Johnson Controls PENN RLD-H10P Manual

FANs 125, 121
Product/Technical Bulletin RLD-H10P
Issue Date 0396
© 1996 Johnson Controls, Inc. 1
Part No. 24-7929-12, Rev. A
Code No. LIT-125604
The RLD-H10P is a professional grade leak detector
for use by refrigeration and air conditioning
technicians. This detector senses all CFC, HCFC, and
HFC refrigerants and blends, such as R12, R502, R22,
R404a, R507, and R134a among others. The
RLD-H10P is self-powered with a rechargeable
battery. A full line of accessories and maintenance kits
is also available, including replacement sensors,
tune-up kits, probe extensions, battery chargers, and
leak vial bottles.
Figure 1: RLD-H10P Leak Detector
RLD-H10P Refrigerant Leak Detector
Features and Benefits
❑Positive Ion Emission
Heated Diode Sensor Provides the most sensitivity available today, while still detecting all halogenated refrigerant gases
❑Rechargeable Battery Enhances portability--no external power required
❑High Quality Air Pump Supplies constant air flow to sensor so it responds
quickly to leaks; also helps sensor recover quickly
after exposure to refrigerant so leak can be verified
❑Auto Balance Circuit Compensates for background refrigerant levels
❑Visual and Audible Signal Facilitates sensing in noisy equipment rooms with
360°visibility and piercing tone;
Frequency of noise/light indicates magnitude of leak
❑Exceeds SAE J1627
Moving Probe Specification Minimizes call-backs because the leak is found the first time, is verifiable, and the fix can be confirmed
❑External Calibration Source Indicates when the sensor is working properly and
serves as a reference point to judge leak size

2 RLD-H10P Product/Technical Bulletin
A
pplication Overview
Growing concern over the effects of certain
refrigerants on the atmosphere has generated a strong
motive to eliminate system leaks and to develop safer
refrigerants. With the RLD-H10P, you can be
confident that your instrument will provide the
sensitivity and capabilities to meet your service needs
today and for the years to come.
The RLD-H10P is intended principally as a service
technician’s tool. This detector has the capability to
detect small amounts of halogenated gases, including
chlorine and fluorine based refrigerants and blends.
T
heory of Operation
The leak detector consists of a control unit with an
auto balancing circuit, a probe with a 4.5 ft cable, a
rechargeable battery, and a battery charger housed in
a shock resistant molded polyethylene case. The
sensor uses positive ion emission technology, which is
based on the ionization characteristics of alkali metals.
The alkali metals act as the cathode of a diode, and
the anode is heated by a DC voltage. Air from the
area being leak checked is pumped from the probe
and into the space between the cathode and anode. If
halogen gas is present, it creates an ionized current
between the cathode and the anode, which is amplified
to sound a speaker and light a neon lamp in the probe.
Sensitivity can be controlled by adjusting the current
(temperature) through the sensor.
D
imensions
5.5
140
10.5
267
rldh10p
10.5
267
Figure 2: RLD-H10P Dimensions (in./mm)
A
ccessories
Figure 3: RLD-H10-100--14 in. Flexible Probe
Extension
Figure 4: RLD-H10-101--120 VAC Power Supply
(allows unit to operate from standard outlet)
Figure 5: RLD-H10-102--Cigarette Lighter Adaptor
Figure 6: RLD-H10-600R--Tune-up Kit;
includes sensor, 100 filters, 4 airflow indicator balls,
3 rubber probe tips, and leak vial
Also available:
•Replacement sensor: RLD-H10-601R
•Maintenance kit; includes 100 filters, 4 airflow
indicator balls, and 3 rubber probe tips:
RLD-H10-602R
•Replacement leak vial: RLD-H10-603R
•Replacement battery charger (does not provide
enough power to run unit off of 120 VAC outlet):
RLD-H10-103

