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.

Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual Internal Description • 8
For example, the channel 1, alarm 1 relay energizes if channel 1 recognizes an alarm 1
condition. Figure 3 illustrates the allocation of the channel relays.
Figure 3: Beacon 800 Channel Relay Allocation
Common Relays
The three common relays are above the AC terminal strip (see Figure 1). These relays are
common for all channels.
For example, the alarm 1 common relay energizes if any channel recognizes an alarm 1
condition.
Power Switch
The power switch is to the left of the fuses (see Figure 1). The power switch turns the
incoming power source on and off at the Beacon 800. When the switch is up, the power is
on.
Power Supply
The power supply is near the top edge of the main circuit board. The power supply
receives the AC input from the external power source and converts it to a DC voltage that
is usable by the Beacon 800 circuitry.
Fuses
The Beacon 800 includes two AC fuses and one DC fuse. The fuses are housed in
extractor-type fuse holders behind the display board and to the left of the common relays.
• The AC fuses are the two 3A fuses. The AC fuses protect the AC line circuitry from
short circuit or overload.
• The DC fuse is the 6A fuse. The DC fuse protects the DC line circuitry from short
circuit or overload.
NOTE: If your Beacon 800 includes the optional Recorder Output Board or the Heavy
Duty Relay Board, please see “Chapter 7: Optional Recorder Output Board &
Heavy Duty Relay Board” on page 34 for a complete description of these options.
Channel 8
Alarm 1
Channel 1
Alarm 2

9 • Overview Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual
Chapter 3: Installation and Start Up
Overview
This chapter describes procedures showing how to mount the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor, to
make wiring connections to the monitor, and to start up the monitor.
WARNING: Perform all installation and start-up procedures in a “fresh air”
environment of normal oxygen content, and known to be free of
combustible and toxic gas. The Beacon 800 is not in operation as a
gas monitoring system until the start-up procedure is complete.
Mounting the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor
Perform the following procedure to install the Beacon 800 at the mounting site.
1. Select the mounting site. When you select the mounting site, consider the following
factors:
• Is an AC or DC power source available?
• Is there enough room to open the housing door and make wiring connections
through the conduit hubs at the bottom of the housing?
• Are the display screens and status lights visible?
2. Close and latch the housing door.
3. Position the monitor on a vertical surface at eye level (4 1/2 to 5 feet from the floor).
4. The Beacon 800 is shipped with the mounting feet positioned under the housing.
Loosen the screws that secure the feet to the housing, rotate the feet to their mounting
position (as shown in Figure 4), then tighten the screws.
5. Insert 1/4 in. screws through the slots in the mounting feet at each corner of the
housing to secure the housing to the mounting surface (see Figure 4).

Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual Mounting the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor • 10
Figure 4: Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Outline and Mounting Dimensions
8.0 in.
Note: The housing is
6.25 in. (15.9 cm) deep.
12.5 in.
(31.8 cm)
12.9 in.
(32.8 cm)
13.4 in.
(34.0 cm)
10.5 in.
3/4 in. conduit hub
(total of 4 hubs)
(26.7 cm)
(20.3 cm)

11 • Mounting the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual
Figure 5: Beacon 800 Gas Monitor External Wiring Diagram
100-240 VAC Note: Do not connect AC
power if 24 VDC is the primary power source.
(factory wired)
+
Alarm 1 Terminal Strip for Channels 1 - 4 (typical wiring)
Not
Used
Alarm
Devices
2 wire 4 - 20 mA Transmitter Terminals (typical)
Buzzer
(factory wired)
FB(4 - 20 mA) + 24 VDC -(DC Ground)
Contact Rating of 10 Amps Resistive at 250 VAC for Each Set of Alarm Relay Contacts.
Alarm
Devices
Individual Alarm Relay Wiring
AC Power Wiring
Ground
Stud
Ground Line (Hot) Neutral
3 wire 4 - 20 mA Transmiter Terminals (typical)
FB(4 - 20 mA) + 24 VDC
Transmitter Wiring
Common Alarm Relay Wiring
(typical wiring)
Alarm Device
Power
Alarm
Device
Power
24 VDC
Battery
Reset Switch
(factory wired)

Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual Wiring the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor • 12
Wiring the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor
This section describes procedures to connect the AC power source, DC power source,
external alarms, and detector heads. See Figure 5 for a general wiring diagram of all
external wiring to the Beacon 800.
NOTE: All connections to building electrical systems must be installed in accordance
with local requirements and must be installed by qualified personnel.
WARNING: Make all connections to the Beacon 800 before you plug in or turn on
the AC or DC power source. Before you make any wiring adjustments,
always verify that all power sources are not live.
Routing Wiring Into the Beacon 800 Housing
Wiring must be brought into the housing through one of the four factory-installed conduit
hubs on the bottom of the housing.
Do not drill into the Beacon 800 housing for any reason. Drilling the Beacon 200 housing
and routing wiring through holes not factory drilled will void the warranty and could result
in:
• Damage to internal components from the drilling process.
• Moisture damage to internal components from poorly sealed holes.
• Unpredictable Beacon 800 behavior due to EMI/RFI interference caused by wires
routed across the PCBs.
• Possible shorting of Beacon 800 components due to wires routed across the PCBs.
Accessing the Terminal Strips
Perform the following procedure to gain access to the AC and controller terminal strips,
which are located behind the display board.
1. Turn off or unplug all incoming power to the Beacon 800 at the power source end.
2. Open the housing door, then place the power switch in the OFF position.
3. Loosen the two captive thumbscrews (on the right side of the display board) that
secure the board to the standoffs, until the screws are disengaged from the standoffs.
4. Gently pull the right side of the display board out toward the housing door. (The
standoffs under the left side of the display board are hinged, which allows the display
board to move in this manner.)

13 • Wiring the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual
Connecting the AC Power Source and Earth Ground
NOTE: If you are using DC power as the primary power source, go to the next section,
“Connecting the DC Power Source.”
Perform the following procedure to connect the AC power source to the Beacon 800.
WARNING: Verify that the power source is unplugged or turned off at the power
source end before you continue with this procedure.
1. Locate the AC terminal strip (see Figure 1 on page 4).
2. Install an appropriately rated cable bushing or conduit in the right-most conduit hub on
the bottom of the Beacon 800 housing.
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. See
“Routing Wiring Into the Beacon 800 Housing” on page 12 for more
information.
3. Guide the AC power cord or wires in conduit through the right-most conduit hub on the
bottom of the Beacon 800 housing.
CAUTION: Do not route power and detector head wiring through the same conduit hub.
The power wiring may disrupt the transmission of the detector head signal to
the monitor.
4. Connect the AC power wires to the AC terminal strip and the earth ground wire to the
# 10 ground stud as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6: AC Power Wiring
NEUT
GND
AC Terminal Strip
AC Power
Source
LINE
Hot
Neutral
GND Factory Wired to Ground Stud
Earth Ground

Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual Wiring the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor • 14
Connecting the DC Power Source
WARNING: Verify that the power source is unplugged or turned off at the power
source end before you continue with this procedure.
DC power may be used as a primary power source. If DC power (connected to the 24
VDC terminals) is the primary power source, DO NOT connect AC power to the AC
terminal strip.
A 24 VDC battery (connected to the 24 VDC terminals) may also be used as a backup
power source if AC power (connected to the AC terminal strip) is the primary power
source.
WARNING: The 24 VDC terminals are only intended for connecting a battery or a
24 VDC supply to the Beacon 800. Do not connect any horns or
strobes to the 24 VDC terminals.
1. Locate the controller terminal strip (see Figure 1 on page 4).
2. Install an appropriately rated cable bushing or conduit in an unused conduit hub on
the bottom of the Beacon 800 housing.
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. See
“Routing Wiring Into the Beacon 800 Housing” on page 12 for more
information.
3. Guide a DC power cord or two wires in conduit through the selected conduit hub on
the bottom of the Beacon 800 housing.
CAUTION: Do not route power and detector head wiring through the same conduit hub.
The power wiring may disrupt the transmission of the detector head signal to
the monitor.
4. Connect the DC line to the controller terminal strip as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7: DC Power Wiring
BAT-
BAT+
DC Power
Source Controller
Terminal Strip
+
24VDC

15 • Wiring the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual
Connecting External Alarms
Perform the following procedure to connect external alarm devices to the Beacon 800.
NOTE: The alarm terminal strips include terminals that are dedicated to individual
channels and levels of alarm. The controller terminal strip includes terminals for
common alarms (dedicated to all channels).
The example used in this procedure describes connecting an external alarm
device to the channel 1, alarm 1 terminals on the alarm terminal strip.
WARNING: Do not connect external alarms to the 24 VDC terminals.
1. Locate the applicable alarm terminal strip (see Figure 1 on page 4).
2. Install an appropriately rated cable bushing or conduit in an unused conduit hub on
the bottom of the Beacon 800.
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. See
“Routing Wiring Into the Beacon 800 Housing” on page 12 for more
information.
3. Guide the wiring of the external alarm device through the selected conduit hub on the
bottom of the Beacon 800 housing.
CAUTION: Do not route the external alarm wiring and detector head wiring through the
same conduit hub. The external alarm wiring may disrupt the transmission of
the detector head signal to the Beacon 800.
4. Connect the leads from the external alarm device to the alarm terminal strip as shown
in Figure 8.
Figure 8: External Alarm Wiring
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for additional external alarm devices.
Beacon 800
Alarm Terminal Strip
External
Alarm Device
(H) +
(N) -
CNONC
CH1
External
Power Source
(H) +
(N) -

Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual Wiring the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor • 16
Connecting RKI Detector Heads
Perform the following procedure to connect an RKI detector head to the Beacon 800.
1. Turn off Power to the Beacon 800 at the power source.
2. Open the Beacon 800 door and place the power switch in the off position.
3. See the detector head instruction manual for instructions on how to connect wires to
the detector head.
4. Install an appropriately rated cable bushing or conduit in an unused conduit hub on
the bottom of the Beacon 800 housing.
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. See
“Routing Wiring Into the Beacon 800 Housing” on page 12 for more
information.
5. Route the wires in conduit or shielded cable from the detector head through the
selected conduit hub into the Beacon 800. See Table 4 below for wire size and
distance guidelines. Shielded cable or wires in conduit are recommended for the 2-
wire and 3-wire 4 - 20 mA transmitter detector heads.
NOTE: If using shielded cable, do not connect the cable shield’s drain wire to earth
ground at the detector head. The drain wire is only connected to earth ground at
the Beacon 800.
6. Connect the wires from the detector head to the appropriate transmitter terminal strip.
See the detector head instruction manual for controller terminal connections.
CAUTION: Do not route power and detector head wiring through the same conduit hub.
The power wiring may disrupt the transmission of the detector head’s signal
to the Beacon 800.
Table 4: Wire Size Guidelines for RKI Detector Head Wiring
Detector Head Type
Number of
Wires to
Controller
Max Distance to
Controller w/18
Gauge Wire
Max Distance to
Controller w/16
Gauge Wire
Max Distance to
Controller w/14
Gauge Wire
2-Wire 4 - 20 mA Transmitter 2 2,500 ft. 5,000 ft. 8,000 ft.
3-Wire 4 - 20 mA Transmitter 3 2,500 ft. 5,000 ft. 8,000 ft.

17 • Wiring the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual
Connecting User-Supplied 4 - 20 mA Transmitters
The Beacon 800 may be used with a user supplied 2-wire or 3-wire 4 - 20 mA transmitter
which runs on 24 VDC nominal (the Beacon 800 supplies 28VDC). When this is done, the
Beacon 800 is normally setup at RKI Instruments with the following channel parameters:
unit of measure, item name, and full scale. For example, “PSI AIR” with a full scale of 10
PSI.
Perform the following procedure to connect a 4 - 20 mA transmitter, which you supply, to
the Beacon 800.
1. Turn off power to the Beacon 800 at the power source.
2. Open the Beacon 800 door and turn off the power switch.
3. See the transmitter’s instruction manual for instructions on how to connect wires to the
transmitter.
4. Install an appropriately rated cable bushing or conduit in an unused conduit hub on
the bottom of the Beacon 800 housing.
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. See
“Routing Wiring Into the Beacon 800 Housing” on page 12 for more
information.
5. Route the wires from the transmitter through the selected conduit hub into the Beacon
800.
6. Connect the wires from the transmitter to the appropriate transmitter terminal strip.
See the transmitter instruction manual for controller terminal connections.
CAUTION: Do not route power and transmitter wiring through the same conduit hub. The
power wiring may disrupt the transmission of the transmitter’s signal to the
Beacon 800.
Figure 9 below illustrates typical transmitter wiring connections.
NOTE: If your Beacon 800 includes the recorder output board or heavy duty relay board,
see “Chapter 7: Optional Recorder Output Board & Heavy Duty Relay Board” on
page 34 for wiring instructions.
Beacon 800
Transmitter Terminal Strip
-
FB
Transmitter
3-Wire Connection
+
+S-
CH1
(24 VDC)
(4 - 20 mA)
(DC Ground)
Beacon 800
Transmitter Terminal Strip
2-Wire Connection
+S-
CH1
FB
Transmitter
+(24 VDC)
(4 - 20 mA)
Figure 9: Generic 4 to 20 mA Transmitter Output Wiring