Finding SF6 leaks in circuit breakers and GIS cubicles takes a detector that narrows down the area by concentration and then pinpoints the exact spot, with sensitivity verified to a recognised standard. The D-TEK Stratus does it with a single handheld unit: its standard infrared sensor detects SF6, ammonia and CFC, HCFC, HFC and HFO refrigerants, the display shows the concentration in ppm and the recorded maximum, and its sensitivity, tested to EN 14624:2020, ranges from 0.5 g/yr (R1234yf) to 5 g/yr (R290), with 1 g/yr for R134a. The sensor lasts up to 2,000 hours and the lithium-ion battery 8 to 10 hours depending on the mode.
D-TEK Stratus key data
- Operating modes: gas cloud hunting with ppm readout and recorded maximum, to narrow down the area of highest concentration, and precise pinpointing of the escape; automatic or manual zeroing.
- Detected gases: the standard refrigerant sensor detects SF6, ammonia, CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, HFOs and A2L blends; the optional CO2 (R744) and flammable refrigerant (R290, R600a and R441a) sensors are swapped in seconds without tools.
- Sensitivity (EN 14624:2020): R1234yf 0.5 g/yr, R134a 1 g/yr, CO2 2 g/yr, ammonia 3 g/yr and R290 5 g/yr. The manufacturer does not publish a specific sensitivity figure for SF6.
- Sensor: life of up to 2,000 hours, the longest in its class, and sensitivity that does not degrade over time.
- Battery life: rechargeable, field-replaceable lithium-ion battery, about 8 h in cloud hunting and about 10 h in pinpoint mode, with quick charge and operation while charging over USB-C.
- Handling: 500 g and a 43 cm flexible probe, with an optional 69 cm extra-long probe.
- Certifications and warranty: EN 14624:2020, A2L and CE; 2-year warranty. It is not ATEX certified.
Advantages
Two detectors in one
The cloud-hunting mode with ppm readout outlines the area of highest concentration and the classic pinpoint mode identifies the exact spot: two ways of working with the same instrument.
Long-life infrared sensor
The redesigned infrared sensor lasts up to 2,000 hours, is replaced in the field in seconds and its sensitivity does not degrade over time.
SF6 and dozens of other gases
The standard refrigerant sensor detects SF6, ammonia and the CFC, HCFC, HFC and HFO refrigerants, including A2L blends; the optional sensors add CO2 and flammable refrigerants.
Certified sensitivity
Tested to the EN 14624:2020 standard, with sensitivities from 0.5 to 5 g/yr depending on the gas (1 g/yr for R134a) and A2L and CE certification.
Battery for the whole shift
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers 8 to 10 hours depending on the mode, is field-replaceable and quick-charging; the unit even operates while charging via USB-C.
Applications
- Locating SF6 leaks in circuit breakers, GIS cubicles and substation switchgear.
- Maintenance of industrial air conditioning and refrigeration, including A2L refrigerants.
- Inspection of ammonia and CO2 installations with the corresponding sensors.
- Periodic verification of the detector itself with calibrated reference leaks.
About the product
Weighing 500 g with a 43 cm flexible probe, the unit is handled with one hand; the large LCD display shows the concentration, the recorded maximum and the battery status, and the automatic and manual zero modes adapt the response to the surroundings. The kit comes in a rugged carrying case with the infrared sensor, lithium-ion battery, spare filters, AC wall charger with USB-C cable, extra-long probe and earbuds.
The detector is not ATEX certified, so local requirements should be checked before working in classified areas. Available accessories: CO2 and flammable refrigerant sensors, 69 cm extra-long probe, needle probe extension, calibrated reference leaks, spare battery and charging cradle.
Technical specifications
| Principle | Interchangeable infrared sensor |
| Detected gases | SF6, ammonia, CFC, HCFC, HFC, HFO and A2L blends; CO2 and flammables with optional sensors |
| Sensitivity (EN 14624) | 0.5 to 5 g/yr depending on the gas; R134a: 1 g/yr |
| Modes | Cloud hunting with ppm readout and pinpoint; automatic or manual zero |
| Sensor life | Up to 2,000 hours |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion; 8 to 10 h; USB-C, operates while charging |
| Probe and weight | 43 cm (69 cm extra-long optional); 500 g |
| Certifications | EN 14624:2020; A2L; CE |
| Sensitivity by gas (EN 14624:2020) | R1234yf: 0.5 g/yr; R134a: 1 g/yr; CO2: 2 g/yr; ammonia: 3 g/yr; R290: 5 g/yr |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Explosive atmospheres | Not ATEX certified |
Frequently asked questions
How sensitive is the D-TEK Stratus to small leaks?
Tested to EN 14624:2020, it detects 0.5 g/yr of R1234yf, 1 g/yr of R134a, 3 g/yr of ammonia, 2 g/yr of CO2 and 5 g/yr of R290 (the last two with their optional sensor). For SF6, which it detects with the standard sensor, the manufacturer does not publish a specific sensitivity figure.
How long does the battery last and what is the warranty?
The D-TEK Stratus lithium-ion battery runs about 8 hours in cloud-hunting mode and about 10 hours in pinpoint mode, is replaced in the field, and the unit keeps working while it charges over USB-C. The warranty is 2 years.
Does it detect SF6 with the standard sensor?
Yes. The included refrigerant sensor detects SF6 as well as ammonia and the CFC, HCFC, HFC and HFO families.
What is the ppm readout for?
For hunting the gas cloud: the indicated concentration guides you towards the leak area before switching to precise pinpoint mode.
How often is the sensor replaced?
The infrared sensor lasts up to 2,000 hours of use and is replaced in the field without tools.
Can it be used in explosive atmospheres?
It is not ATEX certified; local requirements must be checked before working in classified areas.
How can correct operation be verified?
With the calibrated reference leaks available as accessories, which emit a known gas flow for more than two years.
