Bacharach H-10PA User manual

H-10PARefrigerant
LeakDetector
Congratulations! You have just
purchased the most versatile, high
performance service leak detector
available in the industry today. This
product has all the capability of
the proven H10PM model except
it does not contain the recharge-
able battery and charger. The
H10PA is powered by an external
mobile 12 VDC battery using the
included battery clamp and/or
cigarette lighter power cable. This
provides for ongoing testing with-
out the need for frequent overnight
recharge as is required with the
H10PM.
It will detect refrigerants with a
sensitivity to effectively pinpoint
both small and large leaks quickly
and efficiently. We encourage your
review of this manual to assure
satisfactory performance and a
long service life.
For technical support call:
1-800-736-4666

2
How the H10PA Works
The sensor in the H10PA uses a posi-
tive ion emission technology, commonly
known as the heated diode. It is very
sensitive to only halon substances
(refrigerants) making this product highly
resistive to false alarming, while retaining
superior sensitivity for pinpointing the
most difficult to find refrigerant leaks.
A pump inside the unit draws air
through the sensor. Any presence of
halogen gases (such as refrigerants)
causes an ionized current to flow that
sounds a speaker and illuminates a
neon light in the probe. Sensitivity to
pinpoint both large and small leaks can
be controlled by adjusting a three-posi-
tion switch.
Panel Operating Controls
Before you use the unit for the first time:
Remove the sticky-label disc from the
cap of the CALIBRATION REFERENCE bottle.
This disc can be reused to help seal the
vial when the leak detector is not in use
or it can be discarded. DO NOT attempt
to unscrew the cap; you may damage
the bottle! It is filled with enough refriger-
ant to last approximately six months.
Power
Plug Sensor
Sensor Heat
Adjustment
(turn clockwise
to increase heat)
Power
Switch
Sensitivity Switch
Calibration
Reference
Bottle
Sensor “Set”
Indicators
Mode
Switch

3
Operating Instructions
1. Using the included cables, connect
to the 12VDC Battery and plug cable
into the unit.
2. Slide LEAK SIZE switch to its SM (small)
position.
3. Slide POWER switch to its ON position.
4. Check for sufficient airflow by point-
ing the probe tip toward the floor and
observing the red airflow ball in the
probe tip. It should be floating inside
the probe tip.
5. Allow two minutes for the sensor to
warm up; the flashing probe light and
sound indicator will idle at 2–3 clicks
per second.
6. Test operation by quickly touching
the top of the CALIBRATION REFER-
ENCE bottle (make sure sticky label is
removed). The unit should respond
with a rapid flash rate and sound ver-
ifying correct operation and optimum
sensitivity for detecting all refrigerant
leaks. During product life, if unit does
not respond correctly, see Section
Sensor Heater Adjustment.
Setting the Sensitivity
Small (SM) switch position is the
highest sensitivity. The unit will indi-
cate 0.1 ounce or greater leak rates
and is used for fluorine based gases
like R134a and SF6. This position also
assures highest repeatability for locating
0.5 ounce or greater R134a leaks (per
SAE Std. J1627 moving probe test
conditions). It must always be used to
verify performance and calibration when
using the CALIBRATION REFERENCE bottle.

4
Medium (MED) position sensitivity is
used for chlorine and chlorine based
gases like R12, R22, R123, etc. and will
indicate a 0.1 ounce per year or greater
leak rate. This position supports finding
a 0.5 ounce or greater leak during the
moving probe test as defined in SAE
J1627. It is also useful for locating larger
R134a leaks of one ounce or greater.
Large (LARGE) position is used to zero
in on gross leaks of any refrigerant. If
a large leak is suspected, set mode
switch to MANUAL. Adjust BALANCE knob
for a sound of 2–3 ticks per second
and slowly approach the test equip-
ment/area. Continue to turn the BALANCE
knob counterclockwise as necessary to
maintain 2–3 ticks per second. As you
approach the vehicle or equipment, the
gas concentration will increase, causing
an alarm condition. Each time an alarm
occurs, re-adjust the BALANCE control.
Continue this process until the leak is
located. Blowing out the test site with
shop air may enable you to locate the
leak more quickly.
Note: After a large leak is located and
repaired, blow out the area again with
shop air, set the unit on the small leak
sensitivity and double check equipment
for small leaks.
Warning! Personal Injury Hazard.
Do not use the H10PA in an explo-
sive or combustible atmosphere. The
ambient atmosphere is drawn through
the probe and through the sensor,
which operates at approximately
1472°F (800°C). The resulting hot
mixture of air and combustible gas
could explode.

