Product Review: Elitech ILD-200 Infrared Leak Detector

Product Features

The first point I want to make on this product is that it uses Infrared leak detection. Infrared detectors work by drawing the air sample across an optical sensor that then analyses how much infrared radiation there is in that given area. This air is drawn by an internal pump within the machine. The benefits of this technology is that the sensors last much longer,  they are less prone to false alarms, they cannot be overloaded in an area saturated with refrigerant, and they are great at finding those very small leaks that other detectors just won’t sense. The Infrared detectors are the premium types of detectors on the market. The  ILD-200 model from Elitech will have its sensor last for over ten years. That is a big deal and hard to find when comparing to other leak detectors on the marketplace.

One of the most common questions when it comes to refrigerant leak detectors is what kinds of refrigerant will the product detect? In the case of the ILD-200 it will sniff out most major refrigerants that fall into the following classifications: CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and even HFOs. Basically, any halogenated refrigerant will be detected. If the refrigerant contains chlorine, fluorine, or bromine then it will be found. Some of the most common refrigerants that this includes are R-22, R-410A, R-404A, R-134a, R-1234yf, etc.

The sniffer itself meets EN14624,SAE-162,SAE-2791 and SAE-2913 standards. It has a maximum sensitivity of 0.14 ounces per year. It comes with three different settings: low, medium, and high. The highest sensitivity will detect four grams per year, the medium seven grams per year, and the low will detect fourteen grams per year. The detector also comes with what’s known as a ‘peak’ function. When used it will record the absolutely highest leak point during your scan.

The probe itself is fourteen inches long and is easily flexible to allow you to get into hard to reach areas. There is also an LED light that comes with the detector that can be clipped onto the probe that will allow you to see in those hard to reach areas to ensure that you can find the true point of leak.

The ILD-200 will work in temperatures ranging from 14 degrees to 125.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees to 52 degrees Celsius). It will also work in areas with humidity ranging from fifty percent to eighty-five percent. Upon turning the machine on you will need around thirty seconds for it to warm up before you can begin use. When a leak is found you will be alerted either by a sound or light alarm (Your choice). There is even a headphone connection in case you are at a noisy job site and cannot hear ht beeping.

This detector also comes with an all digital display that will showcase everything you need to know in one place. You’ll see the leakage levels, the sensitivity setting, change sensor indicators, and even the remaining battery charge. Speaking of batteries, this unit comes with a lithium ion battery with a full six hour battery life cycle (3.7 volts 3000mAH). If your battery does run out it will take approximately four hours to fully charge. The good news here is that if you do accidentally leave the machine on while working it will automatically shut off after ten minutes of no activity. This will help you preserve the battery so that it can last you all day without having to be recharged.

The ILD-200 comes with a heavy duty exterior case that will last for many years. The case will prevent damage from falls/drops or from being tossed around in the back of a work van. The entire product, case in all, only weights a few pounds. I picked the case up while writing this review with just my thumb and there was virtually no strain. You will not be lugging around some huge heavy detector with you. This thing is light. I checked the official description and it only weighs 2.8 pounds. Lastly, the detector/case can be stored in temperatures as low as negative four degrees to as high as one-hundred and forty degrees Fahrenheit. I know in some cases work vans get over one-hundred degrees in summer months.

PROS
This Detector Can Find Leaks As Low as 0.014 Ounces Per Year
An Overall Great Leak Detector at a Reasonable Price Point
Will Detect CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, & HFO Refrigerants
Able to Return the Product After Thirty Days From Purchase
Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery That Can Last up to Six Hours

CONS
Does NOT Work With Hydrocarbon Refrigerants
Does NOT Work With Natural Refrigerants
Digital Screen Can Get Scratched Easily - Best to Leave Screen Protector On

What’s In The Box?
This is always an important question when purchasing a new tool. What exactly comes in the box that you are ordering? Is it just the bare bones product or do you get the extra necessities that you will need down the road?

Let’s take a look at what comes with the Elitech ILD-200:

The leak detector itself
User manual
Packet of filters
USB cable
Adapter
LED Light

Conclusion
If you ask me then I would say that this product is a definite buy if you are looking for a good/better leak detector to be used during your day to day routines. Yes, there are other cheaper models out there and there are also more expensive models with additional features… but this Elitech ILD-200 gives you a good mix of both worlds by saving your wallet and giving you some of those much needed features as well.

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