AMC SIR Series User manual

AMC-SI
R
Refrigerant Gas
Sensor/Transmitter
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
IMPORTANT:
Please read these installation and operating instructions completely
and carefully before starting.
Filename: 3305405F.doc
Revised Feb 9 2016
Copyright ©, August 2013, AMC
The Armstrong Monitoring Corporation
215 Colonnade Road South, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2E 7K3
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • Canada & U.S. Toll Free: 1-800-465-5777
E-mail: [email protected] • Internet: www.armstrongmonitoring.com

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
i

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title Page
1WARRANTY.............................................................................................................2
1.1 LIABILITY........................................................................................................... 2
1.2 PRODUCT RETURN ......................................................................................... 2
1.3 MODIFICATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS......................................................... 2
2PRODUCT INFORMATION......................................................................................3
2.1 Manual Coverage............................................................................................... 3
2.2 SENSOR/TRANSMITTER MODULE ................................................................. 4
2.3 FACTORY CALIBRATION ................................................................................. 4
3PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................5
4INSTALLATION AND OPERATION ........................................................................6
4.1 LOCATION AND MOUNTING............................................................................ 6
4.1.1 WALL MOUNTING ..................................................................................................6
4.2 WIRING.............................................................................................................. 7
4.2.1 MONITOR AND POWER SUPPLY WIRING...........................................................7
4.2.1.1 THE ANALOG INTERFACE.............................................................................7
4.2.1.2 TRANSMITTER TO MONITOR WIRING .........................................................8
4.2.1.3 TRANSMITTER CURRENT OUTPUT .............................................................9
4.2.1.4 SENSOR/TRANSMITTER COMMUNICATION FAILURE.............................11
4.2.1.5 BOOT-UP PHASE AFTER TURN-ON ...........................................................11
4.3 CABLE SELECTION ........................................................................................ 12
5CALIBRATION.......................................................................................................13
5.1 On Site Calibration equipment required ........................................................... 13
5.2 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE ......................................................................... 13
5.2.1 ZERO VERIFICATION ..........................................................................................14
5.2.2 ZERO RECALIBRATION PROCEDURE ..............................................................15
5.2.3 SPAN VERIFICATION ..........................................................................................15
5.2.4 SPAN RECALIBRATION PROCEDURE...............................................................15
6MAINTENANCE.....................................................................................................16
6.1 GENERAL........................................................................................................ 16
6.2 VERIFICATION OF OPERATION .................................................................... 16
6.3 SENSOR/TRANSMITTER REPLACEMENT.................................................... 16

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
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1WARRANTY
The AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter is warranted against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one year from date of delivery. Maintenance items are not
warranted. During the warranty period, The Armstrong Monitoring Corporation will repair or
replace components that prove to be defective in the sole opinion of AMC. Any equipment
deemed to be defective by the user should be returned to The Armstrong Monitoring
Corporation for evaluation (see product return below). Site visits by Armstrong personnel, to
evaluate/repair equipment, are not covered by this warranty. AMC is not liable for auxiliary
interfaced equipment, nor for incidental or consequential damage. This warranty shall not apply
to any product, which has been modified in any way, which has been repaired by any other
party other than a qualified technician or authorized AMC representative, or when failure is due
to misuse or conditions of use.
1.1 LIABILITY
All AMC products must be installed and maintained according to instructions. Only qualified
personnel should install and maintain the equipment.
AMC shall have no liability arising from auxiliary interfaced equipment, for incidental or
consequential damage, or the installation and operation of this equipment. AMC shall have no
liability for labour or freight costs, or any other costs or charges in excess of the amount of the
invoice for the products.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
AND SPECIFICALLY THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE
DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE THEREOF.
WARNING
CHECK TO ASSURE THE WORKING AREA IS FREE FROM HAZARDS DURING
INSTALLATION OR WHEN PERFORMING MAINTENANCE, AND USE PROPER
PRECAUTIONS. FOLLOW PROPER INSTALLATION PRACTICES AS MAY BE
REFERENCED/DICTATED IN OR BY LOCAL, PROVINCIAL, OR STATE BYLAWS AND/OR
CODES.
1.2 PRODUCT RETURN
All products returned for warranty or service should be shipped by prepaid freight and will be
accepted only with RMA or repair number issued by AMC. All products returned to the client will
be shipped by freight collect.
1.3 MODIFICATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Due to an ongoing development program, AMC reserves the right to substitute components and
change specifications at any time without incurring any obligations.

