Method for detecting refrigerant loss in a refrigerant circuit and cooling or air conditioning installation

The method involves measuring the coolant pressure (p) and temperature on the high pressure side and evaluating for possible coolant loss. The temperature and pressure are measured between the compressor and condenser. The measured coolant temperature is dependent on the coolant pressure and is compared with a threshold value defined for the measurement position for a reference coolant pressure equal to the measured coolant pressure. If the threshold is exceeded a leak is detected. AN Independent claim is also included for the following: a refrigeration or air conditioning circuit, especially for vehicles.