RKI Instruments M2A User manual

RKI Instruments, Inc.
www.rkiinstruments.com
M2A Transmitter
UL 2075 Version
Operator’s Manual
Part Number: 71-0379
Revision: P2
Released: 6/25/21

2M2A Transmitter 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.
Periodic calibration and maintenance of the gas monitor is essential
for proper operation and correct readings. Please calibrate and
maintain this instrument regularly! Frequency of calibration depends
upon the type of use you have and the sensor types. Typical
calibration frequencies for most applications are between 3 and 6
months, but can be required more often or less often based on your
usage.

M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual 3
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:
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 ANY AND 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

4M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About the M2A Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 2: Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
External Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Internal Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 3: Installation & Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Mounting the M2A Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Wiring the M2A Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 4: Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Information Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4 - 20 mA Signal Output Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Alarm Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chapter 5: Configuration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Viewing & Changing M2A Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Chapter 6: Gas Type Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Selecting the Gas Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual 5
Chapter 7: Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Calibration Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Replacing Components of the M2A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Appendix A: Control Button Quick Reference Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Appendix B: PLC and DCS Device Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

6M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview
This chapter briefly describes the M2A Transmitter. This chapter also describes the M2A Transmitter Operator’s
Manual (this document). Table 1 at the end of this chapter lists the specifications for the M2A.
About the M2A Transmitter
The M2A transmitter is a fixed mount, continuous-monitoring detector head. All user adjustable parameters may
be accessed using push button switches. In addition, calibration may be performed non-intrusively by use of a
magnetic wand accessory which activates magnetic switches through a window at the front face of the detector
head.
The M2A displays the current gas reading on an OLED display which is visible through the window in the cover
(front face) and provides a 4 - 20 mA signal which indicates the target gas reading for use by a recording device.
Three sets of relay contacts, two controlled by the gas alarms and one by the fail alarm, rated at 115 VAC 5 amps
are available for controlling devices such as lights or horns or for controlling higher rated relays.
Three operating modes allow you to display and change setup and calibration settings and change the gas type.
They are Calibration Mode, Configuration Mode, and Gas Type Mode.
About this Manual
The M2A Transmitter 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.

M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual 7
Specifications
Table 1 lists specifications for the M2A.
WARNING: When using the M2A, you must follow the instructions and warnings in this manual to
assure proper and safe operation of the M2A and to minimize the risk of personal injury. Be
sure to maintain and periodically calibrate the M2A as described in this manual.
Table 1: M2A Specifications
Target Gas/Detection Range CH4: 0 - 100% LEL, 1% LEL increments
Alarm Settings
(Alarm 1/Alarm 2)
10 %LEL/50 %LEL
Construction (housing) Explosion-proof Junction Box, NEMA 4X
Area Classification Explosion-proof for Class I, Groups B, C, and D
Sampling Method Diffusion
Input Power 10 - 30 VDC
Controls • Three push button switches
• Three magnetic switches for non-intrusive calibration
Weight 4.5 lbs.
Signal Output • 4 to 20 mA with impedance maximums listed below
-12 VDC input: 500 ohms impedance max
-24 VDC input: 1000 ohms impedance max
Operating Temperature -40°C to 50°C
Accuracy ± 5% of reading or ± 2% of full scale (whichever is greater)
*These are the RKI factory settings. You can change the alarm settings in Configuration Mode. See
“Viewing & Changing M2A Parameters” on page 24.

8M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Chapter 2: Description
Overview
This chapter describes external and internal components of the M2A Transmitter.
External Description
This section describes the junction box and all external components of the M2A transmitter.
Figure 1: M2A External Components
Magnetic
Wand
Junction Box Cover
Detector
Window
Mounting Slot (2x)
3/4 NPT Conduit Hub, Plugged
3/4 NPT
Conduit Hub

M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual 9
Junction Box
The M2A’s cast aluminum junction box is dust and weather resistant. The junction box also protects the M2A
and all connections made to it. Use the three 3/4 NPT conduit ports to mount the detector to the junction box
(factory installed in the bottom port) and connect wiring from an external device (left port). The top port is
shipped with a factory installed and sealed conduit plug to avoid leaks into the junction box. If necessary, the
conduit plug can be removed and the top port can be used for wiring.
WARNING: If the top conduit port is used for wiring, be sure to seal the threads to ensure water does not
enter the junction box. See “Wiring the M2A Transmitter” on page 15 for complete wiring
instructions.
Use the junction box’s two mounting holes to mount the M2A to a vertical surface at the monitoring site. The
window in the cover on the front of the junction box allows you to view the OLED display and use the magnetic
wand to actuate the magnetic control switches so you can perform non-intrusive calibration. Removing the cover
allows you to access the interior of the junction box.
Magnetic Wand
The magnetic wand is a short plastic rod with a magnet in one end. It is used to actuate the magnetic control
switches on the control PCB while the junction box cover is still installed so that non-intrusive calibration can be
performed.
Gas Detector
The gas detector senses the target gas and is mounted in a 3/4 NPT conduit port on the right bottom side of the
M2A. The IR combustible detectors are generally used instead of the catalytic combustible detectors in
applications where there may be catalyst poisons such as silicone present or where oxygen is not present in the
monitoring environment.
The IR detector has a replaceable plug-in sensor inside the detector housing. A sensor gasket seals the sensor
face to the detector housing cap.
Figure 2: Detector Component Location
Cap Gasket
Detector Housing Body
Flame Arrestor
Guard
Detector Housing Cap
Plug-In IR Sensor

10 M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Internal Description
This section describes the internal components of the M2A. The internal components of the M2A include the
terminal PCB which provides for all the wiring connections to the M2A and the control PCB which displays the
gas reading and has the control buttons.
Figure 3: M2A Internal Components
Terminal PCB
The terminal PCB is encapsulated in epoxy for protection against moisture and physical damage. It is mounted
into the rear of the junction box with three standoffs and rests on a thin layer of foam. A banana jack is screwed
into each of the standoffs and used for mounting the control PCB. The terminal PCB converts the electrical
output from the detector to a signal which can be displayed by the OLED display and a 4 - 20 mA signal (that is
proportional to the detection range). The 4 - 20 mA signal may be used by a recording device. The terminal PCB
also controls three relays, one fail and two gas alarm relays.
Two columns of plug-in style terminal strips are used to make all wiring connections to the M2A. The column on
the left consists of the power/signal, detector, and Modbus terminal strips. The column on the right consists of
the relay terminal strips. A 20 position connector at the bottom of the terminal PCB is used to connect the
terminal PCB to the control PCB with a ribbon cable. A 5 position connector on the left side of the terminal PCB
is used by factory or field service personnel to program the M2A. On the combustible and CO2versions of the
M2A, a factory adjust pot just above the programming connector is used to set the detector current.
NO
Control PCB
Junction Box
Terminal PCB
3/4 NPT Conduit
Opening for Wire Entry
M2A TRANSMITTER
RKI INSTRUMENTS
3/4 NPT Conduit Opening, Plugged