Triplett RLD400 User manual

User Manual
RLD400
Refrigerant Leak Detector

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Triplett RLD400 Refrigerant
Leak Detector. This handheld meter detects leaks for SF6 gas, all types
of HFC, CFC, and HCFC refrigerants as well as most compounds
containing halogen.
Features
Detects standard refrigerants using a replaceable heated diode
sensor (part no. RLD400-S) Audible and visual alerts
Seven (7) visual leakage level
LED indicators (color coded)
Low and High selectable
sensitivity levels
Battery status LED indicator
Test solution (included) allows the user to check
the condition of the sensor 50 cm (19.7”) flexible
gooseneck probe
Safety
Please read the safety information carefully before attempting to
operate the meter. Failure to do so could cause personal injury or
damage to the meter.
Please read this manual carefully to ensure safe and correct use.
Do not attempt to repair this device. Please return the unit if it requires
service.
Do not force the flexible probe to bend over its angle limit. Doing
so can damage the device. Do not subject the probe tip to shock or
severe vibration.

Open the provided test bottle only to check the sensor as
detailed in this manual. Tightly close and safely store the bottle
when not in use.
Do not use this device near fire or in
flammable/explosive environments. Do not use
organic solvents to clean the meter.
Meter Description
1. Flexible probe shaft
2. Color-coded LED level indicators
3. Sensitivity select buttons (Low, High)
4. Battery status LED
5. Power ON/OFF button
6. Removable sensor access
collar
7. Heated diode sensor

Operation
Note: Power OFF the system under test before attempting to find leaks.
Powering the Meter
3. Short press the ON/OFF button (5) to power the meter. Replace the
battery if the meter does not switch ON or if the low battery LED (4)
glows red.
4. While powering on, the leak-level LEDs (2) will light in sequence
(left to right) and the start-up tone will sound once.
5. The meter will start heating the sensor (7) during a 2 minute
warm-up period (the leak-level LEDs will continue to light in
sequence during the warm-up).
6. After the warm-up, the audible tone will sound twice indicating
that the detector is ready to find leaks.
7. Press and hold power button (5) for 2 seconds to turn off the
meter. The meter switches off automatically after 10 minutes of
inactivity.
8. The battery status indicator (4) glows red when the battery requires
replacement.
Testing for Leaks in Air Conditioning
1. Add refrigerant to the air conditioning system in order to
maintain a pressure of 340Kpa (50PSI). Leaks may go
undetected if the ambient temperature is < 15°C (59°F),
because of insufficient pressure.
2. Before testing, conduct a visual and audible inspection of the
entire refrigerating system including all pipes, hoses, and
components. Look for leaks, damage, or corrosion. Listen for the
sound of air escaping.
3. Set the sensitivity level to high by pressing the High sensitivity
button (red LEDs will briefly flash) and then slowly pass the probe

near all potential sources of leaks and gage the meter’s response by
observing the color-coded leak-level LEDs and listening for the
audible tones. Always make measurements along a continuous
route for best results.
4. The two green LEDs represent the absence of a leak or a very small
leak, the two yellow LEDs represent a moderate leak, and the three red
LEDs represent the detection of a large leak.
5. Once an area of leakage is detected set the meter to low
sensitivity mode by pressing the Low sensitivity button (green
LEDs will briefly flash) and inspect the area of the leak again to
determine the precise location.
6. The distance of the sensor (7) to the surface of the component
under test should be 5mm
(0.2”) or nearer. Move the probe slowly, no more than
25~50mm/second (1 to 2”/second).
See the Measurement Considerations section for more information.
Note: To pinpoint a large leak more effectively, use compressed air on
the suspected area of the leak to help determine the precise location.
Testing for Leaks in an Evaporator Core
4. When checking for a leak in an evaporator core, adjust the air
conditioning blower to the highest setting for 15 seconds, and
then power it OFF.
5. Wait approximately 10 minutes for refrigerants to accumulate
inside the air conditioning evaporator.
6. Insert the sensor into the resistance block of the fan (if there is no
water) or place it at the opening of the nearest heating, ventilating, or
air conditioning container of the evaporator.
7. Check for visual and audible alarms to determine if there is a leak.
8.