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
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2PRODUCT INFORMATION
2.1 Manual Coverage
This manual released in 2016 only covers the new Sensor 2 shown below. Sensor 1 is covered
in earlier manuals that specify SIR_manual_rev_X as the filename on the front page. The
filename specified for this manual on the front page is 3305405F.
1
TP3
TB2
TP1
V+
LED1
SigV
Ret
SIG
GND
S
V+
RS+
CHG
RS-
TO MONITOR
TP2
GND
POWER
J1
TB1
TO
TRANSMITTER
1
TP3
TB2
TP1
V+
LED1
SigV
Ret
SIG
GND
S
V+
RS+
CHG
RS-
TO MONITOR
TP2
GND
POWER
J1
TB1
TO
TRANSMITTER
DIFFERENT CONNECTORS
Sensor 1 Sensor 2
Figure 2-1 AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor 2 vs sensor 1

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
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2.2 SENSOR/TRANSMITTER MODULE
Sensor/transmitter unit order number. ………...
Sensor/transmitter serial number...…………….
Power Supply Requirement…………………….. 14 to 28VDC
Current Requirement……………………...…….. 70mA average, 140mA max
Operating Temperature ………………………… -20° to +40° C
Relative Humidity ……………………………….. 0 to 95% RH, non-condensing
Signal Linearity…………………………………... Linear to the concentration of gas
2.3 FACTORY CALIBRATION
Gas Type………………………………….….…...
Zero Gas, at 4mA signal……..……….…………
Gas Concentration at 20mA signal
Calibration Adapter Part Number……………… AMC-FL1
Calibration Kit Part Number……………………. AMC-C1-FL1
Note:
All Armstrong Monitoring systems must be installed and maintained according to
instructions to assure proper operation. Only qualified technicians should install and
maintain the equipment. For re-calibration extended warranty program information
please call 1-800-465-5777.

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
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3PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter unit is designed to provide continuous,
reliable surveillance of surrounding air for the target gas listed in the Factory Calibration
(Section 2.3). Based on the physical measurement method of infrared absorption, it provides
the best technique for reliable, precise measurements and selectivity.
The AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter provides a 4-20mA current output proportional
to the Gas Concentration.
Each sensor/transmitter unit is factory calibrated and is ready for field installation and operation.
OVERVIEW:
Enclosure:
PVC
Figure 3-1 AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter Enclosure Overview

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
6
4INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
The following sections provide guidelines for installation; location and mounting, wiring, and
cable selection.
4.1 LOCATION AND MOUNTING
Mount the AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter on a solid, non-vibrating surface or
structure in an area where the ambient concentration of gas is not directly affected by the
presence of clean air supply, ventilation systems, or blockage by surrounding articles and
sources of interference gas or contaminants. The AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter
shall be installed in an area where refrigerant from a leak is most likely to concentrate. The
installer is required to provide the necessary mounting hardware for the unit. There is a 7/8”
conduit hole for the installation wiring located on the bottom of the enclosure, refer to Fig. 4-1.
Warning:
Mount enclosure with the sensor located as shown in Figure 4-1. This will ensure
correct orientation.
4.1.1 WALL MOUNTING
Figure 4-1 Enclosure Mounting
Warning:
Choose appropriate conduit hardware as to not interfere with internal components.

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
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4.2 WIRING
The AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter was designed to operate with a power supply
voltage range of 14V to 28VDC. It can be interconnected to a suitable Armstrong monitor panel
or be powered from a stable 14-28VDC power source, with its 4-20mA signal interconnected to
a suitable measuring device.
For best signal transmission and maximum noise rejection, it is recommended to run the three
conductor shielded installation cable through steel conduit (the cable shield must be chassis
grounded at the monitor or power supply).
4.2.1 MONITOR AND POWER SUPPLY WIRING
All field wiring connections for the AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter are made via
TB2. Figure 4-2 shows the wiring layout of the AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter.
CHG LANDING POINT FOR CABLE SHIELD
RS-
RS+
V+
SigV
Ret
S
GND
INVERTED SIGNAL LINE FOR THE INTEGRATED RS485 INTERFACE
NON - INVERTED SIGNAL LINE FOR THE INTEGRATED RS485 INTERFACE
POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION 14 - 28VDC
SIGNAL OUTPUT CONFIGURED FOR 4-20mA
COMMON GROUND
1
TP3
TB2
TP1
V+
LED1
SigV
Ret
SIG
GND
S
V+
RS+
CHG
RS-
TO MONITOR
TP2
GND
POWER
J1
TB1
TO
TRANSMITTER
Figure 4-2 AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter layout
4.2.1.1 THE ANALOG INTERFACE
The analog interface of the AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter offers a linearized 4-
20mA analog current signal; proportional to the concentration of gas measured. This signal is
interpreted by the interconnected monitor.
Alternatively, the AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter can also be used independently,
with its 4-20mA output connected to a suitable measuring device.
The standard configuration for output current is 4-20mA with the JP3 jumper installed.
(Condition as delivered) See Fig 4-3.

