MSA ALTAIR 5X User manual

In North America, to contact your nearest stocking location, dial toll-free 1-800-MSA-2222
To contact MSA International, dial 1-724-776-8626 or 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2012 - All Rights Reserved
This manual is available on the internet at www.msaSafety.com.
Para comunicarse con su distribuidor más cercano en Norteamérica, llame gratis al
1-800-MSA-2222. Para comunicarse a MSA International, marque el 1-724-776-8626
ó 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2012 - Todos los derechos reservados
Este manual está disponible en Internet: www.msaSafety.com.
En Amérique du Nord, pour contacter notre distributeur le plus proche, composer
le numéro gratuit 1-800-MSA-2222. Pour contacter MSA International, composer le
1-724-776-8626 ou 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2012 - Tous droits réservés
Ce manuel est disponible sur l’Internet à www.msaSafety.com.
Manufactured by / Fabricado por / Fabriqué par
MSA CORPORATE CENTER
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive,
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania 16066
(L) Rev 3 10114801
Altair®5X
MultiGas Detector
and
Altair®5X IR
MultiGas Detector
Instruction Manual
Altair®5X
Detector MultiGas
y
Altair®5X IR
Detector MultiGas
Manual de Instrucciones
Altair®5X
Détecteur Multigaz
et
Altair®5X IR
Détecteur Multigaz
Mode d’emploi

ALTAIR®5X
MultiGas Detector
and
ALTAIR®5X IR
MultiGas Detector
Instruction Manual
In North America, to contact your nearest stocking location, dial toll-free 1-800-MSA-2222
To contact MSA International, dial 1-724-776-8626 or 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2012 - All Rights Reserved
This manual is available on the internet at www.msaSafety.com
Manufactured by
MSA CORPORATE CENTER
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive,
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania 16066
(L) Rev 3 10114801

THIS MANUAL MUST BE CAREFULLY REA BY ALL IN IVI UALS WHO HAVE OR WILL
HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR USING OR SERVICING THE PRO UCT. Like any piece
of complex equipment, this instrument will perform as designed only if it is used and serv-
iced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. OTHERWISE, IT COUL FAIL TO
PERFORM AS ESIGNE AN PERSONS WHO RELY ON THIS PRO UCT FOR THEIR
SAFETY COUL SUSTAIN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR EATH.
The warranties made by Mine Safety Appliances Company with respect to the product are
voided if the product is not used and serviced in accordance with the instructions in this
manual. Please protect yourself and others by following them. We encourage our cus-
tomers to write or call regarding this equipment prior to use or for any additional infor-
mation relative to use or repairs.
! WARNING

Table of Contents
1 Instrument Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.1 orrect Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.2 Safety and Precautionary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
1.3 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
2 escription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2.1 Instrument Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Figure 2-1. Instrument View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2.2 User Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.2.1 Button Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.2.2 LED Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3 Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3.1 Vibrating Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3.2 Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3.3 InstantAlert™ Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3.4 MotionAlert™ Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
2.2.3.5 Stealth Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
2.2.3.6 Sensor Life Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
2.2.4 Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2.2.5 Operating Beep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2.3 On-Screen Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2.3.1 Monochrome Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
Figure 2-2. Monochrome Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2.3.2 olor Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
2.3.3 Battery Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Figure 2-3. olor Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
2.3.3.1 Low Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
Figure 2-4. Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
2.3.3.2 Battery Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Figure 2-5. Battery Shut Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
2.3.4 Battery harging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
2.4 Viewing Additional Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
2.4.1 Bump Test (BUMP page) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
2.4.2 Peak Readings (PEAK page) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
2.4.3 Minimum Readings (MIN page) . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
i

