RKI Instruments 65-2396RK User manual

RKI Instruments, Inc.
www.rkiinstruments.com
65-2396RK
CO2 Transmitter
Operator’s Manual
Part Number: 71-0184RK
Revision: C
Released: 9/1/20

2 • 65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter
WARNING
Read and understand this instruction manual before operating
transmitter. Improper use of the transmitter could result in bodily
harm or death.
Periodic calibration and maintenance of the transmitter is essential for
proper operation and correct readings. Please calibrate and maintain
this transmitter regularly! Frequency of calibration depends upon the
type of use you have and the sensor types. Typical calibration
frequencies for most applications are between 6 and 12 months, but
can be required more often or less often based on your usage.

65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter • 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

4 • 65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter
Table of Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
CO2 Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Junction Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mounting the CO2 Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Wiring the CO2 Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Introducing Incoming Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setting the Zero Signal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Replacing Components of the CO2 Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Calibration Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Preparing for Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Setting the Zero Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Setting the Response Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Returning to Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter • 5
Overview
This manual describes the 65-2396RK CO2 transmitter. This manual also describes how to install, start
up, configure, maintain, and calibrate the transmitter when it is used with a gas monitoring controller.
A parts list at the end of this manual lists replacement parts and accessories for the CO2 transmitter.
Specifications
Table 1 lists specifications for the CO2 transmitter.
WARNING: When using the 65-2396RK, you must follow the instructions and warnings in this
manual to assure proper and safe operation of the 65-2396RK and to minimize the
risk of personal injury. Be sure to maintain and periodically calibrate the 65-2396RK
as described in this manual.
Table 1:Specifications
Targ et Gas Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Area Classification Explosionproof for Class I, Groups B, C, and D
Sampling Method Diffusion
Signal Output 4 to 20 mA
Detection Range 65-2396RK-01: 0-9,000 ppm
65-2396RK-02: 0-5,000 ppm
65-2396RK-03: 0-5% Volume
65-2396RK-04: 0-20% Volume
65-2396RK-05: 0-50% Volume
65-2396RK-10: 0-100% Volume
Response Time 90% in 45 seconds
Operating Temperature -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
Accuracy ± 5% of reading or ± 2% of full scale (whichever is greater)

6 • 65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter
Description
This section describes the components of the CO2 transmitter. The transmitter is a 4 - 20 mA type
detector head. It consists of the CO2 detector, amplifier, and junction box.
Figure 1: CO2 Transmitter Component Location
Infrared CO2 Detector
The CO2 detector is made up of a miniature infrared CO2 detector housed and encapsulated in a pipe
nipple. The pipe nipple has 3/4 NPT threads on each end and a 1 1/4” hex that allows removal or
installation of the detector with a wrench. A porous flame arrestor that is coated with a hydrophobic
film that repels liquids is on one end of the detector and allows sample gas to enter the detector. Four
color coded leads, red, white, green, and black, extend from the other end of the detector. The leads
allow you to connect the detector to the amplifier.
To distinguish the different ranges of CO2 detectors from one another, a short length of shrink tubing is
applied to the wiring where it comes out of the nipple. The following table indicates the color of the
shrink tubing and the color of the wire to which it is applied.
Amplifier
Controller Terminal
Strip
WRB
57-1053RK S2 001
G
Detector Terminal Strip
J-Box
IR CO2 Detector
Sensor
Current
mA
Factory Adjust Pot
Zero Pot
Span Pot
Factory Adjust Pot
Jumper Pins,
Factory Use Only
SPAN ZERO
- Test Point
+ Test Point
S
LEL PWR/ SIG

