UEi Test Instruments RLD10 User manual

RLD10

Refrigerant Leak Detector

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

ENGLISH

REFRIGERANT

LEAK DETECTOR

RLD10

ON

LOW BAT

HIGH

LOW

OFF

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................... 4

Features .......................................................................................... 4

Safety Notes ................................................................................... 4

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS ............................................................... 4

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ........................................................... 5

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................. 6

Functional Description .................................................................... 6

Modes of Operation ....................................................................... 6

The LED Indicators ......................................................................... 6

MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................... 7

Periodic Service .............................................................................. 7

Cleaning .......................................................................................... 7

Cleaning and Replacing the Sensor ............................................... 7

DISASSEMBLY OF SENSOR ................................................................ 8

Calibration ...................................................................................... 8

Battery Replacement .................................................................8 - 9

TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................. 9

SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................. 10

Operating Conditions ..................................................................... 10

Gasses Detected ........................................................................... 10

Physical Characteristics ................................................................ 10

Functional Characteristics ............................................................. 10

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INTRODUCTION

The RLD10 makes pinpointing leaks as easy as one, two! Detect leaking refrigerant using
the high sensitivity mode then switch to the low sensitivity mode to pinpoint its source. If
background noise makes the audible tic hard to hear, you can count on the color scaled LED
indicators.

FEATURES

• Auto zeros when turned on

• LED panel indicates refrigerant leak concentration

• Two position sensitivity selector

• Audible tick rate

• Long Gooseneck probe

• One-hand operation

• Automatically detects all existing refrigerant and blends

SAFETY NOTES

Before using this instrument, read all safety information carefully. In this manual the word
“WARNING” is used to indicate conditions or actions that may pose physical hazards to
the user. The word “CAUTION” is used to indicate conditions or actions that may damage
this instrument.

NOTE: This instrument intended for use by professionals who know the hazards associated
with their trade. Accordingly, this manual is oriented toward gas leak detection, not
refrigerant system maintenance.

Some of the latest refrigerant systems use combustible gasses in place of halogen based
gasses. We recommend that you also obtain a quality combustible gas leak detector,
such as UEi’s CD100A, to determine and detect gas leaks when working with unknown
substances.

WARNING

Turn this instrument off before cleaning or replacing the sensor.

Failure to do so may result in a mild electrical shock.

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS

4

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CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

REFRIGERANT

LEAK DETECTOR

D

E
G

RLD10

ON

LOW BAT

HIGH

LOW

OFF

F

H

I

A

B

C

A. Sensor tip guard

B. Sensor

C. Gooseneck probe

D. Earphone jack

E. Rubber boot

F. LED gas concentration indicators

G. Amplified audio gas concentration indicator

H. Power-on-indicator and low battery indicator

I. Power/mode slide switch

5

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Functional Description

The RLD10 runs through a brief warm-up and self-calibration when it is initially turned on.
Typically, you can observe the following sequence of events when the unit is turned on in
fresh air:

1. The power-on indicator light glows steadily green*.

2. A single audible tic is heard.
3 The panel of light emitting diodes (LED’s) turn on and off in sequence; green,

yellow, light red, dark red (from bottom to top).

4. The bottom LED (green) flashes for about two seconds.

5. All LED’s except the power-on indicator turn off for approximately three seconds.

6. At approximately three second intervals an audible tic sounds and the lowest
LED flashes.

*If the power-on indicator is a pinkish-red, the battery is becoming weak and should be
replaced immediately. A low battery will adversely affect the instrument’s reliability.

Each time the instrument is put into service, you can conduct a quick functional test.
Simply allow the instrument to run through its self-calibration sequence in fresh air, then
expose the sensor to an uncapped permanent marker (highlighters will not work). The
audio and visual indicators respond as they would if they found a small leak. Be careful
not to touch the marker to the tip, or you will get a false indication until the ink dries.

Modes of Operation

Your RLD10 can operate in either high sensitivity or low sensitivity mode.

