RKI Instruments 65-2658XL-CH4-4 User manual

RKI Instruments, Inc.
www.rkiinstruments.com
65-2658XL-CH4-4
M2A-XL Transmitter
Operator’s Manual
Part Number: 71-0622
Revision: P1
Released: 12/15/22

2• 65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL 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 6 and 12
months, but can be required more often or less often based on your
usage.

65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL 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:
• Absorbent cartridges
•Fuses
• Pump diaphragms and valves
•Batteries
• Filter elements
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 WAR R A NT Y 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
WA R RA N TY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR APARTICULAR PURPOSE. INNO 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.

4• 65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About the M2A-XL Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 2: Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
External Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Internal Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 3: Installation & Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Mounting the M2A-XL Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Wiring the M2A-XL Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chapter 4: Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Information Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4 - 20 mA Signal Output Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Alarm Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Chapter 5: Configuration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Viewing & Changing M2A-XL Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Chapter 6: Gas Type Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Selecting the Gas Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual • 5
Chapter 7: Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Calibration Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Determining Response Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Replacing the IR CH4Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Chapter 8: RS-485 Modbus Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Wiring the M2A-XL in a Modbus System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Using the M2A-XL in a 4-wire Modbus System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Modbus Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Supported Modbus Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Chapter 9: Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Appendix A: Control Button Quick Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Appendix B: PLC and DCS Device Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Appendix C: Function Code 16 Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

6• Chapter 1: Introduction 65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview
This chapter briefly describes the 65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter. This chapter also
describes the 65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual (this document).
Table 1 at the end of this chapter lists the specifications for the M2A-XL.
About the M2A-XL Transmitter
The M2A-XL 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-XL 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 gas monitoring controller, recording device, or programmable controller. The
M2A-XL also provides an RS-485 Modbus output. 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.
Four operating modes allow you to display and change setup and calibration settings and change
the gas type. They are Calibration Mode, Configuration Mode, Gas Type Mode, and Modbus
Mode.
About this Manual
The M2A-XL 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.

65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual Chapter 1: Introduction • 7
Specifications
Table 1 lists specifications for the M2A-XL.
WARNING: When using the M2A-XL, you must follow the instructions and warnings in this
manual to assure proper and safe operation of the M2A-XL and to minimize the
risk of personal injury. Be sure to maintain and periodically calibrate the M2A-
XL as described in this manual.
Table 1: M2A-XL Specifications
Target Gas/Detection Range Methane: 0 - 100% volume, 1% volume increments
Alarm Settings
(Alarm 1/Alarm 2)*
100%/100%
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 5.5 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
• RS-485 Modbus
Operating Temperature -20°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-XL Parameters” on page 28.

8• Chapter 2: Description 65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Chapter 2: Description
Overview
This chapter describes the components of the M2A-XL transmitter. The transmitter is a 4 - 20 mA
type detector head. It consists of the IR CH4detector, calibration adapter/splash guard, terminal
PCB, the M2A-XL junction box, and the detector junction box. The two-junction-box
configuration is intended for situations where the detector needs to be installed at an inaccessible
location. The detector junction box can be installed at the inaccessible location and the M2A-XL
junction box can be installed in a more readily accessible area.
External Description
This section describes the junction boxes and all external components of the M2A-XL transmitter.
Figure 1: M2A-XL External Components
Terminal
Strip
3/4 NPT Conduit Hub
Detector
Junction Box
IR CH4 Detector
Calibration Adapter/
Splash Guard
M2A-XL
Junction Box
3/4 NPT
Conduit Hub
Window
Mounting Hole (2x) 3/4 NPT Conduit Hub
Magnetic
Wand

