R290 Refrigerant Leak Detection

R290 Refrigerant Leak Detection Sensor Manufacturer & Supplier

MAXMAC provides reliable R290 refrigerant leak detection sensors and flexible custom integration solutions for air conditioning manufacturers, project integrators, and other OEM customers. Each R290 sensor is backed by production and quality management systems certified to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949, with testing support available through a CNAS-accredited laboratory. From sample evaluation through volume production, MAXMAC supports OEM teams throughout the product integration process.

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW

R290 Refrigerant Detection Sensor for HVAC/R Safety Systems

R290 is an A3 flammable refrigerant. If a leak occurs at piping, joints, valves, or heat exchangers, R290 propane gas can collect in low-lying areas inside the equipment and create a potential safety hazard.

MAXMAC’s R290 refrigerant leak detector can serve as the core sensing element in a complete refrigerant detection system (RDS), continuously monitoring R290 gas concentration inside HVAC/R equipment. It transmits real-time measurement and alarm signals to the equipment’s main control board, enabling a timely system response.

Using nondispersive infrared (NDIR) technology to identify R290, the sensor supports stable, continuous concentration monitoring under demanding environmental conditions. Developed for equipment-level safety integration, it can support manufacturers designing A3 refrigerant detection solutions with reference to IEC / UL 60335-2-40 for residential and commercial HVAC/R equipment.

Designed for high-temperature, high-humidity, and condensation-prone conditions that can occur inside HVAC/R equipment.
An optional relay output can be integrated to match the equipment control strategy.
Design references include IEC / UL 60335-2-40.

MAXMAC R290 refrigerant leak detection sensor for HVAC/R safety systems

TECHNICAL DATA

R290 Refrigerant Sensor Specifications

Detection Performance

Product Name: A3 R290 Refrigerant Leak Detection Sensor - R2
Measured Gas: R290
Operating Principle: Non-dispersive infrared (NDIR)
Measurement Range: 0-100% LFL
Resolution: 0.1% LFL
Measurement Interval: 4 s
Accuracy: ±2.5% LFL @ 0%-25% LFL ±5% LFL @ 25%-70% LFL ±10% LFL @ 70%-100% LFL
Warm-up Time: ≤ 10 s
Response Time: ≤ 20 s (τ25%)
Service Life: ≥ 15 years

Operating Conditions

Operating Temperature: -40°C to 90°C
Operating Humidity: 5%-95% RH, non-condensing
Storage Temperature: -40°C to 95°C

Electrical & Mechanical

Operating Voltage: 5.0 VDC / customizable
Operating Current: Average 16 mA, peak 300 mA (pulse width <10 ms / measurement cycle)
Dimensions: 72 mm × 71 mm × 19 mm
Weight: Approx. 25 g
Interface: RS485 / customizable LIN 2.1 / CAN

NDIR R290 refrigerant gas sensor working principle

SENSING PRINCIPLE

How the R290 Refrigerant Gas Sensor Works

MAXMAC’s R290 refrigerant gas sensor uses nondispersive infrared (NDIR) sensing technology. R290 is refrigerant-grade propane, a hydrocarbon refrigerant that absorbs infrared energy at specific wavelengths. When gas enters the sensor’s measurement chamber, the infrared light intensity decreases as the R290 concentration increases. An optical detector measures the remaining light signal, and the system analyzes absorption changes at the target wavelength to calculate the R290 concentration and identify a refrigerant leak.

Compared with detection methods that depend on chemical reactions or consumable sensing materials, NDIR makes it better suited to applications that require stable and long-term monitoring.

CALIBRATION & VALIDATION

Factory Calibration and Reliability Testing

MAXMAC process and final factory calibration equipment

Two-Point Calibration

As a leading gas sensor manufacturer, we implement a rigorous dual calibration process to guarantee maximum accuracy. First, a comprehensive sensor calibration is conducted during production to establish the baseline calibration curves. This is followed by a final system-level calibration after full assembly. This two-step verification ensures that every single gas detector delivers high consistency, exceptional linearity, and reliable long-term performance before shipment.

MAXMAC R290 refrigerant sensor samples connected to a portable evaluation system

SAMPLE READY

R290 Sensor Samples Ready for Testing

Accelerate your R290 refrigerant safety solution development with our ready-to-test sensor samples.

Request samples and evaluation reports to verify performance, reliability, and integration compatibility for your HVAC/R applications.

MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES

Complete Manufacturing Capabilities for OEM Smart Sensor Production

In-House SMT Manufacturing for Consistent Smart Sensor Quality and Faster Delivery

As a professional Smart Sensor manufacturer, MAXMAC operates its own SMT production area with comprehensive PCB assembly and inspection capabilities. Key processes are completed in-house, including electronic component placement, reflow soldering, AOI inspection, firmware programming and functional testing. This integrated capability accelerates prototyping, pilot production and product iteration while supporting OEM/ODM customization of each air quality sensor module, including sensing combinations, interfaces, PCB dimensions, connectors and firmware logic.

MAXMAC in-house SMT production line for OEM Smart Sensor PCB assembly

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MES-connected Smart Sensor production equipment supporting full process traceability

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Flexible Production with Full MES Traceability

MAXMAC combines automated production lines with flexible manual assembly to match different IAQ product structures, order volumes and customization requirements. Automated equipment protects consistency and delivery efficiency in volume production, while skilled workstations support complex assembly, pilot runs and customized air quality sensor module configurations.

Every production stage is connected to our MES system, enabling full traceability across material batches, PCB assembly, sensor calibration, firmware programming and finished-product inspection. This complete manufacturing data trail gives OEM/ODM customers dependable quality assurance and supports reliable volume delivery from an experienced Smart Sensor manufacturer.

TESTING & VALIDATION

CNAS-Accredited Laboratory

MAXMAC’s CNAS-accredited laboratory brings product verification closer to our engineering and manufacturing teams, significantly shortening validation cycles and accelerating the transition from design to volume production. By identifying design weaknesses, potential failure modes, and risk-control points at an early stage, our laboratory capabilities help prevent issues before they reach customers or enter mass production.

Comprehensive mechanical, electrical, environmental, gas, and microbiological testing enables us to verify product performance under demanding operating conditions. This evidence-based validation process strengthens product stability, long-term reliability, and quality consistency while giving OEM/ODM customers greater confidence throughout development and delivery.

Specialized Laboratory Facilities

Mechanical Reliability Testing Laboratory
Electrical Performance Testing Laboratory
Bacterial Culture Laboratory
Microbiological Testing Laboratory
Gas Testing Laboratory
Microbiological Inspection Laboratory
Balance Room
Precision Instrument Room
Ventilation Ducts Room
High Temperature Testing Laboratory
Product Aging Testing Laboratory
Impact Testing Laboratory
Salt Spray Testing Laboratory
Cold Chamber Laboratory
Vibration Testing Laboratory

MAXMAC Mechanical Reliability Testing Laboratory

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APPLICATION SCENARIOS

R290 Refrigerant Sensor Applications in HVAC/R Equipment

As global environmental requirements continue to advance, R290 is being adopted across air conditioners, commercial refrigeration systems, and standalone refrigeration equipment. Equipment manufacturers need to integrate a reliable refrigerant sensor near potential leak points to continuously monitor R290 concentration inside the system and support equipment and environmental safety.

R290 heat pump and air conditioning equipment

Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners

In an AC with R290 refrigerant or an R290 heat pump system, leaks can occur around compressors, valves, heat exchangers, and piping joints. A MAXMAC R290 sensor can be installed near these potential leak points or in areas where gas may collect to continuously monitor AC gas R290 concentration. When a leak is detected, the sensor can transmit an alarm signal that supports protective actions such as ventilation or equipment shutdown.

Commercial cold-storage facility with refrigerated warehouse equipment

Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

Commercial refrigerated cabinets and small cold rooms often operate continuously to maintain product quality. Designed for low-power operation, a MAXMAC refrigerant gas sensor can provide continuous R290 leak monitoring over a 72-hour operating period. If a leak is detected, it can send an alarm signal to the equipment controller so protective actions such as shutdown can be initiated.

Refrigerated display cases and commercial freezers

Refrigerated Display Cases and Freezers

Refrigerated display cases and freezers have compact interiors where compressors and refrigerant piping are installed close together. If R290 leaks, gas can collect near the cabinet floor or inside the mechanical compartment. MAXMAC’s compact fixed refrigerant leak detector can be integrated into lower installation areas, with communication interfaces and relay output customized to the equipment design for continuous 72-hour safety monitoring.

