Fieldpiece DRX3 Refrigerant Leak Detector

Description

The DRX3 refrigerant leak detector is compact and durable, helping you quickly find leaks in situ. It is equipped with a highly sensitive heated diode sensor that rapidly detects HC, HFC, HCFC, CFC, HFO, and H2/N2 refrigerants (tracer gas), as well as refrigerant blends and heating fuels (natural gas, propane, butane, and methane). Its multiple indicators detect even the smallest leaks. The LED-tipped probe allows you to keep your eyes on the target area. Its loud beep changes with leak intensity. Its large, backlit LCD displays bars and numerical values for relative leak intensity, visible in both bright sunlight and low-light conditions. Additionally, with the Job Link® System app, you can access readings directly on your phone. With the ability to switch between automatic (AZERO) and manual (MZERO) zeroing modes, you have full control to focus on leaks. Detect more leaks with up to 60 hours of runtime on a set of four iron disulfide lithium AA batteries. Using replaceable batteries means no waiting for the unit to charge. The DRX3 is always ready to assist with your work. With its rugged IP54-rated main body designed to prevent water and dust ingress, the DRX3 is specifically built for field work.

Quick Start

1. Install the sensor (details on the next page).
2. Switch to an environment free of refrigerants and combustible gases and press and hold to turn on your DRX3.
3. Allow the warm-up process to complete.
4. Press the REFRIGERANT button as needed to select the appropriate setting for the type of refrigerant or gas.
5. Begin searching for the leak source. Slowly sweep the probe approximately 7-8 cm/s (3 in/s) as close as possible to the suspected leak source.
6. Search until you detect the leak. The red light flashes, the audible alarm sounds, and the display indicates relative gas intensity.
7. Confirm the gas leak. Move the probe away from the alarm point for a few seconds to clear the sensor. Move the probe back to the potential leak, seeking the maximum value.

Sensor Installation

1. Ensure the DRX3 is powered off.
2. Align the notch on the new sensor tip (RXA3) with the notch on the module and push until it seats into the end of the module. DO NOT TWIST OR BEND THE PINS. The RXA3 sensor tip works with all specified refrigerants, tracer gases, and heating gases.
3. If the sensor is new, access factory mode by pressing and holding the , ZERO, and SENSITIVITY buttons simultaneously for more than 5 seconds.
4. Press ZERO until "2. Reset Sensor Life" is displayed. Press and hold ZERO and SENSITIVITY to reset the sensor’s operating hours.
5. Press and hold to turn off the unit.

Functional Test

Use a refrigerant tank and cap to test if your DRX3 detects refrigerant correctly.

1. Firmly place the cap onto the opening of a refrigerant tank to seal it.
2. Open the valve to coat the inside of the cap, then close the valve.
3. With the DRX3 set to high sensitivity (H), remove the cap and move the probe over the cap. You should see a very large leak magnitude, approximately "99", and a full bar graph. If not, you may need to replace the sensor.

Included Elements

• DRX3 Refrigerant Leak Detector
• Heated Diode Sensor for A3/A2L/A1 (RXA3)
• 4 Iron Disulfide Lithium AA Batteries
• Blow-molded Carrying Case
• Operator Manual
• 1-Year Limited Warranty

Safety First!

EXPLOSION HAZARD. DANGER: This device is intended for use only by qualified and certified technicians in the safe use, handling, and transportation of refrigerants or combustible gases. Consult safety guides, regional codes, and legislation for flammable gases and refrigerants for more information. Read and fully understand this operator manual before using the system to avoid injury or damage to persons or equipment.

WARNINGS: Failure to heed these hazards and actions when using this device can result in serious injury or death.

• This device is designed to be used strictly as a leak detector (i.e., as a random sampling device). THIS IS NOT A SAFETY DEVICE DESIGNED TO MONITOR REFRIGERANT OR HEATING GAS LEVELS.
• WARNING: EXPLOSION HAZARD. Verify batteries are installed correctly and the cover is properly sealed outside the temporary hazard zone with a 10 ft/3 m perimeter.
• WARNING: EXPLOSION HAZARD. Do not change batteries inside the temporary hazard zone.
• WARNING: EXPLOSION HAZARD. Do not remove or change the sensor tip or module inside the temporary hazard zone.
• Always use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and safety glasses.
• Be informed of the proper safety and handling requirements for the refrigerant or gas in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
• Avoid breathing refrigerant vapor, gas, and oil. Inhaling high concentrations of refrigerant vapor can displace oxygen in the brain, causing injury or death.
• Perform leak detection according to recommended practices.
• Work only in well-ventilated areas (minimum of 6 air changes per hour).
• Electrostatic discharge hazard: do not clean the unit with a dry cloth; ensure the user is properly discharged/grounded.
• Inspect this device before use. Do not use if it shows obvious damage.

WARNING: EXPLOSION HAZARD. Additional safety instructions for handling A2L and A3 refrigerants with other equipment are provided below.

