Triplett Test Equipment & Tools RLD400 User manual

User Manual

RLD400

Refrigerant Leak Detector

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Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Triplett RLD400 Refrigerant
Leak Detector. This handheld meter detects leaks for SF6 gas, all types
of HFC, CFC, and HCFC refrigerants as well as most compounds
containing halogen.

Features

Detects standard refrigerants using a replaceable heated diode
sensor (part no. RLD400-S) Audible and visual alerts

Seven (7) visual leakage level
LED indicators (color coded)
Low and High selectable
sensitivity levels

Battery status LED indicator

Test solution (included) allows the user to check

gooseneck probe

Safety

Please read the safety information carefully before attempting to
operate the meter. Failure to do so could cause personal injury or
damage to the meter.

Please read this manual carefully to ensure safe and correct use.

Do not attempt to repair this device. Please return the unit if it requires
service.

Do not force the flexible probe to bend over its angle limit. Doing

so can damage the device. Do not subject the probe tip to shock or

severe vibration.

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Open the provided test bottle only to check the sensor as
detailed in this manual. Tightly close and safely store the bottle
when not in use.

Do not use this device near fire or in

flammable/explosive environments. Do not use

organic solvents to clean the meter.

Meter Description

1. Flexible probe shaft

2. Color-coded LED level indicators

3. Sensitivity select buttons (Low, High)

4. Battery status LED

5. Power ON/OFF button

6. Removable sensor access
collar

7. Heated diode sensor

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Operation

Note: Power OFF the system under test before attempting to find leaks.

Powering the Meter

3. Short press the ON/OFF button (5) to power the meter. Replace the

battery if the meter does not switch ON or if the low battery LED (4)
glows red.

4. While powering on, the leak-level LEDs (2) will light in sequence

(left to right) and the start-up tone will sound once.

5. The meter will start heating the sensor (7) during a 2 minute

warm-up period (the leak-level LEDs will continue to light in
sequence during the warm-up).

6. After the warm-up, the audible tone will sound twice indicating

that the detector is ready to find leaks.

7. Press and hold power button (5) for 2 seconds to turn off the

meter. The meter switches off automatically after 10 minutes of
inactivity.

8. The battery status indicator (4) glows red when the battery requires

replacement.

Testing for Leaks in Air Conditioning

1. Add refrigerant to the air conditioning system in order to

maintain a pressure of 340Kpa (50PSI). Leaks may go
undetected if the ambient temperature is < 15°C (59°F),
because of insufficient pressure.

2. Before testing, conduct a visual and audible inspection of the

entire refrigerating system including all pipes, hoses, and
components. Look for leaks, damage, or corrosion. Listen for the
sound of air escaping.

3. Set the sensitivity level to high by pressing the High sensitivity

button (red LEDs will briefly flash) and then slowly pass the probe

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observing the color-coded leak-level LEDs and listening for the
audible tones. Always make measurements along a continuous
route for best results.

4. The two green LEDs represent the absence of a leak or a very small

leak, the two yellow LEDs represent a moderate leak, and the three red
LEDs represent the detection of a large leak.

5. Once an area of leakage is detected set the meter to low

sensitivity mode by pressing the Low sensitivity button (green
LEDs will briefly flash) and inspect the area of the leak again to
determine the precise location.

6. The distance of the sensor (7) to the surface of the component

under test should be 5mm

Move the probe slowly, no more than

See the Measurement Considerations section for more information.

Note: To pinpoint a large leak more effectively, use compressed air on
the suspected area of the leak to help determine the precise location.

Testing for Leaks in an Evaporator Core

4. When checking for a leak in an evaporator core, adjust the air

conditioning blower to the highest setting for 15 seconds, and
then power it OFF.

5. Wait approximately 10 minutes for refrigerants to accumulate

inside the air conditioning evaporator.

6. Insert the sensor into the resistance block of the fan (if there is no

water) or place it at the opening of the nearest heating, ventilating, or
air conditioning container of the evaporator.

7. Check for visual and audible alarms to determine if there is a leak.

8.

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Measurement Considerations

If you do not detect a leak, try the low sensitivity mode (press Low
sensitivity button) and check again.

If there is wind in the area of test, shielding the suspected leak
area from the wind will yield better results.

