Disclosed is a system for detecting a refrigerant leak in a refrigeration system, wherein a system controller is configured to: execute leak test cycles that include executing a first phase (T1-T2) of transferring refrigerant charge to the evaporator, a second phase (T2-T3) of transferring refrigerant charge to the condenser, and a third phase (T3-T4) of transferring refrigerant charge to the evaporator, determine a reference leak detection cycle time (LDCTREF) by determining a time from a beginning of the second phase (T2) in a first test to an end of the third phase (T4) in the first test, and setting LDCTREF to the time, determine a second leak detection cycle time (LDCT2nd) by determining a time from a beginning of the second phase (T2) in the second test to a second end of the third phase (T4) in the second test, and setting LDCT2nd to the time, determine if a refrigerant leak exists, and communicate the determination.