Compact duct dehumidifier for R290 sensor integration

Ice Makers, Dehumidifiers and Compact Refrigeration Units

For space-constrained equipment such as ice makers, dehumidifiers, and compact refrigeration units, a MAXMAC R290 refrigerant sensor is available as a complete integrated sensor or as a customized circuit-board solution. This flexibility helps OEM teams meet compact mechanical and electrical integration requirements while supporting equipment safety.

FAQS

R290 Refrigerant Sensor FAQ

What Type of Refrigerant Is R290?

R290 is refrigerant-grade propane, or R290 propane, with the chemical formula C₃H₈. It is a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant and may also be described as an R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant or natural refrigerant R290. Under refrigerant safety classifications, R290 is an A3 refrigerant with lower toxicity and high flammability.

What Is R290 Refrigerant Used For?

R290 refrigerant is primarily used in heat pumps, air conditioners designed for R290, commercial refrigerated cabinets, display cases, freezers, ice makers, and other refrigeration equipment. Because R290 is flammable, these products generally require a continuously operating leak detection solution designed around the equipment structure and safety control strategy.

Is R290 Refrigerant Safe?

R290 can be used safely in HVAC/R equipment that has been designed and validated for the refrigerant, but it is a highly flammable A3 refrigerant. If a leak occurs, R290 propane gas can collect inside the equipment or in low-lying areas. Equipment design therefore needs to consider refrigerant charge, ventilation, ignition-source control, sensor placement, and the safety interlock strategy.

What Is the Chemical Formula of R290 Refrigerant?

R290 is refrigerant-grade propane with the chemical formula C₃H₈. R290 is the refrigerant designation used when propane is applied in refrigeration systems, while propane is the chemical name of the gas.

How Does an R290 Refrigerant Leak Sensor Work?

MAXMAC’s R290 sensor uses nondispersive infrared (NDIR) technology to calculate gas concentration by measuring how R290 absorbs infrared energy at a target wavelength. As an embedded refrigerant gas sensor, it can continuously transmit concentration data or alarm signals to the equipment’s main control board or an optional relay, supporting ventilation, alarm, and shutdown interlocks.

Is This an Embedded Sensor or a Handheld Refrigerant Leak Detector?

MAXMAC’s product is a fixed refrigerant leak detector designed for long-term installation inside OEM equipment, not a handheld refrigerant leak detector used by service technicians. The sensor remains connected to the equipment control system for continuous monitoring, while handheld or portable devices are typically used for maintenance, inspection, and temporary leak localization.

Can R290 Be Mixed with R22?

R290 should not be mixed directly with R22 or charged into an R22 system that has not been redesigned and safety-validated for R290. The two refrigerants have different flammability characteristics, system design requirements, component requirements, and safety controls. Any project involving R290 in an R22 system must be evaluated by qualified professionals in accordance with applicable regulations and equipment requirements.

Is R290 Included in the A3 Refrigerant List?

Yes. R290 is classified in the A3 safety group, where “A” indicates lower toxicity and “3” indicates high flammability. Some other hydrocarbon refrigerants are also classified as A3. Because refrigerants differ in sensing characteristics and application conditions, the sensor must be selected and validated for the target gas and the equipment environment.

RELATED RESOURCES

Related R290 Refrigerant Resources

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R290 refrigeration circuit pressure and temperature guide

Engineering Guide

R290 Refrigerant Pressure and Temperature Guide

Understand the relationship between R290 refrigerant pressure and temperature, including changes in saturation pressure at different operating temperatures, to support HVAC/R system commissioning and operating-condition assessment.

Reference Data

R290 PT Chart

Use an R290 PT chart to quickly reference saturation pressure at different temperatures. Common units such as bar, psi, °C, and °F support refrigeration system design, maintenance, and parameter checks.

Refrigerant Selection

What Refrigerants Can R290 Replace?

Review common application contexts for R290 refrigerant replacement and compare R290 with conventional refrigerants in terms of flammability, pressure, system architecture, and safety requirements. R290 is not a universal drop-in replacement for every legacy system.

Comparison Guide

R600a vs R290 Refrigerant

Compare R600a vs R290 refrigerant in terms of operating pressure, typical applications, refrigeration performance, flammability, and system design to help refrigerator, freezer, and commercial refrigeration equipment manufacturers select an appropriate refrigerant approach.

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R290 Refrigerant Leak Detection Sensor Manufacturer & Supplier

R290 Refrigerant Detection Sensor for HVAC/R Safety Systems