RLD-H10P Product/Technical Bulletin 3
O
peration
!
WARNING: Personal Injury Hazard.
Do not use the RLD-H10P in
an explosive or combustive
atmosphere. The ambient
atmosphere is drawn through the
probe and over the sensor, which
operates at approximately
1000°F (540°C). The resulting
hot mixture of air and
combustible gas could explode.
1. Slide power switch to “on” position.
(See Figure 8125604figure8.)
2. Slide range switch to small (“SM”) position.
(See Figure 8.)
3. Check red LED. If it glows, the battery needs to be
recharged. (See section
Charging the Batteries .)
4. Check for sufficient airflow by pointing the probe tip
toward the floor and observing the airflow ball in
the probe (Figure 7). If the airflow is sufficient, the
ball will rise and float a small distance above the
tip of the probe. If the ball does not rise, tap the
probe lightly to make sure it is not sticking. If the
ball still does not rise, check the filter in the probe
tip as described in the
Maintenance section.
Figure 7: Verifying Airflow
5. Allow two minutes for the sensor to warm up.
When the sensor is warm, the light and sound
indication should idle at around three or four beats
per second.
6. Proceed to the
Calibration and Verificatio n section.
C
alibration and Verification
The leak vial may be used as often as necessary to
assure proper operation of the RLD-H10P, and to
assist in determining the size of the leak. When using
the small leak range position, a leak of HFC causing
an audible signal equal to that produced by the
leak vial has a leak rate of approximately
one-half ounce/year. When using the medium leak
range position on a CFC or HCFC system, this leak
rate would also be approximately one-half ounce/year.
Proper response during the calibration test verifies
sensitivity and operation for all three test positions.
1. Ensure that the range switch is in the small (“SM”)
position. (See Figure 8.)
2. Remove the black, sticky-label disc from the cap of
the leak vial and discard. Allow a few minutes for
the leak rate to stabilize. Do not attempt to
unscrew the cap, as you may damage the bottle.
It is filled with enough refrigerant to last
approximately six months.
3. Test operation by briefly moving the probe tip over
the opening of the leak vial as if you are trying to
locate this leak. It is not necessary to hold the
probe over the leak, as this does not simulate field
conditions.
The RLD-H10P should respond with an increase in
flash rate and sound, verifying operation and
indicating the location of the leak.
4. If the RLD-H10P does not respond to the leak vial,
make sure there is liquid in the bottle. If the unit
still does not respond to the leak, increase the
sensor heat slightly by turning the sensor heat
control knob 1/16th of a turn clockwise.
(See Figure 8.)
5. Allow a minute for the sensor to heat, then repeat
the calibration procedure.
Figure 8: RLD-H10P Faceplate

4 RLD-H10P Product/Technical Bulletin
C
harging the Batteries
The RLD-H10P will run continuously for approximately
1.5 hours on a fully charged battery. When the battery
light is lit, the unit should be recharged.
IMPORTANT: The RLD-H10P contains a gel-cell
battery. To prolong the life of this
type of battery: recharge the battery
frequently (before it is fully
discharged); do not recharge the
battery for more than eight
consecutive hours. Do not allow the
battery to freeze.
To recharge the unit:
1. Turn the leak detector off.
2. Plug the battery charger cord into the socket
labeled “12 VDC Charger” (see Figure 8).
3. Plug the charger into any 120 VAC outlet.
4. Allow the unit eight hours to fully charge the
battery.
Note: The RLD-H10P will not operate properly with
the charger plugged in. To operate the unit
while plugged into a 120 VAC outlet, the AC
adaptor (RLD-H10-101) must be used.
T
ips for Finding Leaks
•Use the black rubber probe tip whenever possible
and hold the probe approximately 1/4 in. above the
area being tested. Move the probe tip at about
two inches per second along seams or joints
suspected of leaking.
•Start leak checking anywhere, and continue in a
logical progression through the entire system to
locate all leaks.
•Set the range switch to the appropriate range to
ensure maximum sensor life. If the leak size is
unknown, start at the “Sensor Saver” setting.
IMPORTANT: Exposing the sensor to large
amounts of refrigerant or holding the
probe over a leak for a long period of
time will significantly shorten sensor
life.
•The “Sensor Saver” range should be used to
provide some protection to the sensor when there
is a chance that it will be exposed to a high
concentration of refrigerant gas. If the “Sensor
Saver” range does not detect any leak, switch to
the medium (“MED”) range.
•On CFC and HCFC systems, the medium (“MED”)
range is sufficient to verify that the system is free
of leaks that require fixing.
•On HFC systems, use the small (“SM”) range to
verify that the system is free of leaks that require
fixing.
•Replace the filter often (as described in the
Maintenance section) to retain airflow and
sensitivity.
•Wipe all surfaces to be tested with a clean, dry
cloth.
•Check ports for moisture before inserting the
probe.
!
CAUTION: Equipment Damage Hazard.
Submerging the probe in liquid
will damage the vacuum pump.

