RKI Instruments GX-3R Pro User manual

RKI Instruments, Inc.
www.rkiinstruments.com
GX-3R Pro
Condensed Operator’s Manual
(go to www.rkiinstruments.com/product/gx-3r-pro-gas-detector/ for full manual)
Part Number: 71-0524
Revision: A
Released: 1/17/23

2• GX-3R Pro Condensed Operator’s Manual
WARNING
Read and understand this instruction manual before operating
instrument. Improper use of the gas monitor could result in bodily
harm or death.
Maintenance of the gas monitor is essential for proper operation and
correct readings.
Bump test the instrument before each day’s use with a known
concentration of each target gas. A bump test can be done in User
Mode’s BUMP TEST item or by applying gas in Measuring Mode.
The instrument does not need to be calibrated unless it does not pass
the User Mode bump test or does not respond appropriately, as
defined by the user in Measuring Mode. For more information about
bump test and calibration requirements, see IEC 60079-29-2.

GX-3R Pro Condensed Operator’s Manual • 3
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About the GX-3R Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 2: Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Instrument Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Included Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Other Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 3: Measuring Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Turning On the GX-3R Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Performing a Demand Zero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Turning Off the GX-3R Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Measuring Mode Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Monitoring an Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Combustible Gas Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
H2-Compensated CO Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Interference Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
CO2 Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Aspirator Adapter Sampling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Alarm Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Responding to Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Data Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

4• GX-3R Pro Condensed Operator’s Manual
Chapter 4: Display Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Tips for Using Display Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Peak Screen (PEAK). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
STEL Screen (STEL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
TWA Screen (TWA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Combustible Sensor Target Gas Conversion (HC GAS LIST). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
User ID Screen (USER ID). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Station ID Screen (STATION ID). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Last Successful Calibration Date (CAL DATA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Last Successful Bump Test Date (BUMP DATA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Date, Time, and Temperature Screen (DATE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Alarm Points Screen (ALARM POINTS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Screen Inversion On/Off (INVERT SELECT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
LCD Color Scheme (LCD BACKGROUND) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Turning Bluetooth On/Off (BLUETOOTH). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Adjusting the Buzzer Volume (BUZZER VOLUME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Changing Instrument Language Back to English (LANGUAGE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Chapter 5: User Mode and Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Entering User Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Tips for Using User Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Performing a Bump Test (BUMP TEST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Performing a Calibration (GAS CAL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Chapter 6: Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Instrument Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Replacing the Batteries (Alkaline Version). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Recharging the Batteries (Li-ion Version) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Replacing the Buzzer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Replacing the Sensor Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Replacing the Hydrophobic Dust Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

GX-3R Pro Condensed Operator’s Manual • 5
Replacing a Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Replacing the Battery Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Chapter 7: Storage and Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Chapter 8: General Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Appendix A: Maintenance Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Entering Maintenance Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Tips for Using Maintenance Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Appendix B: Gas Select Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Entering Gas Select Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Tips for Using Gas Select Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Appendix C: Interference Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
ESR-A13D-HCN, HCN Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
ESR-A13D-NO2, NO2Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
ESR-A13D-SO2, SO2Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
ESR-A13i-H2S, H2S Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
ESR-A13P-CO, CO Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
ESR-A1CP-COH, H2-Compensated CO Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
ESR-A1DP-COHS, CO Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
ESR-A1DP-COHS, H2S Detection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
WARNING: Understand manual before operating. Substitution of components may impair
intrinsic safety. To prevent ignition of a hazardous atmosphere, batteries must
only be changed or charged in an area known to be nonhazardous.

