What is a key indicator of a system leak during testing?

A drop in pressure after stabilization is a critical indicator of a system leak during testing. When a refrigeration or air conditioning system is in a stable state, the pressure reading should remain constant if the system is sealed properly. Any significant drop from this pressure suggests that refrigerant is escaping from the system through a leak.

This pressure drop occurs because the refrigerant is no longer contained within the system, which reduces the total pressure and can cause operational issues. Identifying this drop allows technicians to pinpoint leaks and take corrective actions, ensuring the efficiency and safety of the system.

While constant pressure readings and visual inspections for ice formation can also provide insights into system performance, they do not directly indicate a leak in the same way that a drop in pressure does. An increase in temperature may indicate other operational issues unrelated to leaks. Hence, monitoring pressure stability is essential for effective leak detection.