I Changed Mind About UltraSonic Leak Detection
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- čas přidán 21. 05. 2021
- In ''I Changed Mind About UltraSonic Leak Detection'' we test multiple leak detectors at once and learn that ultrasonic works better than I originally thought.
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Nice.!! This shall be my first leak detector.
I don’t recommend it be your first, I had a bunch of coils in the field that I could not find with the accutrac but found with a standard leak detector. It’s better in a lab where you can get to the whole coil.
Ya micro leaks are hard to find with ultra sonic. Need put lots pressure like 350 psi plus inorder to hear them. Btw I tested my amprobe ultrasonic and it's more sensitive when you put it on 100x sensitivity. Accutrak has no sensitivity adjust.
I have a ultrasonic and a heated diode. Rarely ever do they both strike out on the same leak. I recommend having both.
@@adamcraig1568 That's where I'm at. I want to add it to my tools but still have both.
You got to wet the coil first
I've been using the Ultrasonic leak detector for years now. It's the best. You can find refrigerant leaks, natural gas leaks, compressed air leaks, even CO2 leaks on fountain lines. Super flexible tool to have. I've even been able to hear internal leaks in valves without having to open systems up or pressure test. Can't be beat. This is the hill I'm going to die on lol.
I've been using the AccuTrack for about 10 months. It requires a lot of judgment in its use. Electronic noise can set it off. I have to make a point of not having my cell phone close by, and turning off power to defrost control boards when checking outdoor units. It's amazing how electronics can scream at you when listening in the ultrasonic frequencies. Learning to disregard background noises is fairly key. Training yourself on what to listen for is key with the AccuTrack. You have to listen for that frying bacon sound. I'm pretty stoked about the fact that I can use it without any refrigerant in the system. It has proven to be very useful on systems that I find completely flat. I pressurize with nitrogen, and can find the leaks in pretty short order most of the time. It is also really good at finding very small leaks. Spraying leak area down with water really helps pick up on the sound of leaks.
I have been unsuccessful with mine. I'll have to try what you recommend and spend some more time with it. Thanks
@@guitarhvac thats really what it is, the more you learn how it behaves and what to listen for, the better you'll be with it. for a while I thought it wasn't that great but now I've used it enough I can tell what is background noise and what is actually a leak.
@@embeddedgirl seems like a sponsored response lol
I made my own low tech "ultrasonic" detector 25 years ago and it worked pretty damn good. Used headphone type hearing protectors; drilled a hole in the bottom of one ear piece and inserted plastic tubing to basically make a stethoscope. It worked great because the headphones filtered out all the background noise and the tube picked up the sound of the leak. I found a lot of leaks in a lot of evaporator coils with that.
that's sonic not ultrasonic
The key is to wet the coil before using the ultrasonic leak detector
I have my own HVAC business and I think I have had every one of those leak detectors other than the Accu trak and I have been apprehensive about spending that kind of money until now. Thank you for the video
Glad you finally came around on that leak detector. I bought one and was questioning at first but I’m confident with it now
I’ve had the Accutrak for about 11 years now, I did have to send it in for repair after I dropped it. For me it’s the best leak detector.
I have faith in the Accutrack Track and even done two videos on both versions of it but I'll be the first to tell you and even said it in my sponsored review video that it will not pick up every leak and actually misses a lot of them. I've missed several leaks that do not have turbulence due to rough edges. example: like flare fittings. But it's great in highly contaminated rooms and outdoors away from people making random noises.
Yea I have really bad luck with flare fittings especially if its on a mini split or a big enough leak
We use these in aircraft applications all the time. Amazing how loud a leak can be!!
Why didn't you just listen to Craig when he came to visit? Lol Glad you came around.
I’ll guess Bryan did listen, and hence is now a believer.
My coworker was just talking about ultrasonic detectors yesterday! Maybe he saw this video. I definitely want to add it to my "find it" tool kit.
HVAC school is an excellent teaching tool for anyone in the trade . They provide up to date information and the latest in developments as well as fundamentals in A/C . The classes are for everyone and it’s not assumed that you know everything about the trade ,so it’s perfect for apprentice types and newbies.
I have used the accutrak for 6 years finding air leaks on semi trucks as well as a/c leaks, works great, but will pick up noise from florescent lights and others air tools from across the shop its so good.
So far I've been loving my Fieldpiece SRL8 Heated Diode. I do def want to get that Accutrak though, I've hear mostly good things
Used inficon and bacharach smog detector. Had a demo for testo. Heard about ultrasonic detection but didn't have the chance to use it. Lots of memories came to life. :..) missed my old days in hvac sector...
