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Guide to Refrigeration Gas Leak Detection using the TIF 5000 halogen leak detector InspectAPedia TM Enter your search terms Submit search form   Search This Website - InspectAPedia.com

• Recommendations for gas measurement instruments, gas detection methods
• Guide to using the TIF 5000 Gas Detector for air conditioning and refrigerant gas leaks
• Warnings about using instruments for detection of toxic gases

This document discusses tools and methods used to test for the level of toxic and other gases in buildings and in outdoors. In related documents we give references and explanation regarding toxicity of several of the most common indoor gases, based on literature search and obtained from the U.S. government and expert sources. This text may assist readers in understanding these topics. However it should by no means be considered exhaustive.

Seek prompt advice from your doctor or health/safety experts if you have any reason to be concerned about exposure to toxic gases. © Copyright 2008 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

© Copyright 2008 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

Guide to Using the TIF 5000 automatic halogen leak detector

The TIF 5000 automatic halogen leak detector is used for air conditioning and cooling system refrigerant leak detection. The TIF 5000 replaces and combines functions previously provided by the TIF HLD440 halogen leak detector, with an added circuit which TIF refers to as "automatic ambient control". This feature "adjusts and corrects for the atmospheric ambient refrigerant in the vicinity of the tip." [TIF 5000 product literature].

As you'll notice in our photograph of our instrument, its external appearance is similar to the TIF 8800 except that the 8800 detects a wide range of combustible gases while the TIF 5000 is designed to focus on the halogen gases - air conditioning refrigerants such as the now discontinued R12 and R22. The instrument weighs about 28 ounces and is 8" x 3" x 1.8" in size, not counting the length of the flexible sensor tip.

What gases does the TIF 5000 leak detector detect?

The TIF 5000 halogen leak detector is used principally on air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, heat pumps, and possibly dehumidifiers.

This leak detector also detects the following halogen gases or halogen gas mixtures:

• Ethylene Oxide gas leaks (hospital sterilizing equipment - detects the freon mixture)
• Most gases containing Chlorine
• Most gases containing Fluorine
• Most gases containing Bromine
• Dry cleaning industry cleaning agent or solvent gases can also be detected using this instrument
  

Step by Step Guide to Using the TIF 5000 Leak Detector on Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Equipment

Instructions for use of the TIF5000 to check for refrigerant gas leaks couldn't be much simpler, and they are printed on a label affixed to the device:

1. Turn the TIF 5000 on.
   
   a. If the red LED does not light, replace the batteries in the detector. The instrument has a virtually instant "on" feature and should not require a warm-up time.
   
   b. If the red LED lights but the instrument does not emit a tone, replace the sensing tip
   
   
2. Begin searching for leaks of refrigerant gas or halogens

But as with other gas leak detection devices of this type, if you're using the TIF 5000 refrigerant gas leak detector in an area which may already be contaminated with a high level of gas leakage, special (but simple) steps are needed to permit the leak detector to find the point of refrigerant gas leakage:

In an area heavily contaminated with refrigerant, (when a rapid, high pitched beeping signal [is heard]), turn [the] instrument off and then back on [while in the contaminated area] and resume testing for leaks.

This procedure is the opposite of what we do with the TIF8800 when testing for combustible gases (and the hazards are different since halogen gases do not present an explosion hazard).

Practical tips for checking for refrigerant gas leaks

What the instructions fail to point out is the practical procedure for actually examining air conditioning or refrigeration systems for refrigerant gas leaks.

• The refrigerant piping and cooling and condensing coils will need to be exposed for ready access.
• The leak detector is turned on and its proper operation confirmed.
• The detector tip is held close to the refrigerant piping and cooling coil surfaces, sequentially, starting at a convenient point and following all of the piping and tubing throughout its length.
• Look for stains on refrigerant piping or controls which may indicate a history of leaks (and refrigerant oil leakage too) at those locations.

Critical Maintenance Tips for Refrigerant Gas Leak Detectors

The sensing tip on the TIF 5000 and some of the electronics of the instrument therefore are of course different.

