MSA ALTAIR 5X User manual

Operating Manual
ALTAIR 5X – Multi Gas Detector
ALTAIR 5X IR – Multi Gas Detector
Order No.: 10116951/00

MSA AUER GmbH
Thiemannstrasse 1
D-12059 Berlin
Germany
© MSA AUER GmbH. All rights reserved

Declaration of ConformityMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 3
Declaration of Conformity
Manufactured by: Mine Safety Appliances Company
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 USA
The manufacturer or the European Authorized Representative
MSA AUER GmbH, Thiemannstrasse 1, D-12059 Berlin
declares that the product: ALTAIR 5X, ALTAIR 5XIR
Complies with the provisions of the council directive 94/9/EC [ATEX]. This declaration
is based on the EC-Type Examination Certificate
FTZU 08 ATEX 0340 X and FTZU 09 ATEX 0006 X
in accordance with Annex III of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC. Quality Assurance Notifi-
cation issued by Ineris of France, Notified Body number 0080, in accordance with
Annex IV of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.
We additionally declare that this product is in conformance with the
EMC Directive 2004 / 108 / EC in accordance with the standards
EN 50270: 2007 Type 2 , EN 61000 - 6 - 3: 2007
MSA AUER GmbH
Dr. Axel Schubert
R&D Instruments
Berlin, April 2011

MSA
Contents
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
4GB
Contents
1 Safety Regulations ................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Correct Use .................................................................................................. 6
1.2 Liability Information ....................................................................................... 7
1.3 Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted ..................................... 8
1.4 Warranty ..................................................................................................... 10
2 Description ........................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Overview ..................................................................................................... 12
2.2 Device Hardware Interfaces ....................................................................... 13
2.3 On-Screen Indicators .................................................................................. 17
2.4 Viewing Optional Displays .......................................................................... 22
2.5 Sensor Missing Alarm ................................................................................. 27
2.6 Monitoring Toxic Gases .............................................................................. 27
2.7 Monitoring Oxygen Concentration .............................................................. 29
2.8 Monitoring Combustible Gases .................................................................. 30
3 Operation .............................................................................................................. 32
3.1 Environmental Factors ................................................................................ 32
3.2 Turning ON and Fresh Air Setup ................................................................ 33
3.3 Measurement Mode [Normal Operation] .................................................... 37
3.4 Device Setup .............................................................................................. 38
3.5 MSA Link Operation ................................................................................... 46
3.6 Function Tests ............................................................................................ 47
3.7 Bump Test .................................................................................................. 47
3.8 Calibration .................................................................................................. 49
3.9 Shutdown .................................................................................................... 56
4 Maintenance ......................................................................................................... 56
4.1 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................... 57
4.2 Verifying Pump Operation .......................................................................... 57

ContentsMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 5
4.3 Replacing the Battery ................................................................................. 59
4.4 Live Maintenance Procedure - Replacing or Adding a Sensor ................... 60
4.5 Replacing the Pump Filter .......................................................................... 62
4.6 Cleaning ..................................................................................................... 63
4.7 Storage ....................................................................................................... 63
4.8 Shipment .................................................................................................... 63
5 Technical Specifications/Certifications ............................................................. 64
5.1 Technical Specifications ............................................................................. 64
5.2 Factory-set Alarm thresholds ...................................................................... 65
5.3 Performance Specifications ........................................................................ 67
5.4 IR sensors .................................................................................................. 68
5.5 Calibration Specifications ........................................................................... 69
5.6 Certification ................................................................................................. 71
6 Ordering Information ........................................................................................... 73
7 Appendix – Flow Charts ...................................................................................... 78
7.1 Basic Operation .......................................................................................... 78
7.2 Bump Test/ Informational Pages ................................................................ 79
7.3 Calibrations ................................................................................................. 81
7.4 Setup .......................................................................................................... 82
7.5 Calibration Options ..................................................................................... 83
7.6 Alarm Options ............................................................................................. 84
7.7 Instrument Options ..................................................................................... 86
7.8 Sensor Setup .............................................................................................. 88
8 Changeable Feature Summary ........................................................................... 89