You should include in video the sound it makes with big blu leak reactant & also coil when wet with water
It’s amazing how the noise change listening with my accutrak.
Great video
Totally agree, I used an ultrasonic to find a leak that I couldn't find with a Fieldpiece heated diode!
I have a lot of confidence in the H10 over the years on CFC and HCFC gasses, it would find leaks that other detectors would pass by. It has always been my go to until I couldn't really find a leak on some HFC gas.(like R410A) As you can see it picked up the reference leak no problem. If I recall the reference vial is R11..? (a CFC gas) I think the H10 in the newest model will work with HFC gas but I own 2 of the older plug in models and neither work on the newer gasses with much luck. I now own a Fieldpiece SLR8 that seems to work much better than my old H10's on the HFC gas. I also have purchased one of the ultrasonic detectors (Accutrak VPE1000) and I am still learning how to use it. It says in the book that it helps to find a leak if it is really small that if you spray water or soap over the suspected leak as it will help with the noise that the leak generates. Kind of like making more velocity over the leak hole...like putting your thumb over the hose end to make more velocity. One thing I have found for the VPE 1000 is it has a probe for listening to contact noise like bearings. I had a pillow block that was making noise and thought it sounded like a bearing that needed grease. I had the probe on it while I put grease in the bearing...WOW! I could hear as soon as the grease went in, the noise went away. Cool way to grease a bearing.
That leak detector was one of the few tools I regret buying. Did not work for me on a bunch of of coils I knew where leaking, good thing I had my S8 as a backup.
I got that one and tried it on the real world of refr and hvac and i couldn't trust it, sometimes it would be unbelievable at showing the leaks and some other times nothing, when there was a proven leak, how can you trust a leak detector like that ? Specially when the price is as high as this one is. And then, got it with a case the size of o a recovery machine! cant waist all that space in the van for such a small tool. I really thought that detector was going to be great but did not do it for me. The good thing, signal took it back no questions asked very good customer service.
The way to use the Accutrak is with a speaker and with some experience it is the quickest at finding a leak.
I just bought the basic one yesterday for 600 bucks. I'm convinced as well
Now you have to reuse that ultrasonic leak detector with all the refrigerant leak detectors turned off because they have a little vacuum pumps in them pulling in fresh air through small offices creating background vacuum leaks ultrasonic loves those.
As for the H 10 its strongest points CFC refrigerant.
Re-perform your leak test with our 22 in the evaporator that’s where the H 10 strong point.
The ultrasonic leak detector double check the lights in your building turn off all the lights and then use your ultrasonic leak detector then have somebody turn on the lights in the building to see if you’re getting background interference from the ballast switch mode power supplies in LEDs or fluorescent lights.
No one leak detector is perfect in all leaks in certain situations some outshine others and there’s even those really desperate times in emergencies and frustrations where sometimes UV dye works better than all of them. But only sometimes.
There are different versions of the H10.
The H10Pro is much more sensitive to R-410A than the earlier versions like the H10G in the video.
Yes and this one we are using has some clear issues. Not a reflection on all H10s
I’ve never found a r410a leak with the H10 even when I knew right where it was. Great for r22 but I sold mine.
H10 Pro is a good 410a detector
I use my h10 pro to find 410 all the time. Have the right settings and it’s awesome
I don't own an ultrasonic but I could see where it would come in handy if you're in a saturated test area situation.
Seemed more like a sales pitch for Accutrak, Testo seemed to work the best out of all of them. Fieldpiece heated diode is my go to leak detector.
Everything HVAC school does now seems like a sales pitch.
Would you be able to do a video on difference on using the wrong lineset size has on a unit? At the company I am working at I sometimes find smaller suction lines connected to the condensers. Sometimes I have off SH/SC readings.
Welcome to the blue side. I love my accutrack.
I've been using a Fisher Scientific for over 20 years. Paid over $2K it's saved me more time. Mine doesn't need to be nearly as close. I can spot a small leak from 30-40ft away. They even work under vacuum so no wasting nitrogen. you do need one that has filters and variable frequency
I've had one for several years and the only disappointing thing about it is when you don't have a replacement battery in the truck. And you will stop and go get one. Great tool for any business.
The thing with the AccuTrack is that it sounds like it's just staright-up giving you the sound of the refrigerant. The beeping ones seem good too, but the AccuTrack is more, Idunno, sraightforward?
Been using the Accutrac for the last half year. On systems where my colleagues give up. I ususally find the leaks within minuttes. On blastfreezers, open the door and the unit is yelling at me. In larger compressor rooms, shutting every unit, and i manage to find several leaks, but was only there to leakcheck one system.
It’s good down to 1.6oz/yr, and is the only way to locate in windy situations.
