Inficon GAS-Mate Operating Manual

OPERATING MANUAL

GAS-Mate

®

Combustible Gas Leak Detector

EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

This declaration is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer INFICON. The
object of the declaration is to certify that this equipment, designed and manufactured by
INFICON, is in conformity with the relevant Community harmonization legislation. It has been
constructed in accordance with good engineering practice in safety matters in force in the
Community and does not endanger the safety of persons, domestic animals or property when
properly installed and maintained and used in applications for which it was made.

Equipment Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GAS-Mate® Combustible Gas Leak Detector

Model Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 718-202-Gxx (Applicable to all group numbers)

Applicable Directives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014/30/EU General EMC

Applicable Standards:

Safety: EN 61010-1:2010 Safety requirements for electrical

Emissions: EN 55011:2009 (+A1:2010)/FCC CFR 47 Part 15:

Immunity: EN 50270:2015 Electromagnetic compatibility –Electrical

RoHS: EN 50581:2013 Technical documentation for the

CE Implementation Date: October 6, 2016

equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use.
General requirements.

Emission standard for industrial, scientific, and medical
(ISM) radio RF equipment (Class B)

apparatus for the detection and measurement of
combustible gases, toxic gases or oxygen

assessment of electrical and electronic products with
respect to the restriction of hazardous substances

2011/65/EU RoHS

Manufacturer Representative

Brian King
INFICON
General Manager – Service Tools
Two Technology Place
East Syracuse, NY USA 13057

ANY QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO THIS DECLARATION OR TO THE SAFETY OF INFICON'S
PRODUCTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED, IN WRITING, TO THE AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS.

The GAS-Mate is Intrinsically Safe for Class I, Division 1, Groups A-D, T4 and rated II 3G Ex nA
nL IIC T4 X as per Listing Number E112145 by MET Laboratories, Inc.

EU Authorized Representative

INFICON GmbH
50968 Köln, Bonner Str. 498

2

To get the best performance from your GAS-Mate, please read this manual

WARNING

Power button

Battery

Battery

Leak

indicators

indicator

Touch pad

Probe

tip/sensor

Release tab

cover

carefully before you start using the instrument. If you have any questions or need
additional assistance, please call 1-800-344-3304. We'll be happy to help you.

This symbol is used to alert the user to the presence of important operating

GAS-Mate® and INFICON® are trademarks of INFICON Inc.

The GAS-Mate is Intrinsically Safe for Class I, Division 1, Groups A-D, T4 and rated II 3G Ex nA nL IIC T4 X as per
Listing Number E112145 by MET Laboratories, Inc.

and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the instrument.

3

Introduction

GAS-Mate is an intrinsically safe instrument designed to detect leaks of a variety
of combustible gases and flammable refrigerants. It can be used for many leak
testing applications including, but not limited to:

 Combustion appliances
 Gas-fired furnaces
 Gas stoves
 Hydrocarbon-based (flammable) refrigerants
 Gas pipelines, valves and meters
 Heat exchanger testing with combustible gases

GAS-Mate is sensitive to a variety of hydrocarbons and other gases including, but
not limited to:

 Natural Gas
 Cyclopentane
 Isobutane (R600a)
 Methane
 Propane (R290)
 Ethane
 Butane
 Ammonia
 Ethanol
 Hydrogen Forming Gas (95/5)

NOTE: GAS-Mate does NOT detect carbon monoxide (CO).

4

Specifications

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 PPM Methane (main component of natural gas)

Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two "D" cell alkaline batteries (3.2 V @ 125 mA)

Battery Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Approximately 25 hours

Operating Temperature Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -4 to +122° F (-20 to +50° C)

Storage Temperature Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .-4 to +140° F (-20 to +60° C)

Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85% RH NC max.

Pollution Degree. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Overvoltage Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Weight (with batteries) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.18 lb (0.53 kg)

Product Warnings

To prevent ignition of a hazardous atmosphere, batteries must only
be changed in an area known to be nonhazardous (i.e., completely
free of combustible gas).

Use only Duracell® MN1300 batteries to maintain intrinsically safe
approval.

Always check instrument operation with a known combustible leak
source before use.

GAS-Mate will detect leaks as described below but may not indicate
when a hazardous atmosphere is present due to its Auto Zeroing
function. Lack of a reading by GAS-Mate should not be taken as an
indication that the atmosphere is totally safe.

There are no user serviceable parts inside. Do not disassemble
GAS-Mate.

DURACELL® is a registered trademark of Duracell, Inc., Bet hel, Connecticut.

5

Install Two “D” Cell Alkaline Batteries

WARNING

CAUTION

+

-

+

-

To prevent ignition of a hazardous atmosphere, batteries must only
be changed in an area known to be non-hazardous (i.e., free of
combustible gas).

Use only Duracell® MN1300 “D” size batteries to maintain
intrinsically safe approval.

1. Remove the battery cover by releasing the latch and sliding the cover down and

off the handle. You may need a small flat-blade screwdriver to assist with
releasing the latch.

2. Install two Duracell

Figure 1 Properly installed alkaline batteries

3. Reinstall the battery cover by aligning it in the grooves on the handle and sliding

it up the handle until it latches.

NOTE: If the Battery indicator flashes or if the Battery and highest signal indicator

both flash, the batteries are low and should be replaced.

NOTE: Dispose of depleted alkaline batteries according to applicable state and

local regulations. In the absence of such regulations, recycle and/or
dispose of batteries through voluntary waste recycling programs.

®

MN1300 “D” size alkaline batteries as shown in Figure 1.

6

Using GAS-Mate

1. Long press the Power button to turn GAS-Mate On or Off.

NOTE: GAS-Mate should be turned on in clean air free of combustible gas.