65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual Chapter 2: Description • 9
M2A-XL Junction Box
The M2A-XL’s cast aluminum junction box protects the terminal PCB and wiring connections
made to the terminal PCB. Use the three 3/4 NPT conduit hubs to wire the remotely installed IR
CH4detector and connect wiring from an external device, typically an RKI controller. The top
hub 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 hub can be used for wiring.
WARNING: If the top conduit hub is used for wiring, be sure to seal the threads to ensure
water does not enter the junction box. See “Wiring the M2A-XL Transmitter” on
page 17 for complete wiring instructions.
Use the junction box’s two mounting holes to mount the M2A-XL 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.
Detector Junction Box
The detector junction box is intended to be installed remotely from the M2A-XL junction box.
The IR CH4detector is factory installed in the bottom 3/4 NPT conduit hub. A terminal strip is
provided for wiring connections and the detector is factory wired to one side of this terminal strip.
The other side of the terminal strip is for user-supplied wiring to the detector terminal strip located
in the M2A-XL junction box. This wiring should go through the top 3/4 NPT conduit hub. Three
spacers installed on the back of the junction box controls the distance of the junction box from a
mounting surface.
Infrared CH4Detector
The infrared methane (CH4) detector is made up of a miniature infrared CH4detector 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 terminal strip.
Calibration Adapter/Splash Guard
A calibration adapter/splash guard is installed on the IR CH4detector. A fitting at the bottom of
the calibration adapter/splash guard allows a length of tubing to be connected for calibration and
routed to a more easily accessible location (near the M2A-XL junction box is optimal for ease of
calibration). The calibration adapter/splash guard also protects the detector from splashing water
or direct water spray.

10 • Chapter 2: Description 65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual
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.
Internal Description
This section describes the internal components of the M2A-XL. The internal components of the
M2A-XL include the terminal PCB which provides for all the wiring connections to the M2A-XL
and the control PCB which displays the gas reading and has the control buttons.
Figure 2: M2A-XL Internal Components
NO
Control PCB
RKIINSTRUMENTS
M2A-XL Junction Box
Terminal PCB
M2A-XL TRANSMITTER
3/4 NPT Conduit Opening, Plugged
3/4 NPT Conduit
Opening for Wire Entry

65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual Chapter 2: Description • 11
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, a 4 - 20 mA signal (that is proportional to the detection range),
and an RS-485 Modbus output signal. The 4 - 20 mA signal may be used by a recording device,
gas monitor controller, or programmable controller. The Modbus output may be used to connect
the M2A-XL to a Modbus network. 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-
XL. 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-XL. A factory adjust pot just above the programming
connector is used to set the detector current.
Figure 3: Terminal PCB Component Location
Power/Signal Terminal Strip
The power/signal terminal strip is a three position plug-in style terminal strip located at the top of
the left terminal column. It is used to connect 24 VDC power to the M2A-XL and to connect the 4
- 20 mA output signal to a device.
The signal output, the S terminal, does not have to be connected for the M2A-XL to function. The
S terminal is used if you want to connect the 4 - 20 mA output signal to another device such as a
gas monitoring controller, chart recorder, or programmable controller (PLC).
Relay
Terminal
Strips
Ribbon Cable Connector
Termination Jumper
Detector Terminal Strip
Power/Signal Terminal Strip
Detector Current Adjust Pot
Programming Connector
(Factory Use)
Ground Jumper
Modbus Terminal Strip
C NC NO
ALARM 1 C NC NO
ALARM 2
C NC NO FAIL
- S +
A B C
RS 485 PWR/SIG
R W G B
LEL

12 • Chapter 2: Description 65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Detector Terminal Strip
The detector terminal strip is a four position plug-in style terminal strip and is the middle terminal
strip in the left terminal column. All four terminals are used to connect the detector to the M2A-
XL.
NOTE: The detector is factory-wired to the M2A-XL. See “Wiring the M2A-XL Transmitter”
on page 17. for all wiring procedures related to M2A-XL.
Modbus Terminal Strip
The Modbus terminal strip is a three position plug-in style terminal strip and is the bottom
terminal strip in the left terminal column. It allows connection of the M2A-XL into a Modbus
network.
Relay Terminal Strips
The right column of terminal strips consists of, from top to bottom, the fail, alarm 1, and alarm 2
relay terminal strips. They are three-position plug-in style terminal strips. The relay terminal
strips are used to connect devices such as lights and horns that are controlled by the relay contacts.
The relay contacts are rated at 115 VAC, 5 amps. The relay contacts may also be used to control
higher rated relays.
Termination Jumper
A two pin header with a termination jumper installed is located below the Modbus terminal strip.
Leave this jumper installed unless directed to remove it for a Modbus installation. See “Chapter 8:
RS-485 Modbus Output” on page 43 for a description of using the M2A-XL in a Modbus system.
Ground Jumper
A two pin header with a jumper installed is located along the left side of the terminal PCB. Leave
this jumper installed unless directed to remove it for a Modbus installation. See “Chapter 8: RS-
485 Modbus Output” on page 43 for a description of using the M2A-XL in a Modbus system.

