prEN 14624

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2026
Lastnosti premično lociranih javljalnikov puščanja in fiksnih detektorjev plina za
vsa hladilna sredstva
Performance of portable locating leak detectors and of fixed gas detectors for all
refrigerants
Leistung von mobilen Leckdetektoren und stationären Gasmeldern für alle Kältemittel
Performances des détecteurs portables localisateurs de fuites et des détecteurs de gaz
fixes pour tous les fluides frigorigènes
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 14624
ICS:
13.320 Alarmni in opozorilni sistemi Alarm and warning systems
27.200 Hladilna tehnologija Refrigerating technology
71.100.45 Hladiva in antifrizi Refrigerants and antifreezes
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
November 2025
ICS 23.040.99; 71.100.45 Will supersede EN 14624:2020
English Version
Performance of portable locating leak detectors and of
fixed gas detectors for all refrigerants
Performances des détecteurs portables localisateurs de Leistung von mobilen Leckdetektoren und stationären
fuites et des détecteurs de gaz fixes pour tous les Gasmeldern für alle Kältemittel
fluides frigorigènes
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 182.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 14624:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Page
Contents
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
1.1 General . 6
1.2 Product application . 6
1.3 Product performance . 6
1.4 Product installation . 6
1.5 Service and maintenance . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 9
5 General requirements for all portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas
detectors - Refrigerant gas type (informative) . 9
6 Specific requirements for portable locating leak detectors . 10
6.1 Detection limits . 10
6.1.1 General . 10
6.1.2 Static detection limit - the leak detector probe (3.10) is stationary . 10
6.1.3 Dynamic detection limit - the leak detector probe (3.10) is moving . 10
6.2 Response time . 10
6.3 Recovery time . 10
6.4 Calibration frequency and procedure . 10
7 Test apparatus for portable leak detectors . 10
7.1 General . 10
7.2 Calibration leaks . 11
7.3 Measuring distance . 11
7.4 Apparatus no. 1: detector probe stationary at the orifice of calibration leak . 11
7.5 Apparatus no. 2: detector probe moved with defined speed and distance in front
of a calibration leak . 12
7.6 Apparatus no. 3a: Chamber with monitored concentration . 13
8 Performance tests of portable leak detectors . 13
8.1 General . 13
8.2 Test no. 1: Static detection limits . 13
8.3 Test no. 2: Dynamic detection limits . 14
8.4 Test no. 3 Dynamic detection limit in a contaminated environment . 14
8.5 Test no. 4: Response time . 15
8.6 Test no. 5: Recovery time . 15
9 Portable leak detector characteristics, reporting of test results and requirements. 16
9.1 Reporting of test result . 16
9.2 Minimum product requirements . 16
10 Service and maintenance — Portable locating leak detectors — Periodic check and
calibration . 16
11 Technical specification and product information — Portable locating leak
detectors . 16
12 Specific requirements for fixed gas detectors . 17
12.1 General . 17
12.2 Suitability . 17
12.3 Function of gas detector . 17
12.4 Ambient conditions, temperature and humidity . 18
12.5 Typical measuring ranges and thresholds . 18
12.6 Accuracy and performance . 19
12.7 Response time . 19
13 Test apparatus for fixed gas detectors . 20
13.1 General . 20
13.2 Apparatus no. 3b: Chamber with monitored concentration . 20
13.3 Apparatus no. 4: Calibration gas with specific concentration . 21
13.4 Apparatus no. 5: Calibration gas for aspirated systems . 22
14 Performance tests of gas detector . 22
14.1 General . 22
14.2 Test conditions — Temperature and humidity . 23
14.3 Test methods . 23
14.3.1 General . 23
14.3.2 Test of accuracy and thresholds . 23
14.3.3 Test of response time . 23
15 Fixed gas detector characteristics, reporting of test results — Reporting of test
results . 23
16 Service and maintenance — Fixed gas detectors . 23
16.1 Expected sensor life cycle . 23
16.2 Periodic check and calibration . 24
17 Technical specification and product information - Fixed gas detectors . 24
Annex A (informative) Conversion factors of leakage rate (3.3) units. 25
Annex B (informative) Correlation between test gas concentration and leakage rate . 26
B.1 Example: Conversion of a concentration increase in a hood to a total leakage
volume flow rate (pV-throughput) . 26
B.2 Example: Concentration increase due to a small leak in a voluminous room . 26
B.3 Example 2: Conversion of a leakage rate (pV-throughput) into a mass flow rate . 27
B.4 Example 3: Calculation of the concentrations of tracer gas to be detected in front
of a leak with specified leakage rate . 28
Annex C (informative) Guidelines for application of Fixed Gas Detectors . 30
Annex D (informative) Calculation of gas concentration from kg/m3 to ppm . 31
Annex E (informative) Selectivity, cross interference and potential contaminants . 32
Bibliography . 34

European foreword
This document (prEN 14624:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 182
"Refrigerating systems, safety and environmental requirements", the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 14624:2020 [1].
