CPS Leak-Seeker LSCO2 User manual

CPS Leek-Seeker® LSCO2
Carbon Dioxide Refrigerant Leak Detector
OPERATION MANUAL
www.cpsproducts.com
Leak-Seeker®

GENERAL INFORMATION
Quick Start
General Safety Instructions
Lithium Battery Care
Overview
Controls/Features (Housing Front)
Controls/Features (Housing Back)
Controls/Features (Accessories)
Battery Use
Functions & Settings
Operation
CO2 Leak Detection Procedure
Appendix A (Detector Specifications)
Appendix B (Battery Specifications)
Appendix C (Battery Charger Specifications)
Appendix D (Battery Selection & Replacement)
Appendix E (Replacement Parts & Accessories)
Appendix F (Troubleshooting Guide)
Appendix G (Limited Warranty)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
02
03-04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11-13
14
15-16
17-18
18
19
19
20
21
22-23
pg 01

GENERAL INFORMATION
QUICKSTART
1. BATTERY- The LSCO2 was factory shipped with the enclosed battery partially
charged. Before using the LSCO2 for the first time, fully charge the
Lithium Ion battery using the supplied AC Wall Charger or the DC Car
Charger. The LOW-BATT LED will blink while the LSCO2 is charging.
Note: Always charge within the charging environment range of 32°F
to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
2. FILTER - Insure that one of the included filters is installed inside the flexible
wand tip (or in the base of the Brass Needle Probe). Never operate the
LSCO2 without an approved CPS filter installed. Damage to the
LSCO2 may result.
3. ON/OFF Key- Press and hold for 1 second to turn ON (or OFF).
4. WARM UP & SELFCALIBRATION - The LSCO2 will perform this automatically
(requires about 30 seconds). During this process, the Bar Graph LEDs will
flash left/right. When complete, the LEDs will stop flashing and a continuous
beep will sound.
5. SENSITIVITY LEVEL - After Warm Up & Self Calibration, the LSCO2 will
default to the “M” (Medium) Sensitivity Level.
6. TO CHANGE SENSITIVITY LEVEL - Press the L/M/H Key to cycle through
Low, Medium or High levels to your desired setting.
7. “DOUBLE PASS” CO2 DETECTION METHOD - Move the Wand (or included
Needle Probe) past a suspected leak location. If the LSCO2 sounds and
provides a visible indication of a possible leak, move the Wand back over
the same area to pinpoint the probable location. pg 02

Warning: To prevent personal injury and/or equipment damage:
• Ready, understand, and follow all warning stated in the Lithium Battery Care
section of this manual.
• DO NOT charge the battery with any charger other than the chargers supplied
with the LSCO2.
• DO NOT use the LSCO2 without a clean, CPS brand filter correctly installed in
the tip of the flexible wand (or base or the Needle Probe).
• DO NOT draw moisture in through the probe.
• The LSCO2 is for use by trained HVAC technicians to test for leaks in HVAC
systems. The LSCO2 is not for checking CO2 levels in rooms or other
ambient conditions.
ONLY QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL SHOULD OPERATE THIS PRODUCT.
THE USER OF THIS PRODUCT MAY BE REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED. PLEASE
CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY BEFORE USE.
• Danger - Avoid breathing refrigerant vapors and lubricant vapor or mist.
Breathing high concentration levels may cause heart arrhythmia, loss of
consciousness, or even cause suffocation. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose,
throat and skin. Please read the manufacturers Material Safety Data Sheet for
further safety information on refrigerants and lubricants.
• Danger- EXPLOSION RISK. Use extreme caution when working with
flammable refrigerants.
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
pg 03

• Danger- EXPLOSION/RUPTURE RISK. DO NOT use this detector with
unregulated nitrogen or other gasses. Unregulated gasses can cause
components in a refrigeration system to rupture. Severe Injury or
Death can occur.
• Caution- All hoses may contain liquid refrigerant under pressure. Contact
with refrigerant may cause frostbite or other related injuries. Wear
proper personal protective equipment such as safety goggles and gloves.
When disconnecting any hose, please use extreme caution.
WARNING: Remove all hoses with care as they may contain refrigerant.
WARNING: FOLLOW ALL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER’S TEST
PROCEDURES WHEN SERVICING THOSE SPECIFIC TYPES OF EQUIPMENT.
• NOTE: It may be unlawful to discharge or exhaust refrigerants into the
atmosphere. CPS strongly recommends the practice of recovery or recycling.
Check your local government agencies for refrigerant handling regulations.
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
pg 04