65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter • 7
Amplifier
The amplifier converts the electrical output from the detector to a 4 to 20 mA signal that corresponds
to the detection range and transmits the signal to a gas monitoring controller. A foam gasket that
orients the amplifier and keeps it from rotating is installed on the bottom of the amplifier. The
amplifier includes the detector terminal strip, controller terminal strip, span pot, zero pot, and test
points (see Figure 1).
Controller Terminal Strip
The controller terminal strip is a three position plug-in style terminal strip located near the top of the
amplifier. Use the controller terminal strip to wire the CO2 transmitter to a controller.
Detector Terminal Strip
The detector terminal strip is a four position plug-in style terminal strip located below the controller
terminal strip. Use the detector terminal strip to connect the CO2 detector to the amplifier.
NOTE: The IR CO2 detector is factory-wired to the detector terminal strip. See “Wiring the CO2
Transmitter to a Controller” on page 9 for all wiring procedures related to the transmitter.
Zero Pot
The zero pot is located in the upper left corner of the amplifier (see Figure 1). Use a small flat blade
screwdriver to turn the zero pot’s adjustment screw and adjust the amplifier’s target gas-free output
during the start-up and calibration procedures. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase the
zero output and counterclockwise to decrease the zero output.
Span Pot
The span pot is located to the right of the zero pot (see Figure 1). Use a small flat blade screwdriver to
turn the span pot’s adjustment screw and adjust the amplifier’s gas response output during the
calibration procedure. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase the gas response and
counterclockwise to decrease the gas response.
Tabl e 2:CO2 Detector Color Designations
Detector Color Designations
0 - 5,000 ppm black shrink tubing on white wire
0 - 9,000 ppm black shrink tubing on green wire
0 - 5% volume green shrink tubing on white wire
0 - 20% volume black shrink tubing on red wire
0 - 50% volume green shrink tubing on red wire
0 - 100% volume red shrink tubing on green wire

8 • 65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter
CAUTION: The amplifier includes two additional potentiometers. They are factory-set. Do not adjust
them.
Test Points
The test points are on the left side of the amplifier (see Figure 1). The test points produce a 100 mV to
500 mV output that corresponds to the transmitter’s 4 to 20 mA output. Use the test points and a
voltmeter to measure the amplifier’s output during the start-up and calibration procedures. The black
test point in the lower left corner is the negative (-) test point and the red test point below the zero pot
is the positive (+) test point.
Junction Box
Use the junction box to install the transmitter at a mounting site that is remote from the controller. The
junction box protects the amplifier and wiring connections made to the amplifier. Use the top 3/4 NPT
conduit hub to connect wiring from the amplifier to the controller. Use the cover on the front of the
junction box to access the interior of the junction box. The detector and amplifier are factory installed
in the junction box. Three spacers installed on the back of the junction box control the distance of the
junction box from a mounting surface and ensure that there is enough room to install a calibration cup
on the detector during calibration.
Installation
This section describes procedures to mount the CO2 transmitter in the monitoring environment and
wire the transmitter to a controller.
Mounting the CO2 Transmitter
1. Select a mounting site that is representative of the monitoring environment. Consider the
following when you select the mounting site.
• Select a site where the transmitter is not likely to be bumped or disturbed. Make sure there is
sufficient room to perform start-up, maintenance, and calibration procedures.
• Mount the transmitter at least six feet from the floor to minimize the possibility of someone
breathing on the unit. The exhaled CO2 may cause an alarm.

65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter • 9
Figure 2: Mounting the CO2 Transmitter
2. At the monitoring site you select, hang or mount the junction box with the detector facing down
(see Figure 2).
Wiring the CO2 Transmitter to a Controller
WARNING: Always verify that the power to the controller is off before you make wiring
connections.
1. Turn off the controller.
2. Turn off or unplug power to the controller.
3. Remove the junction box cover.
2.70 .38
.75
J-Box
Rubber
Spacers,
3X
3.65
3/4 NPT
Female
7.10 MAX
IR CO2 Detector

10 • 65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter
WARNING: To maintain the explosion proof classification of the CO2detector/junction box
combination, a conduit seal must be used within 18 inches of the junction box conduit
hub used for wiring to the controller. Adhere to your local electrical code when
installing the conduit seal.
4. The detector leads are factory wired. Verify that the detector leads are wired to the amplifier’s
detector terminal strip as shown in Figure 3.
5. To gain access to a plug-in terminal strip for wiring, pull it out of its socket by grasping the
terminal strip and pulling. The detector strip is keyed so that the controller and detector terminal
strips cannot be reversed inadvertently.
6. Guide a three-conductor, shielded cable, or three wires in conduit through the top conduit hub of
the junction box.
7. Pull out the controller terminal strip, and connect the three wires to the terminal strip as follows
(see Figure 3).
• Connect the positive wire to the PWR/SIG “+” terminal.
• Connect the signal wire to the PWR/SIG “S” terminal.
• Connect the negative wire to the PWR/SIG “-” terminal.
CAUTION: If shielded cable is used, leave the cable shield’s drain wire disconnected and insulated at
the transmitter. You will connect the opposite end of the cable’s drain wire to the
controller’s chassis (earth) ground.
8. Reinstall the controller terminal strip into its socket.
9. Secure the junction box cover to the junction box.
10. Route the cable or wires leading from the CO2 transmitter through one of the conduit hubs at the
controller housing. Use appropriate conduit fittings and construction technique for the
environmental rating of the controller. RKI controllers are typically rated NEMA 4X, are not
explosion-proof, and must be installed in a non-hazardous location.
CAUTION: Do not route power and transmitter wiring through the same controller conduit hub. The
power cable may disrupt the transmission of the transmitter signal to the controller.
11. Connect the wires to the applicable detector/transmitter terminal strip at the controller as shown in
Figure 3.

65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter • 11
Figure 3: Wiring the CO2 Transmitter to a Controller
12. If shielded cable is used, connect the cable’s drain wire to an available chassis (earth) ground at the
controller. RKI controllers typically have a ground stud that can be used to ground the cable’s
drain wire.
4-20mAIn(S)
- (DC Ground)
+24VDC
Cable Shield
Red
White
Green Detector Wires
IR CO2 Detector
Controller
Amplifier
J-Box
Install conduit seal
within 18 inches
LELGWR BS
Black
PWR / SIG

12 • 65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter
Start Up
This section describes procedures to start up the CO2 transmitter and place the transmitter into normal
operation.
Introducing Incoming Power
1. Complete the installation procedures described earlier in this manual.
2. Verify that the power wiring to the controller is correct and secure. Refer to the controller
operator’s manual.
3. Turn on power to the controller.
4. Turn on the controller.
5. Verify that the controller is on and operating properly. Refer to the controller operator’s manual.
NOTE: When first powered up, the transmitter will enter about a one minute period when the 4-20
mA output is stabilizing and may be above the controller alarm points or well below zero
momentarily. RKI controllers have a one minute warmup period when the controller does not
display any gas reading or give any alarm indication. The CO2 transmitter’s 4-20 mA signal
should be stable by the time the controller’s warmup period is over.
CAUTION: Allow the detector to warm up for 5 minutes before you continue with the next section,
“Setting the Zero Signal”.
Setting the Zero Signal
Since there is a background of CO2 in air of typically 300 - 600 ppm (0.03 - 0.06% volume), it is
necessary to use a calibration kit with a 100% nitrogen cylinder to set the zero signal of a CO2
transmitter with a low range detector. Fresh air can be used to zero the transmitter if a 0-20% volume,
0-50% volume, or 0-100% volume detector is being used.
WARNING: Do not remove the junction box cover while the circuits are energized unless the area
is determined to be non-hazardous. Keep the junction box cover tightly closed during
operation.
The procedure below describes applying 100% nitrogen using a calibration kit that includes a
calibration cup, calibration gas, sample tubing, and a fixed flow regulator with an on/off knob. RKI
Instruments, Inc. recommends using a 0.5 LPM (liters per minute) fixed flow regulator.
1. Unscrew and remove the junction box cover from the junction box.
2. Set a voltmeter to measure in the millivolt (mV) range.
3. Plug the voltmeter leads into the test points on the amplifier. Plug the positive lead into the red (+)
test point; plug the negative lead into the black (-) test point.
4. Screw the calibration cup onto the bottom of the IR CO2 detector.
5. Screw the regulator into the 100% nitrogen calibration cylinder.
6. Use the calibration kit sample tubing to connect the regulator to the calibration cup.

65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter • 13
7. Turn the regulator’s on/off knob counterclockwise to open it. Gas will begin to flow.
8. Allow the gas to flow for one minute.
9. Verify a voltmeter reading of 100 mV (±2 mV).
10. If necessary, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to adjust the zero pot until the voltmeter reading is
100 mV (±2 mV).
11. Turn the regulator’s on/off knob clockwise to close it.
12. Unscrew the calibration cup from the detector.
13. Unscrew the regulator from the 100% nitrogen calibration cylinder. For convenience, leave the
sample tubing connected to the regulator and the calibration cup.
14. Store the components of the calibration kit in a safe and convenient place.
15. Remove the voltmeter leads from the test points.
16. Secure the junction box cover to the junction box.
Maintenance
This section describes maintenance procedures. It includes preventive maintenance, troubleshooting,
and component replacement procedures.
Preventive Maintenance
This section describes a preventive maintenance schedule to ensure the optimum performance of the
CO2 transmitter. It includes daily and biannual procedures.
Daily
Verify a display reading at the controller of the background concentration of CO2. Typical background
concentrations of CO2 vary from about 300 to 600 ppm (0.03 to 0.06% volume) depending on
location. The 0-5,000 ppm, 0-9,000 ppm, and 0-5% volume detectors will display a reading in a fresh
air environment because they have low ranges. The 0-20% volume, 0-50% volume, and 0-100%
volume detectors will not display a reading in fresh air because their ranges are too large. Investigate
significant changes in the display reading.
Biannually
Calibrate the CO2 transmitter as described in “Calibration” on page 17 of this manual.

