RDS devices rely on advanced sensors to detect a loss in refrigerant pressure. Using speed-of-sound technology, these sensors quickly detect the presence of A2L leaks, helping technicians to address excess refrigerant concentrations before mitigation or potential shutdown is necessary. Upon detection of an A2L leak, control logic is activated to quickly circulate air to disperse and dilute the potential formation of refrigerant concentrations, as outlined by UL standards 60335-2-40 and 60335-2-89. Mitigation processes can look different depending on the type of equipment. However, in general, if the leaked A2L concentration exceeds a pre-set lower flammability level (LFL), the system will initiate mitigation strategies, such as powering down equipment or activating exhaust systems until the leaked refrigerant concentration is reduced to a specified level. 

Today’s cutting-edge controllers combine A2L sensing with multi-stage temperature, humidity, and pressure control within a single electronic device. By providing a holistic viewpoint of equipment conditions, the system can detect issues early and help prevent unplanned downtime and loss of refrigerant. This early leak detection can help ensure the system isn’t working to compensate for refrigerant losses. 

Not overworking the system can reduce maintenance needs, while also improving energy efficiency and lowering operational costs. In fact, by maintaining system performance with proper refrigerant levels, cost savings can be found in everything from reducing product spoilage in commercial refrigeration to minimizing temperature fluctuations in occupied spaces. Self-diagnostic features within the device help ensure long-term accuracy in detection and minimize false alarms or performance drift.  

Remote Connectivity 

In addition to enhanced sensing capabilities, new electronic control solutions can provide the benefits of real-time monitoring via cloud connectivity. Operators and technicians can remotely monitor equipment and pull multiple locations into a single dashboard to simplify operations. If potential issues arise, designated team members can be alerted via text or email, allowing them to respond to issues faster.  

The connected platform tracks performance data to provide trend analysis. This information can be used to pinpoint equipment issues and enable preventative maintenance, helping to avert critical conditions and unplanned downtime before it happens. If a problem does occur, service technicians can access the data to streamline troubleshooting, which can reduce the time and costs associated with the job.  

As the low-GWP transition continues to unfold, these changes present opportunities to optimize equipment uptime and efficiency, while providing facility managers with confidence that their systems are being actively monitored for safety and performance. Today’s advanced electronic control solutions not only provide A2L compliance — they provide a simplified, continuously monitored solution for operators and technicians.