MSA
Safety Regulations
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
6GB
1 Safety Regulations
1.1 Correct Use
The ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X IR Multigas Detectors are for use by trained and
qualified personnel. They are designed to be used when performing a hazard as-
sessment to:
- Assess potential worker exposure to combustible and toxic gases and vapours
as well as low level of oxygen.
- Determine the appropriate gas and vapour monitoring needed for a workplace.
The ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X IR Multigas Detectors can be equipped to detect:
- Combustible gases and certain combustible vapours
- Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
- Specific toxic gases for which a sensor is installed.
The ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X IR Multigas Detectors are designed to:
- Detect gases and vapours in air only
- 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 if equipped with an integral
pump.
- 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-con-
taining compounds, hydrogen sulfide, or high contaminant levels.
- Recheck calibration if device is subjected to physical shock.
- Use only to detect gases/vapours for which a sensor is installed.
- Do not use to detect combustible dusts or mists.
- Make sure adequate oxygen is present.
- Never block the pump inlet except to perform a sampling safety test.
While the device can detect up to 30 % oxygen in ambient air, it is ap-
proved for use only up to 21 % oxygen.

Safety RegulationsMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 7
- Have a trained and qualified person interpret device readings.
- Do not remove battery pack from device while in a hazardous location.
- Do not recharge Li Ion battery in a combustible location.
- Do not replace alkaline batteries in a combustible location.
- Do not alter or modify device.
- 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 device with integral pump for prolonged periods in an atmos-
phere containing a concentration of fuel or solvent vapours that may be greater
than 10 % LEL.
It is imperative that this operating manual be read and observed when using the
product. In particular, the safety instructions, as well as the information for the use
and operation of the product, must be carefully read and observed. Furthermore,
the national regulations applicable in the user's country must be taken into account
for a safe use.
Alternative use, or use outside this specification will be considered as non-compli-
ance. This also applies especially to unauthorised alterations to the product and to
commissioning work that has not been carried out by MSA or authorised persons.
1.2 Liability Information
MSA accepts no liability in cases where the product has been used inappropriately
or not as intended. The selection and use of the product are the exclusive respon-
sibility of the individual operator.
Product liability claims, warranties also as guarantees made by MSA with respect
totheproductare voided, ifitis not used,serviced or maintained in accordance with
the instructions in this manual.
Danger!
This product is supporting life and health. Inappropriate use, mainte-
nance or servicing may affect the function of the device and thereby se-
riously compromise the user's life.
Before use the product operability must be verified. The product must
not be used if the function test is unsuccessful, it is damaged, a compe-
tent servicing/maintenance has not been made, genuine MSA spare
parts have not been used.

MSA
Safety Regulations
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
8GB
1.3 Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted
Check calibration more frequently if the device is subjected to physical shock or
high levels of contaminants. Also, check calibration more frequently if the tested at-
mosphere contains the following materials, which may desensitise the combustible
gas sensor and reduce its readings:
- 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 "100” or "5.00” 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 device to test for combustible or toxic gases in the following at-
mospheres as this may result in erroneous readings:
- Do not use the ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X IR Multigas Detectors to test for
combustible gases in atmospheres containing vapours from liquids with a high
flash point [above 38 °C, 100 °F] as this may result in erroneously low readings.
- Allow sufficient time for device to display accurate reading. Response times
vary based on the type of sensor being utilised [→chapter 5.3]. Allow a mini-
mum of 1 second per foot [3 seconds per metre] of sample line to allow the sam-
ple to be drawn through the sensors.
- Sampling lines made from 1.57 mm [0.062 inch] inner diameter tubing provide
fast transport times to the device; however, they must be limited to 15 m
[50 feet] in length.
- Sampling of reactive toxic gases [Cl2, ClO2, NH3] must only be done with the
reactive gas sampleline andprobe kits listedin the chapter6 Accessoriestable.
- Organic silicones
- Silicates
- Lead-containing compounds
- Sulphur compound exposures over 200 ppm or exposures over 50 ppm for
one minute.
- Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
- Reducing atmospheres
- Furnace stacks
- Inert environments [only IR sensors acceptable for use]
- Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts.

Safety RegulationsMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 9
- All device readings and information must be interpreted by someone trained
and qualified in interpreting device readings in relation to the specific environ-
ment, industrial practice and exposure limitations.
- Use of the Galaxy® Automated Test System is an alternate MSHA-approved
method for calibrating MSHA-approved ALTAIR 5X devices.
- Use only calibration gas that is 2.5 % Methane with an accuracy of +5 % when
calibrating MSHA-approved ALTAIR 5X devices.
- The maximum acceptable user-set [password protected] Galaxy Test System
tolerance on Bump Limits must be set to 10 % or less when calibrating MSHA-
approved ALTAIR 5X devices.
- For 30 CFR Part 75 determinations, the maximum acceptable userset [pass-
word protected] Galaxy Test System tolerance on Bump Limits must only beset
to such that 19.5 % oxygen can be detected with an accuracy of +0.5 % when
calibrating MSHA-approved ALTAIR 5X devices.
Observe proper battery maintenance
Use only battery chargers made available by MSA for use with this device; other
chargers may damage the battery pack and the device. 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 also affect the amount of oxygen actually present
in the atmosphere.
Be aware of the procedures for handling electrostatically sensitive
electronics
The device contains electrostatically sensitive components. Do not open or repair
the device without using appropriate electrostatic discharge [ESD] protection. The
warranty does not cover damage caused by electrostatic discharges.
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 prod-
uct are voided if the product is not used and maintained in accordance with the in-
structions in this manual. Please protect yourself and others by following them. We