To prevent personal injury and/or equipment damage:
• Do not disassemble or attempt to repair the battery or protective circuit.
• Never attempt to charge the battery if it has been removed from the unit.
• Do no expose the battery to temperatures above 140° F (60° C).
• Do not charge the battery: near a fire, in a hot vehicle or direct sunlight.
• Do not solder directly on the battery.
• Do not subject the battery to impact.
• Do not expose the battery to moisture or immerse it in fluid
• Do not deform, pierce or damage the battery.
• Do not touch a battery that is leaking electrolytes.
• If battery fluid should get in your eyes, flush with fresh water, do not rub eyes,
and see a physician immediately.
• Do not use a battery if it is deformed, smells bad, changes color, or appears
abnormal. Send the LSCO2 unit in for a replacement battery immediately.
GENERAL INFORMATION
LITHIUM BATTERY CARE
pg 05

The LSCO2 Carbon Dioxide Detector from CPS uses an advanced infrared, photo
optics, permanent sensor and user friendly controls to allow the HVAC technician
to quickly and easily detect a change in concentration of CO2 gas in residential
and commercial HVAC/R systems.
Depending on the system being inspected, the LSCO2 offers three levels of
sensitivity selection, which allows the user to more easily locate a CO2 source.
The LSCO2 is powered by a rechargeable lithium ion polymer battery that will
provide up to 8 hours of use prior to recharging with a wall or car charger
(both included).
Ready for use within 30 seconds of activation, the LSCO2 self-calibrates,
so no special set up procedure is required, thereby saving time.
Each LSCO2 kit comes with an interchangeable 16” (40,6 cm) and 10” (25,4
cm) flexible wand, along with a 9” (22,8 cm) fixed brass Needle Probe for
inspecting difficult to reach places. The LSCO2 detector is packed in a rugged,
plastic carrying case and comes with a standard wall charger, a convenient
car charger, plus 10 replacement filters & 5 replacement wand gaskets.
GENERAL INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
pg 06

GENERAL INFORMATION
CONTROLS/FEATURES (HOUSING FRONT)
pg 07
16” Or 10”
Flexible Wand
Peak Indicator LED
Low, Medium &
High Sensitivity
Indicators
Low, Medium Or
High Sensitivity
Selection Key
MUTE Key
Filter Chamber
(Attaches To
End Of 10” Or
16” Wands)
ON/OFF Key
Low Battery
Indicator
8 LEDs Indicate
Concentration Level
PEAK Key
Speaker Opening
Protective, Hard
Rubber Cover

GENERAL INFORMATION
CONTROLS/KEY FEATURES (HOUSING BACK)
pg 08
Connection Point For AC
Wall Charger Or DC Car
Charger
Flexible 16”
(40,6 cm) Wand
Battery
Compartment
(Door Installed)
Rechargeable,
Lithium Ion Battery
Replaceable filter
located in end
Replaceable
Wand Gasket

GENERAL INFORMATION
CONTROLS/KEY FEATURES
pg 09
Universal
Wall Charger
Car Charger
5 Replacement
Wand Gaskets
10 Replacement
Filters
9” Needle
Probe
10” or 16”
Flexible
Wand
4 Interchangeable
Plugs

GENERAL INFORMATION
BATTERY USE
pg 10
BEFORE USING THE LSCO2 FOR THE FIRST TIME
1. The LSCO2 was factory shipped with the Lithium Ion Battery partially charged.
Fully charge the Lithium Ion battery using the included AC Wall Charger or
the 12V DC Car Charger (See Charging Instructions Below).
WHEN THE BATTERY CHARGE IS LOW
1. The LOW-BATT RED LED will blink (until the battery is fully charged) and
indicates approximately 1 hour of battery life remains.
CHARGING THE LITHIUM ION BATTERY
1. Charge the Lithium Ion battery using the included AC Wall Charger or the
12V DC Car Charger. [Note: Always charge the battery within the charging
temperature range of 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C) at 75% Relative
Humidity].
2. Plug one end of the charger cord into the TOP of the LSCO2 and the other end
into the AC (Wall Plug) or DC (Car Charger) power source. The “LOW-BATT” LED
will blink while the LSCO2 is charging.
AVOID DISCHARGING THE BATTERY COMPLETELY
1. Charging a partially discharged battery more frequently is a better means of
protecting the battery life.