[1]:
— Performance criteria for fixed refrigerant gas detectors has been transposed from EN 378:2016
to this document.
Introduction
This document recognizes the unique nature of leak detection and gas detection for refrigerating
systems, air conditioning systems and heat pumps and is intended to address the specific needs of the
refrigeration and heat pump industry. This document should be read in conjunction with the EN 378
series.
1 Scope
1.1 General
This document specifies the requirements for portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas detectors
for refrigerants.
Locating detectors used in factories for manufacturing processes are not included in the Scope of this
document.
1.2 Product application
This document applies to different applications and environments such as plant and machine rooms,
production rooms, cold rooms, supermarkets, occupied spaces like offices and hotels.
1.3 Product performance
This document specifies minimum requirements for sensitivity, operating range, response time,
environmental conditions and cross sensitivity from interference gases.
1.4 Product installation
This document gives guidance of suitable technology, location of detection points, interconnection with
secondary equipment (e.g. initiation of mechanical ventilation, personnel warning, and equipment
shutdown).
1.5 Service and maintenance
This document gives guidance for service and maintenance: Sensors and mechanical equipment have a
limited operating life and require regular performance verification to ensure conformity.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
prEN 378-3, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part 3:
Installation site and personal protection
prEN 378-3, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part 3:
Installation site and personal protection
prEN 378-3, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part 3:
Installation site and personal protection
prEN 378-5, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part 5:
Safety classification and information about refrigerants
prEN ISO 5149-4, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part
4: Operation, maintenance, repair and recovery (ISO 5149-4:2022)
EN 45544-1:2015, Workplace atmospheres - Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct
concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapours - Part 1: General requirements and test methods
prEN IEC 60079-29-0:2025, Explosive atmospheres - Part 29-0: Gas detectors - General requirements and
test methods, and possible supplementary parts.
EN 60079-29-1:2016/A11:2022, Explosive atmospheres - Part 29-1: Gas detectors - Performance
requirements of detectors for flammable gases
EN IEC 62990-1:2022/A11:2022, Workplace atmospheres - Part 1: Gas detectors - Performance
requirements of detectors for toxic gases
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
refrigerant
fluid used for heat transfer in a refrigerating system, which absorbs heat at a low temperature and a low
pressure and rejects heat at a higher temperature and a higher pressure usually involving changes of
the state of the fluid
3.2
gas concentration
ratio in weight or in volume of a given gas to the total weight or volume of the gas mixture
Note 1 to entry: The concentration is dimensionless and is designated either with ppm (m/m) = parts per million
(mass) or ppm (V/V) = parts per million (volume).
3.3
leakage rate
gas flow through a fissure, an orifice or aperture
Note 1 to entry: The concentration is dimensionless and is designated either with ppm (m/m) = parts per million
(mass) or ppm (V/V) = parts per million (volume).
3.4
fixed gas detector
electrical device which permits the indication or the measurement of concentrations of refrigerant (3.1)
gases in the atmosphere at one or several points
3.5
indicating fixed gas detector
electrical device indicating that one or several levels of pre-set concentration thresholds have been
exceeded, but with no measured value displayed
3.6
measuring fixed gas detector
electrical device that measures concentration and displays the respective value and/or gives a
proportional output
Note 1 to entry: The device may also indicate when pre-set concentration thresholds have been exceeded.
