Fieldpiece SRL8 Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector Review

Overview of the Fieldpiece SRL8 Refrigerant Leak Detector

Updated June 2024.

Discontinued product.

Fieldpiece SRL8 Refrigerant Leak Detector is reliable, durable, and has a handful of convenient features. It is, in our opinion, the best commercial, light refrigerant leak detector available right now.

Features

1) Sensitivity below 0.1 oz/yr

The Fieldpiece SRL8 is an accurate refrigerant leak detector, and even where other testers have failed, the SRL8 will help you pinpoint the exact location of your leak. The SRL8 features three settings, to adjust the sensitivity depending on the amount of refrigerant in the air, to minimize false positives when hunting for leaks.

2) Will trigger on all CFCs, HFCs, HCFCs, and blends.

It needs to be versatile as well as accurate, and it is. Whatever type of refrigerant leak you are hunting down the SRL8 has got you covered. 

3) Heated Diode Sensor

The heated diode can detect absolute concentration levels, as opposed to the infrared sensor used in the Fieldpiece SRL2, which only recognizes the change in refrigerant concentration. The Fieldpiece Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector SRL8 can be held on a leak and will continue to beep.

4) Cost-Effective

While it isn't the cheapest refrigerant leak detector on the market, it also is far from the most expensive. It is the most accurate we've come across in this price range. While you may be able to find a cheap tester at many hardware stores, you get what you pay for. In this line of work, we need equipment that is reliable and will last. The Fieldpiece SRL8 Refrigerant Leak Detector fits that bill.

5) Up and Running in 30 Seconds

Unlike UV dies, which can take hours, or other refrigerant leak detectors, the Fieldpiece SRL8 takes 30 seconds to do a quick calibration and then is ready to get to work.

6) Full of Handy Features

The list could go on forever, but aside from the main points above, there are a few other notes on operation and construction.

• Filter system protects the sensor from contaminants (including moisture).
• Manual and automatic zeroing. Auto zeros every 2 seconds, until it detects a leak.
• 15-hour battery charge would last for two full days of working use.
• Comes with a car and wall charger.
• Can be used while charging.
• Audio and visual alarm. Audio alarm can be turned on and off.
• Magnetic hanger for convenience on the job.

Other Points to Consider

While the Fieldpiece SRL8 is an excellent product, no product is perfect. The heated diode sensors do degrade over time and will require replacement. This is true of all heated diode sensors, not just the SRL8. While we recommend the SRL8, if you need a refrigerant leak detector that won't require replacing the sensor, we recommend the SRL2. However, used correctly, the heated diode sensor on the Fieldpiece SRL8 is accurate, doesn't require movement, and will last you for up to five years.

Bottom Line

The Fieldpiece SRL8is a piece of equipment that will last you for years. It is accurate and durable, convenient, and easy to use. If you need to hunt down a refrigerant leak, even a stubborn one that previously would have required injected die, the Fieldpiece SRL8 is for you.

Fieldpiece Instruments designs hand-held test instruments exclusively for HVAC/R technicians.