2.4.4 Short Term Exposure Limits (STEL page) . . . .2-12
2.4.5 Time Weighted Average (TWA Page) . . . . . . . .2-13
2.4.6 Date Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
2.4.7 LAST AL Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
2.4.8 AL DUE Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
2.4.9 MOTIONALERT A TIVATION Page . . . . . . . .2-14
2.5 Sensor Missing Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
2.6 Monitoring Toxic Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
Figure 2-6. Alarm onditions (High Alarm shown) 2-15
2.7 Monitoring Oxygen oncentration . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16
2.8.1 Monitoring ombustible Gases . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
2.8.2 Gas Exposure of 100% LEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18
3 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3.1 Environmental Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3.2 Turning ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
3.2.1 Sampling System Safety Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
3.2.2 Fresh Air Setup (FAS) at Instrument Turn-ON . .3-4
Figure 3-1. Fresh Air Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
3.2.3 Special onsideration for Oxygen Sensor . . . . .3-5
3.3 Measurement Mode (Normal Operation) . . . . . . . . .3-5
3.4 Instrument Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Figure 3-2. Password Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
3.4.1 alibration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
3.4.2 Alarm Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Figure 3-4. Alarm Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Figure 3-5. Sensor Alarm Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
Figure 3-6. Sensor Alarm Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
3.4.3 Instrument Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Figure 3-7. Instrument Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Figure 3-8. Sensor Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
3.5. MSA Link Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
3.6. Function Tests on the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
3.7 Bump Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
3.7.1 Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
3.7.2 Performing a Bump Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
3.7.3 After the Bump Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18
3.8. alibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18
ii

3.8.1 Zero alibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
3.8.2 Span alibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21
3.8.3 Finishing Successful alibration . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23
3.9 alibration with the Galaxy Test System . . . . . . . .3-24
3.10 Instrument Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24
Figure 3-9. Instrument Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24
4. Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.1 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.2 Verifying Pump Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
4.3 Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Figure 4-1. Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Figure 4-2. Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
4.4 Live Maintenance Procedure -
Sensor Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Figure 4-3. Sensor Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
4.5. Replacing the Pump Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
4.6 leaning the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7
4.7 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7
4.8. Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7
5. Technical Specifications/Certifications . .5-1
5.1 Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
5.2 Factory-set Alarm Thresholds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
5.3 Sensor Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
5.4 alibration Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
5.5 ertifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
5.6 ombustible Gas ross Reference Factors . . . . . .5-7
5.7 X ell Sensor Patents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8
6. Order Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
6.1 Gas ylinder Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
6.2 Accessories Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
6.3 Instrument Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
iii

7 Flow Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
7.1 Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
7.2 BUMP TEST / Informational Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
7.3 alibrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-4
7.4 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5
7.5 alibration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-6
7.6.1 Alarm Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-7
7.6.2 Sensor Alarm Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8
7.7.1 Instrument Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-9
7.7.2 Sensor Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-11
8. Changeable Feature Summary . . . . . . . . .8-1
iv

1-1
1 Instrument Safety
1.1 Correct Use
The ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X IR MultiGas Detectors are:
• for use by trained and qualified personnel
• designed to be used when performing a hazard assessment to:
• assess potential worker exposure to combustible and toxic
gases and vapors as well as low level of oxygen
• determine the appropriate gas and vapor monitoring needed
for a workplace.
The ALTAIR 5X Detector can be equipped to detect:
• combustible gases and certain combustible vapors
• oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
• specific toxic gases for which a sensor is installed.
While the instrument can detect up to 30% oxygen in ambient air, it is
approved for use only up to 21% oxygen.
The ALTAIR 5X IR Gas Detector can also contain one Infrared sensor to
detect CO2or specific combustible gases up to 100% Vol.
Read and follow all instructions carefully.
• Perform a blocked flow test before each day's use.
• Perform a Bump Test before each day’s use, and adjust
if necessary.
• Perform a Bump Test more frequently if exposed to
silicone, silicates, lead-containing compounds, hydrogen
sulfide, or high contaminant levels.
• Recheck calibration if unit is subjected to physical shock.
• Use only to detect gases/vapors for which a sensor
is installed.
• Do not use to detect combustible dusts or mists.
• For accurate catalytic combustible readings, make sure
adequate oxygen is present (>10% O2).
"WARNING