Note 2 to entry: Measuring detectors can be aspirated devices with one or more channels which sequentially
sample air for the target gas.
3.7
portable locating leak detector
electronic device indicating one or several levels of concentration or leakage rate (3.3) thresholds, but
with no indication of the measured value
3.8
portable indicating leak detector
electrical device that measures leakage rates or concentrations and displays the respective value or
gives a proportional output signal
3.9
portable measuring leak detector
electrical device that measures leakage rates or concentrations and displays the respective value or
gives a proportional output signal
3.10
detector probe
flexible tube connected to portable locating leak detector (3.7) that either has a sensor attached at the
end of it or is used to carry a sample to the sensor in the body or the portable locating leak detector (3.7)
3.11
calibration gas
gas consisting of the target gas in a suitable carrier gas and at a specified concentration and accuracy
traceable to national standards, e. g. R404A at 1 000 ppm in air
Note 1 to entry: Refer to product manufacturer regarding suitable carrier gas.
Note 2 to entry: Calibration gases are readily available in cylinders or may be produced in test chambers by
injection of the target gas by syringe or using calibrated mass flow controllers or equivalent.
3.12
calibration leak
device with a defined flow rate of a given gas under defined pressure and temperature conditions used
to calibrate/test a portable leak detector
Note 1 to entry: Calibration leaks are themselves calibrated according to operation conditions (upstream and
downstream pressure) against a primary or secondary standard that is traceable to national standards (standard
leak).
3.13
response time for an indicating detector
time elapsing from the moment the detector in normal operation is exposed to a defined gas
concentration (3.2) or a leak rate above pre-set threshold until an indication occurs
3.14
response time for a measuring detector
time elapsing from the moment the detector in normal operation is exposed to a defined gas
concentration (3.2) or a leak rate until it reaches pre-defined percentage of its final reading, e. g. 90 % is
referred to as t90
3.15
recovery time for portable locating leak detectors
time required for a locating leak detector to indicate the lower detection limit again after exposure to a
specified large leakage rate (3.3) without any manual zeroing operation
3.16
zeroing time for portable locating leak detectors
time from immersion of the probe into a fixed concentration of gas until indicated zero is stable
(automatically or after a zeroing action specified by the manufacturer)
3.17
lower detection limit for portable locating leak detectors
minimum detectable leakage rate (3.3) which can be indicated with specified uncertainty and/or for
which an indication threshold can be set and is repeatedly triggered
3.18
upper detection limit for portable locating leak detectors
maximum detectable leakage rate (3.3) which can be indicated with specified uncertainty and/or for
which an indication threshold can be set and is repeatedly triggered
3.19
indication thresholds
one or more pre-set values which can be set and repeatedly triggered by the appropriate gas
concentration (3.2) or leakage rate (3.3)
3.20
selectivity
ability to identify a specific gas among other gases
Note 1 to entry: Portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas detectors can be selective or non-selective.
Note 2 to entry: Non-selective detectors cannot identify a specific gas among other gases but the gases they can
detect and that are present in the mixture will output a common value.
3.21
measuring range
range of measured values of gas concentration (3.2) over which the accuracy of the apparatus lies within
specified limits
4 Symbols and abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the symbols and abbreviations given in Table 1 apply.
Table 1 — Symbols and abbreviations
Symbol Description Unit
Vacc accumulation volume m
V molar volume m /mol
mol
M molar mass g/mol
ṁ mass flow kg/s or g/a
v̇ molar mass flow rate mol/s
q leakage rate (3.3) (pV-throughput) mbar l/s or Pa m /s
pV
CV/V Concentration (volume) V/V
C Concentration (mass) m/m
m/m
Cppm Concentration in parts per million ppm
(V/V)
CLFL Concentration in percent of lower %LFL
flammable limit
Gas flow Gas flow in litres per minute l/min

5 General requirements for all portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas
detectors - Refrigerant gas type (informative)
Refrigerants are defined in different groups as stated in Table 2 — Refrigerant types.
