Recent studies suggest that over half of the AC systems in operation in the U.S. are undercharged or overcharged. This causes decreased efficiency, and sometimes, premature compressor failure. The Fieldpiece Superheat Accessory for Air Conditioning – model ASH3 measures suction line, or low side, line temperature and pressure and calculates ACTUAL superheat in real time. Use it to get ACTUAL superheat on R-22 and R-410A fixed orifice systems. On systems regulated with a TXV / TEV you’ll want to look at our ASX14, ASX24 and SSX34 superheat and subcooling instruments. Use the “T” fitting to charge to actual superheat by putting the ASH3 in-line between your refrigerant bottle and the system.
How Does it Work?
Finding ACTUAL superheat is easy with the ASH3. Simply hook it up to the system, let the system stabilize, and get your actual superheat in real time. No charts, no calculations. It’s all done for you in the instrument. The ASH3 measures refrigerant pressure and temperature simultaneously. It then calculates and displays ACUTAL superheat on your meter or electronic handle. It has a 1/4” industry standard fitting for actual pressure. An advanced pipe clamp k-type thermocouple model ATC1 is included for actual line temperature. Select R22 or R410A. Select English or Metric units.
Operation.
- Connect to COM and Volts jack. Slide ASH3 superheat head onto Fieldpiece "stick" meter, data logger, electronic handle or connect to most other meters using Fieldpiece ADLS2 deluxe test leads or AHDL1 handle.
- Set meter to mVDC range.
- Calibrate if needed (see Field calibration)
- Hand tighten 1/4” flare to suction line as close to the evaporator as possible using an EPA approved service hose (not included).
- Select refrigerant (R22 or R410A) and units (English or metric).
- Connect the pipe clamp to the suction line at least six inches from the compressor and slide it under the insulation for best accuracy isolating the pipe clamp from the ambient air (pg. 2).
- Select parameter to display (superheat, pressure, or temperature).
- You must wait until the system you are testing has stabilized completely before you can take an accurate superheat reading, this usually takes about 10-15 minutes. The STABLE LED lights when superheat is stable.
- Disable Auto-off to data log any of the above parameters with the DL3 data logger.
- Once you have the superheat reading follow the manufacturer of the air conditioner’s specifications to properly charge or diagnose the system.
Competitive Advantages.
Many AC system analyzers include PT charts you don’t want or need. The ASH3 is an alternative to expensive to system analyzers for the refrigerants you work with on air conditioning systems the most - R22 and R410A.
Recommended Accessories and Replacement Parts.
Technicians who like the ASH3 may also enjoy these instruments and accessories: