3 tips for safely using a refrigeration leak detector

Understanding how to detect gas or chemical leaks is a critical part of any tradesperson’s job, as is knowing how to use specialised leak detection tools.

Refrigeration leak detectors can be used to quickly and easily identify points where refrigerants may be leaking into the air, reducing efficiency, increasing power consumption and potentially posing a hazard for people in the vicinity.

With that in mind, here are three tips for safely and efficiently using a refrigeration leak detector while on the job.

Read and understand the instructions

As with any professional tool, it’s important to ensure you have read and understood all instructional material well in advance of operating the device for the first time.

Even if you have experience with refrigerant leak detectors and refrigeration gauges, your new device may operate differently to tools you have used in the past.

Some detectors may have parts or components that become hot after prolonged use. Reading the instructions will ensure you are aware of these potential hazards.

Show care near live parts

It is important to show extreme care when taking leak measurements around or on live electrical components, as there is the potential for serious injury to occur.

Tradespeople should never perform contact measurements on non-insulated, live parts. When in doubt, stop and check the status of the devices you are working on before proceeding.

Store your device carefully 

Many modern refrigerant leak detectors are built with durability in mind. However, it is still important to ensure you are storing your device in a careful and considered manner.

Never store detectors near potentially hazardous corrosive substances such as solvents and acids as these may cause damage to the device and could also cause injury.

If your device does become damaged, for any reason, ensure care is taken when performing maintenance and repair. Never attempt to use a malfunctioning instrument. Only use authorised spare parts and, if in doubt, contact the manufacturer.