RAE Systems QRAE 3 Quick Start Guide

QRAE 3

Diffusion & Pumped

QuickStart Guide

WARNINGS

Read Before Operating

The QRAE 3 User’s Guide must be carefully read by all
individuals who have or will have the responsibility of
using, maintaining, or servicing this product. The product
will perform as designed only if it is used, maintained, and
serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

CAUTION!

Never operate the monitor when the rear cover is re­moved. Remove rear cover, sensors, and/or battery only
in an area known to be non-hazardous. Never use the
instrument with the calibration adapter installed, as this
can cause distorted readings, a potential safety threat.

User Interface

The QRAE 3’s user interface consists of the
display and two keys, [MODE] and [Y/+]. The
flippable LCD displays information such as monitored
threats, real-time readings and measurement units,
alarm type (when in alarm, including cal. overdue),
battery status, datalog (if on), and radio and connection
quality (if available).

Charging The QRAE 3 (non-ATEX/IECEx)

Always fully charge the battery before use. Contacts on
the bottom of the QRAE 3 meet the Travel Charger’s
contact pins, transferring power. Make sure the charger
and QRAE 3 are firmly attached. Then connect the AC

Adapter’s barrel plug to the charger, and plug its

transformer into an AC outlet. While charging, the
LED on the Travel Charger glows red. When the
battery is fully charged, the LED glows green.

Barrier Box For ATEX/IECEx Use

For ATEX/IECEx applications, plug the cord from
the Barrier Box (P/N M02-3011-000) into the
Travel Charger, and then plug the power adapter
into the Barrier Box.

Turning The QRAE 3 On

With the instrument turned off, press and hold the
[MODE] key until the audible alarm stops, and then
release. During startup, the battery, buzzer, vibra­tion alarm, and LEDs are tested, and then the
QRAE 3 performs self-testing of its other func­tions. When the main measurement screen appears,
the QRAE 3 is ready for calibration or use.

Note: If the battery is completely empty, then the

display briefly shows the message “Battery
Discharged!” and the QRAE 3 shuts off. You should

charge or replace the battery before turning it on again.

Note: If “Zero At Start,” “Must Calibrate” or
“Must Bump” is set, you will be prompted to

perform the appropriate calibration before using the
instrument.

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Charging
status LED

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

www.raesystems.com

RAE Systems by Honeywell

3775 N. First St.

San Jose, CA 95134-1708 USA

AC adapter
barrel plug

QRAE 3

Travel
Charger

Clip Travel Charger
Onto QRAE 3

Non-ATEX/IECEx:
Power supply
plugged directly into
Travel Charger.

ATEX/IECEx:
Barrier Box between
power supply and
Travel Charger.

Email: [e-mail]

Turning The QRAE 3 Off

Press and hold [MODE]. A 5-second countdown to shut­off begins. Continue pressing on the key for the entire
shutoff process. Otherwise, the shutoff operation is
canceled and the QRAE 3 continues normal operation.

When the countdown ends and the screen displays “Unit
Off!” release your finger from the [MODE] key. The
QRAE 3 is now off.

Testing The Alarm

Under normal-operation mode and non-alarm condi­tions, the buzzer, vibration alarm, LED, and backlight
can be tested anytime by pressing [Y/+] once. If any
alarm does not respond, check the Alarm Settings in
Programming Mode to make sure all alarms are
enabled. If any alarms are enabled but are not
functional, do not use the instrument.

Calibration

Make sure all sensors have warmed up before

attempting any calibration. If a sensor’s reading
shows “- -” on the display, the sensor is not ready.

The QRAE 3 diffusion model requires a calibration
adapter. Set it over the sensors, tighten the knob to
secure it, and connect a hose from a calibration gas
regulator. The pumped model requires a T
calibration tube. Attach that to the instrument’s
external filter and to the calibration gas regulator.

Calibrate the QRAE 3 using a fixed-flow regulator (flow
rate between 0.5 and 1.0 liters per minute):

1. To begin calibration, connect the zero air or

calibration gas cylinder, flow regulator, and
calibration adapter to the QRAE 3.

2. Enter Programming Mode by pressing and holding

[MODE] and [Y/+] simultaneously until the password
screen appears. (A password is not necessary in
Advanced mode.)

3. Input the 4-digit password. (The default password is

“0000.” If you do not know the password, select
“Done.”) Then follow the instructions for individual

or multiple bump, zero and span calibration.
Important! After a bump test or calibration, remove

the calibration adapter or T connection to ensure
correct readings.