GENERAL INFORMATION
FUNCTIONS & SETTINGS
pg 11
FILTER (Function & Replacement)
1. Prior to operating the LSCO2, an approved, CPS brand disposable filter MUST
ALWAYS be placed within the tip of either flexible wand (or at the base of
the brass Needle Probe). The filter acts as a moisture and contaminant
barrier, thereby protecting the sensor.
2. Never operate the LSCO2 without an approved CPS filter installed (otherwise,
damage to the LSCO2 may result). Note: If the filter becomes wet, it will
constrict the flow of air to the sensor.
3. Unscrew the wand tip and replace a wet or contaminated filter with a clean
dry filter. The round end of the filter should be closest to the wand tip.
ON/OFF KEY
1. Press and hold the ON/OFF key for 1 second to turn the detector ON or OFF.
WARM UP & AUTO-CALIBRATION
2. When activated each time, the LSCO2 will warm up and calibrate within 30
seconds. The LSCO2 will equalize to its current background (or ambient)
condition. At the end of this process, the 8 segment LEDs will flash rapidly,
followed by a 1 second beep.
3. If LSCO2 is not used for 10 minutes, it will turn OFF to conserve battery life.
L/M/H (LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH SENSITIVITY) KEY
1. Each time the LSCO2 is turned on, it will automatically set to H (High)
Sensitivity. To change to a different level, press the L/M/H key to toggle
through other levels. The current “set” level will be indicated by its respective
LED at the top LEFT.

GENERAL INFORMATION
FUNCTIONS & SETTINGS
pg 12
The higher the concentration of CO2 in the area being inspected, the lower the
sensitivity setting should be to minimize false alarms.
2. The “Low (L) sensitivity setting is best when larger concentrations of CO2 are
present and the technician is trying to isolate specific areas of concentration.
3. The “High” (H) sensitivity setting is best for detecting very small
concentrations of CO2.
LED BAR GRAPH DISPLAY
1. The 8 segment display shows the degree of change in CO2 concentration.
A greater number of “bars” will illuminate as the CO2 concentration increases.
MUTE KEY
1. Press to toggle the sound ON or OFF.
PEAK KEY
1. The PEAK function stores the highest change in CO2 concentration achieved,
while continuing to check for leaks.
2. Press to toggle this function ON or OFF. The PEAK LED will illuminate when this
function is activated. Turning the PEAK function OFF will clear the PEAK
information obtained.
Sensitivity LED Corresponding PPM (Parts Per Million)
H (High) Approx. 2 PPM
M (Medium) Approx. 50 PPM
L (Low) Approx. 200 PPM

GENERAL INFORMATION
FUNCTIONS & SETTINGS
pg 13
CONTAMINATION MODE
1. To check for even the smallest leaks in refrigerant contaminated
environments, press the PEAK Key rapidly 4 times. The GREEN PEAK LED will
flash rapidly to indicate “Contamination Mode” is ON.
2. Press the PEAK Key again 4 times to turn this feature OFF.

OPERATION INFORMATION
OPERATION
pg 14
CO2 DETECTION IN OUTDOOR AREAS
The LSCO2 sensor is stable, but can be set off by excess turbulent air currents
around the wand nozzle. Therefore, outdoor operation may lead to mixed results
and false signals on the most sensitive levels.
CO2 DETECTION IN CONFINED AREAS
1. The most likely place for a CO2 refrigerant leak is at soldered joints in
refrigerant lines and changes in cross section or direction of lines. The
LSCO2 detects changes in concentration of refrigerant (not the absolute
concentration of refrigerant). This allows detection of leaks in locations that
may have refrigerant in the air, such as a refrigerator leaking into an
enclosed space.
2. CO2 gas is heavier than air and so will typically sink to the bottom of enclosed
spaces (e.g. wall cavity). If this area is a wall space, detection may be initially
triggered by checking along base boards or in electrical outlet boxes.
3. Move the LSCO2 wand along a suspected area (about 2-3 inches per second).
If a signal occurs, an audio signal will sound and the bar graph LEDs will light
up. Higher concentrations of CO2 will cause more LEDs to light up and the
resulting audio signal will last longer.
4. Subsequent positive signals in a suspected area strongly suggest the
presence of CO2. Closer inspection is then warranted.
5. If closer inspection of a wall cavity is warranted, a small
1/8”(3mm) to 5/32”(4mm) hole can be drilled into the wall space to allow
inspection using the 9 Inch Needle Probe.

