ROBINAIR LD5 Dual Mode Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector Instruction Manual

June 10, 2024
ROBINAIR

ROBINAIR LD5 Dual Mode Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector

Introduction

The LD5 features a long life solid electrolyte semiconductor sensor technology that is designed to detect all CFC, HCFC, HFC, and HFO refrigerants including R-1234YF (HFO), R-134A (HFC), R-410A (HFC), R-22 (HCFC), R-407C (HFC), R-507 (HFC), R-12 (CFC), R-404C (HFC). The LD5 is designed to detect all SNAP approved refrigerant blends.

The LD5’s unique graphic color LCD display and sweep mode function conveys messages, graphics and prompts giving the A/C technician real-time information to help locate the source of the leak and ensure the leak detector is always at optimal performance. The LED inspection light aids the technician to locate and inspect all A/C suspect fittings and components while searching.
The LD5 does not require rechargeable batteries

Features

  • Unique color graphic LCD display
  • Long life, stable sensor
  • R1234yf sensitivity .015 oz/yr
  • R134a sensitivity .05 oz/yr
  • Certified to SAE J2791, J2913, ASHRAE 173-2012, EN14624-2012
  • Automatic calibration and reset to ambient
  • User friendly message and error screens
  • Hi intensity LED inspection light
  • 3 adjustable sensitivity levels
  • Low battery indicator
  • True mechanical pump
  • Uses 4 AA alkaline batteries
  • CE Certified
  • Comfortable Santoprene handle grip
  • 2-year warranty includes sensor

Product Information

The LD5 is a refrigerant gas leak detector designed to detect all CFC, HCFC, HFC, and HFO refrigerants including R-1234YF (HFO), R-134A (HFC), R-410A (HFC), R-22 (HCFC), R-407C (HFC), R-507 (HFC), R-12 (CFC), R-404C (HFC). It is also designed to detect all SNAP approved refrigerant blends.

The LD5 features a long life solid electrolyte semiconductor sensor technology that provides stable sensor performance. It has a sensitivity level of 0.015 oz/yr for R1234yf and 0.05 oz/yr for R134a. The leak detector is certified to SAE J2791, J2913, ASHRAE 173-2012, and EN14624-2012 standards.

The LD5 has a unique color graphic LCD display with sweep mode function that conveys messages, graphics, and prompts in real-time.
It also has an LED inspection light that aids the technician to locate and inspect all A/C suspect fittings and components while searching. The LD5 uses 4 AA alkaline batteries and does not require rechargeable batteries. It has a 2-year warranty that includes the sensor.

Product Usage Instructions

  1. Turn On: Press the ON/OFF button once to turn on and again to turn off. For SAE J2913 sensitivity setting, hold down ON/OFF button until R1234yf Mode is displayed.

  2. Warm Up: The detector automatically starts heating the sensor.
    During the heating cycle, the LCD display will show the message WARM UP with a progress bar. Warm up is usually less than 20 seconds.

  3. Search: The display will show SEARCH and the audio beep will begin to sound. Move the probe tip towards a suspected refrigerant leak at the rate of less than 2 inches (~50 mm) per second, no more than 1/4 inch (~5 mm) away from the suspected source.

  4. Detection: If a leak exists, the sound will increase in rate and frequency, and the display will show the bar graph indication of the leak size. Note: The leak detector responds to changes in refrigerant concentration. When detection occurs, move the probe away from the source and back again to confirm the leak source. The detector alarm will reset if the probe is held fixed at the source (see Automatic Calibration Feature).

  5. Inspection Light Operation: Turn on the white LED light by pressing the LED button once. Holding the leak detector approximately 10 to 14 away, shine the LED light beam slowly over the components, hoses, and metal lines that make up the A/C system.
    Inspect all A/C fittings, hoses and components for excessive wear or damage.

The LD5 has 3 adjustable sensitivity levels, sensitivity level indicators, user-friendly message and error screens, low battery indicator, true mechanical pump, CE certification, and comfortable Santoprene handle grip.

LD 5 Control Panel

Operating Instructions

  1. Turn On: Press the ON/OFF button once to turn on and again to turn off. NOTE: For SAE J2913 sensitivity setting hold down ON/OFF button until R1234yf Mode is displayed.

  2. Warm Up: The detector automatically starts heating the sensor.
    During the heating cycle, the LCD display will display the message “WARM UP” with a progress bar (see figure). Warm up is usually less than 20 seconds.
    3. Search: The display will show “SEARCH” and the audio “beep” will begin to sound. Move the probe tip towards a suspected refrigerant leak at the rate of less than 2 inches (~50 mm) per second, no more than 1/4 inch (~5 mm) away from the suspect- ed source.