• Never block pump inlet, except to perform a sampling
system safety test.
• Have a trained and qualified person interpret
instrument readings.
• Risk of Explosion: Do not remove battery pack,
recharge Li Ion battery, or replace alkaline batteries in a
hazardous location.
• Do not alter or modify instrument.
• Use only MSA-approved sampling lines.
• Do not use silicone tubing or sampling lines.
• Wait sufficient time for the reading; response times vary
based on gas and length of sampling line.
• Do not use the instrument for prolonged periods in an
atmosphere containing a concentration of fuel or solvent
vapors that may be greater than 10% LEL.
INCORRECT USE CAN CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS
PERSONAL INJURY.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
1.2 Safety and Precautionary Measures
Carefully review the following safety limitations and
precautions before placing this instrument in service.
Incorrect use can cause death or serious personal injury.
• Check function (see section 3.6) each day before use. MSA
recommends carrying out a routine inspection prior to each day's
use.
• Perform a Bump Test (see section 3.7) before each day's use to
verify proper instrument operation. The instrument must pass the
bump test. If it fails the test, perform a calibration (see section 3.8)
before using the instrument.
• The ALTAIR 5X MultiGas Detectors are designed to detect gases
and vapors in air only.
• Perform a Bump Test more frequently if unit is subjected to
physical shock or high levels of contaminants. Also, perform a
Bump Test more frequently if the tested atmosphere contains the
following materials, which may desensitize the combustible gas
"WARNING
1-2

sensor and reduce its readings:
• Organic silicones
• Silicates
• Lead-containing compounds
• Sulphur compound exposures over 200 ppm or exposures over
50 ppm for one minute.
• The minimum concentration of a combustible gas in air that can
ignite is defined as the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). A combustible
gas reading of "XXX" indicates the atmosphere is above 100 %
LEL or 5.00 %vol CH4, and an explosion hazard exists. Move
away from hazardous area immediately.
• Do not use the ALTAIR 5X, or ALTAIR 5X IR MultiGas Detectors to
test for combustible or toxic gases in the following atmospheres as
this may result in erroneous readings:
• Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
• Reducing atmospheres
• Furnace stacks
• Inert environments (only IR sensors acceptable for use)
• Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts.
• Do not use the ALTAIR 5X or ALTAIR 5X IR MultiGas Detectors to
test for combustible gases in atmospheres containing vapors from
liquids with a high flash point (above 38 °C, 100°F) as this may
result in erroneously low readings.
• Allow sufficient time for unit to display the accurate reading.
Response times vary based on the type of sensor used (see
Section 5.3, "Sensor Performance Specifications"). Allow a
minimum of 1 second per foot
(3 seconds per meter) of sample line for the sample to be drawn
through the sensors.
• Sampling lines made from 0.062 inch (1.57 mm) inner diameter
tubing provide fast transport times to the instrument; however, they
must be limited to 50 feet (15 m) in length.
• Sampling of reactive toxic gases (Cl2, ClO2, NH3) must only be
done with the reactive gas sample line and probe kits listed in the
Section 6.2 Accessories table.
• All instrument readings and information must be interpreted by
someone trained and qualified in interpreting instrument readings
in relation to the specific environment, industrial practice and
exposure limitations.
1-3

Observe proper battery maintenance
Use only battery chargers made available by MSA for use with this
instrument; other chargers may damage the battery pack and the
instrument. Dispose of in accordance with local health and
safety regulations.
Be aware of environmental conditions
A number of environmental factors may affect the sensor readings,
including changes in pressure, humidity and temperature. Pressure and
humidity changes affect the amount of oxygen actually present in the
atmosphere.
Be aware of the procedures for handling electrostatically
sensitive electronics
The instrument contains electrostatically sensitive components. Do not
open or perform maintenance on the unit without using appropriate
electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. The warranty does not cover
damage caused by electrostatic discharges.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.
This is a class A product in accordance with CISPR
22. In a domestic environment, this product may
cause radio interference, in which case the user may
be required to take adequate measures.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
"WARNING
1-4

