Product Spotlight: Superior Accutrak Leak Detectors Posted on July 20, 2026 Among HVAC professionals, finding refrigerant leaks has always been one of the most time-consuming tasks. Small leaks can develop inside evaporator coils, or condenser coils can develop microscopic cracks virtually invisible without equipment. While traditional electronic refrigerant sniffers have their place, they aren’t always the fastest and best solution. Wind, refrigerant concentration, contamination, and residual refrigerant can complicate leak detection. This is where ultrasonic leak detectors come in. And when it comes to these specialized tools, few names are as respected as Superior Signal’s AccuTrak series. About Superior Signal Based in Old Bridge, NJ, Superior Signal Company has been manufacturing leak testing for over 60 years. Unlike most manufacturers that produce dozens of unrelated products, Superior Signal focuses almost entirely on leak detection and airflow visualization equipment. The company got its start in the ‘50s making military and ship distress signals using smoke generating systems. Over time, these devices were adapted to leak testing plumbing, ductwork, boilers and furnaces, tanks and exhaust systems. In the early ‘90s, it debuted its first AccuTrak ultrasonic leak detector, intended for detecting compressed gas and vacuum leaks in heavy industry in plant maintenance applications including compressed gas leaks, vacuum leaks, detection of bearing wear and internal leaks through valves or steam traps. Later on, the AccuTrakVPE was introduced specifically for the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. Today, the company’s famed Accutrak line is the leading ultrasonic leak detector in the market, with a strong reputation among HVAC technicians, industrial maintenance departments, manufacturing facilities, automotive repair shops, and utility providers. What Makes AccuTrak Different? While most HVAC leak detectors search for refrigerant traces, AccuTrak detectors use ultrasonic frequencies to pinpoint leaks. Every pressurized gas escaping through a leak produces turbulence. Because of their small size, such turbulence is imperceptible to human hearing, only detectable through ultrasonic frequencies. AccuTrak converts those ultrasonic frequencies into audible sounds using heterodyning technology, while displaying signal strength on a digital meter. This allows technicians to easily pinpoint leaks that would otherwise be nearly impossible to locate. The Accutrak Advantage Instead of relying on refrigerant concentration, ultrasonic detection offers several advantages: ✔ Works with virtually any gas Unlike refrigerant-specific electronic sniffers, ultrasonic detectors can locate leaks involving: R-410A R-454B R-32 R-134a Nitrogen Compressed air Vacuum systems Steam Natural gas (for escaping sound; follow appropriate safety procedures) ✔ Faster detection Because Accutrak pinpoints the sound source of escaping gas or refrigerant, it is able to locate leaks much faster than repeatedly sweeping an electronic detector over a suspected area. ✔ Less sensitive to air movement Electronic refrigerant detectors can struggle outdoors because wind disperses refrigerant. Ultrasonic detectors instead listen for escaping gas, making them especially useful in breezy environments, provided background ultrasonic noise is managed. ✔ Versatile Apart from escaping gas, AccuTrak instruments can also detect: Bearing wear Valve leaks Steam trap failures Electrical arcing Corona discharge Vacuum leaks Pneumatic leaks Hydraulic issues Belt noise This allows one instrument to support both HVAC service and predictive maintenance programs. ✔ No refrigerant circulation required In our expert opinion, one of the biggest selling points of ultrasonic detectors is that refrigerant doesn’t need to be circulating through the system. Pressurizing with dry nitrogen is sufficient to locate leaks. This reduces lost refrigerant, and customer feedback and community discussions on Reddit praise this capability. Superior Signal AccuTrak Lineup Superior Signal VPE-GN-PRO AccuTrak Ultrasonic Leak Detector with Flexible Goose Neck This new model features 3rd generation digital circuitry, with 20% greater sensitivity than previous detectors. It can detect several types of leaks including any gas or refrigerant, compressed air and vacuum leaks and faults, clearer, faster and quieter. The gooseneck is 9.5 inches long, enabling it to service hard-to-reach places with ease. This ability makes it popular among HVAC technicians, because it allows access behind coils and inside cramped mechanical spaces. The set includes the ultrasonic detector, headphones, stainless steel probe, waveguide attachment, 9v battery, and a robust carrying case. Price: $1,029.00 Superior Signal VPE-GN-PRO AccuTrak Ultrasonic Leak Detector with Flexible Goose Neck Superior AccuTrak Gooseneck Ultrasonic Leak Detector Standard Kit, VPE-GN, is a complete leak detection kit including professional noise canceling headphon... View Product Superior Signal VPE-1000 AccuTrak Digital Ultrasonic Leak Detector Kit with Professional Headphones This model utilizes two highly sensitive ultrasonic sensors: one to detect ultrasound traveling through the air, such as gas and air leaks, and the second that detects sound through solid surfaces, such as mechanical wear and friction within the machinery. This allows professionals to locate most issues in HVAC, heating and pressurized systems. Each sensor boasts excellent frequency response and independent settings. A patented microcomputer and digital circuitry makes it the most accurate and repeatable ultrasonic leak detector in its class. The package includes the VPE-1000 unit, professional noise canceling headphones, stainless steel probe, touchprobe and waveguide attachments, 9V battery, instructional video, and a durable hard case. Price: $2,129.00 Superior Signal VPE-1000 AccuTrak Digital Ultrasonic Leak Detector Kit with Professional Headphones Superior AccuTrak Digital Ultrasonic Leak Detector Kit, VPE-GN, is a complete leak detection kit complete with a headset. It can detect compressed air or N... View Product Make Leak Detection a Breeze Say goodbye to repeated time-consuming passes and wasted refrigerant. Make leak detection faster, easier and more convenient with Superior Signal’s famed Accutrak ultrasonic leak detectors today. Don’t take our word for it…. we have hundreds of satisfied HVAC techs, contractors and industrial maintenance crews using Accutrak detectors all across the country! Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