The reason I believe the h10 is having trouble is that’s the old version. The newer version is wonderful. I’ve had the same issue with the older model h10 as well.
Yes this one was also having issues
Hi,
Can we fix actuator for 2 way valve if there is no actuator. What all changes we need to if we want to fix it. Pls explain
I believe after spraying the leak with bubbles it decreases the capacity of the EDL's.
I wonder how it compares to the inficon whisper.
Been using ultra sonic for 8+ years. Btw tested amprobe vs accutrak and amprobe more sensitive. 100× sensitivity button. Only problem with ultrasonic is you have to put lots of pressure to hear the really small leaks. Had to put 450 psi on a coil I knew must be leaking to hear the leak
450 psi?! man just wet the coil with a sprayer and it will make your ultrasonic detector to find leaks quickly at even low pressure in coil
Aight I'll try next time
Just shut off the evap fans and condensing unit. And let the system equalize. It's more than enough.
I'm using the Accutrak several times a week. And thats the way to go. Even on larger CO2 system. Even heard leaks through insulation.
Any luck with flare fittings? I can't find leaks with my accutrak ultrasonic on mini split flare fittings even when they're completely covered in oil
Bought an accutrak and it's been a reel timesaver
1.AccuTrak
2. Stratus
3. Inficon
4. Orange one
5. H10
So the ultra sonic..testing for leak. It's better to flow nitro into it amd test it?
1:37 I thought my nail biting was bad...😁
What PSI do you leak check with? Ive been fooled by big blue blowing out and not forming bubbles. Being hard of hearing find leaks fricken sucks
I bought the ultrasonic same one shown here because I saw it on Craig from AC Service Tech video, it does work great. But my question is still, unless the leak is in joints, what benefit is knowing where the leak is? In the case of the coil in this video , answer is still the same replace the coil. What am I missing?
I'm not an HVAC guy so can't speak for them. I'm an Appliance Tech and do only domestic refrigeration . I can't tell you how often coils in my field are NLA. So repairing is the only option. It doesn't matter where the leak is I have always been able to repair an evap coil. The coils I deal with are never as nasty looking as the ones in Central A/C units where they mix dissimilar metals .
The coils I deal with rarely have joints. They are just one continuous run of aluminum tubing. If you have a good aluminum solder then repairing them is a ton easier than replacing them. Again I'm speaking about domestic refrigeration .
Good video! Your using the H10 wrong. Should be on medium setting and set to manual with the heart beat set 1 sec apart. You would have found it. Follow the instructions. Otherwise good video. Thx!
This H10 wasn't working properly we did more with it off camera
It found the leak. I would like to see several different people pick one tool and see how long it takes each of them to find the leak. Is there a better technique and can it someone actually find the leak.
I agree. set up blind competitions on real leaks, preferably small, each person gets up to 10 min to find the leak within 1" of where it eventually turns out to be. This can even be done in the field if you have a few extra minutes between two people or detectors.
I have the older Amprobe ULD-300 that i haven't used in years. I tried to get it to work several times on several different types of leaks, from water pipes, to metal duct, to car weather striping to bicycle tubes and inflatable air mattresses. I don't remember ever being impressed, but maybe i was just not doing things right. I am pretty sure Bryan has this same model and can compare it to the AccuTrack at least on nitrogen or R410 or R134a in a refrigeration or HVAC system. I would really like to know before pulling the trigger on another similar unit (note Amprobe present model is the 400 series, but i don't know that it is any better than the 300).
One way that always works is add some pressure and submerge in soapy water, but that is not always very coinvent to do :).
Yeah! AccuTrak!
Inficon is awsome
Of course it had to be a Lennox coil.
You folks definitely know your stuff inside and out, butttt, the testing is default. Why?? If the EVAP was in it's case the electronic snoopers would be going off prematurely. Especially any mid or back of coil leaks. How effective would they really be?? I use the ultra sound, but if you're going to simulate then the actually environment must be as authentic as a true service call. Once again, you guys are great and truly rock! I am just referring to giving any instruments/companies their props. Keep up the awesome work and thank you for so much priceless knowledge.
You gotta put tons of pressure on the smaller micro leaks when using ultra sonic. I had to put 400 psi on several systems before I could hear 👂
@@97Napkins
Hey Pat,
It is definitely a different animal. Sometimes you have to manipulate the situation. For instance, spray the area ( not the entire Evap, lol! )
with Big Blu and the ultra sound picks up the bubbles. Yes, this seems counter productive, huh? There can be a learning curve in what to listen for, etc.