Because debris contamination will interfere with proper operation of the TIF5000 halogen leak detector (refrigerant gas leak detector) the sensor is supplied with filter paper pre-cut into a cross shape which is inserted around the sensing tip under its protective spring cover. When the paper is soiled it is simply replaced.

The glass vial shown in our photo contains a substance used to confirm that the sensing tip will respond to a halogen gas (refrigerant gas) leak as it should.

Here are some tips from TIF for maintenance of the TIF 5000 Halogen Leak Detector

To change the sensing tip: turn of the TIF 5000 leak detector before changing the sensing tip. Turn the tip counter-clockwise to remove it, and attach the new tip by turning it clockwise when screwing it in place. Screw the new tip finger tight. Do not contaminate the new tip with oil or grease such as hand cleaner or refrigerant oil, and do not get your sweat on the tip. To protect the tip from contamination by dust and grease during use, use the filter paper we show in the photo above. Use a new filter paper when installing a new sensor tip.

Spare sensor tips: A spare leak detector sensing tip can be stored in the battery compartment.

Batteries: Use two fresh "C" alkaline batteries to power the TIF 5000. Batteries are installed by removing a battery cover on the back of the instrument. If the batteries are fresh you should see the red LED turn on when the power switch is turned on.

If the LeD does not light, change the batteries.

If the LeD lights but the unit does not operate (won't respond to refrigerant or test gases) change the sensing tip. If that doesn't work you'll need to return the instrument to TIF for repairs.

Operating temperature range: the TIF 5000 is rated to operate between 30 deg. F. and 100 deg. F. This warmer temperature function can be important when sniffing around a hot compressor motor.

Other specialized gas detection methods include use of solid state circuitry, CMS chips, and special instruments which may be designed to give a quick alarm or a reading in PPM for specific gases.

Other gas and air monitoring equipment use pumps which collect and insert a specific volume of air into a vacuum container for later analysis. We've found that for typical field use, the colorimetric gas detector tube method is extremely convenient and very accurate, and it presents minimal requirements for instrument calibration.

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

CARBON MONOXIDE - CO
CARBON DIOXIDE - CO₂
OXYGEN - O₂
GAS MEASUREMENT TOOLS
  Use of a Drager pump
  How Colorimetric gas detection tubes work
  Using the TIF 8800 Gas Detector
  Using the TIF 5000 Gas Detector
  Warnings re instruments for detection of gases
  Warning: choose the right tube for gas detection

How to diagnose and fix an air conditioning system that is not working

Since the failure of an air conditioner to turn on, loss of air conditioner cooling capacity, reduced air conditioning output temperatures, loss of cool air supply, or even loss of air flow entirely can be due to a variety of problems with one or more components of an air conditioner or air conditioning system, after reviewing the lost air conditioner cooling diagnosis procedures described in this article, be sure to also review the diagnostic procedures at each of the individual air conditioning diagnosis and repair major topics listed just below. To return to our air conditioning and refrigeration home page go to AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS.

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website. If your air conditioning system has lost its cooling capacity or won't start select one or more of the diagnostic articles listed below.

• CONTROLS & SWITCHES: air conditioner controls and switches - begin here if your A/C won't start. Here's an important tip: most refrigeration problems, in air conditioners, refrigerators, or freezers, are electrical, not mechanical. In air conditioning school, we used to drive out and collect abandoned refrigerators that people were tossing out during our community's spring cleanup week. Taking these appliances back into the shop we found that almost always the problem that had caused the owner to dispose of their air conditioner or freezer was in an electrical connection or electrical control. So it's worth checking out switches and controls on an air conditioner before replacing more costly components.
• OPERATING DEFECTS: major air conditioning problem symptoms and how to get the air conditioning system working again,e.g. compressor or fan noises, failure to start, and inadequate cool air volume
• LOST COOLING CAPACITY: what to do when not enough cool air comes out of the system
  • What to check first if there is no cool air or not enough cool air
  • Compressor failure diagnosis: basic checks of the air conditioner compressor
  • Ducts & Air Handler diagnosis: basic checks of the indoor air handler (blower), air ducts, and filter systems
• COMPRESSOR CONDENSER: problems with air conditioner compressor/condenser units
• AIR HANDLER UNIT: problems with the air handler, air filters, and the cooling coil itself
• DUCT SYSTEM DEFECTS: problems with the air duct system, air filters, supply registers, return air registers
• A/C REFRIGERANT LEAK DETECTION: how to use a TIF5000 to detect air conditioning refrigerant gas leak
• A/C DIAGNOSTIC FAQs: air conditioning system diagnostic FAQs: Q&A about air conditioner repair - a detailed air conditioning system diagnostic checklist

Technical Reviewers

Particular thanks are due to experts and also consumers who read these articles and suggest corrections, changes, and additions to the material. Content suggestions, technical corrections and content critique are invited for any of the content at our website.