Table 2 — Refrigerant types
Non-toxic Toxic
Higher flammability A3 B3
Flammable A2 B2
Lower flammability A2L B2L
No flame propagation A1 B1
6 Specific requirements for portable locating leak detectors
6.1 Detection limits
6.1.1 General
Portable leak detectors shall be able to indicate a leak in the following situations: first, when the detector
probe (3.10) is stationary in front of a leak, and second, when the detector probe (3.10) is moving in
front of a leak.
6.1.2 Static detection limit - the leak detector probe (3.10) is stationary
The portable leak detector with the probe held stationary in front of a leak of a specified minimum size
at a measuring distance of 3 mm (d in Figure 1 — Measuring distance b) shall give a visual or acoustical
alarm indicating that an alarm threshold has been met.
6.1.3 Dynamic detection limit - the leak detector probe (3.10) is moving
The detector probe (3.10), when moved across a leak of a specified size passing at a speed of 2 cm/s and
a distance of 3 mm (d in Figure 1 —Measuring distance b) in front of the leak, shall give a visual or
acoustical alarm indicating that an alarm threshold has been met.
6.2 Response time
The manufacturer shall specify the response time of the device.
6.3 Recovery time
The manufacturer shall specify the recovery time of the device.
6.4 Calibration frequency and procedure
The manufacturer shall specify the recommended frequency and procedure for calibrating the device.
NOTE   Local regulations or standards can supersede the manufacturer’s recommendation.
7 Test apparatus for portable leak detectors
7.1 General
A portable leak detector may be tested with any specific refrigerant (3.1) to claim compliance for that
single gas or it may be tested with the following representative gases to claim compliance to the
respective type of refrigerants.
Table 3 — Representative gases
Type Representative gas
HFO R-1234yf
HFC/HCFC R134a
Hydrocarbon R-290
Other refrigerants, for example CO (R744) and Ammonia (R717) shall be tested individually for
compliance.
7.2 Calibration leaks
Two types of calibration leaks exist and are commercially available: capillary calibration leaks and
membrane calibration leaks (permeation membrane). Membrane or capillary calibration leaks shall be
re-calibrated after a time recommended by the manufacturer. The calibration shall be traceable to
national standards.
The uncertainty of the nominal leakage rate (3.3) of calibration standards used for the qualification of
portable leak detectors according to this document shall be no more than ± 20 %.
7.3 Measuring distance
Describes the measuring distance (d).

Figure 1 — Measuring distance
7.4 Apparatus no. 1: detector probe stationary at the orifice of calibration leak
The apparatus comprises a calibration leak (3.12) and a fixture for positioning the probe of the portable
leak detector such that it can be quickly (less than 2 s) moved from a location at least 10 cm away from
the calibration leak (3.12) to a position where the probe tip is held stationary at a distance of
3 mm ± 0,5 mm directly in front of the calibration leak (3.12) orifice or membrane.
The apparatus is located in a room where ambient temperature is (20 to 25) °C and relative humidity
(30 to 70) % at atmospheric pressure.
7.5 Apparatus no. 2: detector probe moved with defined speed and distance in front of
a calibration leak
The apparatus comprises a sliding carriage or pivoting arm (see Figure 2 — Test stand configurations)
which can be moved from left to right and vice-versa at a speed adjustable between 1 cm/s and 5 cm/s
with a minimum deflection of 10 cm to either side of the midpoint and an adjustable dwell time at each
end of travel. The sliding carriage or pivoting arm is configured to hold the portable leak detector probe
(3.10) and translate it in front of a calibration leak (3.12) such that the minimum distance between the
calibration leak (3.12) and the probe tip is adjustable in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm.
The apparatus is placed in an enclosed testing chamber type enclosure. A minimum clearance of 20 cm
shall exist between test apparatus and the front, rear and side walls of the enclosure. Also, there shall
be a minimum clearance of 20 cm between the top of the apparatus and the top of the enclosure.