2. Wait for GAS-Mate to warm up, about 30 seconds up to two minutes.

NOTE: GAS-Mate will alarm during warm-up and the highest leak indicator

will illuminate. When warm-up is complete, GAS-Mate will beep
steadily.

3. If needed, adjust sensitivity by swiping up or down on the touch pad. The leak

indicators will illuminate to indicate the sensitivity level.

NOTE: GAS-Mate defaults to maximum sensitivity on startup. It is

recommended to use this setting for most applications.

4. Carry GAS-Mate into the area of the suspected leak. An alarm at this time

indicates a build-up of combustible gas in the general area.

NOTE: When GAS-Mate detects combustible gas, it will alarm and the leak

indicators will illuminate. Faster beeping or a solid alarm indicate a
larger concentration of combustible gas.

NOTE: GAS-Mate will automatically zero to the background concentration,

indicated by the alarm slowly returning to a steady beep. Once
zeroed, only a higher concentration will cause an alarm.

5. Move the probe tip slowly (approximately 1 to 2 in. (2.5 to 5 cm) per second)

around suspected leak sites. Position the probe tip as close as possible to the
suspected leak site for optimum performance.

6. To confirm a leak, pull the probe away from the suspected leak site and allow

the instrument to return to a steady state. Repeat step 5.

NOTE: After exposure to very high concentrations of some gases, the sensor

may require several minutes to stabilize and return to normal
operation.

7

How to Change the Sensor

Alignment Tab

The sensor comes installed in the tip of the GAS-Mate probe. You only need to
insert/remove the sensor when it is time to replace it.

NOTE: If all leak indicators flash and a steady alarm occurs, the sensor is bad or

not installed properly. Ensure the sensor is installed properly or install a
new sensor if this occurs.

1. Insert a paper clip or a small screwdriver under the sensor through the slot in

the probe tip and carefully slide the sensor out of the end of the probe tip as
seen in Figure 2.

2. Remove the new sensor from its packaging.

3. Align the tab on the sensor can with the slot in the probe tip.

4. Carefully slide the sensor into the probe tip. Ensure the wire leads fit into the

matching holes in the sensor socket in the probe tip.

NOTE: When properly installed, the top of the sensor should be

approximately flush with the tip of the probe. It is acceptable if the
probe protrudes slightly from the probe tip as long as the sensor is

Figure 2 Replacing the sensor

fully seated.

Cleaning and Storage

GAS-Mate's plastic housing can be cleaned with standard household detergent or
isopropyl alcohol. Care should be taken to prevent the cleaner from entering the
instrument. Since gasoline and other solvents may damage the plastic, protect
your INFICON GAS-Mate from contact with these substances.

NOTE: Do not allow cleaners or isopropyl alcohol to enter the sensor as it may

become contaminated. Replace the sensor if contamination occurs.

8

Troubleshooting

WARNING

Substitution of components may impair intrinsic safety.

Except for the batteries and the sensor, the internal parts of the GAS-Mate
Combustible Gas Leak Detector are not user serviceable. If you experience a
problem with your GAS-Mate, follow the steps in the troubleshooting guide below
to determine how to remedy your problem. If you cannot remedy the problem, take
your GAS-Mate to the nearest wholesaler for warranty evaluation or call our
technical support line at 1-800-344-3304.

Problem Possible Cause Remedy

GAS-Mate will not
power up.

Batteries are worn out. Replace batteries.

Batteries are
improperly installed.

Refer to Figure 1 for
proper installation.

Poor sensitivity.
GAS-Mate powers up,
but does not detect
combustible gas.

Alarm sounds
continuously, even after
a couple minutes of
warm-up.

Unit set to low
sensitivity.

Sensor is worn out and
needs to be replaced.

The sensor is not
installed properly or is
missing.

Sensor is worn out and
needs to be replaced.

9

Increase sensitivity by
swiping up on touch
pad.

Replace sensor.

Ensure sensor leads
are straight and
inserted in the holes at
the base of the sensor
socket and the
orientation tab is
properly aligned in the
probe tip. Refer to

Figure 2.

Replace sensor.

Replacement Parts and Accessories

Replacement parts and accessories for your INFICON GAS-Mate are available
through the same dealer you bought the instrument from.

Plastic storage case . . . . . . . . . . . 718-701-G1

Replacement sensor . . . . . . . . . . 706-700-G1

Return Authorization Procedure

Defective GAS-Mates, or defective replacement parts and accessories, should be
returned to your wholesaler for warranty evaluation. If you have any questions,
please contact INFICON at 800-344-3304.

Please do not return your unit directly to the factory without first contacting your
wholesaler.

Warranty and Liability

INFICON warrants your GAS-Mate Combustible Gas Leak Detector to be free
from defects of materials or workmanship for three (3) years from the date of
purchase. INFICON does not warrant items that deteriorate under normal use,
including power cells (batteries) and sensors. In addition, INFICON does not
warrant any instrument that has been subjected to misuse, negligence, or
accident, or has been repaired or altered by anyone other than INFICON.

INFICON's liability is limited to instruments returned to INFICON, transportation
prepaid, not later than thirty (30) days after the warranty period expires, and which
INFICON judges to have malfunctioned because of defective materials or
workmanship. INFICON's liability is limited to, at its option, repairing or replacing
the defective instrument or part.

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, whether of
Merchantability or of Fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise. All such other
warranties are expressly disclaimed.

INFICON shall have no liability in excess of the price paid to INFICON for the
instrument plus return transportation charges prepaid. INFICON shall have no
liability for any incidental or consequential damages. All such liabilities are
excluded.

10

TWO TECHNOLOGY PLACE
EAST SYRACUSE, NY 13057-9714 USA

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]

inficonservicetools.com

074-529-P1C