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Evaluating Refrigerant Monitors

There are two major types of refrigerant monitoring systems – Fixed and IR (Infrared).


  Fixed Monitoring System IR System
Gases Measured Measures a broad band of most common CFCs, HFCs, and HCFCs, such as: R-11, R-12, R-13, R-22,
R-113, R-123, R-134a, R-404A,
R-407C, R-410A, R500, R-502 and R-507.		 A single sensor must be used for each specific refrigerant.
Cost Less than $500 per sensor to measure abroad range of refrigerants. $1000 and more per sensor for each refrigerant.
Installation Controllers mount on any flat surface and then cable is run from the controller to the sensor(s). Plumbing tube is used to reach sensing points. An additional tube for exhaust is also required.


Once you've chosen between a Fixed Monitoring System or an IR System for your application, you'll have to evaluate the features that a monitor might include.
  • Flexibility in size of controls – Controllers available for 1, 2, 4 or 6 sensors allow you to buy what you need now and plan to expand in the future.
  • Two levels of response – A system can emit an intermittent alarm at a low level (about 100 ppm), indicating that maintenance is required, and a continuous siren at a high level (usually about 1000 ppm; R-123 high level is about 300 ppm), indicating that immediate action is required.
  • Designed to minimize false alarms – Waits until "certain" that gas is in the air before signaling.
  • Individualized response by "zone" – Relay expander panel allows a 4 or 6 sensor system to be "zoned" for fast, individualized response in a larger application. If one sensor detects a leak, only its corresponding system is activated. The other sensors remain in monitoring mode.
  • Sturdy protective housing – Coated steel housing for controller circuitry and ABS casing for sensors help protect the system and keep it maintenance-free.
  • Protection in harsh environments – An optional vented environmental sensor enclosure protects a sensor that is mounted in an area of high condensation, low temperature to -40°F or direct airflow to avoid a false alarm.