Gentlemen, I started in refrigeration back in 1985, and we used the G.E. H-10. Bacharach now makes the H-10 Pro., the same device as back in 1985 when we only used R-12, R-22, & R-502. This thing is still the best leak detector on the market. Even when the air is saturated with refrigerant, the sensitivity adjustment allows you to find the leak. I've used the Stratus, Fieldpiece and several others. This is by far the best leak detector on the market since and before 1985. It will NOT detect R-290, (Propane), that requires a flammability detector, because R-290 is propane, refrigerant grade. I ALWAYS back up my leak detection with what you are speaking of, Big Blu, to pin-point the leak. Most of the time I don't need to, as the leak will be obvious after being found. On micro leaks, the H-10 Pro will find them, but bubbles may be needed to pin-point the leak. Good video, if you can afford the H-10 Pro, buy it! It will provide a life time of leak detection that others cannot do. After 38 years in the trade, I swear by this single leak detector.
Good video, there are a few drawbacks to the H10- just remember to stay away from wet coils, as the air pump will suck moisture into the heated diode and cause problems, making you have to pull the sensor out and dry it out with nitrogen. Another issue is the sensors tend to wear out and need replacing after a lot of use. The little leak calibration bottle will leak out and evaporate quickly in warm climates. I use infrared leak detectors nowadays as you don't need to worry about moisture and the sensors last a very long time. I have over 40 years of experience in the trade and started out using the H 10 and many techs do agree that its a great unit.
I've been having good luck with 95/5 (95% nitrogen/ 5% hydrogen) gas and a combustables leak detector. A 300 CF tank is somewhere around $130 and you can scream the pressure up to 400-500 psi to make sure that leak shows up. I've really only used it on VRV/VRF systems where we're chasing a leak indoors somewhere. If there's still refrigerant in the circuit I will stick with a Stratus, but if it's been recovered already for whatever reason the 95/5 works nicely.
If you put fabric softener in a spray bottle and spray it instead of soapy water, its thicker and stays on the pipes longer and it also bubbles. Works the same as calblue and can be purchased at any grocery store in your area, especially if you are far from your supplier of calblue and you dont have any on your van. Use fabric softener. Tried and tested.
Ultra sonic leak detector, you can also use a hearing aid for deaf people, but you need to extend the hose. You get really cheap versions from pharmacies.
@@renierlabuschagne2141 hello thank you for the information. I live in Türkiye. I don't know what fabric softener is called here. Can you give me an example? Is it something like fabric softener? Or, for example, could it be dishwashing foam? I want to know what exactly you are talking about. What is its equivalent in Türkiye?
If the system is out of refrigerant just putting nitrogen with the dye will not show all the leaks. The system needs to be running to distribute the dye, and of course it needs refrigerant to do so. The only thing about the H-10 detector is the pump going out and the manufacture does not have them.
I have the Inficon Stratus....hands down best leak detector I've ever used. 2nd would be my ultrasonic....which is also good for checking motor bearings as well. I had an H10G....somebody stole it from me. That Nu Calgon leak detector bubbles is crap compared to Refrigeration Technologies Big blu.
Gentlemen, I started in refrigeration back in 1985, and we used the G.E. H-10. Bacharach now makes the H-10 Pro., the same device as back in 1985 when we only used R-12, R-22, & R-502. This thing is still the best leak detector on the market. Even when the air is saturated with refrigerant, the sensitivity adjustment allows you to find the leak. I've used the Stratus, Fieldpiece and several others. This is by far the best leak detector on the market since and before 1985. It will NOT detect R-290, (Propane), that requires a flammability detector, because R-290 is propane, refrigerant grade. I ALWAYS back up my leak detection with what you are speaking of, Big Blu, to pin-point the leak. Most of the time I don't need to, as the leak will be obvious after being found. On micro leaks, the H-10 Pro will find them, but bubbles may be needed to pin-point the leak. Good video, if you can afford the H-10 Pro, buy it! It will provide a life time of leak detection that others cannot do. After 38 years in the trade, I swear by this single leak detector.
Does it work well for 410A on small leaks too?
Good video, there are a few drawbacks to the H10- just remember to stay away from wet coils, as the air pump will suck moisture into the heated diode and cause problems, making you have to pull the sensor out and dry it out with nitrogen. Another issue is the sensors tend to wear out and need replacing after a lot of use. The little leak calibration bottle will leak out and evaporate quickly in warm climates. I use infrared leak detectors nowadays as you don't need to worry about moisture and the sensors last a very long time. I have over 40 years of experience in the trade and started out using the H 10 and many techs do agree that its a great unit.
Wow! This is a great video! You guys really know your stuff! Thanks for these videos! I can't believe these are free! MRG rocks!
Thanks for watching!
I've been having good luck with 95/5 (95% nitrogen/ 5% hydrogen) gas and a combustables leak detector. A 300 CF tank is somewhere around $130 and you can scream the pressure up to 400-500 psi to make sure that leak shows up. I've really only used it on VRV/VRF systems where we're chasing a leak indoors somewhere. If there's still refrigerant in the circuit I will stick with a Stratus, but if it's been recovered already for whatever reason the 95/5 works nicely.
Great video 👍👍
Question: will a leak detector pick up an old residual smell from the ac refrig. or if it sounds it is new and current ty
Super informative video
If you cant find calblue, you can also use fabric softener. Also sticks longer on the pipe than soapy water
Fabric softener? Can you explain
If you put fabric softener in a spray bottle and spray it instead of soapy water, its thicker and stays on the pipes longer and it also bubbles. Works the same as calblue and can be purchased at any grocery store in your area, especially if you are far from your supplier of calblue and you dont have any on your van. Use fabric softener. Tried and tested.
Ultra sonic leak detector, you can also use a hearing aid for deaf people, but you need to extend the hose. You get really cheap versions from pharmacies.
@@renierlabuschagne2141 hello thank you for the information. I live in Türkiye. I don't know what fabric softener is called here. Can you give me an example? Is it something like fabric softener? Or, for example, could it be dishwashing foam? I want to know what exactly you are talking about. What is its equivalent in Türkiye?
@@renierlabuschagne2141 Is the fabric softener probably used for laundry correct?
Bacharach has a good video on their website for checking the calibration. The liquid in the reference in the bottle is R11
What will pickup R422b? I wonder. I'm converting over but expect future leaks.
If the system is out of refrigerant just putting nitrogen with the dye will not show all the leaks. The system needs to be running to distribute the dye, and of course it needs refrigerant to do so. The only thing about the H-10 detector is the pump going out and the manufacture does not have them.
I have the Inficon Stratus....hands down best leak detector I've ever used. 2nd would be my ultrasonic....which is also good for checking motor bearings as well. I had an H10G....somebody stole it from me. That Nu Calgon leak detector bubbles is crap compared to Refrigeration Technologies Big blu.
Does it detect R449 (freon XP40)?
Accutrak ultrasonic is the best
Extremely douchey video with a little bit of leak detector sales info.