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
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JP3JP2
Figure 4-3 Jumper (JP3) installed
4.2.1.2 TRANSMITTER TO MONITOR WIRING
When connecting to an AMC Monitor, the AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter is wired
with a 3-conductor shielded cable. Fig. 4-4 shows the connection between the AMC-SIR
Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter and an AMC Monitor. In this configuration, power is provided
via the Monitor. When the power supply is turned on, the green (power) LED will be illuminated
and the AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter will become active. See section 4.2.1.5 for
Boot-up phase after turn-on.

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
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1
TP3
TB2
TP1
V+
LED1
SigV
Ret
SIG
GND
S
V+
RS+
CHG
RS-
TO MONITOR
TP2
GND
POWER
J1
TB1
AMC
MONITOR
-
+
S
SHIELD
TO
TRANSMITTER
TRANSMITTER HOUSING REMOVED FOR CLARITY
NOTE:
ALL WIRING MUST PASS THROUGH CONDUIT OPENING
LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF ENCLOSURE.
REFER TO FIGURE 4-1
CHASSIS GND
Figure 4-4 Transmitter to Monitor Wiring Diagram
4.2.1.3 TRANSMITTER CURRENT OUTPUT
When using a non AMC monitor, AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter is connected as
shown in Fig. 4-5. If necessary, the output current may be converted to a linear voltage signal in
order to measure the signal. To accomplish this, a high-precision resistor must be connected to
the current input of the non AMC monitor as a shunt. See Fig. 4-6.
The resultant voltage drop across the resistor then linearly reflects the concentration value of
the measured gas. Depending on the operating current setting, the following values for the
output voltage can be established:
4-20mA 0.4V – 2.0V with a 100 Ωload resistor
4-20mA 1.0V – 5.0V with a 250 Ωload resistor
4-20mA 2.0V – 10.0V with a 500 Ωload resistor

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
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FILTERED
14 - 28 VDC
SUPPLY
COMPUTER
DATALOGGER
OR NON-AMC
MONITOR
-
+
-
+
4-20mA SIGNAL
POWER {
{
1
TP3
TB2
TP1
V+
LED1
SigV
Ret
SIG
GND
S
V+
RS+
CHG
RS-
TO MONITOR
TP2
GND
POWER
J1
TB1
TO
TRANSMITTER
TRANSMITTER HOUSING REMOVED FOR CLARITY
SHIELD
CHASSIS GND
NOTE:
ALL WIRING MUST PASS THROUGH CONDUIT OPENING
LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF ENCLOSURE.
REFER TO FIGURE 4-1
Figure 4-5 Transmitter to Non-AMC Monitor Wiring Diagram
NON-AMC
MONITOR
-
+
S
1
TP3
TB2
TP1
V+
LED1
SigV
Ret
SIG
GND
S
V+
RS+
CHG
RS-
TO MONITOR
TP2
GND
POWER
J1
TB1
TO
TRANSMITTER
TRANSMITTER HOUSING REMOVED FOR CLARITY
SHIELD
A
O
D
L
CHASSIS GND
NOTE:
ALL WIRING MUST PASS THROUGH CONDUIT OPENING
LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF ENCLOSURE.
REFER TO FIGURE 4-1
Figure 4-6 Transmitter to Non-AMC Monitor with shunt resistor