Alternatively, the apparatus can be located outside the enclosure with a slot that is at least as wide as
the deflection of the moving carriage or arm and that is sealed with a flexible elastomeric strip. In this
arrangement, the calibration leak (3.12) is placed inside the enclosure and only the probe of the portable
leak detector extends into the enclosure through the sealed slot. A minimum clearance of 20 cm shall
exist between calibration leak (3.12) and the front, rear and side walls of the enclosure. Also, there shall
be a minimum clearance of 20 cm between the top of calibration leak (3.12) and the top of the enclosure.
The apparatus and the enclosed testing chamber type enclosure is located in a room where ambient
temperature is (20 to 25) °C and relative humidity (30 to 70) % at atmospheric pressure.
The concentration inside the enclosure is monitored.

Figure 2 — Test stand configuration
Figure 3 — Enclosed testing chamber type enclosure
7.6 Apparatus no. 3a: Chamber with monitored concentration
The apparatus no. 2 with the enclosed testing chamber type enclosure is used for the measurement of
the static detection limit in a contaminated environment.
A defined concentration of refrigerant (3.1) gas is generated by a gas mixing device or e.g. by injection
of a defined volume of refrigerant (3.1) gas with a syringe into the enclosed testing chamber type
enclosure of known volume containing air. To obtain a uniform concentration in the enclosure the gas
is mixed with a fan located inside the box. The fan is switched off before every measurement. The
concentration inside the enclosure is monitored by a concentration-sensing device.
8 Performance tests of portable leak detectors
8.1 General
The manufacturer shall conduct the tests in 8.2 to 8.6.
8.2 Test no. 1: Static detection limits
A calibration leak (3.12) with nominal leak rate equal to 5 g/a of the representative gas specified in 7.1
and the portable leak detector under test are positioned according to apparatus no 1. While the probe
tip is held in the position away from the calibration leak (3.12), the portable leak detector is turned on
and allowed to warm up per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Using apparatus no. 1, the probe tip is moved to the position directly in front of the calibration leak
(3.12) where it is held for a time not longer than 10 s. The probe is then moved away from the calibration
leak (3.12) and the portable leak detector is allowed to recover. This procedure is repeated 10 times
and the indication given by the portable leak detector while the probe is in front of the calibration leak
(3.12) is recorded each time. An indicating type leak detector is deemed to have successfully detected
the leak if it gives an audible or visual alarm all 10 times. A measuring type leak detector is deemed to
have successfully detected the leak if it gives a reading within ± 20 % of the nominal value of the
calibration leak (3.12) used.
If the portable leak detector successfully detects the leak, the calibration leak (3.12) is changed to a
smaller value. If the portable leak detector does not successfully detect the leak, the calibration leak
(3.12) is changed to a larger value. This test procedure is repeated with successively larger or smaller
calibration leak (3.12) sizes until the detection limit of the portable leak detector is determined.
Suggested leak rate values are 10 g/a, 5 g/a and 3 g/a.
8.3 Test no. 2: Dynamic detection limits
The portable leak detector is placed on apparatus no. 2. A calibration leak (3.12) with nominal leak rate
equal to 5 g/a of the representative gas specified in Table 3 is positioned so its orifice or membrane is
at a distance of 3 mm ± 0,5 mm from the probe tip (see Figure 1 — Measuring distance) at its closest
approach during travel. The travel speed of the apparatus is adjusted so the probe tip moves at a speed
of 2,0 cm/s ± 0,2 cm/s in front of the calibration leak (3.12). The ends of travel are adjusted to be
10 cm ± 1 cm to either side of the calibrated leak orifice or membrane. The probe is allowed to stop at
the end of travel for no longer than 2 s before beginning the next sweep past the calibrated leak.
The enclosed testing chamber type enclosure is closed, the moving platform or arm is moved to one end
of its travel, and the portable leak detector is turned on and allowed to warm up per the manufacturer’s
instructions. The moving platform or arm is operated so the portable leak detector probe (3.10) passes
in front of the calibration leak (3.12) a total of 10 times and the indication given by the portable leak
detector as the probe passes in front of the calibration leak (3.12) is recorded each time. An indicating
type leak detector is deemed to have successfully detected the leak if it gives an audible or visual alarm
all 10 times. A measuring type leak detector is deemed to have successfully detected the leak if it gives
a reading within ± 20 % of the nominal value of the calibration leak (3.12) used for all 10 times.
