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  General Monitors Customer Support
FAQ Library
Combustible Gas Detection
H2S Gas Detection
Toxic Gas Detection
Flame Detection
General



What type of cabling / wiring should I use to install a combustible gas detector?
You may select from the gas detector types listed below: Catalytic Bead, Point Infrared and Open Path Infrared.

Catalytic Bead
A three conductor shielded cable/wire should be used for all catalytic bead installations. Listed below are the cable / wire sizes and distances for each of the catalytic bead controllers and intelligent sensors.

The following charts apply to the Model S4000C:
Power 24 VDC
Distance AWG
Feet
Meters
 
3000
910
14
1900
580
16
1500
460
18
1000
300
20

Analog Signal
Distance AWG
Feet
Meters
 
9000
2940
14
5200
1585
16
3800
1160
18
2400
730
20


The following charts apply to the Models 480A, 580A, 610A
and 4802A:
Distance
AWG
Feet
Meters
 
1900
580
20
3000
910
18
4800
1460
16
7600
2320
14
*Note: Maximum resistance of 20 OHMS per sensor lead (40 ohms loop).
 

The following chart applies to the Model TA102A:
Power 24 VDC
Distance AWG
Feet
Meters
 
750
228
22
1100
335
20
1600
488
18
2250
685
16
4500 1372 14

Analog Signal
Distance AWG
Feet
Meters
 
1600
488
22
2400
731
20
3800
1158
18
5200
1585
16
9000 2740 14



Point Infrared
A shielded cable/wire should be used for all point infrared installations. The number of conductors will depend on the design of the system. Listed below are the cable/wire sizes and distances for each of the point infrared detectors.

The following applies to the Model IR2100:
Power 24 VDC
Distance AWG
Feet
Meters
 
285
85
22
450
135
20
720
220
18
1145
345
16
1830 555 14

Analog Signal
Distance AWG
Feet
Meters
 
800
243
22
1200
365
20
1900
579
18
2600
792
16
4500 1371 14



Open Path Infrared Model IR5000
The source only requires a two-conductor cable/wire as the only connection is for 24VDC Power and Common. A shielded cable is recommended for the cable/wire of the receiver. The number of conductors will depend on the design of the system. Listed below are the cable / wire sizes and distances for the source and receiver.

Source:
Distance
AWG
Feet
Meters
 
175
55
20
280
85
18
435
135
16
750
230
14
 

Receiver:
Power Supply
Distance AWG
Feet
Meters
 
230
70
20
370
112
18
580
176
16
1000
305
14

Analog Signal
Distance AWG
Feet
Meters
 
2400
730
20
3800
1160
18
5200
1585
16
9000
2750
14


How far can I remote mount a catalytic bead sensor from the S4000C's electronics?
The maximum distance the catalytic bead sensor can be remote mounted from the S4000C's electronics is 7600 ft. (2320 m) using a three-conductor 14 AWG shielded cable/wire. For remote mounting applications, you will require the explosion-proof sensor junction box part number 10252-1. Contact your local representative or factory for additional accessories and assistance.

How often should I calibrate my combustible gas sensors?
We recommend that all combustible gas detectors be calibrated at least once every 90 days to ensure integrity. We are not implying that the sensor will drift or have problems within this period but frequent calibration checks merely ensure the integrity and operation of the life protecting equipment.

This should be used as a guideline only and in some applications more frequent calibrations may be required. Each application must be carefully evaluated to determine the frequency of calibration.

Catalytic Bead
What is your typical catalytic bead sensor life?

We state 3-5 years in our literature but we have seen sensors last over 10 years and still function properly. It really depends on the application.

What gas is used to calibrate your catalytic sensors?
We normally use 50% LEL of the target gas. The calibration kits consist of a bottle of gas, .45 liter / min regulator, tubing and calibration cup.


Point Infrared
Can I remote mount and remote calibrate the IR2100?
The IR2100 can be remote mounted from the FMD field mounted display. The IR2100 can be remote tested for response operation. It can be remote zeroed but cannot be remote calibrated due to air currents around the sensor. A calibration cup will have to be placed over the sensor head for span calibration.

What is the expected life expectancy of the IR2100?
Since poisons will not affect the IR2100, customers should expect 10 years of life.

Will fog prevent the IR2100 from working properly?
No. We also have rain shields to prevent heavy rains from blocking the IR beams.

Open-Path Infrared
Will the IR5000 tell me where the gas leak is along its path of detection?
No. The IR5000 lets you know that there is a leak somewhere between the IR5000 source and receiver. Only point detectors such as the IR2100 or S4000C will tell you more information as to the leak location
.

Can I use the same unit to detect a methane gas leak and a propane gas leak?
No. Because of the bond structure of the heavy gases you must use a IR5000 which is programmed different than the unit for methane.

How do you calibrate the IR5000?
The IR5000 is calibrated at the factory. The unit can be re-zeroed but does not need to be recalibrated in the field. We use a set of films to check the operation of the unit. This is typical of all open path gas detectors.


 
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