Beacon 800 User manual

www.rkiinstruments.com
Beacon 800 Gas Monitor
Operator’s Manual
Part Number: 71-0037RK
Revision: F
Released: 4/18/17

Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual
Product Warranty
RKI Instruments, Inc. warrants gas alarm equipment sold by us to be free from defects in
materials, workmanship, and performance for a period of one year from date of shipment
from RKI Instruments, Inc. Any parts found defective within that period will be repaired or
replaced, at our option, free of charge. This warranty does not apply to those items, which
by their nature, are subject to deterioration or consumption in normal service, and which
must be cleaned, repaired, or replaced on a routine basis. Examples of such items are as
follows:
Warranty is voided by abuse including mechanical damage, alteration, rough handling, or
repair procedures not in accordance with the operator’s manual. This warranty indicates
the full extent of our liability, and we are not responsible for removal or replacement costs,
local repair costs, transportation costs, or contingent expenses incurred without our prior
approval.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANYAND ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND
ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ON THE PART OF RKI
INSTRUMENTS, INC., INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO
EVENT SHALL RKI INSTRUMENTS, INC. BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND
CONNECTED WITH THE USE OF ITS PRODUCTS OR FAILURE OF ITS
PRODUCTS TO FUNCTION OR OPERATE PROPERLY.
This warranty covers instruments and parts sold to users by authorized distributors,
dealers, and representatives as appointed by RKI Instruments, Inc.
We do not assume indemnification for any accident or damage caused by the operation of
this gas monitor, and our warranty is limited to the replacement of parts or our complete
goods.
a) Absorbent cartridges d) Batteries
b) Pump diaphragms and valves e) Filter elements
c) Fuses

Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About This Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 2: Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
External Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Internal Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 3: Installation & Startup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Mounting the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Wiring the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Starting Up the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Chapter 4: Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Alarm Indications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Viewing & Resetting Min/Max Readings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Chapter 5: Configuration Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Enabling or Disabling Channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Calibration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Configure Channel Settings Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Chapter 6: Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Replacing the Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Chapter 7: Optional Recorder Output Board & Heavy Duty Relay Board . . . . . . . . . . 34
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Recorder Output Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Heavy Duty Relay Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

1 • Overview Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview
This chapter briefly describes the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor. This chapter also describes
the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual (this document). Table 1 at the end of this
chapter lists the specifications for the Beacon 800.
About the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor
The Beacon 800 is a fixed-mounted, continuous-monitoring instrument. This multiple
channel gas monitor is capable of detecting gas at up to eight locations. The display
screens simultaneously display the gas readings of all active channels.
The Beacon 800 includes audible and visual alarms that warn you of hazardous gas
conditions. The alarm circuit includes two levels of gas alarms. The fail circuit alerts you to
failures in the gas transmitter(s) or Beacon 800.
The Configuration menu allows you to change channel and calibration settings.
About this Manual
The Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual is organized as follows:
•Chapter 1 is an introduction to the Beacon 800.
• Chapter 2 describes the components of the Beacon 800.
•Chapter 3 describes the installation and start-up procedures of the Beacon 800.
•Chapter 4 describes the operation of the Beacon 800.
•Chapter 5 describes the configuration procedures of the Beacon 800.
•Chapter 6 describes the maintenance of the Beacon 800.
•Chapter 7 describes the optional Recorder Output and Heavy Duty Relay boards.
The Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual uses the following conventions for notes,
cautions, and warnings:
NOTE: Describes additional or critical information.
CAUTION: Describes potential damage to equipment.
WARNING: Describes potential danger that can result in injury or death.

Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual Specifications • 2
Specifications
Table 1 lists specifications for the Beacon 800.
Table 1: Beacon 800 Specifications
Description Specification
Input Power 100 to 240 VAC or 24 VDC
Detector Head Input Type 2 or 3 wire 4-20mA transmitters
Construction (housing) Fiberglass/polyester with lexan window (NEMA 4X)
Dimensions 12.5 in. H x 11.0 in. W x 6.4 in. D
(31.8 cm H x 27.9 cm W x 16.3 cm D)
Weight 10.4 lbs. (without AC line cord)
Operating Temperature -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
Storage Temperature -4°F to 158°F (-20°C to 70°C)
Regulatory CSA, NRTL/C
Environmental Conditions • For indoor or outdoor locations (Type 4X)
• 2000 meter max altitude
• Maximum humidity: 80% relative
• Pollution Degree 2
• Installation Category II
User Controls • Reset switch
• Program buttons: ESCAPE, UP (YES), DOWN (NO), and ENTER)
Relays CSA Rated for 3 amps at 115 VAC resistive, Form C
Standard Accessory Operator’s manual (this document)