14 • 65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter
Troubleshooting
The troubleshooting guide describes symptoms, probable causes, and recommended action for
problems you may encounter with the CO2 transmitter.
NOTE: This troubleshooting guide describes transmitter problems only. See the controller operator’s
manual for problems you may encounter with the controller.
Table 3:Troubleshooting the CO2 Transmitter
Condition Symptom(s) Probable Causes Recommended Action
Fail
Condition
• Controller
indicates a fail
condition.
•The transmitter
wiring is
disconnected or
misconnected.
• The transmitter’s
zero reading is low
enough to cause a
fail condition.
•The transmitter is
malfunctioning.
1. Verify that the transmitter wiring
is correct and secure.
2. Calibrate the transmitter.
3. If the fail condition continues,
replace the detector.
4. If the fail condition continues,
contact RKI for further
instruction.
Slow or No
Response/
Difficult or
Unable to
Calibrate
• Unable to
accurately set the
zero or response
reading during
calibration.
•Transmitter
requires frequent
calibration.
Note: Under
“normal”
circumstances, the
transmitter requires
calibration once
every 6 months.
Some applications
may require a more
frequent calibration
schedule.
• The calibration
cylinder is low, out-
dated, or defective.
• The calibration gas
flow rate is too low.
• The calibration gas
is not an appropriate
concentration.
•The transmitter is
malfunctioning.
1. Verify that the calibration cylinder
contains an adequate supply of a
fresh test sample.
2. Verify that the regulator used for
calibration is a 0.5 LPM regulator.
3. Verify that the calibration gas
concentration is appropriate for
the transmitter. The concentration
should be in the detection range,
preferably about half of the
detection range.
4. If the calibration/response
difficulties continue, replace the
detector.
5. If the calibration/response
difficulties continue, contact RKI
for further instruction.

65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter • 15
Replacing Components of the CO2 Transmitter
This section includes procedures to replace the CO2 detector and amplifier.
Replacing the IR CO2Detector
1. Turn off the controller.
2. Turn off or unplug power to the controller.
3. Remove the junction box cover.
4. Remove the detector terminal strip from its socket.
5. Disconnect the detector leads from the detector terminal strip. Note the position of the color-coded
leads as you remove them.
6. Unscrew the detector from the junction box.
7. Guide the detector leads of the replacement detector through the bottom conduit hub of the
junction box, then screw the mounting threads of the detector into the conduit hub. If necessary for
environmental conditions, apply thread sealant or Teflon tape to the hub and/or detector threads to
seal them.
8. Connect the detector leads to the detector terminal strip as shown in Table 4 below and Figure 3 on
page 11 of this manual.
9. Reinstall the detector terminal strip into its socket.
10. Reinstall the junction box cover.
11. Turn on or plug in power to the controller.
12. Turn on the controller and place it into normal operation.
NOTE: When first powered up, the transmitter will enter about a one minute period when the 4-20
mA output is stabilizing and may be above the controller alarm points or well below zero
momentarily. RKI controllers have a one minute warmup period when the controller does not
display any gas reading or give any alarm indication. The CO2 transmitter’s 4-20 mA signal
should be stable by the time the controller’s warmup period is over.
CAUTION: Allow the replacement detector to warm up for 5 minutes before you continue with the
next step.
13. Calibrate the transmitter as described in “Calibration” on page 17 of this manual.
Table 4:Reconnecting the CO2 Detector to the Amplifier
Detector Lead Detector Terminal Strip
Red LEL “R”
White LEL “W”
Green LEL “G”
Black LEL “B”

