Sniffer Leak Standards
Sniffer Leak Standards
Sniffer leak standards provide a stable, traceable reference for verifying the performance of sniffer-type leak detectors in open-air conditions. Built for helium, hydrogen, or refrigerants, they ensure accurate sensitivity checks, response confirmation, and real-world detection reliability.
Common uses include production-line leak location, maintenance diagnostics, troubleshooting, and confirming that handheld or automated sniffers meet required detection limits.
Applications
Sniffer leak standards support industries where gas-specific leak localization is essential:
- Automotive – A/C systems, fuel & vapor diagnostics
- HVAC & Refrigeration – detector verification for refrigerants (R134a, R404a, R410a, R290, CO₂, and more)
- Aerospace – helium sniffing for welds, fittings, and structural components
- Medical Devices – helium or hydrogen-based localization on critical assemblies
- Industrial Manufacturing – validating sniffer probes and automated stations
- Service & Field Technicians – portable instrument checks prior to on-site testing
Leak Standard Configurations
Reservoir Style (Most Common)
- Internal gas charge (helium, hydrogen, or refrigerant)
- Provides a controlled, stable emission rate
- Ideal for calibrating handheld, robotic, or fixture-based sniffers
Open Style
- Connects to your external tracer gas source
- Eliminates refill requirements
- Suitable for custom setups using helium, hydrogen, or selected refrigerants
View sample leak configurations in our leak photo gallery.
Available Tracer Gases
Helium, Hydrogen, Forming Gas (5% H₂ / 95% N₂), Refrigerants: R134a, R404a, R410a, R513a, R1234yf, R290, R600a, CO₂, and others on request.
All leak standards are engineered for stability and compatibility with the selected gas.
Typical Specifications
Common Leak Rate Ranges
- Helium: 1×10⁻⁶ to 1×10⁻⁴ atm·cc/s
- Hydrogen / Forming Gas: 1×10⁻⁵ to 1×10⁻³ atm·cc/s
- Refrigerants: 0.5 to 30 g/yr (or equivalent sccm/atm·cc/s)
Custom rates and concentrations available. All sniffer leak standards are calibrated into atmosphere to reflect real detector conditions.
Available Fittings & Options
- The outlet on all sniffer leaks is a universal sniffer style
- Connection options (open style only): 1/8″ M-NPT, 1/4″ M-NPT, 10-32 O-ring, Female NPT, Metal face seal, compression, quick connects, custom interfaces
- Accessories: isolation valves, gauges, refillable reservoirs
- Built to your exact leak rate, gas type, and connection requirements
Ordering & Calibration
All sniffer leak standards are manufactured and calibrated in our ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory (view our full accredited scope). Recalibration is available for any manufacturer’s standard.
- New Standards: Custom built to your specifications
- Recalibration: Fast turnaround for any manufacturer’s standards
- Custom Projects: Unique fittings or configurations welcome
New to sniffer testing?
Read our guide: What is a Sniffer Test?
Frequently Asked Questions
Sniffer leak standards release tracer gas into the atmosphere to replicate detector use in the field. Helium leak standards can be calibrated either for vacuum systems (vacuum integrity testing) or for sniffer applications (atmospheric helium release). The key distinction is whether the calibration simulates vacuum or atmospheric detection conditions.
Reservoir-style leaks can last years depending on reservoir size, leak rate, and gas type. Recalibration is recommended to confirm stability and refill if needed.
Yes. We routinely build leak standards to specific OEM or regulatory thresholds such as 0.25 oz/yr or 3 g/yr.
Yes. All sniffer leak calibrations are traceable through our A2LA accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ensuring your documentation meets regulatory and quality management requirements.