OPERATION INFORMATION
CO2 LEAK DETECTION PROCEDURE
pg 15
Use the following “double pass method” to find CO2 leaks by detecting a
change in refrigerant concentration.
1. Charge the A/C system with enough refrigerant to have a gauge pressure
of at least 50 PSI (340 kPa) with the system OFF. At ambient temperatures
below 15°C, leaks may not be measureable as the pressure may not be
reached.
2. First, visually trace the entire refrigerant system looking for signs of AC
lubricant leakage, damage and corrosion on lines, hoses and components.
Check each questionable area with the LSCO2, and also include all fittings,
hose-to-line couplings, refrigerant controls, service valves with caps in place,
brazed or welded areas, and areas around attachment points, hold-downs on
lines and components. Initially, set the LSCO2 at the 50 PPM or 200 PPM
Sensitivity Level.
3. Follow the refrigerant system around in a continuous path so that no
areas of potential leaks are missed. If a leak is found, mark that location,
but continue to test the remainder of the system as one or more leaks
might be found there as well.
4. Remove caps from service valves and blow shop air over service valve to
clear the immediate area. Then, check with detector set on M (Medium)
setting.

OPERATION INFORMATION
CO2 LEAK DETECTION PROCEDURE
pg 16
5. At a rate of no more than 3 inches/sec. (75mm/sec), move the wand tip
completely around each test position (valve, sensor, welded areas, tubing
connection points, etc.) as closely as possible (without making contact).
Slower movement and closer approach of the wand tip around each test
position normally improves the chances of finding a leak.
6. Retest is recommended when a suspected leak is found, especially when the
LSCO2 Sensitivity Level is set at H (High), if the wand tip was in a static
position on a joint, or was making physical contact with a joint as it was being
moved. Retest by moving the probe tip back to, and past the spot first
indicated while maintaining a small gap (3/8” or 9,5mm). If the LSCO2
indicates a second change, note the spot on the line. The source of the leak
will be near the midpoint between the 2 noted spots of indication.
7. Typically, the sensor will clear in 3 to 5 seconds. But, the LSCO2 may take up
to 30 seconds to clear after detecting a small amount of contaminant.
Caution: Do not use cleaning agents or solvents on or near A/C lines.
Remove any dirt or potential false trigger chemicals using a dry towel or
shop air.

APPENDIX INFORMATION
pg 17
DETECTOR SPECIFICATIONS
Operating
Temp Range:
32°F to 122°F (0°C to 40°C)
Gas Measured: Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Wand Length: 10 Inch (22,8 cm) & 16 Inches (38 cm)
Needle Probe
Length:
9 Inch
Sensing Element: Infrared
Warm Up Time: Approx. 30 seconds
Response Time: 0.1 to 1 second
Recovery Time: Approx. 4 seconds
Auto Off Time: After 10 minutes of inactivity
Sensing Element: Enhanced infrared photo optics-sensor (never needs
replacement and good for life of the detector)
Sensitivity Levels: L (Low)- When a large concentration of CO2 is present
M (Medium)- Detector starts in this default mode
H (High)- Use for locating difficult, hard to find or very
small concentrations of CO2
Calibration: Automatic
APPENDIX A

The battery should have a 40-50% charge during prolonged storage of a month
or longer. Battery life will be dramatically reduced if stored fully charged and/or
at higher temperatures.
APPENDIX INFORMATION
pg 18
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS
Battery Type: 3.7 VDC (nominal) rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery Life: 8 hours continuous (when fully charged)
Degradation: 30% after 500 charge/discharge cycles or
2 years (whichever comes first)
Battery
Re-Charge Time:
Approx. 3 hours to full charge
Storage
Environment:
<80% RH (unit and battery).
Storage
Environment:
< 80% RH for detector (and battery). Storage and
operating temperatures are recommended to be the same
to maximize battery life
LSCO2 Weight: 14.4 Oz (.408 kg)
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B

APPENDIX INFORMATION
APPENDIX C
pg 19
WALL CHARGER
Input: AC 100-240
Output: 15V 800 mA.
CAR CHARGER
Input Voltage: 12V (>20V will damage detector).
Fuse: 2A
APPENDIX D (BATTERY SELECTION & REPLACEMENT)
Each new LSCO2 Carbon Dioxide Detector includes one (partially charged)
rechargeable Lithium Ion type NP-120 battery. Observe proper battery polarity
if installing a new battery. For long battery life and safe operation, observe all
warnings. The entire LSCO2 Detector kit includes an AC charger that plugs into a
standard wall outlet (100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz) and a Car Charger that plugs into a
vehicle cigarette lighter DC plug. Do not connect the battery charger if there is no
rechargeable battery in the detector.
BATTERY CHARGER SPECIFICATIONS