the closest opening
in the heating/ventilation/air conditioning case to the evap o ra tor, such
as the heater duct or a vent duct. If the detector activates, a leak ap par ent ly has been found.
• Following any service to the refrigerant system of the vehicle, and any
other service which disturbs the refrigerant system, a leak test of the
repair and of the service ports of the refrigerant system shall be done.
Instruction 0019-9328
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Maintenance
Tru Pointe
Maintenance
By following the procedures outlined below, The Tru Pointe will provide
many years of trouble-free and dependable operation.
Routine Maintenance
• Replace the batteries per Section Battery Installation when the green
POWER ON LED begins to fl ash.
• Periodically check the instrument’s sensitivity by exposing it to a source
of refrigerant gas. DO NOT check sensitivity by cracking open a bottle
of refrigerant or Schrader valve and exposing the sensor to a stream
of pure refrigerant. This will severely reduce sensor life or damage the
sensor.
• Keep the instrument case and probe clean by wiping them with a shop
towel. If necessary, moisten the towel with a mild detergent solution.
Avoid using any type of solvents that may either attack the instrument’s
ABS plastic case, or leave behind a hydrocarbon residue that may de sen si tize the sensor.
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Instruction 0019-9328
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Tru Pointe
Maintenance
Sensor Replacement
Over time the sensor will become less responsive to refrigerant gas as it
nears the end of its useful life. A sensor’s average life expectancy is approximately 150 hours or 1 year of normal use, but will vary depending on
the amount of refrigerant that passes through the sensor.
Replace the sensor as follows (see Figure 4):
Material Required:
• Sensor (refer to Section Replacement Parts)
Procedure:
1. Turn OFF instrument.
2. Grasp nose cone of probe assembly and pull probe away from case
using a slight twisting motion.
3. Sensor may be hot! Pull spent sensor from its socket and discard.
4. Plug in new sensor.
5. Push probe assembly back into case.
6. Turn ON the instrument and check that it responds in a positive manner to a source of refrigerant gas.
'RASPPROBEASSEMBLYSNOSE
CONEANDPULLPROBEAWAYFROM
CASEWHILEAPPLYINGASLIGHT
TWISTINGMOTION
2%&2)'%2!.4
3%.3/2
Figure 4. Sensor Replacement
Instruction 0019-9328
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Troubleshooting
Tru Pointe
Troubleshooting Guide
The following table lists the causes and remedies for the most common
problems that may occur with the instrument.
If the information in Table 1 does not solve the problem, or for help with
any prob lem that is not listed, please contact one of the Bacharach Sales/
Service Cen ters listed in Section Parts & Service.
TABLE 1. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Symptom Probable Cause & Remedy
Instrument does not turn
ON.
The POWER ON LED is
fl ashing.
The HIGH SENSITIVITY LED
is fl ashing in clean air.
The LEAK RATE LED is
turned on steady, and the
audible indicator is producing a steady tone.
Instrument does not respond to the presence of
refrigerant.
a. Batteries are dead or installed back-
ward. Install two fresh ‘D’ alkaline batteries per Section Battery Installation.
b. Faulty refrigerant sensor. Remove sen-
sor and turn ON instrument. If instrument now operates, replace sensor per
Section Sensor Replacement.
Low battery indication. Replace batteries
per Section Battery Installation.
a. Sensor depleted or faulty. Replace sensor
per Section Sensor Replacement.
b. Batteries are nearly depleted. Replace
per Section Battery Installation.
a. This is normal during warm up. After
warm up the fl ash/tick rate should slow
down to less than 1 or 2 times per second.
b. Probe tip clogged, not allowing air to
fl ow over sensor. Unclog probe tip.
a. Sensor nearly depleted or faulty. Replace
sensor per Section Sensor Replacement.
b. Probe assembly loose. Push nose cone of
probe assembly back into instrument.
c. Probe tip clogged, not allowing air to
fl ow over sensor. Unclog probe tip.
d. Crack in rubber sheathing that covers
the probe’s fl exible tube, allowing air to
enter through the crack. Replace probe
assembly.
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Instruction 0019-9328
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Tru Pointe
Troubleshooting
TABLE 1. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE (Cont.)
Symptom Probable Cause & Remedy
Short sensor life. Senor has often been exposed to high levels
of refrigerant. Avoid exposing sensor to
pure refrigerant for long periods of time.
Erratic refrigerant leak
indication.
a. Windy conditions. Shut off surrounding
fans; protect probe tip from wind; switch
to low-sensitivity mode per Section
High/Low Sensitivity Mode.
b. Probe assembly loose. Push nose cone of
probe assembly back into instrument.
c. Low batteries. Replace batteries per Sec-
tion Battery Installation.
d. Loose sensor. Remove probe and ensure
that the sensor is being held fi rmly in its
socket (see Figure 4.)
e. Sensor faulty. Replace sensor per Sec-
tion Sensor Replacement.
Instruction 0019-9328
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Parts & Service
Tru Pointe
Parts & Service
Complete Kit: Includes detector, instruction manual,
2 ‘D’ batteries, and a hard carrying case ........................................0019-8106
Replacement Parts
Battery Door .................................................................................... 0019-0548
Hard Carrying Case........................................................................ 0019-0501
Probe Assembly ............................................................................... 0019-0553
Screw, Case, #4-20 x 1" Self Tapping ............................................. 0102-1982
Sensor .............................................................................................. 0019-0559
Sales/Service Cen ters
United States
Pennsylvania
621 Hunt Valley Circle
New Kensington, PA 15068
Phone: 1-800-736-4666
Fax: 724-334-5723
Email: help@mybacharach.com
Canada
Bacharach of Canada, Inc.
20 Amber St. Unit# 7
Markham, Ontario L3R SP4 Canada
Phone: 905-470-8985
Fax: 905-470-8963
Email: bachcan@idirect.com
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Instruction 0019-9328
Page 19
Warranty Registration
Please fi ll out the following information and FAX to Bacharach's
Warranty Department at 724-334-5001. Or register online at www.
mybacharach.com /warranty-registration.htm
Name
Title Company # of Employees
Address
City State Zip
Phone Fax E-mail
Product Purchased Part No. Serial No.
Date Purchased Purchased From
1. What can Bacharach do to better serve you? ___________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. My Application:
Combustion Analysis Leak Detection Emission Monitoring
Appliance Service Indoor Air Quality
Other (Please Specify) _____________________________________________
3. Future Applications May Include/Please Send More Information About:
Combustion and IAQ Analyzers Training Programs
Emissions Monitors Service Programs
Refrigeration Products
Page 20
Ph: 724-334-5000 • Fax: 724-334-5001 • Toll Free: 1-800-736-4666
Web site: www.mybacharach.com • E-mail: help@mybacharach.com
Printed in U.S.A.
621 Hunt Valley Circle, New Kensington, PA 15068-7074
World Headquarters
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