Many factors like cost, durability, sensitivity, warranty, etc., have to be considered to find the best one. It is challenging for one to get a suitable ultrasonic detector when vast options are available. So we evaluated 25 different ultrasonic leak detectors for 100 hours and consulted six experts on ultrasonic leak detectors to find the best ultrasonic leak detector. Inficon Whisper Detector is right on the top of the list because it is fast and much cheaper. Navigate down to the section that describes our testing process to know more. Also, we offer you a detailed buyer’s guide to help you pick the best.
Top Picks
Best Ultra Sonic Leak detectors
1. Inficon Whisper – Best For Fast Detection
Inficon Whisper is a very popular and preferably the best detector because of its affordable price bracket compared to the other Ultra Sonic Leak Detectors on the list. It is almost half the price of the other top models. Moreover, in terms of accuracy, Inficon Whisper is a great value for money.
Made in the United States, the Inficon Whisper might not be that durable compared to the other models. However, that does not mean its a cheap made. It is durable and sturdy despite being made from plastic. Inficon Whisper does come with a two-year warranty suggesting that its manufacturers are much more confident in its ability to last. Although we cannot recommend dropping it, it does look like it can survive a few falls.
However, it has some issues too. The Inficon Whisper Ultra Sonic Leak Detector is not a rechargeable unit. You have to use the D-size batteries to help it run. It will only be an issue when you plan on using the Inficon frequently.
It comes with a carry case, some headphones, and a rubber extension probe that can be used together whenever you want to detect leaks.
- Very fast when it comes to detecting leaks.
- Cheaper when compared to the other detectors.
- It has a noise control feature.
- It is not rechargeable.
- Not as durable as the other detectors.
Bottom Line
We were pleased with this detector due to its price and its level of performance when compared to the other types of Ultra Sonic Leak Detectors. Some of the things that go against it are that it’s not rechargeable and can easily break down.
2. Robinair TruTrack – Best For Built Quality
Robinair 16455 TruTrack air detector is the second-best detector. It is among the most expensive detectors on our list but one of the products most HVAC professionals swear by. Robinair TruTrack is known to be very durable, well designed, and accurate when it comes to finding high-pressurized leaks and vacuum. It is highly functional, durable, and accurate, and it can easily track down leaks.
Robinair TruTrack was explicitly designed for use by HVAC professionals who use it frequently. You will be able to tell this immediately you receive the best since it has been designed to last for a longer time due to the materials used.
This detector works by picking up the high-frequency noises that our ears are not in a position to hear before they turn them into sounds that our ears can listen to.
The LED screen will reveal this detector’s strength, especially with the larger image and sound. You can adjust the detector’s sensitivity to find leaks more easily. Further, using the headset this detector comes with, you will be able to hear leaks as they happen.
It is advisable that any buyer only pays for the extra that this detector costs if you plan to use it frequently. If you are using it sparingly, there are chances you might find a cheaper model that will be more cost-effective.
- Capable of finding leaks efficiently and quickly.
- It has excellent built quality.
- It is a little concerning its expensive side.
Bottom Line
For sure, you will be satisfied with the Robinair TruTrack detector. It is among the most expensive leaks, but according to us, we think it is reasonably priced compared to how it performs with other detectors in its price range.
3. Bacharach Tru Pointe – Best For Budget Conscious
Bacharach Tru Pointe stands out as the most expensive ultrasonic air detector on our list. However, we consider it the most effective one too. This detector is one that any expert technicians should consider buying.
This portable and highly durable detector will offer the ability to locate any high-pressure leaks and vacuum that can take place in air conditioning systems within a few minutes. Specially designed for heavy-duty use of the leakage detector, the Bacharach Tru Pointe detector is one of the favorite detectors on our list.
Like any other ultrasonic leak detector, Bacharach Tru Pointe works by turning the high-frequency sounds that leaks make before turning them into audible sounds that one can hear through the headphones offered.
They are considered among the best detector types in the market for air conditioning units. The Bacharach Tru Pointe detectors are popular with HVAC experts around the globe.
This detector comprises the LED bar graph, which has up to 10 different strength levels, quickly telling one how severe a leak is. Another top feature of this detector is that the wind or other gases will never detect the type of result you will get. Further, you can adjust its sensitivity settings to locate air leaks.
- It is very durable.
- It is accurate.
- It is incredibly reliable.
- It is not rechargeable despite being expensive.
Bottom Line
Bacharach Tru Pointe is a particular product if you are interested in a highly accurate and durable detector. With this detector, you will be able to identify leaks quickly.
4. All-Sun – Extremely Reliable
Are you in need of a budget leak detector? Then you have to consider the All-Sun Ultrasonic Leak Detector since it performs much faster than its price might suggest. However, you should not be expecting this detector to be accurate or durable as other detectors cost more. If you are planning to use it sparingly, it can give you what you expect.
All-Sun Detector is not as sensitive as the other ultrasonic detectors on our list, but you have to keep the amount price you are paying for it. It is a budget detector.
Like the other type of detector that we have already recommended, you also have to purchase replacement batteries. The best part is an LED lights up to alert you of low battery.
- Accurate when you consider its price.
- They are very cheap.
- Not that sensitive.
Bottom Line
This detector can make more than adequate backup when your primary detector is out of battery. We recommend it for its price and standard features.
5. Amprobe ULD-300 – Best For Accurate Reading
Amprobe ULD-300 comes a little more than the Inficon. Amprobe ULD-300 is a device that offers you compressed air leakage detection by use of a frequency range of 35 kHz and 45 kHz. This detector is ideal for use whenever you look for refrigerant leaks or pressurized leaks.
It is in a position to detect high-frequency sounds that the leaks are giving off before being converted into frequencies our ears can hear. It makes it highly efficient when it comes to detecting leaks. It does not matter whether the refrigerant is HFCs or CFCs.