RLD-H10P Product/Technical Bulletin 5
M
aintenance
Replacing the Filter and Airflow Indicator
To protect the air pump from damage due to foreign
particles and moisture, replace the filter as it becomes
dirty. With moderate use (15-30 minutes per day),
replacing the filter once a month is recommended. In
dirty environments or with heavy use, replace the filter
more frequently. Replace the filter whenever 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.
(See Figure 9.) Make sure that the filter is
firmly seated against the fine screen.
4. Replace the rubber probe tip.
Replacing Airflow Indicator
1. Remove the clear plastic section of the probe
by gently pulling on the white rubber grip.
(See Figure 9.)
2. Turn the probe upside-down and tap on it to
remove the old airflow indicator ball.
3. Insert the new airflow indicator ball into the probe.
4. Reattach the probe end to the hose.
Figure 9: Replacing the Filter and Airflow Indicator
Replacing the Sensor
The sensor is a plug-in unit that is thrown away when
expended. It needs replacement when the RLD-H10P
no longer responds to the leak vial, even with the
sensor heat control turned fully clockwise. (Make sure
the leak vial bottle contains some refrigerant.)
!
CAUTION: Personal Injury Hazard.
Sensor surface temperature may
reach 200°C (390°F) during
operation, and may cause a burn
if not allowed to cool.
1. Turn the leak detector off.
2. Unplug the power cord if the unit is plugged in,
and open the sensor cover. (See Figure 8
and Figure 10.)
3. Allow the sensor to cool before handling it
(approximately 15 minutes).
4. Unplug and discard the sensor.
5. Insert a new sensor and close the sensor cover.
6. Turn the sensor heat control knob to its full
counterclockwise position. (See Figure 8.)
7. Place the unit in operation, and calibrate the new
sensor. (See instructions in the
Calibration and
Verification
section.)
Figure 10: Replacing the Sensor

6 RLD-H10P Product/Technical Bulletin
T
roubleshooting
Table 1: Troubleshooting
Problem Cause Solution
Responds to leak vial on
“Sensor Saver” setting Heat control set too high Decrease the sensor heat slightly by turning the sensor heat control knob 1/16th of a turn counterclockwise. (See Figure 8.) Allow a
minute for the sensor to cool, then recheck.
No response to leak vial Leak vial empty Reorder leak vial (RLD-H10-603R).
No air flow (Airflow indicator
ball in probe does not float.) Replace filter in probe tip (RLD-H10-602R). Check pump operation.
Sensor exposed to
excessive amounts of
halogen gas
Move probe to clean atmosphere for several minutes while sensor
purges itself. Recalibrate in clean area.
Water in probe While unit is operating, blow clean air (5 psig) into the probe tip for
approximately one minute or blow (by mouth) as hard as possible
into probe tip for one or two minutes.
Replace the filter (RLD-H10-602R).
Heat control set too low Increase the sensor heat slightly by turning the sensor heat control
knob 1/16th of a turn clockwise. (See Figure 8.) Allow a minute for
the sensor to heat, then recheck.
Audio normal; lamp does
not flash Burned-out or damaged probe lamp Return unit to your Johnson Controls/PENN representative.
Responds continuously in Filter is clogged Replace the filter (RLD-H10-602R).
all leak positions Dirt in sensor Remove sensor (see Figure 10) and blow it out with clean air
(not over 10 psig). If unsuccessful, replace the sensor
(RLD-H10-601R). Replace the filter (RLD-H10-602R).
Short circuit in sensor Replace sensor (RLD-H10-601R).
Atmosphere contaminated
with excessive halogen gas Ventilate area. Switch to large (“LG”) leak setting. (See Figure 8.) Reduce sensor heat if unit still responds excessively at large leak
rate setting.
Responds continuously on
small leak positions; Excessive sensitivity Decrease the sensor heat slightly by turning the sensor heat control knob 1/16th of a turn counterclockwise. (See Figure 8.) Allow a
minute for the sensor to cool, then recheck.

