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Gas Detection Service and Calibration

How Do I Manually Calibrate the MSA Altair 4X Multi Gas Detector?

How Do I Manually Calibrate the MSA Altair 4X Multi Gas Detector?

Keeping your gas detectors properly maintained is absolutely vital to ensure the safety of those relying on them. Part of such maintenance in manually calibrating them. The importance of calibrating gas detectors is fully explored in our guide which you can read here.

NOTE: The MSA Altair 4X has been replaced by the MSA Altair 4XR gas detector.  Buy this now on our website.

If you wish to have your MSA Altair 4X or 4XR calibrated by our Service Team then complete the RMA form on our website.

The unit in our tutorial has the standard sensor configuration and detects LEL, O2, CO and H2S.

What do I need to manually calibrate the Altair 4x?

In this instance we’re using the standard calibration mix of 20ppm H2S, 60ppm CO, 1.45% CH4 and 15% O2 in a balance of Nitrogen

 

MAKE SURE THE CALIBRATION GAS ISN'T OUT OF DATE BEFORE USE AND CONTAINS THE CORRECT GAS VALUES FOR THE MSA ALTAIR 4X

You’ll find the calibration cap and a short piece of tubing in the box with your 4X.

What do I need to be aware of when calibrating the MSA Altair 4X?

  • Before beginning, ensure you're calibrating in a safe area that is free of hazardous gas and in a fresh air environment.
  • When the monitor is switched on it will perform a number of self-checks 
  • The LAST CAL DATE screen will display and will indicate when calibration is due
  • Note that the unit can still be calibrated, regardless of the due date
  • Once the unit has completed the self-test you can access the calibration menu.

Watch our video tutorial on manually calibrating the Altair 4X.

How do I calibrate the MSA Altair 4X?

  • Hold the UP arrow down for 3 seconds until ZERO CAL shows, ensuring you’re in a fresh-air environment whilst doing so
  • This asks if you’d like to go ahead with carrying out a zero calibration
  • Select Yes by pressing the middle button and the Sensor Refresh screen will show
  • Once a successful Zero Cal has been carried out it will show as ZERO PASS
  • The next screen will then flash SPAN CAL?  To go ahead with the calibration, press the middle button
  • The Altair 4X will display a flashing gas cylinder icon and a timer to indicate it’s ready for the test gas
  • Attach the calibration cap onto the front of the sensors
  • The tubing should be attached to the valve and cylinder, turn the valve on the regulator to release the gas

You will see the values on the screen starting to rise and calibration will take as long as required by the sensors and will finish once a sufficient amount of gas has been detected.

The values on the monitor should reach those shown on the calibration cylinder.

 

CALIBRATING THE SENSORS IS VITAL TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE WEARER AND THOSE AROUND THEM

The detector will beep, SPAN PASS will flash on the screen and the tick symbol will appear on the right hand of the monitor.  You can now close the gas off, remove the calibration cap and proceed with normal measurement mode.

As with any maintenance of gas detectors, please ensure you're complying with the manufacturer's guidelines and any site and/or company specific procedures. If you'd like more information on the Altair 4X, gas detectors in general or advice on maintenance, please get in touch with our team via the Contact Us page.

How Do I Manually Bump Test the Altair 4X?

 

Remember, the MSA Altair 4X has been replaced by the Altair 4XR! 

 

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