GX-K1 Refrigerant Leak Detector

The plug-in refrigerant warning device: early warning of R32 leaks on heat pumps and air-conditioning systems, with integrated sensor and loud alarm

The Schabus GX-K1 is a plug-in refrigerant warning device with an integrated sensor for detecting fluorinated refrigerants (HFCs/HFCs). It monitors the ambient air for escaping refrigerants and coolants, for example on indoor heat pumps and air-conditioning systems, and already warns at low concentrations. The target gas is R-32; the sensor also responds to many other refrigerants.

In the event of a leak, the GX-K1 warns optically with a red flashing LED and, if the concentration continues to rise, additionally acoustically with a loud alarm tone. The device is plugged directly into a 230 V socket and is ready for operation after the warm-up phase of approximately 3 to 5 minutes.

Detect leaks early before they become critical

Which refrigerants the GX-K1 detects

The sensor detects numerous common refrigerants and also responds to other gases.

Refrigerants

• R-32 (target gas)
• R-410A, R-404A, R-407C, R-454B
• R-1234yf, R-1234ze
• R-290 (propane)
• R-22
• Other fluorinated refrigerants (HFCs/HFCs)

Cross-sensitivities

• Methane, butane and propane
• Ethanol and hydrogen
• Other hydrocarbons
• Certain sprays or vapours

Sensitivity and therefore the trigger concentration differ depending on the type of gas. The GX-K1 does not detect carbon monoxide and does not replace a CO detector.

What is included in the box

The GX-K1 is ready for immediate use. The device has no options and no additional variants.

• Refrigerant warning device GX-K1 with integrated sensor
• Operating instructions

How the GX-K1 is constructed

Sensor, electronics and sounder are housed compactly in a white plastic casing with plug. The device contains no parts that you need to maintain or repair and must not be opened.

Correct placement and commissioning

The GX-K1 is simply plugged in. The correct height is decisive and depends on the refrigerant used.

Where the device belongs

• Gases heavier than air (for example R-290/propane sinks to the floor, spreads in a similar way to water and collects in depressions): socket 15 to 30 cm above the floor
• Gases lighter than air: socket 15 to 30 cm below the ceiling and above the highest door or window opening in the room
• Distance to the monitored system: maximum 4 m
• Check the refrigerant: Obtain information from the manufacturer of your refrigeration or air-conditioning system about the refrigerant used and its properties. The position does not affect the way the device works, but it does affect the measurement results

Where the device must not be operated

• In draughts, next to doors, windows or ventilation openings
• Directly next to a cooker or above a sink
• In locations where dust, dirt or covered sensor openings could impair function
• Outdoors or in locations with splash water, rain or condensation
• In potentially explosive atmospheres

Commissioning

1. Plug the warning device into a socket. A short alarm tone is heard.
2. Wait for the warm-up phase of approximately 3 to 5 minutes. During this time the green LED flashes.
3. Only when the green LED lights continuously is the device ready for operation. After an interruption of the power supply the warm-up phase starts again.
4. Note: Transport, prolonged storage or moisture can influence the start-up behaviour. In the event of an alarm, first follow the instructions for behaviour in the event of an alarm. A restart may only be carried out once an actual gas leak has been ruled out. In the event of a repeated alarm or uncertainty, contact Schabus Support.

What the LEDs mean and how to test

Function test

In the ready-for-operation state, press the TEST button and check whether the LED indicators and the acoustic sounder respond. The TEST button checks the LEDs and buzzer, not the sensor. For the sensor function, use a suitable test medium (R32 test aerosol) and observe the application instructions of the test agent manufacturer. The test gas must diffuse into the air inlet slots. Do not gas the sensor directly with lighter gas; strong direct gassing damages the sensor. The manufacturer recommends a monthly function test.

What to do in the event of an alarm or suspected gas leak?

Take the warning seriously and protect people first:

1. Warn people: Warn other people and leave the affected area.
2. Avoid ignition sources: Do not light any flames, do not operate any electrical switches and do not unplug the warning device from the socket.
3. Ventilate if safe to do so: Open doors and windows only if this is possible without endangering yourself.
4. Have the cause checked: Have the refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump system checked for leaks by a specialised company.
5. Return only after clearance: Re-enter the area only when the danger has been eliminated, the cause has been clarified and clearance has been given by emergency services or specialists.
6. In the event of acute danger or symptoms, call the emergency number 112 from a safe distance.

With the TEST button you mute the alarm tone. The red LED continues to flash as long as gas is detected. Muting does not eliminate the gas exposure or its cause.

When the sensor triggers without a recognisable leak

Other gases and vapours can also trigger the sensor, for example certain sprays. Nevertheless, always treat a warning initially as a possible gas leak and clarify the cause.

What the warning device does not replace

• The GX-K1 does not detect carbon monoxide and does not replace a CO detector
• It is not explosion-proof and is not approved for potentially explosive atmospheres
• It does not replace the proper installation, maintenance and servicing of the monitored refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump system
• An alarm does not indicate which gas caused the warning
• The manufacturer is not liable for damage caused by improper use, modifications to the device or failure to observe the operating instructions

Cleaning, care and sensor service life

Cleaning and care

• Check the sensor openings regularly for dust and dirt and do not cover the device
• Clean the housing with a dry, soft cloth, which may be slightly dampened in the case of heavier soiling
• Wipe only the housing and keep the sensor openings dry
• Do not use solvent-based cleaners
• Avoid moisture, splash and rain water as well as direct sunlight
• Do not open the device; it contains no parts that you need to maintain

Sensor service life and inspection date

The sensor service life is approximately 5 years. The date with month and year on the sensor indicates the next inspection date. Coordinate the factory inspection or sensor replacement in good time with Schabus Support.

Manufacturer’s notes

• Read the operating instructions carefully before installation and commissioning and keep them; they form part of the product. Pass the device on to third parties only together with the instructions
• The device is operated with 230 V mains voltage; installation must be carried out by a qualified specialist
• Do not open or modify the device
• Keep the sensor openings clear
• Match the mounting position to the refrigerant used
• Packaging material is not a toy and does not belong in children’s hands. Children and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities may only use the device under supervision or after instruction in safe use
• Intended for residential buildings and living spaces, commercial and sales rooms as well as rooms of small businesses that are connected to the public low-voltage network
• For other applications, contact Schabus Support before use
• The declaration of conformity is available for download on the manufacturer’s website

Warranty, guarantee and disposal

The GX-K1 is covered by the statutory warranty of at least 2 years in the EU. The manufacturer Elektrotechnik Schabus additionally offers a 5-year guarantee that can be registered online. Repairs and spare parts are available directly from the manufacturer, even beyond the statutory warranty. The prerequisite is that the device has been used in accordance with the operating instructions. Damage caused by improper use, modifications to the device, external influences or unauthorised repairs is excluded.

The GX-K1 does not belong in household waste. At the end of its service life, hand it in at a suitable collection point for waste electrical equipment (WEEE Reg. No. DE91394868) and dispose of the packaging separately according to material type. Information is available from your city or municipality.

Why the GX-K1 is suitable

Areas of application

• Indoor heat pumps
• Private air-conditioning systems
• Refrigeration systems and refrigeration units
• Cold rooms
• Heating and technical rooms with refrigerant systems
• Technical and utility rooms

The Schabus GX-K1: detect leaks early, protect people and the environment.

Frequently asked questions