Begin using your RLD10 with the power/mode slide switch in its uppermost position. This
is the instrument’s most sensitive position. Move the tip along suspect tubing, seals and
fittings at a rate of approximately 1/2” to 1” per second. When the sensor in the probe tip
detects a refrigerant gas, the tic rate will increase and a corresponding LED indicator will
begin to increase and a higher positioned LED flashes.

To pinpoint the leak, change the power/mode slide switch position from the uppermost
position to the center position. This will decrease sensitivity, allowing you to get closer to
the source of the leak before a maximum concentration is indicated.

If the situation calls for quiet operation, or if background noise makes it difficult to hear
the built-in speaker, you can use an earphone. The jack is on the side of the instrument.
Note that listening to the earphone is very loud. Your LED indicators will continue to
function as normal.

The LED Indicators

There are four LED indicators along the right side of the instrument. These indicate the
relative concentration of gas detected, and directly correspond to the tic rate.

When no gas is detected, the LED panel will flash a single green LED corresponding to
the occasional tic. As the sensor moves closer to the source of a gas leak, the LED that
corresponds to the relative gas concentration will flash each time there is an audible tic.
From bottom to top, the LED’s are green, yellow, light red, and dark red.

6

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MAINTENANCE

Periodic Service

WARNING

Repair and service of this instrument is to be performed by qualified personnel only.
Improper repair or service could result in physical degradation of the instrument. This
could alter the protection from electrical shock and personal injury this instrument
provides to the operator. Perform only those maintenance tasks that you are qualified
to do.

These guidelines will help you attain long and reliable service from your instrument:

• Calibrate your instrument annually to ensure it meets original

performance specifications

• Keep your instrument dry. If it gets wet, wipe dry immediately.

Liquids can degrade electronic circuits

• Whenever practical, keep the instrument away from dust and dirt that can cause

premature wear

• Although your instrument is built to withstand the rigors of daily use, it can be

damaged by severe impacts. Use reasonable caution when using and storing
the instrument

Cleaning

Periodically clean your instrument’s case using a damp cloth. DO NOT use abrasive,
flammable liquids, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents as they may damage the finish,
impair safety, or affect the reliability of the structural components.

NOTE: Certain soaps may be detected by the RLD10. Check for sensitivity before using
any soap, and remove as much of the residual as possible with a damp cloth.

Do not allow moisture to directly contact the speaker just inside the face of the
instrument, or enter the instrument’s housing. Remove the sensor tip guard prior to
cleaning it. Rinse and dry this component thoroughly before replacing.

Cleaning and Replacing the Sensor

Although the sensor is designed to offer
many years of reliable service, it may
become inoperable if it becomes corroded
or is otherwise physically damaged.

You can clean the sensor, once it is
disassembled, using denatured alcohol on
the tip assembly and a bottlebrush on the
metal tip housing.

Tip guard

Metal tip housing

Sensor tip

White plastic
base contact

Gooseneck

7

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DISASSEMBLY OF SENSOR

1. Turn the instrument’s power off. Mild electrical shock may result if you make contact
with the sensor while power is on.

2. Remove the tip guard from the metal tip housing by twisting it clockwise while away
from the Gooseneck.

3. Remove the metal tip housing from the Gooseneck by holding the Gooseneck steady
while turning the tip housing counterclockwise.

• The base contact assembly may adhere to the tip housing as it comes out. If so,
the tip housing will tend to spring-back clockwise with every counterclockwise turn.

• Continue turning as described until the metal housing can be lifted away from the
wand. You may have to hold it in place after each turn.

• Pull the housing up just far enough to view the insulation on the white plastic
base contact.

• Grip the exposed white insulation with needle-nosed pliers, holding it firm with
the Gooseneck.

• Separate the metal housing away from the Gooseneck.

4. The sensor tip will commonly remain in the metal housing, and must be forced out
from the top (toward the Gooseneck end) with a toothpick or similar instrument.

