R-438A Leak Detectors
R32/R125/R13…R-438A is an HFC refrigerant blend developed as a drop-in replacement for R-22 in existing air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. The blend is formulated for compatibility with mineral oil, POE, and alkylbenzene lubricants, potentially simplifying retrofit procedures. R-438A offers capacity and efficiency reasonably matched to R-22 in many applications. With a GWP of approximately 2,265, R-438A is subject to regulatory phase-down requirements. The refrigerant has been used in residential and commercial AC systems, heat pumps, and medium-temperature refrigeration where straightforward R-22 conversion is the priority.
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Key Information
Essential safety and exposure information for R-438A
Health Effects
Low acute toxicity. Contains small percentage of flammable hydrocarbons. May cause cardiac sensitization at high levels.
Common Sources
- Commercial AC
- heat pumps
- rooftop units
- split systems
Exposure Limits
- WEEL
- 1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
- No OSHA/NIOSH limit
- No OSHA/NIOSH limit
- Multi-component blend
- Multi-component blend
Regulatory Status
- EPA Classification
- HFC blend (non-ODS)
- ASHRAE Safety Group
- A1 (low toxicity, non-flammable)
- GWP (AR5)
- ~2,265
- ODP
- 0
- AIM Act
- Subject to phase-down
- Use Case
- Drop-in R-22 replacement with broad oil compatibility
Detection Requirements
- Mounting Height
- Near floor level, near potential leak points, 6–8 inches off floor
- Sensor Technology
- Infrared (NDIR)
- Detection Range
- 0-1,000 ppm typical
- Response Time
- <30 seconds (T90)
- Calibration Frequency
- Annual recommended
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Detection Solutions
Sensors and detectors for R-438A monitoring
FCS Multi Channel System Controllers
High performance controller with logic and priority settings for monitoring toxic, combustible and refrigerant gases with versatile control functionality. Available with Modbus® or BACnet® communication with BAS, supports 4-20 mA and Modbus® driven VFDs.
cGas-SC Self-Contained Controller
A self contained controller with up to 3 gas channels, Plug & Play Smart Sensor Technology and configurable logic control and priority settings. Offers superior user customization and reliable gas detection performance for monitoring many gases.
cGas Detector VRF IR Refrigerant Transmitter
An aesthetic, non-dispersive infrared refrigerant gas detector for acute leak detection in modern energy-efficient buildings utilizing Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC systems.
cGas Detector IR Refrigerant Transmitter
Non-dispersive infrared refrigerant gas detector with accurate, low level leak detection, available with analog output or BACnet® or Modbus® output and Plug & Play Smart Sensor Technology.