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
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Caution:
Maximum load resistance is 500 ohms @ 24VDC, 300 ohms @ 14VDC. Special
consideration is required to provide the transmitter with enough supply voltage as
lowering the supply voltage reduces the maximum load allowable. See section 4.3 for
appropriate cable lengths to accommodate required supply voltages.
4.2.1.4 SENSOR/TRANSMITTER COMMUNICATION FAILURE
If the sensor malfunctions, this state is indicated as follows at the current output:
4-20mA operation →output current is frozen at 3.5mA.
Depending on the operating mode and the downstream evaluation, such a state can then be
used for fault detection purposes. When the defect is fixed, the AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas
sensor/transmitter automatically begins its normal boot-up phase and then switches back to
normal mode, as described in section 4.2.1.5.
4.2.1.5 BOOT-UP PHASE AFTER TURN-ON
After the power supply and the desired interface have been connected to the AMC-SIR
Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter, the sensor starts with a boot phase. This lasts less than 2
minutes and serves to check all internal components and routines. During the boot phase, the
following states can occur depending on the selected operating mode:
4-20mA output:
Initial output current is approx. 3.2mA, increasing to 4mA after about
2 minutes, in a gas-free environment.
The sensor signal can fluctuate during the warm-up period.
When the boot phase is finished, and when all test routines have properly finished, the AMC-
SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter automatically switches to normal operating mode and
provides a signal output proportional to the gas concentration.
Caution:
The AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter must be in operation for 60 minutes
to achieve full stabilization.

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
12
4.3 CABLE SELECTION
The following section details the cable selection needed to ensure proper operation of the AMC-
SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter.
The figure below is an aid for cable selection. A 3-conductor shielded cable is employed for
interconnection. All AMC Monitors typically output 24VDC with the exception of the 1A Monitor
which will vary from 19-24VDC depending on the load, so choose cable accordingly. When
using just AMC-SIR transmitters with a 1A Monitor the voltage will be over 20VDC.
There are three variables that determine the maximum cable length; wire gauge, power supply
voltage, and load resistance. A minimum operating voltage of 14VDC is required at the
sensor/transmitter. Wire gauge can range from 20 to 16 AWG.
Figure 4-7 Wire Cable Selection Graph

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
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5CALIBRATION
This section describes the calibration procedure for the AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas
sensor/transmitter.
Each AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter is factory calibrated and should be ready for
operation after installation and a 60 minute stabilization time.
Verification of calibration is recommended two times per year. For highly demanding
applications, more frequent checks are recommended.
Caution:
- Only qualified personnel should perform the actual calibration.
- Users new to gas calibration are advised to consult with Armstrong Monitoring
The Armstrong Monitoring Corporation offers the following calibration plans:
1. Factory pre-calibrated replacement sensor/transmitter units
2. On site installation and calibration by Armstrong Monitoring
3. On site calibration by Armstrong Monitoring
4. Training by Armstrong Monitoring
5.1 On Site Calibration equipment required
For qualified personnel, the following is a recommended list of calibration equipment required.
A digital multi-meter with ranges of 20.0mA or greater.
A calibration jack plug type test lead for the above meter (provided by AMC)
Zero & Span gases for use with a 0.5lpm flow regulator (contact AMC for information)
Cal Adapter, P/N: AMC-FL1 or AMC-C1-FL1 for calibration kit
5.2 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
The transmitter is equipped with a remote calibration feature allowing for one-man calibration at
the transmitter location. The transmitter output is measured using a digital multimeter set to mA
scale, with a cal jack plug connected to the cal jack (J1), see Fig 5-1. When using the cal jack,
signal to the monitor is interrupted and will instead be shown in mA on the multimeter connected
to the cal jack (J1). The analog output range corresponding to the Factory Calibration (Section
2.3) is 4-20mA.
Warning:
The calibration procedure will cause signal loss to the monitor. Appropriate
precautions may be required.