Zero & Fresh Air Calibration

The QRAE 3 should be zero-calibrated in clean air

with 20.9% oxygen or with a cylinder of clean zero air.
In Programming Mode, press [MODE] to select “Multi
Zero.” Press [Y/+] to select it. Then press [Y/+] to start
a Fresh Air calibration for the listed sensors. All are
fresh-air calibrated at once. During calibration, the

screen says, “Calibrating.” When done, each sensor is
shown, accompanied by the word “Pass.”

To zero calibrate individual sensors:

1. Select “Single Sensor Zero” and select a sensor.

2. Press [Y/+] to select a sensor to zero calibrate.

3. Start the flow of the zero gas, if used, and press [Y/+].

4. The screen says, “Calibrating” and counts down.

5. When done, it says, “Zero Calibration Passed” (the

reading should be 0 or very close to it for toxic gas

sensors, and 20.9% Vol. for an oxygen sensor).
Shut off the flow of zero air (if used) and remove the
calibration adapter or T connector.

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P/N: M02-4002-000 Rev B 201401

Basic Menu

mode. When datalogging is

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Install the calibration
adapter on the QRAE 3

diffusion model

Attach the T calibration
tube on the QRAE 3

pumped model before

calibration

Navigation

Pressing [MODE]
repeatedly allows you to
step through the screens as
shown here.

Note: The gray box around
Datalogging indicates the
datalog functions when
datalogging is in Manual

in Automatic mode, this
screen does not appear.

Refer to the User’s Guide

for information on select­ing Automatic or Manual

Span Calibration (Single Or Multi)

In Programming Mode, and with “Multi Sensor
Span” or “Single Sensor Span” highlighted:

1. Press [Y/+]. The screen displays the sensor(s) to be

calibrated.

· Multi: The list is shown.

· Single: Select a sensor and press [Y/+].

2. Attach the calibration adapter or T connector.

Connect the calibration gas cylinder’s flow

regulator to the QRAE 3, and start the gas flow.

3. Press [Y/+] to start calibration.

4. Upon completion, a pass/fail calibration result

appears and the readings are shown (they should be
within ±10% of the span gas value).

Turn off the gas and remove the calibration
adapter or T connector.

Bump (Functional) Testing

RAE Systems recommends periodic bump testing to
confirm that the sensors and alarms are functional.
Test each sensor with an appropriate test gas in a

concentration not less than the sensor’s low alarm

setting. To pass, each sensor should go at least to a
low alarm. With the QRAE 3 in Normal Mode:

1. Connect the calibration gas cylinder, flow regulator,

and calibration adapter or T connector to the QRAE
3 and start the gas flow.

2. Make sure the unit goes into at least a low alarm for

each of the tested sensors and that the buzzer
produces at least two beeps per second, the LED
lights flash on and off, and the vibration alarm
functions. The display backlight should illuminate
and an alarm message should be shown in the
display.

3. Turn off the gas flow.
Remove the calibration adapter or T connector.

Multi Or Single Bump Testing

In Programming Mode, and with “Calibration/Multi
Bump” or “Calibration/Single Bump” highlighted:

1. Press [Y/+]. The screen displays the sensor(s) to be

bump tested.

· Multi: The list is shown.

· Single: Select a sensor and press [Y/+].

2. Attach the calibration adapter or T connector.

3. Connect the calibration gas cylinder’s flow regulator

to the QRAE 3, and start the gas flow.

4. Press [Y/+] to start the bump test.

5. Upon completion, a screen labeled “Bump Test

Results” is shown with the sensor name(s) and
value(s), plus the word “Pass” or “Fail.”

6. Turn off the gas and remove the calibration

adapter or T connector.

If a sensor fails a bump test, try to calibrate it. If it
does not calibrate, it should be replaced.

BATTERY PACK

A Li-Ion battery pack (PN: G02-3004-000) is
supplied with each QRAE 3.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of ignition of hazardous
atmospheres, recharge, remove, or replace the
battery only in an area known to be non-hazardous!

WIRELESS CERTIFICATION

Complies with the following:
FCC Part 15
R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EC)

WARNINGS

ANY RAPID UP-SCALE READING FOLLOWED BY A
DECLINING OR ERRATIC READING MAY INDICATE
A GAS CONCENTRATION BEYOND UPPER SCALE
LIMIT, WHICH MAY BE HAZARDOUS.

TOUTE LECTURE RAPIDE ET POSITIVE, SUIVE

D’UNE BAISSE SUBITE AU ERRATIQUE DE LA

VALEUR, PEUT INDIQUER UNE CONCENTRA­TION DE GAZ HORS GAMME DE DÉTECTION QUI
PEUT ÊTRE DANGEREUSE.

ONLY THE COMBUSTIBLE GAS DETECTION
PORTION OF THIS INSTRUMENT HAS BEEN
ASSESSED FOR PERFORMANCE.