If the portable leak detector successfully detects the leak, the calibration leak (3.12) is changed to a
smaller value. If the portable leak detector does not successfully detect the leak, the calibration leak
(3.12) is changed to a larger value. This test procedure is repeated with successively larger or smaller
calibration leak (3.12) sizes until the detection limit of the portable leak detector is determined.
Suggested leak rate values are 10 g/a, 5 g/a and 3 g/a.
8.4 Test no. 3 Dynamic detection limit in a contaminated environment
The portable leak detector probe (3.10) is placed on apparatus no. 2 (placed inside apparatus no. 3a). A
calibration leak (3.12) with nominal leak rate equal to the detection limit determined in Test no. 2 is
positioned so its orifice or membrane is at a distance of 3 mm ± 0,5 mm from the probe tip (see Figure
1 — Measuring distance) at its closest approach during travel. The travel speed of the apparatus is
adjusted so the probe tip moves at a speed of 2,0 cm/s ± 0,2 cm/s in front of the calibration leak (3.12).
The ends of travel are adjusted to be 10 cm ± 1 cm to either side of the calibrated leak orifice or
membrane. The probe is allowed to stop at the end of travel for no longer than 2 s before beginning the
next sweep past the calibrated leak.
The enclosed testing chamber type enclosure is closed. The concentration of refrigerant (3.1) gas inside
the enclosure is adjusted to the maximum detectable concentration of the portable leak detector
specified by the manufacturer or 1 000 ppm ± 10 % of the representative gas specified in 7.1 whichever
is lower. The concentration is generated by a gas mixing device or e.g. by injection of a defined volume
of refrigerant (3.1) gas with a syringe into the enclosed testing chamber type enclosure of known volume
containing air.
The moving platform or arm is moved to one end of its travel, and the portable leak detector is turned
on and allowed to warm up per the manufacturer’s instructions and if there is a zeroing procedure of
the portable leak detector recommended by the manufacturer, it is applied. The moving platform or arm
is operated so the portable leak detector probe (3.10) passes in front of the calibration leak (3.12) a total
of 10 times and the indication given by the portable leak detector as the probe passes in front of the
calibration leak (3.12) is recorded each time. An indicating type leak detector is deemed to have
successfully detected the leak if it gives an audible or visual alarm all 10 times. A measuring type leak
detector is deemed to have successfully detected the leak if it gives a reading within ± 20 % of the
nominal value of the calibration leak (3.12) used for all 10 times.
If the portable leak detector successfully detects the leak, the calibration leak (3.12) is changed to a
smaller value. If the portable leak detector does not successfully detect the leak, the calibration leak
(3.12) is changed to a larger value. This procedure is repeated with successively larger or smaller
calibration leak (3.12) sizes until the detection limit of the portable leak detector is determined.
8.5 Test no. 4: Response time
A calibration leak (3.12) is used that has a nominal leak rate equal to at least the static lower detection
limit determined by test no. 1 but not more than 4 times that static lower detection limit. The portable
leak detector is turned on and allowed to warm up per manufacturer’s instructions.
Using apparatus no. 1, the probe tip is moved to the specified position directly in front of the calibration
leak (3.12) at a distance of 3 mm ± 0,5 mm for a time not longer than 10 s. The probe is moved away
from the calibration leak (3.12) and allowed to recover. This procedure is repeated 10 times and the
time in s between the moment when the probe tip is placed in front of the calibration leak (3.12) until
the portable leak detector responds to the leak is recorded each time. The average of the 10 recorded
times is reported as the response time.
Response to a leak for an indicating type leak detector is an audible or visual alarm is first evident.
Response to a leak for a measuring type leak detector is when it gives a reading of at least 20 % of the
nominal value of the calibration leak (3.12) used.
8.6 Test no. 5: Recovery time
Apparatus no. 1 is set up with a calibration leak (3.12) with nominal leak equal to the static lower
detection limit determined by test no. 1. The enclosed testing chamber type enclosure described in
apparatus no. 2 is filled with air mixed with refrigerant (3.1) at a concentration of 1 000 ppm ± 10 %.