  3. Detection: If a leak exists, the sound will increase in rate and frequency, and the display will show the bar graph indication of the leak size.
    NOTE: The leak detector responds to changes in refrigerant concentra- tion. When detection occurs, move the probe away from the source and back again to confirm the leak source. The detector alarm will reset if the probe is held fixed at the source (see Automatic Calibration Feature).

Inspection Light Operation

  1. Turn on the white LED light by pressing the LED button once.
    (See control panel on page 4).

  2. Holding the leak detector approximately 10” to 14” away, shine the LED light beam slowly over the components, hoses, and metal lines that make up the A/C system.

  3. Inspect all A/C fittings, hoses and components for excessive wear or damage.

Auto Shut-off
The LED Inspection Lights will automatically shut off after 5 minutes. This will ensure proper battery life in case the LED lights are left on inadvertently.

Leak Size Indicator
The LCD bar-graph leak size indicator remains off normally but once a leak is detected, a number of bars will be displayed. The number will continue to increase or decrease depending on the amount of refrigerant sensed. The display will be the same for all HFC and HCFC refrigerants regardless of the sensitivity setting.
The maximum value will be displayed once the leak source has been located. The table below can be used to approximate the size of leak:

Maximum No. Bars Displayed Leak Size (oz/yr)
1-4 (green color) < 0.1
5-6 (yellow color) 0.1 to 0.5
7-10 (red color) > 0.5

Automatic and Manual Calibration
To allow the user to find the leak source easily, the detector will calibrate itself either automatically (default) or manually to the ambient and reset the alarm as soon as there is detection

In Automatic mode the detector will automatically reset the alarm. In Manual mode, the detector will continue to alarm if gas is detected until the user presses the SENS button to reset the alarm. Both modes allow the user to get closer to the leak source without the detector continually alarming. In Automatic mode, once the source of the leak is found, the detector will not alarm again until the probe is moved away from the source and back again. In Manual mode, once the source of the leak is found, the detector will continue to alarm at the source until the SENS button is pressed.

To use the detector in Manual Calibration mode: Press and hold the SENS Selector and release when the AUTO icon is replaced by MAN on the dis-play. To return to Automatic Calibration, press and hold the SENS button and do not release until the AUTO icon is displayed.

Note: the sensitivity levels can only be changed in Automatic Cal- ibration mode. To change sensitivity levels while in Manual mode, return to Automatic mode, select the desired level and return back to Manual mode.

Adjusting Sensitivity Levels
In addition to the automatic calibration, the audio alarm trigger level can be set by the user to 3 different sensitivity levels (LO, MED, HI). If the de- tector is continuously alerting while pulled away from the suspected area of the leak, the sensitivity level can be adjusted so the detector will only alert when the sensor is close to the source of the leak.

The Leak Detector will default to the MED sensitivity level automatically once the unit comes out of the warm up cycle. To change sensitivity levels, press the SENS once for HI sensitivity and again for LO sensitivity.

Leak Test Vial

The leak detector comes with a Leak Test Vial that allows the user to verify the detector is performing properly. Check the expiration date on the vial before testing the leak detector.

To test:

  1. Remove the colored label dot on the center of the screw cap to expose the vent hole. (see fig. below)
  2. Turn on the detector and allow the unit to complete the warm up cycle. Set sensitivity level to HIGH.
  3. Place the sensor close to the hole in the the Leak Test Vial. The beep rate should increase and the Leak Size Indicator should display 3-6 bars indicating that the sensor and electronics are working properly.

NOTE: The leak detector responds to changes in refrigerant concentration. When detection occurs, move the probe away from the source and back
again to confirm the leak source. The detector alarm will reset if the probe is held fixed at the source (see Automatic Calibration Feature).

MAINTENANCE

Batteries
WARNING: RISK OF FIRE OR EXPLOSION
Use AA alkaline batteries only in this product. Using the wrong type of battery could result in a fire or explosion.

Install Batteries: Unscrew the battery cover located at the base of the unit as shown. Install four AA alkaline batteries into the battery compartment in the direction noting the polarity mark on the inside of the battery compartment for proper battery orientation as shown.

Replace batteries when the display shows the message REPLACE BATTERIES.

Sensor & Sensor Filter
Replace Filter: Unscrew sensor tip as shown to replace filter. Re-place filter when it becomes visible dirty or when the display shows “REPLACE SENSOR FILTER.” The LD5 will keep track of the number of hours of usage and alert the user when it is time to replace it.

Replace Sensor: Remove sensor by pulling it out of the socket. Install the new sensor by aligning the keyway notch in the sensor cover with the raised keyway on the sensor socket holder (see figure below).
Note: Do not force sensor into socket. Misalignment can damage the sensor pins.