Be aware of the product regulations
Follow all relevant national regulations applicable in the country of use.
Be aware of the warranty regulations
The warranties made by Mine Safety Appliances Company with respect
to the product are voided if the product is not used and maintained in
accordance with the instructions in this manual. Please protect yourself
and others by following them. We encourage our customers to write or
call regarding this equipment prior to use or for any additional
information relative to use or service.
1.3 Warranty
ITEM WARRANTY PERIOD
Chassis and electronics Three years*
COMB, O2, H2S, CO, SO2, IR sensors Three years*
Cl2, NH3sensors Two years*
ClO2, HCN, NO2, PH3sensors One year*
*For extended warranty offerings, contact MSA.
1.3.1 Warranty
This warranty does not cover filters, fuses, etc. As the battery pack
ages, there will be a reduction in useable instrument run time. Certain
other accessories not specifically listed here may have different
warranty periods. This warranty is valid only if the product is maintained
and used in accordance with Seller's instructions and/or
recommendations.
The Seller shall be released from all obligations under this warranty in
the event repairs or modifications are made by persons other than its
own or authorized service personnel or if the warranty claim results from
physical abuse or misuse of the product. No agent, employee or
representative of the Seller has any authority to bind the Seller to any
affirmation, representation or warranty concerning this product. Seller
makes no warranty concerning components or accessories not
manufactured by the Seller, but will pass on to the Purchaser all
warranties of manufacturers of such components.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AND IS STRICTLY LIMITED
TO THE TERMS HEREOF. SELLER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
1-5

1-6
1.3.2 Exclusive Remedy
It is expressly agreed that Purchaser's sole and exclusive remedy for
breach of the above warranty, for any tortious conduct of Seller, or for
any other cause of action, shall be the replacement at Seller's option, of
any equipment or parts thereof, which after examination by Seller is
proven to be defective.
Replacement equipment and/or parts will be provided at no cost to
Purchaser, F.O.B. Seller's Plant. Failure of Seller to successfully replace
any nonconforming equipment or parts shall not cause the remedy
established hereby to fail of its essential purpose.
1.3.3 Exclusion of Consequential Damage
Purchaser specifically understands and agrees that under no
circumstances will seller be liable to purchaser for economic, special,
incidental or consequential damages or losses of any kind whatsoever,
including but not limited to, loss of anticipated profits and any other loss
caused by reason of nonoperation of the goods. This exclusion is
applicable to claims for breach of warranty, tortious conduct or any
other cause of action against seller.

2 escription
2.1 Instrument Overview
1 LEDs (2 red "Alarm", 1 green "Safe" 7 MSA LinkTM ommunication Port
and 1 yellow "Fault") 8 Pump inlet
2 Horn 9 Filter
3 Display 10 Belt lip (ALTAIR 5X only)
4 ▲ Button 11 harging Port
5 Button (Power) 12 harge Status LED
6 ▼ Button
The instrument monitors gases in ambient air and in the workplace.
The ALTAIR 5X Detectors are available with a maximum of four
sensors, which can display readings for five separate gases (one
Two-Tox Sensor provides both O and H2S sensing capabilities in
a single package).
Fi ure 2-1. Instrument View
2-1