3 • Overview Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual
Chapter 2: Description
Overview
This chapter describes external and internal components of the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor.
External Description
This section describes the housing and all external components of the Beacon 800. For
the purposes of this description, the housing door is considered the front of the monitor.
Housing
The Beacon 800’s fiberglass housing is weather- and corrosion-resistant. It is suitable for
installation where general purpose equipment is in use. The housing door is hinged on the
left side and is secured by two latches on the right side. The display screens and status
lights are visible through windows in the housing door. Four mounting feet are attached to
the back of the housing (one at each corner). The mounting feet allow you to install the
housing to a vertical surface. Four conduit hubs on the bottom of the housing are for
external wiring connections.
CAUTION: Only use the four factory installed conduit hubs on the bottom of the housing
for wire entry into the housing. Do not drill the housing for any reason.
CAUTION: To avoid electrical interference, do not route transmitter and power wiring
through the same conduit hub.
Reset Switch
The reset switch is on the bottom of the housing, in front of the buzzer. The reset switch
serves three functions:
• Resets the alarm circuits for “latched” alarms after an alarm 1 or alarm 2 condition
passes.
You can set each channel for latched or self-resetting alarms in the channel setup pro-
gram. See Chapter 5, Configuration, for more information.
• Silences the buzzer during an alarm 1 or alarm 2 condition. You cannot silence failure
alarms.
• Displays and resets the minimum and maximum gas concentration values.
Buzzer
The buzzer is on the bottom of the housing, behind the reset switch. The buzzer sounds
audible warnings to warn you of gas alarms and instrument failures.

Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual Internal Description • 4
Internal Description
This section describes the internal components of the Beacon 800.
Figure 1: Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Component Location
Display Screens
NOTE: The display screens, status lights, and program buttons are mounted to a
secondary circuit board. This circuit board is mounted to the main circuit board by
standoffs.
The display screens simultaneously display the target gas, measuring unit, and current
gas reading of all active channels. The top screen displays channels 1 through 4; the
bottom screen displays channels 5 through 8.
The display screens also display messages, settings, and other data when you are
operating the configuration menu.
Housing
AC terminal strip
Controller
terminal strip
Alarm 2 common relay
Alarm 1 common relay
Fail common relay
Conduit hub
(total of 4)
Reset switch
Buzzer
(behind switch)
Power supply
Display board
(see Figure 2)
Power switch
Channel relays
(see Figure 3)
Transmitter terminal strip
(channels 5-8)
Transmitter terminal strip
(channels 1-4)
Alarm terminal strip
(channels 5-8; alarm 2)
Alarm terminal strip
(channels 5-8; alarm 1)
Alarm terminal strip
(channels 1-4; alarm 1)
Alarm terminal strip
(channels 1-4; alarm 2)
Main board (shown without door)
Ground Stud

5 • Internal Description Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual
Figure 2: Display Board Component Location
Status Lights
The Beacon 800 includes four status lights that indicate the current status of the monitor:
the ALARM 1 light, the ALARM 2 light, the FAIL light, and the PILOT light (see Figure 2).
PILOT Light
The PILOT light is on when the Beacon 800 is receiving incoming power, either AC or DC
power.
FAIL Light
The FAIL light turns on when the Beacon 800 is experiencing a fail condition. A fail
condition can be caused by a failure within the Beacon 800 or transmitter(s) wired to the
Beacon 800 (see “Chapter 6: Maintenance” on page 31).
ALARM 1 Light
The ALARM 1 light is on when the Beacon 800 is experiencing a low-level (alarm 1) or
high-level (alarm 2) gas condition.
ALARM 2 Light
The ALARM 2 light is on when the Beacon 800 is experiencing a high-level (alarm 2) gas
condition.
Program Buttons
The Beacon 800 includes four program button that allow you to enter the Configuration
Menu, navigate through the menu, update instrument and channel settings, and save
changes to the settings. The program buttons, listed in Table 2, are near the right edge of
the display board (see Figure 2).
ESCAPE button
UP (YES) button
DOWN (NO) button
ENTER button
PILOT light
ALARM 2 light
ALARM 1 light
Display screen 1
(channels 1-4)
Display screen 2
(channels 5-8)
FAIL light
Thumbscrew
(total of 2)

Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual Internal Description • 6
Ground Stud
The ground stud is used for connecting earth ground to the Beacon 800. The ground stud
is factory wired to the GND terminal on the AC terminal strip. The ground stud is located in
the lower right corner of the main board.
Terminal Strips
The Beacon 800 includes four terminal strips for external wiring connections. See “Wiring
the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor” on page 12 for detailed wiring procedures.
Transmitter Terminal Strips
Two transmitter terminal strips are mounted to the bottom left corner of the main circuit
board (see Figure 1). These two 12-point terminal strips facilitate wiring connections to the
detector heads. The bottom terminal strip is for channels 1 through 4; the top terminal strip
is for channels 5 through 8.
Alarm Terminal Strips
Four alarm terminal strips are to the right of the transmitter terminal strips (see Figure 1).
These four 12-point terminal strips facilitate wiring connections to external alarm devices
(horn, strobe, etc.). The bottom row of alarm terminals is for alarm 1 connections; the top
row of alarm terminals is for alarm 2 connection.
NOTE: The alarm terminal strips provide external alarm connections controlled by
individual channels. The Beacon 800 also provides common alarm terminals on
the controller terminal strip. The common alarm terminals are controlled by all
active channels.
Controller Terminal Strip
The 19-point controller terminal strip is to the right of the alarm terminal strips (see Figure
1). The controller terminal strip facilitates various internal and external wiring connections.
Table 3 lists the function of each terminal.
Table 2: Beacon 800 Program Button Functions
Button Function
ESCAPE • Moves backward through the Configuration Menu
• Cancels changes you make in the Configuration Menu
• Enters the Configuration Menu (press with ENTER button)
UP (YES) • Accepts the displayed setting and proceeds to the next setting
• Changes the displayed setting
DOWN (NO) • Allows you to update the displayed setting
• Changes the displayed setting
ENTER • Saves changes you make in the Configuration Menu
• Enters the Configuration Menu (press with ESCAPE button)

7 • Internal Description Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual
AC Terminal Strip
The 3-point AC terminal strip is above the controller terminal strip (see Figure 1). The AC
terminal strip facilitates wiring connections to the AC power source. The GND terminal is
factory wired to the ground stud.
Relays
The Beacon 800 includes 16 channel relays and three common relays. Both sets of relay
contacts are single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) and are rated for 3 amps at 115 VAC
(resistive).
NOTE: In the Configuration menu, you can select normally energized, or normally de-
energized relays for each channel relay. This section describes the default
setting: normally de-energized.
The alarm 1 and alarm 2 common relays are factory-set as normally de-
energized and the fail common relay is factory-set as normally energized. The
normally energized/normally de-energized setting for the alarm 1, alarm 2, and
fail common relays is not user-adjustable.
Channel Relays
The 16-channel relays are above the alarm terminal strips (see Figure 1). These relays
are dedicated to specific channels and alarm levels.
Table 3: Terminal Assignments for the Controller Terminal Strip
Terminal No. Connects to:
24VDC
(BAT-/BAT+)
DC power source (you can use DC power as a primary or
backup power source.)1
ALM2
(C, NO, NC)
Common alarm 2 (external alarm)2
ALM1
(C, NO, NC)
Common alarm 1 (external alarm)3
FAIL
(C, NO, NC)
Common fail (external alarm)4
+28V Not used
TX Not used
RX Not used
GND Not used
RESET (2) Reset switch (factory-wired)
BUZ-/BUZ+ Internal buzzer (factory-wired)
1If used as primary power source do not make wiring connections to the AC terminal strip.
2Activates if any gas channel recognizes an alarm 2 condition.
3Activates if any gas channel recognizes an alarm 1 condition.
4Activates if any gas channel or the Beacon 800 recognizes a fail condition.