6• Chapter 1: Introduction GX-3R Pro Condensed Operator’s Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview
This chapter briefly describes the GX-3R Pro gas monitor. This chapter also describes the
GX-3R Pro Operator’s Manual (this document). Table 1 at the end of this chapter lists the
specifications for the GX-3R Pro.
About the GX-3R Pro
Using an advanced detection system consisting of up to four gas sensors, the GX-3R Pro personal
five-gas monitor detects the presence of combustible gas, oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO),
hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and CO2or a super toxic gas simultaneously. The GX-3R Pro’s compact
size and easy-to-use design make it ideally suited for a wide range of applications, including
sewage treatment plants, utility manholes, tunnels, hazardous waste sites, power stations,
petrochemical refineries, mines, paper mills, drilling rigs, and fire fighting stations. The GX-3R
Pro offers a full range of features, including:
• Simultaneous monitoring of one to five gases
• Liquid crystal display (LCD) for complete and understandable information at a glance
• Ultrabright alarm LEDs
• Distinctive audible/vibrating alarms for dangerous gas conditions and audible alarms for
unit malfunction
• Microprocessor control for reliability, ease of use, and advanced capabilities
• Data logging functions
• Alarm trend data
• STEL, TWA, and over range alarms
• Peak readings
• Built-in time function
• Lunch break feature
• CSA “C/US” classified as intrinsically safe (see Table on page 7)
WARNING: The Model GX-3R Pro detects oxygen deficiency, elevated levels of oxygen,
combustible gases, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide, all of which can be
dangerous or life threatening. When using the GX-3R Pro, you must follow the
instructions and warnings in this manual to assure proper and safe operation of
the unit and to minimize the risk of personal injury. Be sure to maintain and
periodically calibrate the GX-3R Pro as described in this manual.

GX-3R Pro Condensed Operator’s Manual Chapter 1: Introduction • 7
Specifications
Table 1: Specifications
Combustible Gas,
Methane (CH4)
Calibration Standard*
Oxygen (O2)Hydrogen
Sulfide (H2S)
Carbon
Monoxide (CO)
Detection Range 0 - 100% LEL 0 - 25.0%
volume
0 - 100.0 ppm 0 - 500 ppm
Lower Detectable
Limit (LDL)
n/a n/a 0.5 ppm 3 ppm
Reading
Increment
1% LEL 0.1% volume 0.1 ppm 1 ppm
Warning
Setpoint
10% LEL 19.5% volume,
decreasing
5.0 ppm 25 ppm
Alarm
Setpoint
25% LEL 18.0% volume,
decreasing
30.0 ppm 50 ppm
Alarm H
Setpoint
50% LEL 23.5% volume,
increasing
100.0 ppm 1200 ppm
STEL Setpoint n/a n/a 5.0 ppm 200 ppm
TWA Setpoint n/a n/a 1.0 ppm 25 ppm
* The GX-3R Pro is also available set up for general hydrocarbons and calibrated to a combustible gas other than
methane, such as isobutane. Consult RKI Instruments, Inc. for further information.
Table 2: IR Sensor Specifications
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Detection Range 0 - 10.00% volume 0 - 10,000 ppm
Lower Detectable Limit
(LDL)
0.05% volume 300 ppm
Reading Increment 0.01% volume 20 ppm
Warning Setpoint 0.50% volume 5,000 ppm
Alarm Setpoint 3.00% volume 5,000 ppm
Alarm H Setpoint 3.00% volume 5,000 ppm
STEL Setpoint 3.00% volume n/a
TWA Setpoint 0.50% volume 5,000 ppm

8• Chapter 1: Introduction GX-3R Pro Condensed Operator’s Manual
Table 3: EC Sensor Specifications
Ammonia
(NH3)
Hydrogen
Cyanide (HCN)
Nitrogen
Dioxide (NO2)
Phosphine
(PH3)
Sulfur
Dioxide (SO2)
Detection Range
and Service Range
0 - 400.0 ppm 0 - 30.0 ppm 0 - 20.00 ppm 0 - 20.00 ppm 0 - 100.00 ppm
Lower Detectable
Limit (LDL)
4 ppm 1.0 ppm 0.30 ppm 0.02 ppm 0.20 ppm
Reading Increment 0.5 ppm 0.1 ppm 0.05 ppm 0.01 ppm 0.05 ppm
Warning Setpoint 25 ppm 5.0 ppm 2.00 ppm 0.30 ppm 2.00 ppm
Alarm Setpoint 35 ppm 10.0 ppm 4.00 ppm 0.60 ppm 5.00 ppm
Alarm H Setpoint 300 ppm 30.0 ppm 20.0.0 ppm 0.60 ppm 100.00 ppm
STEL Setpoint 35 ppm 10.0 ppm 1.00 ppm 1.00 ppm 5.00 ppm
TWA Setpoint 25 ppm 4.7 ppm 0.50 ppm 0.30 ppm 2.00 ppm
Table 4: GX-3R Pro Specifications
Sampling
Method
Diffusion
Response Time T90 within 30 seconds
Display Graphics LCD Display
Max. Distance
for Bluetooth
Connection
30 feet, unobstructed
Environmental
Conditions
• 3000 meter maximum altitude
• Operating pressure: 70 - 120 kPa (70 - 110 kPa for explosion proof)
• Pollution degree 2
•IP66/68
Operating
Temperature &
Humidity
Continuous environment: -20°C to 50°C/Below 90% RH
Temporary environment (up to 15 minutes): -40°C to 60°C/Below 95% RH

