HVAC Shop Blog

The Fieldpiece DR82 is Australia's go-to mid-range infrared refrigerant leak detector for commercial HVAC technicians. This complete guide covers how the DR82's infrared sensor works, where it outperforms heated diode technology, correct zeroing and probe technique for real Australian jobs, and how it compares to the TEK-Mate, SRL2, and D-TEK Stratus. Essential reading for any tech considering the step up to professional infrared detection.

Picking the wrong refrigerant leak detector costs you time, refrigerant, and repeat call-backs. This complete Australian buying guide compares every detector type — heated diode, infrared, UV dye, ultrasonic — across budget tiers from under $300 to $700+. Covers top brands including Inficon, Fieldpiece, and Javac, with straight application advice for residential splits, commercial HVAC, and large refrigeration systems.

Inficon and Fieldpiece are the two dominant refrigerant leak detector brands in Australia — but they suit different types of technicians. This guide compares every model head-to-head: TEK-Mate vs SRL8, DR82 vs D-TEK Stratus, heated diode vs infrared, and standalone vs Job Link ecosystem. Find out which brand fits your work pattern and budget before you buy.