RLD-H10P Product/Technical Bulletin 7
O
rdering Information
Table 2: Ordering Information
Item Description
RLD-H10P-1 Refrigerant leak detector and charger
RLD-H10-100 14 in. flexible probe extension
RLD-H10-101 120 VAC power supply adaptor (allows unit to run unit off of 120 VAC outlet)
RLD-H10-102 Cigarette lighter adaptor (charges or operates leak detector from vehicle’scigarette lighter)
RLD-H10-103 Replacement battery charger (does not provide power to run unit off of 120 VAC outlet)
RLD-H10-600R Tune-up kit; includes sensor, 100 filters, 4 airflow indicator balls, 3 probe tips, and leak vial
RLD-H10-601R Replacement sensor
RLD-H10-602R Maintenance kit; includes 100 replacement filters, 4 airflow indicator balls, and 3 probe tips
RLD-H10-603R Replacement leak vial (contains enough refrigerant to last approximately six months)
R
epair Information
Should it become necessary to repair your RLD-H10P,
please contact your Johnson Controls/PENN
representative.
Warranty Repairs
Units under warranty will be shipped to
Johnson Controls/PENN for repairs. The repairs will
be completed within 24 hours after receipt by the repair
center, and the unit will be returned to your Johnson
Controls/PENN representative at the same priority of
shipment with which it was received.
Non-Warranty Repairs
Units that are no longer under warranty will be repaired
to factory specifications for a nominal fee. The repairs
will be completed within seven days after receipt by the
repair center, and the unit will be returned to your
Johnson Controls/PENN representative at the same
priority of shipment with which it was received.

8 RLD-H10P Product/Technical Bulletin
S
pecifications
Product RLD-H10P Refrigerant Leak Detector
Power Requirements 12 VDC, charger 13.5 VDC
An adaptor is available to allow unit to run off of 120 VAC power (RLD-H10-101).
Sensing Element Type Positive Ion Emission Heated Diode
Approximate Sensitivity Switch Position Alarm Sensitivity (moving probe)
Small >0.05 oz per year CFC and HCFC >0.5 oz per year HFC
Medium >0.5 oz per year CFC and HCFC >1.0 oz per year HFC
Sensor Saver >2.0 oz per year CFC and HCFC >5.0 oz per year HFC
Leak Alarm Audible alarm, visible neon lamp
Response Time Approximately 1 second
Warmup Time Approximately 2 minutes
Accuracy Meets SAE J1627 test requirements
Probe Length Approximately 4.5 ft ( 1.4 m)
Ambient Operating
Conditions 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C); 5-90% RH, non-condensing
Ambient Storage
Conditions 14 to 140°F (-10 to 60°C); 5-90% RH, non-condensing
Case Rugged high-density polyethylene
Dimensions (H x W x D) 5.5 x 10.5 x 8.5 in. (140 x 267 x 216 mm)
Shipping Weight 5 lb (2.3 kg)
Agency Listings UL Listed, File SA9717
The performance specifications are nominal and conform to acceptable industry standards. For application at conditions beyond these specifications,
consult the local Johnson Controls office. Johnson Controls, Inc. shall not be liable for damages resulting from misapplication or misuse of its products.
Controls Group
507 E. Michigan Street
P.O. Box 423
Milwaukee, WI 53201 Printed in U.S.A.