65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual Chapter 2: Description • 13
Control PCB
The OLED display and control switches are located on the control PCB. It is installed on top of
the terminal PCB by lining up its three spacing standoffs with the banana jacks in the terminal
PCB mounting standoffs and pushing it onto the banana jacks. The jacks retain the control PCB.
Figure 4: Control PCB Component Location
OLED Display
The OLED display is located at the top of the control PCB. It indicates the current gas reading and
displays messages and parameters in the M2A-XL’s programs.
Control Buttons
The M2A-XL includes three push button switches that allow you to enter the M2A-XL’s
operating modes, navigate through the modes, update settings, and save changes to the settings.
The push button switches are located along the bottom edge of the control PCB (see Figure 4).
The UP/YES button is on the left, the DOWN/NO button is in the middle, and the ENTER button
is on the right.
Table 2: M2A-XL Control Button Functions
Switch Function
UP (YES) • Saves settings
• Changes the displayed setting
• Enters the Calibration Program
• Enters Gas Type Mode (press with DOWN/NO button)
• Enters Configuration Mode (press with ENTER button)
ENTER
UP/YES
DOWN/NO
ENTER
DOWN/NO
UP/YES
Push Button
Control Switches
Fail LED
Magnetic Switches
Alarm 1 LED
OLED Display
RX LED
TX LED
Alarm 2 LED
M2A-XL TRANSMITTER
RKIINSTRUMENTS

14 • Chapter 2: Description 65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Just above each push button switch is a magnetic switch with the same function as the push button
switch below it. The magnetic switches are for use in non-intrusive calibration. They are actuated
by bringing the magnetic wand close enough to them to actuate them. Although the magnetic
switches have the same functions as the push button switches, it is not practical to use them for
operations other than calibration because it is not possible to actuate two magnetic switches at
once with only one magnetic wand. Since displaying the Information Screen only requires the use
of one switch, the wand may be used to show the Information Screen (see “Information Screen”
on page 23).
Status LEDs
The M2A-XL includes five status LEDs that are located above the display (see Figure 4).
• Fail LED
The fail LED turns on when the M2A-XL is experiencing a fail condition. A fail condition
can be caused by a detector failure or low detector signal.
• Alarm 1 LED
The alarm 1 LED is on when the M2A-XL is experiencing an alarm 1 condition.
• Alarm 2 LED
The alarm 2 LED is on when the M2A-XL is experiencing an alarm 2 condition.
• RX & TX LED’s
These LED’s indicate data being received (RX) and transmitted (TX) when the M2A-XL’s
Modbus output is operating.
DOWN (NO) • Cancels setting changes
• Changes the displayed setting
• Enters Gas Type Mode (press with UP/YES button)
• Enters Modbus Mode (press with ENTER button)
• Displays the Information Screen
ENTER • Initiates operations
• Enters Configuration Mode (press with UP/YES button)
• Enters Modbus Mode (press with DOWN/NO button)
• Functions as an alarm reset switch
Table 2: M2A-XL Control Button Functions
Switch Function

65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual Chapter 3: Installation & Startup • 15
Chapter 3: Installation & Startup
Overview
This chapter describes procedures to mount the M2A-XL Transmitter in the monitoring
environment and wire it to input power and devices.
Mounting the M2A-XL Transmitter
1. Select a mounting site that is representative of the monitoring environment. Consider the
following when you select the mounting site.
• For the M2A-XL junction box, select a site where the junction box is not likely to be
bumped or disturbed. Make sure there is sufficient room to perform start-up, maintenance,
and calibration procedures. The site should be easily accessible.
• For the detector junction box, select a site where the target gas is likely to be found first.
For lighter gases, mount the detector near the ceiling; for heavier gases, mount the
detector near the floor.
• The junction boxes should be mounted no further than 200 feet from each other.
2. Use #10 screws through the M2A-XL junction box’s two mounting holes to secure the
junction box to a vertical surface. Figure 5 shows the outline and mounting dimensions the
M2A-XL junction box. Figure 6 shows the outline and mounting dimensions for the detector
junction box. Mount the detector junction box with the detector facing down as shown in
Figure 6.
Figure 5: Outline & Mounting Dimensions, M2A-XL Junction Box
3/4 NPT
Conduit
Port,
Plugged
1.00
4.86
3/4 NPT
Conduit Port
Ø 0.25, 2X
5.5
5.66
2.82
6.2