16 • 65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter
Replacing the Amplifier
1. Turn off the controller.
2. Turn off or unplug power to the controller.
3. Remove the junction box cover.
4. Unplug the detector terminal strip and controller terminal strip from their sockets. You may leave
the wires connected to the terminal strips.
5. Unscrew and remove the screw with the flat and lock washers that secures the amplifier to the
junction box.
6. Remove the old amplifier.
7. Place the new amplifier in the same position as the old amplifier. A foam gasket that orients the
amplifier and keeps it from rotating is installed on the bottom of the amplifier. Make sure the
amplifier is seated flat in the junction box.
8. Install the new amplifier into the junction box with the screw, lock washer, and flat washer you
removed in Step 5 above.
9. Install the detector and controller terminals strips into their sockets on the new amplifier as shown
in Figure 3 on page 11 of this manual. If controller leads or detector leads were removed during
this procedure, refer to Table 5 and Table 6 below.
NOTE: When a transmitter is first powered up with a new amplifier, the initial output may be either
high or below zero depending on the setting of the zero pot. Be sure to make arrangements so
that this does not cause unwanted alarms.
10. Turn on power to the controller.
Table 5:Reconnecting the Amplifier to the Controller
Amplifier Controller
Terminal Strip
Controller
Transmitter Terminal
Strip (typical)
PWR/SIG “-” - (DC -)
PWR/SIG “S” S (4 - 20 mA In)
PWR/SIG “+” + 24V
Table 6:Reconnecting the CO2 Detector to the Amplifier
Amplifier Detector
Terminal Strip Detector Lead
DETECTOR “R” RED
DETECTOR “W” WHT
DETECTOR “G” GREEN
DETECTOR “B” BLK

65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter • 17
11. Turn on the controller and place it into normal operation.
NOTE: When first powered up, the transmitter will enter about a one minute period when the 4-20
mA output is stabilizing and may be above the controller alarm points or well below zero
momentarily. RKI controllers have a one minute warmup period when the controller does not
display any gas reading or give any alarm indication. The CO2 transmitter’s 4-20 mA signal
should be stable by the time the controller’s warmup period is over.
12. Allow the transmitter to warm-up for 5 minutes.
13. Calibrate the transmitter as described in “Calibration” on page 17 of this manual.
Calibration Frequency
Although there is no particular calibration frequency that is correct for all applications, a calibration
frequency of every 6 months is adequate for most infrared CO2 transmitter applications. Unless
experience in a particular application dictates otherwise, RKI Instruments, Inc. recommends a
calibration frequency of every 6 months.
If an application is not very demanding, for example detection in a clean, temperature controlled
environment where calibration adjustments are minimal at calibration, then a calibration frequency of
every 9 to 12 months is adequate.
If an application is very demanding, for example if the environment is not well controlled, then more
frequent calibration than every 6 months may be necessary.
Calibration
This section describes how to calibrate the CO2 transmitter. It includes procedures to prepare for
calibration, set the zero reading, set the response reading, and return to normal operation.
WARNING: The controller is not an active gas monitoring device during the calibration
procedure.
NOTE: The following procedure assumes the use of a calibration kit which includes a calibration gas
cylinder, a 100% nitrogen cylinder, a 0.5 LPM fixed flow regulator with an on/off knob, a
calibration cup for the detector, and a short piece of sample tubing to connect the regulator to
the calibration cup.
Preparing for Calibration
1. Unscrew and remove the junction box cover.
2. Set a voltmeter to measure in the millivolt (mV) range.
3. Plug the voltmeter leads into the test points on the amplifier. Plug the positive lead into the red (+)
test point; plug the negative lead into the black (-) test point.

