Refrigerant Leak Detector

The Bacharach MVR-300 Refrigerant Leak Detector is described below. Also available in the link below is the specification sheet for the newest VRF Refrigerant Leak Detector to the market, the SensAC.

Alarms

You can have the alarm shut down the fan coil and condenser, have it close solenoid valves and alert management through the BMS.

There are 2-Stages of Alarm as shown by the red line in the drawing which provides a low and high alarm. Default Alarm Ranges 0 to 10,000 ppm.

You can enable or disable the audible alarm by moving a dip switch.

Dip Switches to set: Alarm delay, Relay 1 (low gas alarm) , Relay 2, Alarm latching (Manual or Auto Resetting of alarm), Disable buzzer.

Detectable gases: R22, R32, R404A, R407C, R410A

Gas alarms and status messages are indicated visually by a 3-colored LED and audibly by a buzzer. In case of an alarm and/or fault, relay switch (for example, shut-off valves or alarm devices).

Safe Mounting

Mount in-room sensors at less than the normal heights of occupants. E.g., in a hotel room this is less than bed height (between 100 and 150 mm (4 and 6 inches) off the floor). Avoid drafts and heat sources (like radiators), and avoid sources of steam.

This leak detector must be connected by a marked, suitably located and easily reached switch or circuit-breaker as means of disconnection.

Electrical Power and Control Wiring

• 100 to 240 VAC Power is required. Maximum of 4 W operating power
• Can be installed in a standard electrical box
• Control Wiring – Relay 3-core, 18 to 20 awg, Modbus Network 2-core twisted pair shielded cable 18 to 24 awg

Physical Properties

Size 6” x 4.1” x 1.75” (150 x 105 x 45 mm)
Weight 8 oz (230 grams)

Maintenance & Life Cycle

• Sensor Life: 5 to 8 years
• Recommended to test and recalibrate every 6 months.
• The detector can be calibrated and maintained non-intrusively using a magnetic wand.
• Based on the Bacharach MVR-300 Refrigerant leak detector

Connecting to a VRF / VRV System

Connect directly to the T1 & T2 terminals on a Daikin VRV fan coil to shut down outdoor and indoor units. You can use the output signals from the Refrigerant leak detector to close solenoid valves to isolate the rest of the system from dumping the total refrigerant charge into the space. Check other VRF manufactures for the proper locations for connecting alarm inputs for shut down and alarming.

If you just shut down the indoor and outdoor units, the remaining refrigerant in the system is still at a higher pressure than that of the space, so it will seek to equalize the pressure, basically dumping the remaining refrigerant into the space.

The leak detector alarm relays can be used exclusively to inform the occupants and the building manager of the refrigerant leak with a visual and audible alarm.

You could have the Bacharach refrigerant leak detector shut down the indoor and outdoor unit and use a solenoid valve to isolate the refrigerant piping. Just be careful to check with the design engineer anytime you put an inline device, like a solenoid valve in the refrigerant piping as this can affect the system performance.

See our other article on refrigerant leak detectors that explains the requirements of ASHRAE 15 and other information.

Startup and testing of the Refrigerant Leak Detector

You can go through the complete process of calibrating the sensor on the Bacharach Refrigerant Leak Detector, spending the time to hookup the gas and hose or you can pay a little extra and purchase a pre-calibrated sensor which retails for around $85. This will save you from 20 to 30 minutes on each refrigerant leak detector and make the startup process faster. The sensor module is replaceable.

VRF Refrigerant Leak Detectors

The Bacharach Refrigerant Leak Detector List Price is $299.00 (Check with your supplier for your discounted amount)

This is a Bacharach 3015-8004 H-10 Pro Refrigerant Leak Detector

The SensAC VRF Refrigerant Leak Detector is available from Unlimited Controls.