5
NOW…
YOU’RE READY TO FIND THE LEAK!
(You have a choice of two modes)
Auto Mode
This mode is preferred because the
unit effectively auto zeros to block out
background levels of refrigerants and
changes in background contamination.
This greatly reduces and/or eliminates
false alarms while retaining sensitivity
to quickly locate small or medium size
leaks. Pinpointing leaks in this mode
requires continuous probe movement.
(We recommend 2 inches per second
as specified in SAE J1627 and J1628).
If the probe remains on the leak the
unit will zero out the leak, going into
the idle 2–3 ticks/second condition.
Briefly moving the probe away from the
leak for 1–2 seconds permits the fast
auto recovery to re-establish sensitivity.
Returning to the leak site, the unit will
alarm again. The unit will reliably and
repeatedly pinpoint the leak with each
pass over the leak site.
If a large gross leak is present, the
auto zero circuit may reduce sensitivity
to an unacceptable level to find small
and medium sized leaks. If this condition
exists, the manual mode will enable you
to pinpoint the large leak. The manual
mode is also an effective means to
determine if a gross leak of any refrig-
erant exists prior to searching for leaks
(see Section Setting the Sensitivity).
Manual Mode
In the Manual Mode the auto zero
function is disabled, causing the unit
not to zero out the leak if the probe is

6
held at the leak site. This mode may
require frequent re-adjustment of the
BALANCE control to maintain the required
2–3 ticks per second that indicates
proper adjustment and calibration for
all three sensitivity switch positions. In
this mode you may notice sensitivity
is slightly greater (10–20%) than the
100% auto zero mode. This is normal.
Sensor Heater Adjustment
The sensor’s
HEATER ADJUSTMENT con-
trols the sensitivity of the unit. A heat
setting that is too high causes instability
due to excessive sensitivity and short-
ens sensor life. The Low, OK, and High
LED indicators in conjunction with the
HEATER ADJUSTMENT and the CALIBRATION
REFERENCE bottle, is a unique system
for setting the correct sensor heat (sen-
sitivity) for optimum calibrated perfor-
mance and long sensor life.
The unit is preset for optimum initial
operation. To check the setting, slide
the LEAK SIZE switch to its SM (small)
position, turn ON the unit and allow it
to stabilize (approximately 2 minutes).
When stabilized, at 2–3 clicks per sec-
ond, briefly touch the CALIBRATION REFER-
ENCE bottle with the probe (after remov-
ing the sticky label disc from the top of
the bottle). If adjusted properly, the red
Low LED light will go out and the green
OK LED will briefly light. This indicates
the sensor heat/sensitivity is adjusted
for optimum performance.
If the red LED Low light remains on
when you briefly touch the bottle, the
HEATER ADJUSTMENT is set too low and
must be turned slightly clockwise; after-
which, allow the unit to stabilize about

