R290 refrigerant leak detection solution for industrial refrigeration and cold-chain systems

A3 Refrigerant R290 Leak Detection Sensor

Real-time concentration detection for R290 propane and A3 flammable refrigerants

The MAXMAC R290 A3 refrigerant leak detection sensor uses NDIR non-dispersive infrared sensing technology and is designed for safety detection of R290 (propane) and other A3 flammable refrigerants. It continuously monitors refrigerant concentration changes around refrigeration equipment, HVAC systems, heat pumps, cold-chain storage facilities, and industrial refrigeration sites. The sensor supports a 0-100% LFL measuring range, 0.1% LFL resolution, a warm-up time of ≤10s, and a response time of ≤20s, helping systems identify R290 leakage risks early.

The sensor is factory-calibrated and ready for stable operation after installation, reducing the need for frequent on-site calibration and maintenance. Its waterproof and dust-resistant structure, together with a service life of more than 15 years, makes it suitable for humid, condensing, dusty, and otherwise demanding environments. RS485 communication is supported as standard, with LIN 2.1 / CAN customization available for integration with ventilation control, alarm systems, shutdown protection, BMS, and energy management platforms.

Key Advantages

15+ Year R290 Detection Life

Supports long-term continuous detection of R290 propane refrigerant concentration, with a sensor life of more than 15 years for refrigeration equipment and HVAC safety detection.

Factory-Calibrated, Low-Maintenance Operation

The R290 sensor is factory-calibrated before delivery, reducing frequent field calibration and maintenance for heat pumps, display cabinets, cold rooms, and refrigeration units.

Waterproof and Dust-Resistant Housing

A protected enclosure helps the sensor withstand humidity, condensation, and dust, improving reliability in cold-chain storage, industrial refrigeration, and equipment-room detection.

RS485 / LIN / CAN Interface Options

Supports RS485 communication and project-based LIN 2.1 / CAN customization for HVAC controllers, alarm systems, and energy management platforms.

Sensor Technology Principle
R290 Sensor Principle Diagram
R290 NDIR refrigerant leak sensor technology principle diagram

R290 Leak Detection for Industrial Refrigeration and Cold-Chain Systems

In industrial refrigeration, cold-chain storage, and HVAC equipment operation, R290 (propane) is widely used as a high-efficiency, low-GWP refrigerant. Its flammable nature, however, raises the requirements for safety detection. The MAXMAC R290 refrigerant leak detection sensor continuously monitors R290 concentration around equipment and helps identify leakage risks at an early stage. It can be installed in refrigeration machinery rooms, cold rooms, cold-chain warehouses, compressor units, and key piping locations, and can work with ventilation, alarm, shutdown protection, and safety control systems to improve operating safety and management efficiency.

R290 refrigerant leak detection in an industrial refrigeration machinery room and cold-chain system
R290 leak detection for HVAC, heat pump, and energy management systems

HVAC, Heat Pump, and Energy Management Systems

Suitable for R290 air-conditioning systems, heat pump units, HVAC equipment, and energy management platforms. The MAXMAC R290 refrigerant leak detection sensor monitors propane refrigerant concentration in the equipment operating environment and feeds leak detection data into control systems for ventilation linkage, alarm notification, shutdown protection, and centralized safety management.

New Energy Vehicle Thermal Management and Vehicle HVAC Systems

Designed for new energy vehicle heat pump air conditioning, battery thermal management systems, vehicle HVAC systems, and refrigerant circuit leak detection. The sensor monitors propane refrigerant concentration in the cabin and equipment-compartment environment, helping identify R290 leakage risks. It can connect to vehicle control systems, thermal management controllers, or alarm systems to support safety warnings, ventilation linkage, and system protection.

R290 leak detection for new energy vehicle thermal management and vehicle HVAC systems

Related Products

A3 R290 refrigerant leak detection sensor - R1

A3 R290 Refrigerant Leak Detection Sensor - R1

MAXMAC A3 R290 refrigerant leak detection sensor - R1 is designed for air conditioning, heat pumps, commercial refrigeration, and industrial safety detection. It uses NDIR detection technology for A3 flammable refrigerant leak warning and equipment safety protection.

  • NDIR infrared detection technology
  • -40°C to 90°C wide-temperature operation
  • 0-100% LFL range with 0.1% LFL resolution
  • ≤10s warm-up time and ≤20s response time
  • 15+ year life, with RS485 and custom LIN 2.1 / CAN integration
Learn More
A3 R290 refrigerant leak detection sensor - R2

A3 R290 Refrigerant Leak Detection Sensor - R2

MAXMAC R2 is an A3 R290 refrigerant leak detection sensor for HVAC, refrigeration, industrial safety, and automotive thermal management. It uses NDIR propane detection technology and is built for complex automotive-grade operating conditions.

  • NDIR infrared detection technology
  • Adapted for complex automotive-grade conditions
  • 0-100% LFL range with 0.1% LFL resolution
  • ≤10s warm-up time and ≤20s response time
  • 15+ year life, with RS485 and custom LIN 2.1 / CAN integration
Learn More

Related Article

FAQ

What detection technology does the R290 refrigerant leak sensor use?

It uses NDIR non-dispersive infrared detection technology, a stable approach for long-term R290 propane refrigerant detection and safety warning applications.

How long is the sensor service life?

The sensor is designed for at least 15 years of service life, making it suitable for HVAC, refrigeration equipment, industrial safety detection, and vehicle thermal management integration.

Does the sensor require manual calibration or routine maintenance?

The sensor is factory-calibrated and supports automatic calibration, reducing on-site maintenance and manual calibration work after deployment.

Can it be used in harsh environments?

Yes. It supports -40°C to 90°C operation, -40°C to 95°C storage, and 5%-95% RH non-condensing environments, making it suitable for high/low temperature and complex operating conditions.

Which communication interfaces are supported?

RS485 is supported as standard, and LIN 2.1 / CAN customization is available for HVAC controllers, industrial safety systems, vehicle controllers, and host platforms.

What is the R290 measuring range?

The measuring range is 0-100% LFL, covering early low-concentration warning through high-risk leak assessment for A3 flammable refrigerants.

What are the resolution and response speed?

The resolution is 0.1% LFL, with a 4 s measuring interval, ≤10 s warm-up time, and ≤20 s response time (τ25%).

Which applications is this sensor suitable for?

It is suitable for HVAC, heat pumps, commercial refrigeration, cold-chain equipment, industrial safety detection, new energy vehicle thermal management, vehicle heat pump air conditioning, and battery thermal management.

Can it connect to alarm or safety linkage systems?

Yes. The sensor can output R290 concentration signals to control systems for ventilation, alarms, equipment derating, compressor protection, or shutdown protection.

Is project-specific customization available?

Yes. Customization can cover operating voltage, communication interfaces, mechanical integration, protocols, alarm thresholds, output logic, and system linkage requirements.

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