GX-3R Pro Condensed Operator’s Manual Chapter 1: Introduction • 9
Safety/
Regulatory
• ATEX: Certificate Number: DEKRA 17ATEX0103 X
II1G Ex da ia IIC T4 Ga/IM1 Ex da ia I Ma (with NCR-6309)
II1G Ex ia IIC T4 Ga/IM1 Ex ia I Ma (without NCR-6309)
• IECEx: Certificate Number: IECEx DEK 17.0050X
Ex da ia IIC T4 Ga/Ex da ia I Ma (with NCR-6309)
Ex ia IIC T4 Ga/Ex ia I Ma (without NCR-6309)
• CSA classified, “C/US”, as Intrinsically Safe. Class I Division 1 Groups A, B, C, D
T4.
Class I, Zones 0, A/Ex da ia IIC T4 Ga (with NCR-6309)
Class I, Zones 0, A/Ex ia IIC T4 Ga (without NCR-6309)
Alkaline version not verified with CAN/CSA 60079-29-1 & ANSI/ISA 60079-29-1
C US
186718
Power Supply
• Lithium ion battery pack (3.7 VDC, 200 mA)
OR
• Alkaline battery pack with 2 AAA batteries (3.0 VDC, 250 mA)
Continuous
Operating
Hours
@ 25 °C in
Measuring
Mode
(Non-Alarm
Operation)
Lithium Ion
Battery Pack
• Standard 4 gas + super-toxic EC: 25 hours (23 hours with
Bluetooth on)
• Super-toxic EC only: 50 hours
• Standard 4 gas + IR: 16 hours (15 hours with Bluetooth on)
• IR only: 24 hours
Alkaline
Battery Pack
• Standard 4 gas + super-toxic EC: 16 hours (14 hours with
Bluetooth on)
• Super-toxic EC only: 32 hours
• Standard 4 gas + IR: 7 hours (6 hours with Bluetooth on)
• IR only: 12 hours
Battery
Charger
Ratings
Input: 100 - 240 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz, 2.4 A
Output: 5.99 VDC, 2A max
Case High-impact Plastic, RF Shielded, Dust and Weather Proof (IP66/68)
Table 4: GX-3R Pro Specifications

10 • Chapter 1: Introduction GX-3R Pro Condensed Operator’s Manual
About this Manual
The GX-3R Pro 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.
Included
Accessories
• Alligator clip
• Rubber boot
• Wrist strap
• Calibration cup
• Single-unit charger (included with Li-ion versions only)
Other
Accessories
• 12 VDC charger
• Multi-unit charger
• Belt clip
•SDM-3R
•RP-3R
• Aspirator adapter
• IrDA/USB Cable for connecting to a computer when using the Data Logger
Management Program (not needed if computer has an infrared port)
Dimensions
and Weight
Lithium Ion Battery Pack Version
Approximately 65(H) x 73(W) x 26(D) mm (2.6”H x 2.9”W x 1.0”D)
Approximately 120 g (4.2 oz.)
Alkaline Battery Pack Version
Approximately 65(H) x 73(W) x 34(D) mm (2.6”H x 2.9”W x 1.3”D)
Approximately 140 g (4.9 oz.)
Table 4: GX-3R Pro Specifications