16 • Chapter 3: Installation & Startup 65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Figure 6: Outline & Mounting Dimensions, Detector Junction Box
3. Install 3/16 inch I.D. flexible polyurethane tubing to the fitting at the bottom of the calibration
adapter/splash guard and route it to an accessible area that is close to the M2A-XL junction
box. See the “Chapter 9: Parts List” on page 55 for available tubing.
.382.70
Rubber
Spacer,
3X
J-Box
IR CH4
Detector
.75
3/4 NPT
Female
3.65
9.00 MAX
Calibration
Adapter/
Splash Guard
5.25

65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual Chapter 3: Installation & Startup • 17
Wiring the M2A-XL Transmitter
Wiring the Detector to the M2A-XL
WARNING: Always verify that the power to the M2A-XL is off before you make wiring
connections.
1. Confirm that no power is being applied to the M2A-XL.
2. Remove the detector junction box’s cover from the junction box.
3. Remove the M2A-XL junction box’s cover from the junction box.
4. Grasp the control PCB by its edges.
5. Gently pull until the control PCB is pulled away from the banana jacks. Take care not to pull
too hard and damage the cable which connects the control and terminal PCBs.
6. Let the control PCB hang by the cable. The terminal strips are now visible on the terminal
PCB. The control PCB may be left hanging while wiring is done. If desired, the control PCB
may be disconnected from the cable and set aside while wiring.
7. To maintain the explosion proof classification of the junction boxes, conduit seals must be
installed as shown in Figure 7. Adhere to your local electrical code when installing the conduit
seal.
8. Guide a four conductor shielded cable or four wires in conduit through the top conduit hub of
the detector junction box. To make wiring more convenient, use wire colors that correspond to
the detector wire colors: red, white, green, and black.
9. Connect the wires to the terminal block in the detector junction box.
10. Secure the detector junction box’s cover to the junction box.
11. Guide the other end of the four-conductor, shielded cable or four wires in conduit through the
bottom conduit hub of the M2A-XL junction box.
WARNING: If the top conduit hub is used for wiring, be sure to seal the threads to ensure
water does not enter the junction box. A conduit seal, which is normally
required to maintain the junction box’s hazardous location rating, will also
help to prevent water from entering through the top port.
Max Distance to
M2A-XL w/18
Gauge Wire
Max Distance to
M2A-XL w/16
Gauge Wire
Max Distance to
M2A-XL w/14
Gauge Wire
500 ft. 1,000 ft. 2,000 ft.

18 • Chapter 3: Installation & Startup 65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual
12. To gain access to a plug-in terminal strip for wiring, pull it out of its socket by grasping the
wall between two terminal positions with needle nose pliers and pulling. Be careful not to
exert too much force on the wall to avoid damage to the terminal strip. The detector terminal
strip and the alarm 1 relay terminal strip may be removed by grasping them with your fingers
if the adjacent terminal strips have been removed.
13. Pull out the detector terminal strip and connect the four wires to the terminal strip as follows
(see Figure 7).
• Connect the wire corresponding to the detector’s red wire to the LEL “R” terminal.
• Connect the wire corresponding to the detector’s white wire to the LEL “W” terminal.
• Connect the wire corresponding to the detector’s green wire to the LEL “G” terminal.
• Connect the wire corresponding to the detector’s black wire to the LEL “B” terminal.
CAUTION: If shielded cable is used, leave the cable shield’s drain wire
disconnected and insulated at the detector junction box. You will
connect the opposite end of the cable’s drain wire to the M2A-XL
junction box’s chassis (earth) ground.
Figure 7: Wiring the Detector to the M2A-XL
14. Reinstall the detector terminal strip into its socket.
Red
White
Green
Black
Cable
Shield
C NC NO
ALARM1 C NC NO
ALARM2
C NC NO FAIL
Green
White
Install conduit seal within
2 inches(for Group B
environments) or 18
inches (for Groups C and
Denvironments)
Detector
Terminal
Strip
Install conduit seal
within 18 inches
Black
Red
Detector J-Box
M2A-XL
J-Box
3/4 NPT Conduit Opening
IR CH4 Detector
Calibration Adapter/Splash Guard
- S +
A B C
RS485 PWR/SIG
R W G B
LEL