The ALTAIR 5X IR is available with a maximum of five sensors, which
can display readings for six separate gases (one Two-Tox Sensor
provides both O and H2S sensing capabilities in a single package).
The ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X IR Detectors are available with a
monochrome or color display.
While the instrument can detect up to 30% oxygen in ambient air, it is
approved for use only up to 21% oxygen.
The alarm levels for the individual gases are factory-set but can be
changed through the instrument Setup menu. These changes can also
be made through MSA Link software. Ensure that the latest version of
the MSA Link software has been downloaded from MSA’s website
www.msanet.com. It is recommended that after making changes using
MSA Link software, the unit should be turned OFF and ON.
2.2 User Interfaces
Instrument operation is dialog driven from the display with the aid of the
three function buttons (see FIGURE 2-1).
2.2.1 Button efinitions
The ALTAIR 5X, and ALTAIR 5X IR units have three buttons for user
operation. Each button can function as a "soft key", as defined
immediately above the button.
BUTTON ESCRIPTION
The button is used to turn instrument ON or OFF and to confirm
user action selections.
▼ The ▼ button is used to page down through data screens or to
decrease the values in Setup mode. This button is also used to initiate a
Bump Test for the installed sensors, directly from the MEASURING page.
If the user is granted access to the MotionAlert setting feature, this button
can be used to activate the InstantAlertTM alarm.
▲ The ▲ button is used to reset peak, STEL TWA and alarms
(where possible) or perform calibration in measuring mode. It is also used
as page up or to increase the values in Setup mode.
When the ▲ button and the ▼ buttons are pressed and held
simultaneously while in normal measure mode, the Setup mode can be
entered after the Password is confirmed.
2-2

2-3
2.2.2 LE efinitions
LE ESCRIPTION
RED The Alarm LEDs are visual indications of an alarm condition or any type of
(ALARM) error in the instrument
GREEN The Safe LED flashes once every 15 seconds to notify the user that the
(SAFE) instrument is ON and operating under the conditions defined below:
• The green SAFE LED is enabled
• ombustible reading is 0% LEL or 0% Vol
• Oxygen (O2) reading is 20.8%
• arbon Dioxide ( O2) reading is < 0.03%
• All other sensor readings are 0 ppm
• No gas alarms are present (low or high)
• Instrument is not in Low Battery warning or alarm
• STEL and TWA readings are 0 ppm.
This option can be turned OFF through the MSA Link software
YELLOW The Fault LED activates if any of several fault conditions are detected
(FAULT) during instrument operation. This includes:
• An instrument memory error
• A sensor determined to be missing or inoperative
• A pump fault.
These faults are also indicated by activation of instrument alarm LEDs,
horn, and vibrating alarm
2.2.3 Alarms
The instrument is equipped with multiple alarms for increased user
safety:
2.2.3.1 Vibrating Alarm
The instrument vibrates when any alarm condition is active. This can be
turned OFF through the SETUP- ALARM OPTIONS menu
(Section 3.4.2).
2.2.3.2 Horn
This unit is equipped with an audible alarm. The horn can be turned
OFF through the SETUP- ALARM OPTIONS menu (Section 3.4.2).
2.2.3.3 InstantAlert™ Alarm
The InstantAlert exclusive feature allows the user to manually activate
an audible alarm to alert those nearby to potentially dangerous
situations. Holding the ▼ button for approximately 5 seconds while in
Normal Measure Mode activates the InstantAlert alarm. Access to this
feature may be restricted. See Section 3.4.2 for means to allow/disallow
user access.