They claim it can hear other gas leaks. This just happened to me last week. When you went down into my customers basement you could smell natural gas. I checked every joint/fitting all the way to the meter, nothing. I used Accutrak with Big Blu, nothing. However, I could smell the gas around the union. I used the instrument again, nothing. While smelling again on the backside of the union I could ever sooo lightly feel ( cold air, which was gas ) blowing out upon my upper lip. I was as close as one could be without physically touching my face on the line or union. Not a single bubble even when sprayed down. Totally nuts! Nothing worked and it claims it can pick up additional gases. I have tested my AccuTrak and it can detect me blinking. I dunno!
Pat,
One more thing. Any suggestions? I mean, if your putting 400 psi on older 22 coils it could create additional leaks or something worse. I mean, you're nearing 410 A max pressures. My reply is by no means doubting you...just seeking some direction for the near future. Especially, if you had to do this on multiple occasions. You know as well as I do that one of these times you're going to hear a pop and have to start pulling fins. I have only owned my AccuTrak for about two months. I am all ears, brother.
@@JerryLynch2 doesn't happen very often...just the microscopic 2 lbs a year or less I've had to put in lots pressure but ultra sonic is faster than any other method 😉. I've saved many hours In the field.
@@97Napkins I know it's only sooner than later before it happens to me. I appreciate you getting back to me.
IS it safe to used some refrigerant and nitrogen in the system?
You are only use the refrigerant as a trace gas. Since you can't detect nitrogen. And it get recovered or aired out (depends on your local laws. )
I have a r420a unit that is loosing 1lbs per month. Leak checked it 4 times now using 4 leak detectors including accutrak and can't find a thing. Can't hear it can't see anything. The Accutrak seems useless I hear nothing but electrical noise. I even shut down power to the whole house trying to get rid of the electrical noise but still picking it up lol. At this point I'm quoting a new evap, and possibly a completely new system after probably 12hrs of leak testing with no resolve. I even removed all the gas and pulled a vauum of 500 micron and it held for 15 minutes (wtf). I hate leak testing. Maybe I need to submerge the entire evap and cu under water to find it.
I wish I could afford this one.
Boss said he'll no lol
Couldn't say that was a clear winner
It wasn't a competition
Just showing that it works
Jandy was here.
Now try using it in a a mechanical room with high decibel background noise.
Just used mine the other day. Suuuuppper small leak could not find. Bad Shrader on high side.....soap no worky....high pressure nitro too....
Seems to me you went straight to where you knew the leak to be and still struggled to a positive result in some cases. I wonder how effective this would be if you were testing blind?
I hate the H10. They are cumbersome, and not sensitive to 410a. People that love them probably also have a VHS collection.
"Definitely working."
lmaooo When the H10 was being used brain said "not real convincing" yet he used to use that leak detector
Too bad most companies won’t pay for a non-traditional leak detector that cost $700+. Right now most techs in this company get assigned a $180 Tek-mate.
My reality right now.
I would love to try an ultrasonic but I'm in the same boat as you both.
Might just roll the dice and grab it worse case i work the next week or two for free but the rest lf the year my jobs go smoother
H10s are not great on 410. Better with R22.
I Pepsi challenge the Accutrac versus a $100 ultrasonic detector at all I can tell you save your money and buy the cheaper one.
I think they all come from the same manufacturer - just different branding.
I love your videos, this is by far the least compelling for leak defecting solution. An exposed coil easy to get to and erratic alerts. Imagine in the back side of the coil or outside in the wind. Move a hot diode to quickly and you'll get a false alert. Mine as well use a dowsing rod..
I'll stick with dye and UV glasses.
$600 for that?
The H10 is by far the worst from my experience. Used it twice and broke. Sent back in paid half the retail to fix. Used it once and broke
I see that none of you are trained on how to use the H-10. Start with large then finish with small. This absolutely will pin point the leak.
This particular detector isn't working right because the pump isn't working properly
We tested it later off canera
BEEP!!
My ref technician is really an expert without using a leak detector, he concluded that there is a leak in the system and will cost about $1000 to get it fixed, which I purchased my ref for only$650 at HD 1 1/2 year ago of Whirlpool brand. He never used a detector, only his cellphone to enter the sN and model number. Less that 5 minutes, without checking the current draw on the compressor or a pressure check! There goes he billed me with no report/receipt for $99 as trip charge.
Somebody plz take that dude holding the sniffer that looks like a pen and treat him to a manicure 😩
Whaaaaaa????
وش السالفه🤣
for fucks sake get some liquid snoop so we can actually see the leak.
im glad Brian came around because most leak detectors are GARBAGE compared to the AccuTrak.
H10 supposed to be the best.
but...
it's worst.
H10 is a good detector. This one was just having issues