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
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TRANSMITTER HOUSING REMOVED FOR CLARITY
INTO CAL JACK
INSERT PLUG
REMOTE
CALIBRATION
LEAD
mA
DC
mA Com
MULTIMETER
DIGITAL
(DC CURRENT MODE)
1
TP3
TB2
TP1
V+
LED1
SigV
Ret
SIG
GND
S
V+
RS+
CHG
RS-
TO MONITOR
TP2
GND
POWER
J1
TB1
TO
TRANSMITTER
STATUS LEDs 1-3JP3JP2
CALIBRATION
GAS
CYLINDER
REGULATOR
CALIBRATION
ADAPTER
Figure 5-1 Cal Meter Setup
Caution:
The AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter must be in operation for 60 minutes
before calibration can be performed! Unless otherwise specified for the application, it
is recommended that the sensors be tested a minimum of twice a year and calibrated
when necessary.
5.2.1 ZERO VERIFICATION
The zero point should be checked with zero gas. Gas should be applied at 0.5lpm using the
AMC-FL1 calibration adapter, as shown in Figure 5-1.Once the sensor has been completely
purged, the output measured at the cal jack should be between 3.9 - 4.1mA. If the measured
value is:
Within this expected range proceed to Span Verification.
Greater than 4.8mA or less than 3.2mA, then an on site calibration will be required with
Armstrong Monitoring to recalibrate the sensor.
Slight zero deviations on the other hand can be re-adjusted using the Zero Recalibration
Procedure below.
Caution:
Only use pure zero gas consisting of nitrogen or air.

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
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5.2.2 ZERO RECALIBRATION PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect power at the plug-in TB-2 terminal. Ensure both JP2 and JP3 jumpers are
not installed, then re-connect power to AMC-SIR. Wait for Sensor to finish boot up stage
(3 minutes after power up) before applying the zero gas as above and make sure that
the sensor has been completely purged. (Minimum of 4 minutes)
2. While the zero gas is still being applied, locate JP2 jumper and connect to JP2 position.
Yellow Status LED flashes on then becomes steady. If this Yellow LED continues to
flash, contact Armstrong Monitoring for service.
3. The output current on the meter should indicate 0mA with a solid Yellow Status LED.
Removing JP2 jumper will incorporate the setting into the module. The Green Status
LED’s flashes 3 seconds to confirm. If Red Status LED flashes an error has occurred
and process must be repeated. The output current on the meter should now read 0mA.
4. Remove power and add the JP3 Jumper then proceed to Span Calibration.
5.2.3 SPAN VERIFICATION
The span should be checked with a precision sample of gas, equivalent to the concentration
shown in Factory Calibration (Section 2.3.) Gas should be applied at 0.5lpm using the AMC-FL1
calibration adapter, as shown in Figure 5-1.
1. Apply span gas (100% full scale) to the sensor until it is purged. The output measured at
the cal jack should be 20mA. If the current measured is off by more than +/-5% then
proceed to the Span Recalibration Procedure below.
5.2.4 SPAN RECALIBRATION PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect power at the plug-in TB-2 terminal. Ensure JP3 is installed and JP2 is not
installed and re-connect power. Four minutes after power up start to apply span gas to
the sensor until it is purged and then wait until stable full scale reading is attained.
2. Jumper JP2 must now be installed. The Yellow Status LED flashes to indicate checking
of the span gas. This LED should then permanently illuminate to indicate a successful
calibration. If it continues to flash, the calibration gas may be deficient. Remove JP2 to
load this calibration into the sensor module. The Green Status LED flashes for 3
seconds to confirm.
3. The output measured at the cal jack should be 20mA +/-5%. If this is not the case or the
yellow LED continues to flash in step 2 contact Armstrong Monitoring for service.
Caution:
Only use the Full Range (20mA) gas concentration as defined in Factory Calibration
(Section 2.3)

AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas Sensor/Transmitter
16
6MAINTENANCE
6.1 GENERAL
The AMC-SIR Refrigerant Gas sensor/transmitter unit should be brushed or wiped as required,
depending on the rate of accumulation of any dust or dirt.
To avoid sensor damage, the unit MUST NOT be submerged in any liquids. Hosing or
splashing of the unit with any liquids must also be avoided.
6.2 VERIFICATION OF OPERATION
Scheduled calibration is critical in maintaining proper function of gas sensor/transmitters.
Verification of operation should be performed at least once every 6 months. For highly
demanding applications, more frequent verification is recommended.
As mentioned, Armstrong Monitoring offers a number of different maintenance plans to suit your
requirements see Section 5.
6.3 SENSOR/TRANSMITTER REPLACEMENT
When its signal is greatly reduced or unstable, a sensor/transmitter replacement is required; see
section 2.2 for replacement sensor/transmitter P/N. Contact AMC immediately.
Warning:
DO NOT replace the sensor/transmitter board while the system is still powered up.