2.2.3.4 MotionAlert™ Alarm
If MotionAlert is turned ON (+= ON) (see Section 3.4.2), the instrument
activates a "Man Down" alarm if motion is not detected within 30
seconds. The Alarm LEDs flash, and the horn activates with an
increasing audible frequency. MotionAlert is always turned OFF when
the instrument is turned OFF. It must always be turned ON prior to use.
Access to this feature may be restricted. See Section 3.4.2 for means to
allow/disallow user access.
2.2.3.5 Stealth Mode
Stealth Mode disables the visual, audible and vibrating alarms. MSA
recommends that this feature be left in its default "OFF" state. Stealth
mode can be turned ON through the SETUP - INSTRUMENT OPTIONS
menu (Section 3.4.3).
The message "Alarms OFF" flashes on the monochrome display when
Stealth mode is ON. On the color display, all three alarm icons are
shown as OFF ( )
2.2.3.6 Sensor Life Alarm
The ALTAIR 5X Detector evaluates the condition of the sensors during
alibration.
As the end of a sensor’s life approaches, a warning is provided. While
the sensor is still fully functional, the warning gives the user time to plan
for a replacement sensor to minimize downtime. The Sensor Life
indicator ♥ displays during ongoing operations as a reminder of a
sensor’s pending end of life.
When a sensor’s end-of-life is reached, sensor calibration will not be
successful, and the user is then alerted by a Sensor Life Alarm.
A flashing Sensor Life indicator ♥ displays during ongoing operations
until the sensor is replaced and/or successfully calibrated.
On the monochrome display, the Sensor Life indicator appears on the
display at the same position as the MotionAlert indicator. If MotionAlert
is enabled (the +indicator displays) and a Sensor Life warning or alarm
occurs, the Sensor Life indicator ♥ takes priority and is shown instead.
On the color display, each displayed gas has its own Sensor Life
indicator. If a sensor is in end-of-life warning, its indicator is an
orange ♥. If a sensor reaches end-of-life, it is in alarm and its Sensor
Life indicator is a continuous blinking red ♥.
See " alibration" (Section 3.8) for additional details on Sensor Life
determination and indication.
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2-5
2.2.4 Backlight
The backlight automatically activates when any front panel button is
pressed and remains ON for the duration of user-selected timeout.
This duration can be changed using the SETUP - INSTRUMENT MODE
(Section 3.4.3) or through MSA Link software.
2.2.5 Operating Beep
The Operating Beep activates every 30 seconds by momentarily
beeping the horn and flashing the alarm LEDs under the
following conditions:
• Operating Beep is enabled
• Instrument is on NORMAL MEASURE GASES page
• Instrument is not in battery warning
• Instrument is not in gas alarm.
2.3 On-Screen Indicators
2.3.1 Monochrome isplay
1 Gas Type 5 Battery ondition
2 urrent Time 6 Successful Bump Test/ alibration Indicator
3 "Soft Key" ▼ Indicator 7 "Soft Key" ▲ Indicator
4 Gas Reading 8 MotionAlert (+ = ON) )
Sensor Life Indicator
On a monochrome display, a message appears every 30 seconds
if the Vibration, Horn or LED alarms are turned OFF.
Fi ure 2-2. Monochrome Display

2.3.2 Color isplay
1 "Soft Key" ▼ Indicator 8 Vibration Alarm OFF
2 Gas Reading 9 Horn OFF or successful Bump
3 Gas oncentration Units Test/ alibration Indicator
4 urrent Time 10 LED OFF
5 MotionAlert (+ = ON) 11 Battery ondition
6 Wireless ON 12 Gas Type
7 ombustible Gas type calibration 13 "Soft Key" ▲ Indicator
14 Sensor Life Indicator
2.3.3 Battery Indicator
The battery icon continuously displays in the upper right-hand corner of
the color display and in the lower right-hand corner of the monochrome
display. A bar represents the charge level of the battery.
The nominal run-time of the instrument ( OMB, O2, H2S, O,
with pump and monochrome display) at room temperature is 17 hours.
Actual run-time varies, depending on ambient temperature, battery, and
alarm conditions.
Fi ure 2-3. Color Display
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2.3.3.1 Low Battery Warning
If battery warning alarm activates while using the
instrument, leave the area immediately as the end of
battery life is approaching. Failure to follow this
warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
The duration of remaining instrument operation during the low battery
warning depends on ambient temperatures, battery condition and
alarm status.
When the instrument goes into battery warning the:
• battery life indicator continuously flashes
• alarm sounds and alarm LEDs flash every 30 seconds
• Safe LED no longer flashes
• instrument continues to operate until it is turned OFF or battery
shutdown occurs
!WARNING
Fi ure 2-4. Battery Warnin
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