• Daniel Friedman - InspectAPedia.com ^TM Website Author/Editor
• TIF Instruments, Inc., 9101 NW 7th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33150 (This is where we've sent our TIF 8800 and TIF 5000 for repairs).
• Jennifer Moore, Sales Administrator, Nextteq, LLC, Tampa FL, www.nextteq.com 813-249-5888. Nextteq is the master Distributor for Gastec in the United States. According to the company's website, Gastec Gas Sampling Pumps are the industry’s first and only pumps to provide on-the-spot measurement of ambient temperature. [Private email, JM to DF 5/23/08]
• "Choosing and Using a Carbon Monoxide CO Monitor," Dan Friedman, The ASHI Technical Journal, Vol. 2 No. 1, July1991
• "Heat Exchanger Testing, Who's Right?" Dan Friedman, The ASHI Technical Journal, Vol. 2 No. 1, July1991
• "Case History: LP Gas Leak - Using the TIF 8800," Dan Friedman, The ASHI Technical Journal, Vol. 2 No. 1, July1991
• Chimneys, Flues, Woodstoves & Fireplaces: Safety Concerns, safe and proper venting of combustion gases, carbon monoxide hazards
• Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest text changes and additions and, if you wish, to receive online listing and credit for that contribution.

More expert information on this topic

More Information on Toxic Gas Detection, Exposure, Test Procedures, Toxicity, and Remedy, & Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

Toxic Gas Exposure Hazards and Test Protocols including links to our toxic gas exposure screening and gas testing protocols.

Gases: Toxic gases, indoor exposure levels, testing, identification

• A Toxic Gas Testing Plan: A Gas Sampling Plan for Residential and Commercial Buildings lists some of the toxic indoor gases for which we test, depending on the building complaint and building conditions
• Gas Exposure Hazard Levels: for Toxic Gas Exposure to Ammonia, Arsine, Arsenic, Bromine, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Hydride, Ozone - allowable exposure levels and hazard levels
• Carbon Dioxide Gas Toxicity hazard level, poisoning symptoms, & testing
• Carbon Monoxide Gas Toxicity hazard levels, poisoning symptoms, & testing
• Formaldehyde: US EPA. UFFI (Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation) was previously considered a hazard (formaldehyde outgassing). Subsequent research virtually closed concern regarding this material; however formaldehyde appears to remain a health concern for sensitive individuals.
• Ozone Warnings - Use of Ozone as a "mold" remedy is ineffective and may be dangerous.
• Sampling for gases in air such as VOC's, MVOC's, toxic chemicals, and combustion products.
  Unfortunately no single test or tool can detect all possible building contaminants. We use methods and equipment which can test for common contaminants. If the identity of a specific contaminant is known in advance we can also test for a very large number of specific contaminant gases in buildings.
  We use gas sampling equipment provided by the two most reliable companies in the world, Draeger-Safety's detector-tubes and Drager accuro bellows pump, the Gastec cylinder pump and detector-tube system produced by Gastec. We also have used gas detection tubes by Gastec previously marketed for use with Sensidyne pumps but Sensidyne pumps now use Kitagawa gas detection tubes. We also use Sensidyne's Gilian air pump. For broad screening for combustibles and a number of other toxic gases and for leak tracing we also use Amprobe's Tif8850 and 8800, and the TIF 5000 automatic halogen leak detector (for air conditioning and cooling system refrigerant leak detection). All of these instruments, their applications, and sensitivities (minimum detectable limits) for specific gases are described in our Gas Sampling Plan online document.
• Radon Gas U.S. EPA Radon level maps

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