Replace or clean the sensor as desired then reassemble in reverse order. Proper function
depends on the unit’s electrical contacts. Make sure the tip assembly is making good
contact with the base and there is good metal-to-metal contact on the tip housing-to­Gooseneck connection.

Calibration

When properly maintained, your instrument is sensitive to refrigerant leaks as small as
.4 ounces per year. To ensure your instrument is performing at its peak, send it to the UEi
factory or a qualified instrument calibration facility for annual certification.

Battery Replacement

Always use a fresh replacement battery of the specified size and type. Immediately
remove the old or weak battery from the meter and dispose of it in accordance with your
local disposal regulations. Batteries can leak chemicals that corrode electronic circuits. If
your meter is not going to be used for a month or more, remove and store the battery in a
place that will not allow leakage to damage other materials.

Replace battery when:

• The green “READY” light begins to glow red

• No lights or other activity occurs upon turning the instrument on

• Tic rate quickly begins to increase when no refrigerant is being detected*

*An increase in tic rate may be experienced if the unit remains on for a long period. This
is a normal response to decreasing battery life. Turn the unit off and allow it to recalibrate
in fresh air if this occurs.

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To install a new battery, follow these procedures:

1. Remove the battery cover.

2. Remove the battery using a coin or screwdriver.

3. Replace the battery, observing indicated polarity.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If I See This Malfunction I Should Check For

Instrument does not
turn on

Instrument does not tic after
it is switched on, but the
lights work

Appropriate indicators do
not light

The tic rate does not
increase when the sensor
is exposed to refrigerant or
other detectable gas

Tic rate increases
during use

Tic rate remains fast after
warm up

The green power-on
indicator appears red

This unit contains no user serviceable parts beyond those listed in the table. In the
event your instrument is physically damaged or does not function properly after taking
the listed action, please return the instrument to UEi following the warranty and service
instructions.

Battery voltage Replace low battery

Mode switch position

Earphone jack

Battery voltage Replace low battery

Airflow to sensor Clear restriction

Sensor connection

Sensor contamination Clean or replace sensor

Reduced battery voltage

Moisture in sensor cavity Disassemble and dry sensor

Moisture in sensor cavity Disassemble and dry sensor

Battery voltage Replace low battery

Battery voltage Replace low battery

Then Take This
Corrective Action

Place firmly in Low or
High position

Remove earphone plug or
debris inserted in receptacle

Clean and tighten sensor
component contacts

Cycle off (5 seconds) and
back on (Recalibrates to
compensate for
decreasing voltage)

9

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SPECIFICATIONS

Operating Conditions

To ensure accurate readings from your RLD10, use it only when ambient air is within
this range:

Temperature: 32˚ to 120˚F
Humidity: 0 to 80% RH (non condensing)

Gasses Detected

The RLD10 detects a wide variety of refrigerants. The following list represents a portion of
the refrigerants and gasses detected:

R11 R12 R13 R22
R23 R113 R114 R134A
R500 R502 Halons R404A
SF6 Perchlorethylene Blends R410A

Physical Characteristics

Size: Height by Width by Depth
(with probe wrapped around boot)

Probe length: fully extended 18 1/2” (47cm)

Weight (battery installed) 14.1 OZ (400g)

Functional Characteristics

Power requirements One 9 volt alkaline battery

Average battery life (Continuous use) Approximately 8 hours

Leak detection sensitivity

Sensor Corona discharge

Duty cycle Continuous

Typical response time

Warm up period 10 second average

Sensor output (voltage/current)

Visual level indicators

8” x 4” x 1 1/2”

.4 OZ/year (11 grams/year) R134A
using LS20 leak standard

Less than 1 second
(allows for 1”/sec seek rate)

A. No-load high voltage: 2500V ±10%
B. Current: 24 mA
C. Loaded high voltage: 2400V ±50V
(loaded with 100.0 MΩ)

Four tic-rate scaled LED indicators
changing from green to yellow to light red
to red (indicating relative,
not specific quantities)

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