18 • 65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter
4. Use the following formula to determine the correct test points output for the calibrating sample.
Output (mV) = (calibrating sample/fullscale) X 400 + 100
For example, with a calibrating sample of 2.5 %Vol. and a fullscale setting of 5 %Vol., the correct
output is 300 mV.
300(mV) = (50/100) X 400 +100
5. Screw the calibration cup onto the detector housing.
6. Place the controller into its calibration mode or disable external alarms.
NOTE: Calibrating the CO2 transmitter may cause alarms. Be sure to put the controller into its
calibration mode or disable external alarms before continuing.
Setting the Zero Reading
Since there is a background of CO2 in air of typically 300 - 600 ppm (0.03 - 0.06% volume), it is
necessary to use a calibration kit with a 100% nitrogen cylinder to set the zero signal of a CO2
transmitter with a low range detector. Fresh air can be used to zero the transmitter if a 0-20% volume,
0-50% volume, or 0-100% volume detector is being used.
1. Screw the regulator into the 100% nitrogen calibration cylinder.
2. Use the calibration kit sample tubing to connect the regulator to the calibration cup.
3. Turn the regulator’s on/off knob counterclockwise to open the regulator.
4. Allow the gas to flow for one minute and verify a reading of 100 mV (±2 mV). If necessary, use
the zero pot on the amplifier to adjust the reading to 100 mV (±2 mV).
5. Turn the regulator’s on/off knob clockwise to close the regulator.
6. Unscrew the regulator from the 100% nitrogen calibration cylinder.
7. Leave the sample tubing connected to the regulator and the calibration cup.
Setting the Response Reading
1. Screw the regulator into the calibration cylinder. Verify that the calibration gas is representative of
the transmitter’s target gas.
2. Turn the regulator’s on/off knob counterclockwise to open the regulator.
3. Allow the calibration gas to flow for one minute and verify that the reading matches the response
reading (±2 mV) you determined earlier. If necessary, use the span pot on the amplifier to adjust
the reading to match the correct response reading.
4. Turn the regulator’s on/off knob clockwise to close the regulator.
5. Unscrew the regulator from the calibration cylinder.
Returning to Normal Operation
1. Remove the voltmeter leads from the amplifier test points.
2. Unscrew the calibration cup from the detector.
NOTE: For convenience, leave the regulator and calibration cup connected by the sample tubing.

65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter • 19
3. Secure the junction box cover to the junction box.
4. When the controller display reading falls below the alarm setpoints, return the controller to normal
operation.
5. Verify that the controller display reading decreases and stabilizes at a typical background CO2
level. The 0-5,000 ppm, 0-9,000 ppm, and 0-5% volume detectors will display a reading in a fresh
air environment because they have low ranges. The 0-20% volume, 0-50% volume, and 0-100%
volume detectors will not display a reading in fresh air because their ranges are too large.
6. Store the components of the calibration kit in a safe and convenient place.

20 • 65-2396RK CO2 Transmitter
Parts List
Table 7 lists replacement parts and accessories for the CO2 transmitter.
Table 7:Parts List
Part Number Description
06-1248RK Sample tubing (3/16 in. x 5/16 in.; specify length when ordering)
18-0400RK-01 Junction box with spacers
57-1053RK Amplifier with gasket (specify detector part number when ordering)
61-0191RK-01 Infrared CO2 detector, 0-9,000 ppm
61-0191RK-02 Infrared CO2 detector, 0-5,000 ppm
61-0191RK-03 Infrared CO2 detector, 0-5% Volume
61-0191RK-04 Infrared CO2 detector, 0-20% Volume
61-0191RK-05 Infrared CO2 detector, 0-50% Volume
61-0191RK-10 Infrared CO2 detector, 0-100% Volume
65-2396RK-01 Infrared CO2 transmitter, 0-9,000 ppm (includes detector, junction box, and amplifier)
65-2396RK-02 Infrared CO2 transmitter, 0-5,000 ppm (includes detector, junction box, and amplifier)
65-2396RK-03 Infrared CO2 transmitter, 0-5% Volume (includes detector, junction box, and amplifier)
65-2396RK-04 Infrared CO2 transmitter, 0-20% Volume (includes detector, junction box, and amplifier)
65-2396RK-05 Infrared CO2 transmitter, 0-50% Volume (includes detector, junction box, and amplifier)
65-2396RK-10 Infrared CO2 transmitter, 0-100% Volume (includes detector, junction box, and amplifier)
71-0184RK 65-2396RK CO2Transmitter Operator’s Manual (this document)
81-0070RK-01 Calibration cylinder, 2000 ppm CO2, 34 liter steel
81-0071RK-01 Calibration cylinder, 5000 ppm CO2, 34 liter steel
81-0071RK-03 Calibration cylinder, 5000 ppm CO2, 34 liter steel
81-0072RK-01 Calibration cylinder, 2.5% CO2, 34 liter steel
81-0073RK-01 Calibration cylinder, 15% CO2, 34 liter steel
81-0078RK-01 Calibration cylinder, 100% nitrogen 34 liter steel
81-1050RK Regulator, with gauge and knob, 0.5 liter/minute continuous flow, for 17 liter and 34 liter
steel calibration cylinders (cylinders with external threads)