• Adhere to local occupational safety codes and gain detailed knowledge and skills for handling flammable refrigerants.
• Have emergency, evacuation, and fire protection plans in place.
• Designate and monitor a temporary hazard zone with a 10 ft/3 m perimeter. Identify and disable all potential ignition sources within this zone. Monitor the air to verify refrigerant levels remain below hazardous levels as specified in the SDS. Use a fan to achieve 6 air changes per hour within this zone.
• WARNING: EXPLOSION HAZARD. When using additional corded equipment, ensure the power to the units is off (O) before connecting and secure the power cord to the units. Then, proceed to connect main power. Connect any other equipment outside the temporary hazard zone.
• WARNING: EXPLOSION HAZARD. For battery-powered devices, recharge or change batteries outside the temporary hazard zone.
• WARNING: EXPLOSION HAZARD. When using additional equipment, ensure the area around the device(s) is clear of debris that could enter vents, the fan, and cause accidental sparks.
• WARNING: EXPLOSION HAZARD. Remain alert and attentive at all times when the equipment is in operation.
• Do not mix flammable refrigerants with air.
• If recovering a system suspected of having a leak, stop recovery at 0 psig/bar to prevent air from entering the recovery tank.
• Use an evacuated recovery tank that meets local regulations.
• After recovery, purge the system with 100% nitrogen before opening it for repair.
• Handle hoses and equipment with care, as refrigerant is under high pressure and can cause frostbite.
• Ensure power cords and extension cords are in good working order to prevent electrical shock and sparking hazards.
• If the equipment is not used for its intended use or as instructed, its warranty and functionality will be voided.

PRECAUTIONS: Failure to comply with these conditions may result in damage to the equipment.

• Ensure all equipment is in good working order.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Store the device indoors.
• Do not submerge the sensor tip in water. The sensor should dry before reuse.
• The unit must be protected from strong impacts. Objects should not be allowed to fall onto the unit.

Scan the QR code to visit the Fieldpiece website and register your product.

Operation

• Power On: Press and hold for over 1 second to turn the unit on or off.
• Backlight: Press to turn the backlight on or off.
• Selection of Refrigerants and Heating Gases: After warm-up, press and hold REFRIGERANT to select A1-2L, specific A3 refrigerants (R-290, R-600a, R-600, R-50, R-1270), or H2/N2. For heating fuels, use these settings: Natural gas and methane: NTR-G, Propane: PROP, Butane: BUTN.
• Zeroing Modes: The DRX3 powers on in automatic zeroing mode (AZERO), which sets a new zero point every three seconds, indicated by AZERO double-blinking. Approaching the leak source will show the relative concentration increase, triggering the alarm. Conversely, stopping or moving away from the leak source will not trigger a response. Press and hold ZERO and SENSITIVITY for over 2 seconds to switch to manual zeroing mode (MZERO). The DR3X will not auto-zero while indicating MZERO, and will continue to alarm and display the relative leak magnitude.
• Zeroing: Press ZERO to zero the currently measured concentration. This will be indicated by the message line double-blinking.
• Maximum Mode: Press and hold MAX ON/OFF for over one second to switch to maximum mode. If maximum mode is active, the highest detected leak value is continuously recorded. The recorded maximum is cleared when sensitivity is changed, the selected refrigerant is changed, or a manual zero is performed.
• Sensitivity (H/M/L): The DRX3 starts in high sensitivity (H), which is recommended in most situations. If you find it difficult to pinpoint the exact leak location due to excessive tripping or sensor saturation, press SENSITIVITY to reduce sensitivity with each press (medium [M] or low [L]).
• Mute (): Press ZERO and SENSITIVITY for over 1 second to turn the speaker on/off.
• Leak Indicator LED: In most situations, the red LED at the tip is easier to monitor than the display. As the blink rate increases with relative concentration, many leaks can be detected without even looking at the display.
• Sensor Operating Hours Counter: To check the current sensor operating hours, with the unit off, press and hold the , ZERO, and SENSITIVITY buttons to access factory mode. Press ZERO until "2. Reset Sensor Life" is displayed. If the counter reads over 300 hours, it is recommended to replace the sensor. Turn off the unit to exit factory mode without resetting the counter.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Clean the exterior with a damp cloth. Do not use detergents or solvents.
• Battery Replacement: Place the unit face down on a non-abrasive surface. Remove the four screws, lift the panel, and remove the spent batteries. Replace them with four replaceable iron disulfide lithium AA batteries. NOTE: Ensure the red seal is fully within the groove when replacing the panel and tightening the 4 screws.
• Sensor Replacement: Ensure the DRX3 is powered off. Remove the old sensor by firmly holding the module and pulling the sensor tip straight out. DO NOT TWIST. Align the new sensor tip (RXA3) and push until it seats into the end of the module. DO NOT TWIST OR BEND THE PINS. If the sensor is new, with the unit powered off, access factory mode by pressing and holding the , ZERO, and SENSITIVITY buttons simultaneously for more than 5 seconds. Press ZERO until "2. Reset Sensor Life" is displayed. Press and hold ZERO and SENSITIVITY to reset the sensor’s operating hours. Press and hold to turn off the unit. NOTE: Do not reset the sensor hours if you are reinstalling the same sensor. The RXA3 sensor should be replaced approximately every 300 hours of use, depending on gas exposure.
• Firmware Update: If a firmware update is available on the Job Link® app, you will be notified via a prompt at the bottom of the screen and a red dot next to the tool. Tap the red dot and follow the steps to download/install the latest firmware. With the DRX3 powered off, press and hold SENSITIVITY and then for over 5 seconds to enter the "UPDATE" mode.

