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Product Notice
Gas Detection Bump Test and Calibration Frequency
Regions Affected: Global
This document is intended to provide a general guideline for bump testing and calibration of Honeywell
Analytics gas detection products. The following gas detector tests should only be conducted in a fresh air
atmosphere containing 20.9% oxygen and free of any toxic or combustible gas vapors.
Corporate, local, regional or national regulations, policies and procedures may take pre cedence over these
recommendations.
Bump Test
Function Check: A qualitative function check where a challenge gas is passed over the sensor(s) at a
concentration and exposure time sufficient to activate all alarm indicators to a minimum of their lower alarm
setting. The purpose of this check is not to confirm the accuracy of sensor response, just that gas can get
to the sensor(s) and that all the alarms present are functional.
Accuracy Check: A quantitative function check using a known concentration of gas that is traceable to a
recognized standard to confirm that the alarms are functional and that the sensor(s) response is within
acceptable limits. Typically, a +/-10% to +/-20% of applied gas value is considered acceptable unless
otherwise specified by the manufacturer, internal company policy, or a regulatory agency.
Calibration
Zero calibration: Establishes sensor(s) baseline reading, 20.9% oxygen and free of any toxic o r combustible
gas vapors. To maintain a stable baseline, it is essential to perform zero calibration in fresh air. In the
event, fresh air cannot be confirmed, use zero grade air or N
a zero calibration to reestablish baseline as required, and before a span calibration.
Span calibration: The adjustment of the sensor(s) response to match the value of a known concentration
of applied gas that is traceable to a recognized standard. The calibration procedure should be done in
accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE: Consult the product manual for product specific recommendations.
Recommended Frequency
Fixed gas monitors:
*Perform an Accuracy Check on a 4 to 6-month basis based on region at a minimum
o Consult local regional codes for proper bump test intervals
Perform a Zero calibration and *Span calibration prior to first time use and then on an annual basis
at a minimum
o **Factory calibrated sensors may not require a Span calibration at first time use
o Infrared (sealed construction only) and ultrasonic based products typically do not require
span calibrations and should be avoided where possible
Direct Reading Portable Gas Monitors:
Perform a Function or Accuracy check prior to each day’s use at a minimum.
Perform a Zero and Span Calibration prior to first time use. Calibration frequency can vary from
every 30 to 180 days, or, calibrate following a failed bump test.
Non-direct Reading Portable Gas Monitors:
to perform a detector zero calibration. Perform
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Product Notice
Perform a Function check periodically
Perform a Zero Calibration as required; Span Calibration is typically not required over the working
life of the monitor.
Flame Detection Testing
Electro-optical flame detectors:
Perform a lamp test on a semi-annual basis. Perform a complete fire protection system function
test annually.
Information/Reference Materials
Honeywell Analytics:
o http://www.honeywellanalytics.com/
o http://www.raesystems.com/customer-care/resource-center/ebooks
o http://www.raesystems.com/customer-care/resource-center/tech-notes
o http://www.raesystems.com/sites/default/files/content/resources/pid_handbook_1002-
02.pdf
International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA):
o https://safetyequipment.org/product-groups/instruments/
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
o https://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/
FactoryMutual(FMClass3260):
o http://www.fmapprovals.com/products-we-certify/understanding-the-benefits/fm-
approved-flame-detection
*Corporate, local, regional or national regulations, policies and procedures may take precedence over the se
recommendations.
**Factory calibrated sensors are calibrated to NIOSH standards and may not require span calibrations at
initial use.
Zero calibrations on fixed instruments is recommended at time of start-up to ensure the best
possible operational results.
Allow for a minimum of 15-minute warm-up period to allow for the sensor to acclimate to the
environment (i.e. Altitude, humidity and temperature).
BULLETIN NUMBER: 2017115-2 6/19/2018
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