MSA
Safety Regulations
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
10 GB
encourage our customers to write or call regarding this equipment prior to use or for
any additional information relative to use or service.
1.4 Warranty
* For extended warranty offerings please contact MSA
This warranty does not cover filters, fuses, etc. As the battery pack ages, there will
be a reduction in useable device 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 rec-
ommendations.
The Seller shall be released from all obligations under this warranty in the event re-
pairs or modifications are made by persons other than its own or authorised service
personnel or if the warranty claim results from physical abuse or misuse of the prod-
uct.Noagent, employeeor representativeof the Sellerhas anyauthorityto 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, IM-
PLIEDORSTATUTORY,ANDIS STRICTLYLIMITED TO THETERMSHEREOF.
SELLER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILI-
TY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
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 es-
sential purpose.
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*

Safety RegulationsMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 11
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 dam-
ages or losses of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to, loss of anticipat-
ed 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 oth-
er cause of action against seller.

MSA
Description
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
12 GB
2 Description
2.1 Overview
Fig. 1 Device view
The device monitors gases in ambient air and in the workplace.
The ALTAIR 5X is available with a maximum of four sensors, which can display
readings for fiveseparate gases [one DualToxicSensor providesboth COandH2S
sensing capabilities in a single sensor].
The ALTAIR 5X IR is available with a maximum of five sensors, which can display
readings for six separategases [one Dual Toxic Sensor provides both COand H2S
sensing capabilities in a single sensor].
1LEDs [2 red "Alarm",
1 green "Safe"] 7 Communication
2 Horn 8 Pump inlet
3 Display 9 Filter
4Button 10 Belt Clip [ALTAIR 5X only]
5ON/OFF Button 11 Charging connections
6Button 12 Charge Status LED
11
2
3
4
6
5
7 8
10
9
11
12

DescriptionMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 13
The ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X IR detectors are available with either a mono-
chrome or colour display.
While the device 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 and can be changed
through the device 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 device
should be turned off and on.
2.2 Device Hardware Interfaces
Device operation is dialog driven from the display with the aid of the three function
buttons [→Fig. 1].
The devices have three buttons for user operation. Each button can function as a
"soft key", as defined directly above the button.
Button Definitions
When the button and the button are pressed simultaneously while in normal
measure mode, the Setup mode can be entered after the password is confirmed.
Button Description
ON/OFF The ON/OFF button is used to turn device ON or OFF and to con-
firm user action selections.
The button is used to page down through data screens or to de-
crease the values in Set-up mode through data screens or to de-
crease the values in Setup mode. This button is also used to initiate
a Bump Test for the installed sensors, directly from the MEASUR-
ING 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 set-up mode.

MSA
Description
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
14 GB
LED Definitions
Alarms
The device is equipped with multiple alarms for increased user safety:
Vibrating Alarm
The device vibrates when any alarm condition is active. This can be turned off
through the SETUP- ALARM OPTIONS menu [→chapter 3.4].
LED Description
RED [Alarm] The red LEDs are visual indications of an alarm condition or any
type of error in the device.
GREEN [Safe] The Safe LED flashes once every 15 seconds to notify the user
that the device is ON and operating under the conditions defined
below:
- The green SAFE LED is enabled
- Combustible reading is 0 % LEL or 0 % Vol
- Oxygen [O2] reading is 20.8 %
- Carbon Dioxide [CO2] reading is < 0.03 %
- All other sensor readings are 0 ppm
- No gas alarms are present [low or high]
- Device 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
[Fault] The Fault LED activates if any of several fault conditions during operation. This includes:
- A device memory error
- A sensor determined to be missing or inoperative
- A pump fault
These faults are also indicated by activation of device alarm
LEDs, horn, and vibrating alarm

DescriptionMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 15
Horn
The horn provides an audible alarm.
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
buttonforapproximately5secondswhilein NormalMeasure Mode activatesthe
InstantAlert alarm. Access to this feature may be restricted. See chapter 3.4 for
means to allow/disallow user access.
MotionAlert™ Alarm
If MotionAlert is turned ON [+ = ON] [see chapter 3.4], the device 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 device is turned OFF. It must always be turned ON prior to
use.
Access to this feature may be restricted. See chapter 3.4 for means to allow/disal-
low user access.
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 [chapter 3.4]. The message
"Alarms OFF" flashes on the monochrome display when Stealth mode is ON. On
the colour display, all three alarm icons are shown as OFF.
Sensor Life Alarm
The device evaluates the condition of the sensors during Calibration. As the end of
a sensor’s life approaches, a warning is provided. While the sensor is still fully func-
tional, the warning gives the user time to plan for a replacement sensor to minimise
downtime. The Sensor Life indicator ♥displays during ongoing operations as a re-
minder 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
iindicator ♥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.

MSA
Description
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
16 GB
On the colour display, each displayed gas will have its own Sensor Life indicator. If
a sensor is in end-of-life warning, its indicator will be an orange ♥. If a sensor has
reached end-of-life, it is in alarm and its Sensor Life indicator will be a continuous
blinking red ♥.
See chapter 3.8 for additional details on Sensor Life determination and indication.
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
[→chapter 3.4] or through MSA Link software.
Operating Beep
Operating Beep
This operating beep activates every 30 seconds by momentarily beeping the horn
and flashing the alarm LEDs under the following conditions:
- Operating beep is enabled
- Device is on normal Measure Gases page
- Device is not in battery warning
- Device is not in gas alarm

DescriptionMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 17
2.3 On-Screen Indicators
Monochrome Display
Fig. 2 Monochrome Display
On a monochrome display, a message appears every 30 seconds if the Vibration,
Horn or LED alarms are turned OFF.
1 Gas Type 5 Battery Condition
2 Current Time 6 Motion Alert Icon ON
3"SoftKey"7 "Soft Key" 
4 Gas Concentration 8 +MotionAlert [+ = ON]
♥Sensor Life Indicator
1
4
5
6
7
2
3

MSA
Description
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
18 GB
Colour Display
Fig. 3 Colour display
Battery Indicator
The battery condition icon continuously displays in the upper right-hand corner of
the colour display and in the lower right hand corner of the monochrome display.
A bar represents the charging level of the battery.
The nominal run-time of the device [COMB, O2, H2S, with pump and monochrome
display] at room temperature is 17 hours. Actual run-time will vary depending on
ambient temperature and alarm conditions.
1 "Soft Key" Indicator 8 Vibration alarm off
2 Gas reading 9 Horn OFF or successful Bump
Test/Calibration Indicator
3 Gas Concentration Units 10 LED off
4 Current Time 11 Battery Condition
5 Motion Alert symbol ON 12 Gas Type
6 Wireless ON 13 "Soft Key" Indicator
7 Combustible Gas type calibra-
tion 14 ♥Sensor Life Indicator

DescriptionMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 19
Low Battery Warning
Fig. 4 Battery Warning
The duration of remaining device operation during a Low Battery Warning depends
on ambient temperatures, battery condition alarm status.
When the device goes into battery warning the:
- battery life indicator continuously blinks
- alarm sounds and alarm LEDs flash once per minute
- Safe LED no longer flashes
- device continues to operate until it is turned OFF or battery shutdown occurs.
Attention!
If battery warning alarm activates, stop using the device as it no longer
has enough power to indicate potential hazards, and persons relying on
this product for their safety could sustain serious personal injury or
death.
1:30 PM MSA
LOW BATTE RY
%
PPM
PPM
0
0
0.0
Vol %
PPM
20.8
0
COMB
CO
SO2

MSA
Description
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
20 GB
Battery Shut Down
The device goes into battery shutdown mode 60 seconds before final shutdown
[when the batteries can no longer operate the device]:
-"BATTERY ALARM” flashes on the display
- Alarm sounds
- Alarm LEDs flash
- Fault LED is on
- No other pages can be viewed; after approximately one minute, the device au-
tomatically turns OFF.
Fig. 5 Battery Shut Down
When battery shutdown condition occurs:
(1) Leave the area immediately.
(2) Recharge or replace the battery pack.
Attention!
If battery alarm displays, stop using the device as it no longer has
enough power to indicate potential hazards, and persons relying on this
product for their safety could sustain serious personal injury or death.
BATTERY ALARM