Feature
are introduced into the market, these updates are generally
available free of charge. In addition, these tools allow a
technician to log his readings, write a report from his/her phone,
reduce time spent on paperwork and spend far less time on-site
fault finding than less effective methods.
Steenkamp notes that purchasing decisions with tools
and tooling for professionals also should take into account a
company’s specialisation. “Testo, for example, is primarily a
sensor technology specialist – so the sensor technology we
produce has to be of an extremely high standard.”
Smart probe
kits work
with your
smartphone
via Bluetooth
technology.
HVAC tool kits
are available
from reputable
suppliers that
include all
of the basics
required for
technicians.
Testo
Rothenberger
“You could also use these probes through a fridge door
(subject to the door being able to accommodate a Bluetooth
signal). Standing outside the fridge is obviously a more
comfortable environment to position yourself while running
the required diagnostics rather than the inside where it is
cold,” says sales and market manager at Testo South Africa,
Clement Steenkamp.
Manifold sets
Manifold sets from Testo include settings for measurement of
over 90 different refrigerants in systems. When new refrigerants
Leak detection
Another major area of fault finding in HAVACR is leak detection,
however trends show that the industry has lost faith in this
tool because there are too many poor-quality products out in
the market. A high-quality leak detector allows a technician to
quickly find leaks in a system.
If you use a poor-quality product there is significant risk in
it reporting that there are no leaks. Leaving a site when there
is in fact a leak means the system would empty, which is not
only going to cost time going back to site and the cost of gas
replacement but creates an environmental issue by releasing
whatever refrigerant is in the system into the air.
“If you look at the industry’s move over to natural
refrigerants, one of the major areas of controversy are
refrigerants and their environmental impact, but in reality one
of the major issues is that that they are leaking into or being
exposed to the atmosphere. Correct disposal is of course
another major impact but using proper leak detectors offers a
significant advantage by playing a part in the reduction of these
harmful gases. Some technicians test with soap and water,
but in today’s competitive climate, this will not cut it for much
longer,” adds Steenkamp.
18V cordless and spark-free vacuum pumps
“With today’s prevalent power issues it is also a good idea to
have cordless tools on hand such as a cordless vacuum pump to
use for small A/C split installations, refrigeration repairs as well as
small isolated pipe system repairs, where accessibility could be a
challenge,” adds Philip Taylor, product information manager at
Metraclark.
Also, Metraclark’s 142l/m Spark-Free vacuum pump can be
used with all HVAC and commercial refrigeration systems. With
this in mind though, it is specifically designed to be used with
hydrocarbon refrigerants such as R290 and R600a due to the
spark-free motor incorporated within the unit.
TRENDS
Accurate sensing technology, robustness and local servicing
availability at reduced costs are being demanded by the markets
30
RACA Journal I September 2020
www.hvacronline.co.za