7
one minute and retest. If necessary,
continue to rotate the HEATER ADJUSTMENT
clockwise and retest until the green OK
LED briefly comes on. If during this test
the red High LED comes on, the heat is
set too high and the HEATER ADJUSTMENT
should be turned slightly counterclock-
wise. Allow the unit to stabilize and then
repeat the test. Continue this procedure
until proper green OK LED operation
has been achieved.
NOTES:
A. After initial check for correct adjust-
ment, disregard Low, OK, High LED
indication. Their indication is meaning-
less during subsequent leak testing
activity.
B. Check for proper heat adjustment
the first time the unit is turned on and
repeat on a daily basis. This assures the
product is calibrated for the correct sen-
sitivity in all leak size switch positions
for your daily test activity.
C. Frequency of sensor heat adjustment
is a function of how much exposure the
sensor has to refrigerant. Adjustment
may be required every 2 weeks for
heavy duty service and once every few
months for light duty service. The sen-
sor LED status indicators will accurately
tell you when adjustment is necessary
during the daily check.
D. It is time to replace the sensor when
the HEATER ADJUSTMENT is fully clockwise
and the green OK LED will not come
on. Before replacing the sensor, turn the
HEATER ADJUSTMENT fully counterclock-
wise; plug in a new sensor; then test
and adjust as previously described to
correctly calibrate the instrument.

8
Application Notes
1. Conduct a leak check in a logical pro-
gression through the entire system to
locate all leaks. If surfaces are particu-
larly dirty, or wet, wipe them off with a
clean, dry cloth to reduce filter clog-
ging and extend sensor life. DO NOT
allow the unit to ingest moisture. Use
of the supplied rubber probe tip helps
prevent moisture from being drawn
into the unit. Check ports for moisture
before inserting the probe.
2. After locating and repairing any leaks
requiring the use of the LARGE setting,
switch to the MEDIUM setting and verify
the system is free of leaks. For HFC
refrigerants only (such as R134a), you
also must verify the system is leak free
using the SMALL setting. For CFC and
HCFC systems (such as R11, R12,
R22, R123), the MEDIUM setting is
sufficient to verify that the system is
free of leaks that require repairing.
Maintenance
To protect the air pump from damage
due to foreign particles and moisture,
replace the filter as it becomes dirty. With
moderate use (15 to 30 minutes a day),
it is recommended that the filter be
replaced once a month. In dirty environ-
ments or with heavy use, replace the
filter more often. Always replace the filter
when it is visibly dirty or wet.
Replacing the Filter:
1. Remove the black rubber probe tip.
2. Pick out the filter with a pin or tweezers.
A fine screen will remain in the tip of
the probe.
3. Insert the new filter in the probe tip.

9
Make sure that the filter is firmly
seated against the fine screen.
4. Replace the rubber probe tip.
Replacing Airflow Ball Indicator:
1. Remove the clear plastic section of
the probe tip by gently pulling and
twisting the white grip.
2. Turn the probe tip upside-down and
tap on it to remove the old airflow
indicator ball.
3. Insert the new airflow indicator bal
into the tip.
Filter
Rubber
Probe Tip
Airflow
Indicator Ball
Probe Tip
Caution: Equipment Damage
Hazard. Submerging the probe in
liquid will damage the vacuum pump.
Exposing the probe to a stream of
refrigerant coming out of a tank will
severely reduce the life or destroy the
sensor. The life of this unique rare
earth sensor is directly proportional to
the amount of refrigerant that passes
through it. With normal intermittent
service, the sensor can last for one
year or longer. Exposure to high con-
centrations of refrigerant may require
adjustment of sensor heat. To check,
repeat the test procedure in the
“Heater Adjustment” section.
4. Reattach the probe tip to the probe
assembly.

10
Replacing the Sensor:
The sensor is a disposble plug-in unit.
Replace it when the H10PA no longer
responds to the CALIBRATION REFERENCE
bottle, even with the sensor HEATER
ADJUSTMENT turned fully clockwise
(make sure the CALIBRATION REFERENCE
bottle contains some refrigerant).
1. Set the POWER switch to OFF.
2. Unplug the power cord if the unit
is plugged in and open the sensor
cover.
3. Allow the sensor to cool before handling.
4. Unplug and discard the sensor.
5. Insert a new sensor and close the
sensor cover.
6. Turn the sensor HEATER ADJUSTMENT to
its full counterclockwise position.
7. Apply power to the unit and reset
the HEATER ADJUSTMENT (see Section
Sensor Heater Adjustment).
Warning! Personal Injury Hazard.
Sensor surface temperature may reach
390°F (200°C) during operation, and may
cause a burn if not allowed to cool.