Do not allow moisture or solvent near the sensor, this may introduce
false alarms.

When you suspect a large leak, using compressed air in the
area of the leak may help determine the exact location of
the leak.

To verify leaks, conduct tests several times in succession.

Maintenance

Cleaning

1. Wipe the meter housing with a damp, soft cloth. Use only mild soap

Battery Replacement

When the low battery LED (4) glows red, the 9V battery must be
replaced.

and water.

2. Never use organic solvents to clean the meter (such as thinner,

benzene, etc.) as they can damage the sensor.

3. Clean the sensor area with a dry cloth or use compressed air to

clear away debris.

1. The battery compartment is located on the rear of the

meter. To access the battery compartment, carefully

2. Remove the Phillips head screw to open the battery compartment.

3. Replace the 9V battery observing correct polarity.

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4. Secure the battery compartment and replace the protective jacket

before operating the
meter.

Never dispose of used batteries or rechargeable batteries in
household waste.

As consumers, users are legally required to take used batteries to
appropriate collection sites, the retail store where the batteries were
purchased, or wherever batteries are sold.

Disposal: Do not dispose of this instrument in household waste. The user is
obligated to take end-of-life devices to a designated collection point for the
disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.

Checking the Probe Condition with the Test Solution

The test bottle provided contains an ethanol solution that emits a
gas when the bottle is opened. If the sensor is in good condition,
it will detect the gas and the meter will provide audible and visual
alerts. If alerts do not occur, the sensor should be replaced
immediately. Always tightly seal and safely store the test bottle
when not in use.

Probe Replacement

The sensor (7) is located at the tip of the gooseneck probe (1), in
the cavity underneath the removable protective collar (6).

The sensor plugs into a 3-conductor connector, in a specific orientation
where the black wire, on the connector, aligns with the black
the sensor. The steps below outline the replacement procedure:

4. Switch the meter OFF.

5. Unscrew the probe tip collar (6) in a counterclockwise direction and

remove the collar.

6. Remove the existing diode sensor (7) by carefully gripping it with a

small pliers, or similar tool, and gently pulling the sensor out of the

Use caution to avoid damaging the wires to the connector.

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7. Disconnect the existing sensor from the 3-conductor

trichloroethylene, and most compounds

containing halogen.

Test Bottle

Auto Power

Low Battery

connector observing the correct orientation (black wire on

8. Replace the sensor in the proper orientation and re-attach the

protective collar.

9. Do not switch the meter ON until the sensor and collar are securely

in place.

Specifications

General Specifications

Detectable
Refrigerants

Sensor Replaceable heated diode gas detector

SF6 electrical equipment and gas, HFC, CFC, HCFC refrigerants,
HFC
(R134 and R123), halogen gas, ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene,

< 2.8g/year

Accuracy
Sensitivity
Levels Low 30g/year

Solution 1:1 ethanol (95%) and distilled water

Warm up

Time

Response

Time Instantaneous

OFF Automatic shut off after 10 minutes

Indication Battery status LED glows red

High 6g/year (0.2oz./year)

2 minutes
(approx.)

(0.1oz./year)

(1.05oz./year)

Power

Supply 9V Battery (rear compartment under protective jacket)

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Battery Life 30 hours of normal use

Operating

Conditions 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F) <80%RH
Storage
Conditions -10°C to 80°C (14°F to 176°F) <70%RH
Length: Flexible Gooseneck

50.2cm

only

L

ength: Gooseneck w/

Sensor

185 x 72 x

eter Dimensions / Weight

M

Safety

(10.8 oz.)

CE; Designed to SAE J1627

Warranty

Triplett / Jewell Instruments extends the following warranty to the original purchaser of
these goods for use. Triplett warrants to the original purchaser for use that the products
sold by it will be free from defects in workmanship and material for a period of (1) one
year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to any of our products
which have been repaired or altered by unauthorized persons in any way or purchased
from unauthorized distributors so as, in our sole judgment, to injure their stability or
reliability, or which have been subject to misuse, abuse, misapplication, negligence,
accident or which have had the serial numbers altered, defaced, or removed.
Accessories, including batteries are not covered by this warranty

Copyright © 2022 Triplett

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