Measurement Considerations
If you do not detect a leak, try the low sensitivity mode (press Low
sensitivity button) and check again.
If there is wind in the area of test, shielding the suspected leak
area from the wind will yield better results.
Do not allow moisture or solvent near the sensor, this may introduce
false alarms.
When you suspect a large leak, using compressed air in the
area of the leak may help determine the exact location of
the leak.
To verify leaks, conduct tests several times in succession.
Maintenance
Cleaning
1. Wipe the meter housing with a damp, soft cloth. Use only mild soap
and water.
2. Never use organic solvents to clean the meter (such as thinner,
benzene, etc.) as they can damage the sensor.
3. Clean the sensor area with a dry cloth or use compressed air to
clear away debris.
Battery Replacement
When the low battery LED (4) glows red, the 9V battery must be
replaced.
1. The battery compartment is located on the rear of the
meter. To access the battery compartment, carefully
remove the meter’s protective rubber jacket.
2. Remove the Phillips head screw to open the battery compartment.
3. Replace the 9V battery observing correct polarity.

4. Secure the battery compartment and replace the protective jacket
before operating the
meter.
Never dispose of used batteries or rechargeable batteries in
household waste.
As consumers, users are legally required to take used batteries to
appropriate collection sites, the retail store where the batteries were
purchased, or wherever batteries are sold.
Disposal: Do not dispose of this instrument in household waste. The user is
obligated to take end-of-life devices to a designated collection point for the
disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.
Checking the Probe Condition with the Test Solution
The test bottle provided contains an ethanol solution that emits a
gas when the bottle is opened. If the sensor is in good condition,
it will detect the gas and the meter will provide audible and visual
alerts. If alerts do not occur, the sensor should be replaced
immediately. Always tightly seal and safely store the test bottle
when not in use.
Probe Replacement
The sensor (7) is located at the tip of the gooseneck probe (1), in
the cavity underneath the removable protective collar (6).
The sensor plugs into a 3-conductor connector, in a specific orientation
where the black wire, on the connector, aligns with the black ‘dot’ on
the sensor. The steps below outline the replacement procedure:
4. Switch the meter OFF.
5. Unscrew the probe tip collar (6) in a counterclockwise direction and
remove the collar.
6. Remove the existing diode sensor (7) by carefully gripping it with a
small pliers, or similar tool, and gently pulling the sensor out of the
cavity until the sensor’s connector is exposed.
Use caution to avoid damaging the wires to the connector.

7. Disconnect the existing sensor from the 3-conductor
connector observing the correct orientation (black wire on
connector aligns with black ‘dot’ on sensor).
8. Replace the sensor in the proper orientation and re-attach the
protective collar.
9. Do not switch the meter ON until the sensor and collar are securely
in place.
Specifications
General Specifications
Detectable
Refrigerants
SF6 electrical equipment and gas, HFC, CFC, HCFC refrigerants,
HFC
(R134 and R123), halogen gas, ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene,
trichloroethylene, and most compounds containing halogen.
Sensor
Replaceable heated diode gas detector
Accuracy
< 2.8g/year
(0.1oz./year)
Sensitivity
Levels
Low 30g/year
(1.05oz./year)
High 6g/year
(0.2oz./year)
Test Bottle
Solution
1:1 ethanol (95%) and distilled water
Warm up
Time
2 minutes
(approx.)
Response
Time
Instantaneous
Auto Power
OFF
Automatic shut off after 10 minutes
Low Battery
Indication
Battery status LED glows red
Power
Supply
9V Battery (rear compartment under protective jacket)

Battery Life
30 hours of normal use
Operating
Conditions
0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F) <80%RH
Storage
Conditions
-10°C to 80°C (14°F to 176°F) <70%RH
Length: Flexible Gooseneck
only
50.2cm
(19.8”)
Length: Gooseneck w/
Sensor
52cm (20.5”)
Meter Dimensions / Weight
185 x 72 x 35mm (7.3 x 2.8 x 1.4”) / 305g
(10.8 oz.)
Safety
CE; Designed to SAE J1627
Warranty
Triplett / Jewell Instruments extends the following warranty to the original purchaser of
these goods for use. Triplett warrants to the original purchaser for use that the products
sold by it will be free from defects in workmanship and material for a period of (1) one
year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to any of our products
which have been repaired or altered by unauthorized persons in any way or purchased
from unauthorized distributors so as, in our sole judgment, to injure their stability or
reliability, or which have been subject to misuse, abuse, misapplication, negligence,
accident or which have had the serial numbers altered, defaced, or removed.
Accessories, including batteries are not covered by this warranty
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www.triplett.com