65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual Chapter 3: Installation & Startup • 19
15. If shielded cable is used between the detector junction box and the M2A-XL junction box,
connect the cable’s drain wire to an available chassis (earth) ground at the M2A-XL junction
box. Do not connect the shield drain wire at the detector junction box.
Wiring the M2A-XL to a Controller and Alarm Devices
WARNING: If the controller’s construction is not explosion-proof, the controller must be
installed in an ordinary location. Do non install a non-explosion-proof controller
in a classified location.
1. To maintain the explosion proof classification of the M2A-XL junction box, a conduit seal
must be used as shown in Figure 8 in addition to those shown in Figure 7. Adhere to your
local electrical code when installing the conduit seal.
2. Guide multi conductor shielded cable or cables or wires in conduit through the side conduit
hub of the M2A-XL junction box. The number of cables or wires needed will depend on
whether the M2A-XL is wired to a gas monitoring controller or just to power, whether any
relays are used, and whether the Modbus output is used.
WARNING: If the top conduit hub is used for wiring, be sure to seal the threads to ensure
water does not enter the junction box. A conduit seal, which is normally
required to maintain the junction box’s hazardous location rating, will also
help to prevent water from entering through the top port.
WARNING: If the M2A-XL is being wired to a PLC or DCS device, see “Appendix B: PLC
and DCS Device Wiring” on page 58, then continue with step 8.
Use the following recommendations to determine how to wire the M2A-XL:
• If Modbus connections will not be used and only the PWR/SIG connections will be used,
use a two or three conductor shielded cable or two or three wires in conduit for
connections to the power/signal terminal strip depending on whether or not the signal (S)
terminal is used. The S terminal has a 4 - 20 mA output, but if you do not need to monitor
this signal and do not connect to the S terminal to access this signal, the M2A-XL will still
function completely.
Table 3: Wire Size for PWR/SIG Connections
Max Distance to
Controller
w/18 Gauge Wire
Max Distance to
Controller w/16 Gauge
Wire
Max Distance to
Controller w/14 Gauge
Wire
2,500 ft. 5,000 ft. 8,000 ft.

20 • Chapter 3: Installation & Startup 65-2658XL-CH4-4 M2A-XL Transmitter Operator’s Manual
• If the PWR/SIG connections and one or more relays are used, route the connections to the
M2A-XL in conduit. Use shielded cable in the conduit for the PWR/SIG connections and
unshielded cable or individual wires for the relay connections. Make sure any wire or
cable used for relay wiring is appropriately rated for the power that it will carry.
CAUTION: If shielded cable is used for the PWR/SIG connections, leave the cable
shield’s drain wire insulated and disconnected at the M2A-XL junction
box. You will connect the opposite end of the cable’s drain wire at the
controller or device.
• If the M2A-XL will be wired into a Modbus network, see “Chapter 8: RS-485 Modbus
Output” on page 43.
See Figure 8 below for field wiring connections to the M2A-XL.
Figure 8: Wiring the M2A-XL Junction Box to a Controller and Alarm Devices
3. Re-install the control PCB (and ribbon cable if necessary). Be sure the ribbon cable is routed
down below the control PCB so it will not be damaged by the cover when it is screwed back
on.
4. Secure the M2A-XL junction box cover to the junction box.
5. Make controller, device, and relay connections as appropriate. If shielded cable is used for the
PWR/SIG connections, connect the cable shield’s drain wire to an available chassis ground at
the gas monitoring controller, recording device, or programmable controller.
Alarm Device
Power
Typical Alarm
WiringShown
Fail Alarm
Device
Alarm 1
Alarm Device
RKI Controller
Terminals
(24 VDC) +
4 - 20 mA In (S)
(24 VDC) -
Alarm 2
Alarm Device
See
Modbus
Wiring
- S +
A B C
RS 485 PWR/SIG
R W G B
LEL
See
Detector
Wiring
C NC NO
ALARM 1 C NC NO
ALARM 2
C NC NO FAIL