Important: The instrument’s software is designed to alert the user if the sensor is dislodged or defective. If the sensor is not fully inserted into the six-pin socket, or if it is defective, the instrument will not come out of the “Warm Up” mode for proper operation when the power button is turned on. In this case, the message screen as shown on the right will be displayed. Additionally, if the instrument becomes unstable during its operation, it is an indication that the sensor may be defective.

Note: If the leak detector has been out of use for an extended period, weeks or months, the following action is recommended. Power on the instrument and allow it to come out of warm up, and then run it with the sensitivity level in the (Hi) high position for several minutes before testing it with the Leak Test Vial. This action will guarantee that the sensor is fully conditioned for maximum response to refrigerant gas.

User Interface Displays

Sensor Clearing Message
Note: Sensor Clearing Message is displayed when sensor be-comes saturated with a very large concentration of gas during which time the sensor will not function optimally. Recovery is normally less than 10 seconds.

Replace Sensor Filter Message
Note: Replace Sensor Filter Message is displayed when the detector’s timer registers approximately 30 hours of accumulated use. Press the appropriate button when prompted “DONE” or “LATER” on the display. If “DONE” is selected, the detector will reset to zero hours. If “LATER” is selected the detector will continue to prompt the user to replace the filter after each subsequent use until “DONE” is selected.

Product Specifications

  • Model No. LD5
  • Name Leak Detector, Refrigerant Gas
  • Sensitivity .05 oz/yr R134a, .0123 oz/yr R1234yf
  • Sensor Life > 10 years
  • Response Time Instantaneous
  • Power Supply 4 AA Alkaline batteries
  • Battery Life 4 hours continuous
  • Warm up time < 20 seconds
  • LCD Display 128 X 160 full color graphic display
  • Probe Length 17 inches
  • Weight, lbs 1.5 lbs
  • Warranty 2 years (includes sensor)

EN14624/2005 Test Specifications

Product Application Ambient

  • Indoor/Outdoor Use
  • Temperature Range: -24—125°F (-31—52°C)
  • Humidity Range: <95% Non-Condensing
  • Altitude: <10,000 ft.
  • Pollution Degree 4
  • Protection Grade: IP51

Cross Sensitivity to Automotive Chemicals

Some automotive solvents and chemicals have similar hydrocarbon prop-erties as R134a and may elicit a positive response. Before leak checking, clean up any chemicals in the list below that elicit a positive response.

Chemical Name/Brand Response
Rain-X Windshield Wash Fluid Y
Ford Spot Remover (wet) Y
Ford Rust Inhibitor Y
Ford Gasket Adhesive (wet) Y
Loctite Natural Blue Degreaser (diluted) Y
Ford Brake Parts Cleaner Y
Ford Silicone Rubber (uncured) N
Motorcraft Antifreeze heated to 160 degrees F N (partial)
Gunk Liquid Wrench Y
Ford Silicone Lubricant N
Ford Pumice Lotion (with solvent) Y
Ford Motorcraft Brake Fluid Y
Ford Carburetor Cleaner Y
Dextron Transmission Fluid heated to 160 degrees F N
Quaker State Motor Oil heated to 160 degrees F N

Replacement Parts

Item Part Number
Sensor with Filter SP01957183
Sensor Filters (5 pack) SP01964946
Leak Test Vial SP01964945
Sensor Tip SP01964944
Parts Kit (includes sensor, test vial & filter kit) SP01957182
Carrying Case SP01957181

Product Cleaning Instructions
Remove surface dust by wiping with a dry cloth.

Return for Repair Policy & Warranty Policy

Every effort has been made to provide reliable, superior quality products. However, in the event your instrument requires repair, call the Robinair Technical Hotline below for instructions.

Robinair warrants the LD5 Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of purchase. Robinair shall, at its option, repair or replace, at no charge, such products which, under normal conditions of use and service, prove to be defective in material and/or workmanship. This warranty applies to all repairable instruments that have not been tampered with or damaged through improper use including unauthorized opening of the unit. Please ship warranty units that require repair freight prepaid to Ser-vice Center along with proof of purchase, return address, phone number and/or email address.
Robinair shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential, special or punitive damages arising from the sale or use of any products, whether such claim is in contract or not.

No attempt to alter, modify or amend this warranty shall be effective unless authorized in writing by an officer of Robinair.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OR REP-RESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY IMPLIED BY LAW, WHETHER FOR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE AND SHALL BE EFFECTIVE ONLY FOR THE PERIOD THAT THIS EXPRESS WARRANTY IS EFFECTIVE.

SOME STATES AND JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Tech Services: 800-822-5561

655 Eisenhower Drive
Owatonna, MN 55060 USA
Technical Services: 1-800-822-5561
Fax: 1-866-259-1241
Customer Service: 1-800-533-6127
Fax: 1-800-322-2890
www.robinair.com

References

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