Application Areas

The socket gas warning device with an internal sensor for refrigerants is plugged into either an upper socket (lighter than air) or a lower socket (heavier than air) depending on the density of the refrigerant. It is ready for operation after a 3-minute warm-up time and provides early warning of a leak in the cooling system with a loud alarm sound and a flashing red LED. Most refrigerants are toxic, many are flammable, and others have a high GWP (global warming potential), making them extremely harmful to the climate. A leak in the refrigerant line is usually detected quickly, as the cooling function is no longer effective; in such cases, thermometers are more useful than refrigerant warning devices. However, the leaked refrigerant, which evaporates quickly due to its properties, should never be inhaled. This is precisely why there is refrigerant sensing technology with the socket warning devices GX-K1 (internal sensor) and GX-K2 (external sensor). These are warning devices primarily designed for the protection of human health and are less necessary for the technical operation of air conditioning systems. They are very sensitive to their purpose and also exhibit cross-sensitivities to some other flammable gases. For example, they can be easily tested for functionality using the reduced-pressure gas from a standard lighter, as the refrigerant R-290 is nothing more than propane, which is commonly used in heat pumps. R-22, R-32, R-404a, R-410a, R-1234yf, and many other HFCs can be detected with the GX-K1 and K2, with R-32 defined as the target gas and the sensor having its highest sensitivity for R-1234yf.