ESCO Air Conditioning Practice Exam

Which type of device is most commonly used to detect refrigerant leaks in modern HVAC systems?

1. Flame ionization detector

2. Infrared detector

3. Mercury vapor analyzer

4. Ultrasonic leak detector

The correct answer is: Flame ionization detector

The other options are incorrect because modern HVAC systems use more advanced technology in refrigerant detection. Flame ionization detectors use a flame to ionize the gas being sampled, but they can be prone to false alarms and require calibration. Infrared detectors use infrared light to measure the concentration of refrigerant in the air, but they may not be sensitive enough to detect small leaks. Mercury vapor analyzers are outdated and no longer commonly used due to environmental concerns. Ultrasonic leak detectors use sound waves to detect leaks, but they may not be effective in detecting small leaks or leaks in certain types of refrigerants. Thus, flame ionization detectors are the most commonly used type of device in modern HVAC systems for refrigerant leak detection.