Specifications

• Sensor Type: Heated diode
• Sensor Life: Typically 300 hours
• Sensitivity Levels: High, Medium, Low (selectable)
• Maximum Sensitivity: 1 g/year (0.03 oz/year), stationary; 3 g/year (0.1 oz/year), moving
• Detection Response: Flashing LED, LCD bar graph and digits, audible beep, Job Link® app
• Refrigerants: HC, HFC, HCFC, CFC, HFO, and H2/N2 (tracer gas: 5% hydrogen, 95% nitrogen) and refrigerant gas blends
• Use With: A3 refrigerants (R-290, R-600a, R-600, R-50, R-1270), A2L (including R32, R1234yf, and R1234ze), and A1
• Heating Gases: Natural gas, propane, butane, and methane
• Not Intended For Use With: Refrigerants R-702, R-717, R-744
• Safety Compliance: ATEX Zone 2 (II 3 G Ex ic IIA T2 Gc), Class I, Division 2, Group D, T2 Hazardous Environments
• Operating Conditions: -20 °C to 50 °C (-4 °F to 122 °F); < 95% RH (non-condensing)
• Battery Type: 4x replaceable iron disulfide lithium AA batteries (to maintain ATEX compliance, use 4x Energizer L91 AA batteries)
• Battery Capacity: 1.5 VDC (nominal) 3500 mAh
• Battery Life: Typically 60 hours
• Auto Power Off: 10 minutes with no detection or button presses
• Radio Frequency: 2.4 GHz
• Wireless Range: Line of sight up to 200 meters (656 feet)
• Storage Temperature: -20 °C to 60 °C (-4 °F to 140 °F); < 95% RH
• Weight: 442 g (15.6 oz) with batteries installed
• Ingress Protection: IP54 on main body
• US Patents: www.fieldpiece.com/patents

Wireless Compatibility

Minimum device requirements for Job Link® System: BLE 4.0 devices with iOS 13.4 or Android Marshmallow 6.0

Certificates and Conformity

• CE
• UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed)
• ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
• FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
• IC: Industry Canada
• Ex (ATEX Zone 2: II 3 G Ex ic IIA T2 Gc, -20 °C ≤Tamb≤ +50 °C; Class I, Division 2, Group D, T2, -20 °C (-4 °F) ≤ Tamb ≤ 50 °C (122 °F))
• WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
• Note: The design of this device meets all explosion-proof safety requirements of UL 121201 and CSA C22.2 No. 213 to achieve Class I, Division 2, Group D, T2 classification.

FCC Declaration

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. FCC Caution: to ensure continued compliance, any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. (Example: use only shielded interface cables when connecting to the computer or peripheral devices). FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 0.5 centimeters between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other transmitter or antenna. The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 0.5 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Declaration for Industry Canada

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference; and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. L'émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : 1) L'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage; 2) L'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement. IC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with IC RSS-102 radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 0.5 cm between the radiator and your body. Cet équipement est conforme aux CNR-102 d'Industrie Canada. Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé avec une distance minimale de 0.5 centimètres entre le radiateur et votre corps. Cet émetteur ne doit pas être co-localisé ou opérant en conjonction avec une autre antenne ou émetteur. Les antennes utilisées pour cet émetteur doivent être installées et fournir une distance de séparation d'au moins 0.5 centimètre de toute personne et ne doivent pas être co-situées ni fonctionner en conjonction avec une autre antenne ou émetteur.

Limited Warranty

This product is warranted against defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase, provided it was purchased from an authorized Fieldpiece dealer. Upon verification of the defect, Fieldpiece will elect to either replace or repair the defective unit. This warranty does not cover defects caused by abuse, neglect, accidents, unauthorized repairs, modifications, or improper use of the equipment. Any implied warranties arising from the sale of a Fieldpiece product, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to those set forth herein. Fieldpiece shall not be liable for loss of use of the equipment or other incidental or consequential damages, expenses, or losses, or any claims for damages, expenses, or losses based on such incidental or consequential damages. Local and national regulations may vary. The foregoing exclusions or limitations may not apply to you.

Obtain Service

Visit www.fieldpiece.com/rma for updated information on how to obtain service in the USA and Canada. For customers outside the USA, product warranties must be handled through local distributors. Visit www.fieldpiece-europe.com/store-locator to find local distributors in Europe.

Document: Opman DRX3_ES-ES Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc 2025; v21