Like its counterpart, the Inficon, Amprobe ULD-300 is not rechargeable, which is disappointing, especially when you consider its cost.
- It comes with a one-year warranty.
- It is highly accurate and easy to use.
- Has an extension tube included?
- It is not rechargeable.
- It is pretty fragile.
Bottom Line
It is among the most comfortable and most accurate detectors we have reviewed.
What To Consider?
With the Ultrasonic leak detectors listed above being more than capable of helping one detect leaks in their conditioning units and homes, there are still several other types and methods people can use. This means that one needs to be well informed when shopping for a leak detector. To know more about the considerations when buying a leak detector, scroll down
1. The Type Of Refrigerants They Can Detect
As we have previously mentioned, ultrasonic leak detectors are among the best detectors since they are in a position to detect all refrigerant types safely. However, when you choose any leak detector type, it is advisable to aware of the various types of refrigerants they can detect. If you go for one that is not in a position to identify all the refrigerants, you will either choose a different detection method or be forced to purchase another detector for the refrigerants that your primary detector is not able to detect.
2. Durability
Will you be using leak detectors sparingly, or will you frequently? If you are using it regularly, you will be interested in a more durable detector. Hence, it is essential to check the detector’s durability. Some detectors can vary in their rates of being fragile, and they will never survive several drops, so you must consider this when choosing one.
3. Sensitivity
You must go for a device that is sensitive enough to pick the leaks that you were looking for. However, you need to avoid any detectors that are too sensitive. In case they are also sensible, they will pick up other sounds that will make it more difficult for you to get what you are looking for.
4. Cost
Detectors can vary in price. You need to sort out a budget for your needs before considering any. Both the budget-friendly and the high ends ones are included in our list.
5. Warranty
Getting a warranty whenever you purchase an item is always essential. Warranty will still help add weight to any item you are buying. You should go for ultrasonic leak detectors with a year or two of warranty. Additionally, always find out the type of guarantees you will get before purchasing a detector.
How Do We Conduct The Tests?
We had several ultrasonic leak detectors in front of us. We tested almost 26 ultrasonic leak detectors that were thought to be the best. When choosing these five ultrasonic leak detectors, we ensured they were either Grade 1 certified or Grade 2 certified. We tested them for aspects like installation, sensitivity, and durability.
We also carried out physical tests to ensure safety standards. We simulated every type of scenario during the test period, making it possible for us to see how each model would respond. We also changed the strength of the leaks to see how each of the detectors performs.
After 100 hours of testing, we evaluated the results and consulted six professionals to help widen our understanding of each model. After considering all the test results, user reviews, and expert advice, our team rated all the ultrasonic leak detectors. The result is below:
| Product Name | Sensor | Connectivity | Storage | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inficon Whisper | 97.0 | 96.1 | 95.8 | 97.0 | Check Price |
| Robinair TruTrack | 98.2 | 97.4 | 95.1 | 96.90 | Check Price |
| Bacharach Tru Pointe | 97.3 | 95.2 | 97.2 | 96.57 | Check Price |
| All-Sun Detector | 96.8 | 96.2 | 96.2 | 96.40 | Check Price |
| Amprobe ULD-300 | 95.3 | 96.3 | 97.4 | 96.33 | Check Price |
FAQs
1. What is an Ultrasonic Sensor?
Ultrasonic sensors refer to industrial control devices that use sound waves above 20,000 Hz above the human hearing range to take measurements and calculate the distance from the sensor to the specified target object.
2. How Do the Ultrasonic sensors work?
These sensors have a ceramic transducer that vibrates whenever electrical energy is applied. The transducer receives and transmits sound. The vibrations compress and expand the air molecules in waves from the face of the sensor to the target object. The ultrasonic sensor will measure distance by emitting sound waves before “listening” for a set period. This allows the sound echo return wave to bounce off the target before retransmitting.
3. When Can I Use the Ultrasonic Sensor?
Since the ultrasonic sensors use sound instead of light for detection, they work in applications where the photoelectric sensors may not. The ultrasonic sensors are an excellent solution for precise object detection, liquid level measurement, and applications that photoelectric sensors struggle with due to target translucence.
4. How do Ultrasonic Sensors deal with interference and noise?
Sensors’ output can easily be interfered with by any acoustic noise at the frequency the ultrasonic sensor is receptive. This consists of high-pitched noises like those created by the whistle, relief valve hissing, pneumatic devices, or compressed air. It is also possible for you to get acoustical crosstalk when you locate two ultrasonic sensors of similar frequencies close together. Another type of noise, electrical noise, is never exclusive to ultrasonic sensors.
4. Can an ultrasonic leak detector detect ammonia?
Yes, it can detect ammonia. But if the quantity is meager, it may fail to recognize it properly.
5. Is it affected by the refrigerants?
No matter how high is the concentration of refrigerants, the detector never gets affected by the gases.
6. Can I find leaks related to vacuum?
Yes, you will be able to find the vacuum leaks. Not only detect it but pinpoint it. And the ultrasonic leak detectors are the only devices that can detect such leakages from the outside.
7. How fast does the ultrasonic detect the leakage?
If the detector is placed in the right area, it can detect it immediately.
8. Can the detector detect the leakage in pipes installed inside the walls?
Yes, it can detect the leakage, but it also depends on the size of the walls and the concentration of the leakage. Sometimes it may require a probe to detect the leakage inside the walls accurately.
Final Thought
We hope that our list of best ultrasonic detectors has helped you to get one matching your needs. Make sure you relate your requirements and your budget before choosing anyone.
Can u use the ultrasonic detectors for internal leaking compressor valve or leaking reversing valve.