INFICON TEK-Mate Review: The Value Heated Diode Detector

ByFieldGearHQ Team

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Top pickINFICON TEK-Mate RefrigerantCheck price

The INFICON TEK-Mate is a heated diode refrigerant leak detector that has been a service-truck staple for years. It is simple, runs on two D cells and carries a two-year replacement warranty. This review covers what INFICON publishes about it and where a different sensor type makes more sense.

Bottom line: The TEK-Mate is a sensible first leak detector for residential service work. It lists R-32 and R-1234yf, needs no field calibration and has a long warranty. Daily users may prefer an infrared detector so they never replace a sensor.

Check INFICON TEK-Mate Refrigerant priceCheck Fieldpiece DR82 price

Specs at a glance

Reviewed

INFICON TEK-Mate Refrigerant Leak Detector

Mid-rangeCheck price

Best for: Residential techs who want a proven, simple heated diode detector with R-32 and R-1234yf coverage.

  • Heated diode sensor
  • Sensitivity of 0.25 oz/yr (7 g/a) minimum; INFICON lists R-134a and R-1234yf at 2 g/a (0.07 oz/yr) per EN 14624
  • Detects R-22, R-134a, R-404A, R-410A, R-448A, R-507, R-32 and HFO-1234yf, plus other CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and HFOs
  • Two D-cell alkaline batteries
  • Variable-intensity audible and visual alarms; automatic background compensation

Why it stands out

  • Detects the common A1 and A2L refrigerants INFICON lists, including R-32 and R-1234yf
  • Automatic background compensation, so there is nothing to calibrate in the field
  • Runs on D cells, which are easy to find
  • Two-year replacement warranty

Keep in mind

  • Heated diode sensors wear with use and eventually need replacing
  • INFICON does not state A2L compatibility in those words, only the refrigerants it detects
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Fieldpiece DR82 Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector

ProCheck price

Best for: Techs who leak-check daily and want infrared, so there is no routine sensor swap.

  • Infrared sensor rated for 10 years typical life
  • Sensitivity up to 0.03 oz/yr (1 g/a) stationary and 0.1 oz/yr (3 g/a) in motion; four user-selectable levels
  • Detects HFCs, HCFCs, CFCs, HFOs and blends; works on A2L refrigerants
  • Response under 1 second, recovery under 5 seconds (typical)
  • Rechargeable 2550 mAh battery, about 10 hours typical with the backlight off, usable while charging

Why it stands out

  • Infrared sensor with a stated 10 year typical life
  • Sensitivity down to 0.03 oz/yr when stationary
  • Fast response and recovery
  • A2L refrigerants supported

Keep in mind

  • The battery is non-replaceable
  • Costs more than heated diode detectors
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What INFICON says the TEK-Mate does

  • Heated diode sensor with a stated minimum sensitivity of 0.25 oz/yr (7 g/a). INFICON lists R-134a and R-1234yf at 2 g/a (0.07 oz/yr) per EN 14624.
  • Refrigerant coverage. R-22, R-134a, R-404A, R-410A, R-448A, R-507, R-32 and HFO-1234yf, plus other CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and HFOs.
  • Automatic background compensation, so there is nothing to zero or calibrate in the field.
  • Variable-intensity audible and visual alarms. The alarm rate rises as you get closer to the leak.
  • Two D-cell alkaline batteries. Easy to buy anywhere.
  • Kit contents. Spare filters and a hard plastic case are included. INFICON lists it as made in the USA.
  • Two-year replacement warranty.

What to know before you buy

Heated diode sensors wear with use and eventually need replacing, so a daily user should budget for a new sensor now and then. INFICON’s refrigerant list includes R-32 and R-1234yf.

For the same price tier, the Bacharach Informant 2 adds combustible gas detection. For a no-replacement option, look at the Fieldpiece DR82 in our leak detector guide.

Who should buy it

Residential service techs who want a proven, simple detector and do not leak-check enough to justify infrared. It also makes a sensible backup to a more specialized unit.

TEK-Mate alternatives

  • Fieldpiece DR82: infrared, 10 year sensor life, 0.03 oz/yr stationary. Costs more and has a non-replaceable battery.
  • Elitech ILD-200: infrared at a lower price.
  • CPS LS790B: ion pump with 40+ hours on four AA cells and an 18 inch probe.

Frequently asked questions

Does the INFICON TEK-Mate detect R-32 and R-1234yf?

INFICON lists both R-32 and HFO-1234yf among the refrigerants it detects.

What batteries does the TEK-Mate use?

Two D-cell alkaline batteries.

How long is the TEK-Mate warranty?

INFICON lists a two-year replacement warranty.

Does the TEK-Mate need calibration?

INFICON lists automatic background compensation, so there is no field calibration step.

Keep reading

Best Refrigerant Leak DetectorsA good leak detector pays for itself on the first callback it prevents. Here is how heatedBacharach Informant 2 Review: Dual-Mode Leak DetectionThe Informant 2 combines refrigerant and combustible gas detection in one handheld. Here iBest Nitrogen Regulators for HVACBrazing with a nitrogen purge and pressure testing both start at the regulator. Here is whHVAC Tools List: What a Service Tech Actually CarriesStarting out or rebuilding your kit? Here is the tool list for HVAC service work, in the o

Sources

Specifications and product details were checked against these sources:

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