The portable leak detector is turned on and allowed to warm up per manufacturer’s instructions.
The probe of the portable leak detector is inserted into the enclosure for 10 s and then removed. The
probe is immediately positioned on apparatus no. 1 and held stationary for a time equal to two times
the response time determined in test no. 4. If the portable leak detector does not detect the leak in that
time period, an audible or visual alarm for an indicating type leak detector or a reading within ± 20 %
of the nominal value of the calibration leak (3.12) if a measuring type leak detector, the probe is moved
away from the calibration leak (3.12). After 3 s, the probe is again positioned in front of the calibration
leak (3.12) in apparatus no. 1 and held stationary for a time equal to two times the response time
determined in test no. 4. This process is continued until the portable leak detector detects the leak or a
total time of 2 min has elapsed since the probe was removed from the enclosure.
The total time from when the probe was removed from the enclosure until the portable leak detector
was able to detect the calibration leak (3.12) is recorded as the recovery time. If the portable leak
detector did not detect the calibrated leak within 2 min, record the recovery time as “greater than
2 min”. This test is repeated five times and the average of the 5 recorded times is reported as the
recovery time.
9 Portable leak detector characteristics, reporting of test results and
requirements
9.1 Reporting of test result
The manufacturer shall make available on request test results as outlined below:
— Static lower detection limit for leakage rates:
lower detection limits are stated if all out of 10 measurements at these limits according to Test no. 1
have been repeatable. The detection limits are expressed in g/a.
— Dynamic detection limits:
lower detection limits are stated if all out of 10 measurements at these limits according to Test no. 2
have been repeatable. The detection limits are expressed in g/a.
— Dynamic detection limit in contaminated environment:
lower detection limits are stated if all out of 10 measurements at these limits according to Test no. 3
have been repeatable. The detection limits are expressed in g/a.
— Response time:
the response time is stated according to Test no. 4.
— Recovery time:
the recovery time is stated according to Test no. 5.
9.2 Minimum product requirements
A portable leak detector shall meet the following levels of sensitivity:
— Static detection limit (Test no. 1): a minimum of 5 g/a of the representative gas specified in 7.1;
— Dynamic detection limit (Test no. 2): a minimum of 5 g/a of the representative gas specified in 7.1.
Results of the following shall be reported, but there are no minimum performance levels required:
— Dynamic detection limit in a contaminated environment (Test no. 3);
— Response time (Test no. 4);
— Recovery time (Test no. 5).
10 Service and maintenance — Portable locating leak detectors — Periodic
check and calibration
Leak detectors - checks/calibration, at least annually (prEN ISO 5149-4), shall be carried out in
accordance with the manufacturer recommendations. For portable locating leak detectors, a calibration
leak (3.12) shall be used.
NOTE   Local regulations or standards can specify the frequency or nature of this check.
11 Technical specification and product information — Portable locating leak
detectors
Technical data to be specified by manufacturer in the product data sheet and/or the manual:
— static detection limits;
— dynamic detection limits;
— response time;
— zeroing time (if applicable);
— recovery time;
— dynamic detection limit in contaminated environment;
— functional test , maintenance frequency and procedure;
— directions for use;
— safety instructions;
— leak detector weight;
— typical sensor life cycle in normal working conditions, if applicable.
12 Specific requirements for fixed gas detectors
12.1 General
The requirements for gas detectors depend on refrigerant (3.1) type and application. See EN 378 series.
For calculation of weight to concentration in a volume, see Annex D. As applicable, detectors shall fulfil
the following, specific refrigerant (3.1) type requirements:
— Flammable gases: EN 60079-29-1:2016/A11:2022, prEN IEC 60079-29-0:2025
— Carbon Dioxide (CO2): EN 45544-1:2015EN IEC 62990-1:2022/A11:2022
— Ammonia (NH ):
EN 45544-1:2015EN IEC 62990-1:2022/A11:2022EN 60079-29-1:2016/A11:2022,
prEN IEC 60079-29-0:202
...