UNIQUMENT, LA PORTION POUR DÉTECTOR
LES GAZ COMBUSTIBLES DE CET INSTRUMENT
A ÉTÉ ÉVALUÉE.

CAUTION: HIGH OFF-SCALE READINGS MAY
INDICATE AN EXPLOSIVE CONCENTRATION.

ATTENTION: DES LECTURES HAUTES ET

HORS D’ECHELLE PEUVENT INDIQUER DES

CONCENTRATIONS DE GAZ INFLAMMABLES.
CAUTION: SUBSTITUTION OF COMPONENTS

MAY IMPAIR INTRINSIC SAFETY.
CAUTION: BEFORE EACH DAY’S USAGE, SENSI-
TIVITY OF THE LEL SENSOR MUST BE TESTED ON
A KNOWN CONCENTRATION OF METHANE GAS
EQUIVALENT TO 20 TO 50% OF FULL-SCALE
CONCENTRATION. ACCURACY MUST BE WITHIN 0
AND +20% OF ACTUAL. ACCURACY MAY BE
CORRECTED BY CALIBRATION PROCEDURE.

ATTENTION: AVANT CHAQUE UTILISATION JOUR­NALIERE, VERIFIER LA SENSIBILITE DU CAPTEUR
DE LIE AVEC UNE CONCENTRATION CONNUE DE
METHANE EQUIVALENTE DE 20 A 50% DE LA
PLEINE ECHELLE. LA PRECISION DOIT ETRE COM­PRISE ENTRE 0 ET 20% DE LA VALEUR VRAIE ET
PEUT ETRE CORRIGEE PAR UNE PROCEDURE
D’ETALONNAGE.

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SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR SAFE USE

1. The PGM-25xx/D shall only be fitted with

RAE Systems Battery Pack type G02-3004-000

2. The PGM-25xx/D shall only be charged

outside hazardous areas.

No precautions against electrostatic discharge are ne­cessary for portable equipment that has an enclosure
made of plastic, metal, or a combination of the two,
except where a significant static-generating mechan­ism has been identified. Activities such as placing the
item in a pocket or on a belt, operating a keypad or
cleaning with a damp cloth, do not present a signi­ficant electrostatic risk. However, where a static­generating mechanism is identified, such as repeated
brushing against clothing, then suitable precautions
shall be taken, e.g., the use of anti-static footwear.

Using the PGM-25xx/D in Class I, Division 1,
Group A, B, C, D Hazardous Locations

Equipment which is intended for use in explosive
atmospheres and which has been assessed and
certified according to international regulations may
be used only under specified conditions.

The components may not be modified in any way.
The appropriate regulations for service and repair
must be properly observed during such activities.

The PGM25xx/D is intrinsically safe and may be
used in hazardous locations.

SUBSTITUTION OF COMPONENTS MAY IMPAIR
INTRINSIC SAFETY.

WARNING

Do not replace sensors in hazardous locations.

HAZARDOUS LOCATION APPROVALS

Hazardous Areas Classified by Zones

PGM-25xx/D is intended to be used in hazardous
areas classified Zone 0, Zone 1 or Zone 2, within
the T4 temperature code range, where gases of
explosion groups IIA, IIB or IIC may be present.
For North America and Canada, the equipment can
further be used in Class I, Zone 0 in the same T4
temperature range.

Hazardous Areas Classified by Divisions

PGM-25xx/D is intended to be used in hazardous
areas classified for Class I, Div. 1 or 2, within the
temperature range of -20º C to +50º C, where gases
of explosion groups A, B, C or D may be present
and within the T4 temperature code range.

Note: Users are recommended to refer to ISA­RP12.13, Part II-1987 for general information
on installation, operation, and maintenance of
combustible gas detection instruments.

The QRAE 3 multi-gas detector must be
calibrated if it does not pass a bump test, or at
least once every 180 days, depending on use
and sensor exposure to poisons and
contaminants.

Wireless Operation

If your QRAE 3 is equipped with a wireless
modem, its settings are controlled via the menu

items under “Wireless.” In order to save time while

operating the QRAE 3 in a network, it is best to
configure the settings before taking the QRAE 3
into the field. Consult the User’s Guide for more
detailed instructions.

1. Enter Programming Mode by pressing and holding

[MODE] and [Y/+] simultaneously until the
password screen appears.

2. Input the 4-digit password. (The default password

is “0000.”)

3. Press [MODE] repeatedly until “Wireless” is

highlighted.

4. Press [Y/+] to select Wireless Settings.

5. Check that the radio is turned on, the PAN ID

matches the PAN ID of the network, and matches
the channel of the network, too. Select Join
Network if a network is already established. You
may also set the off-network alarm.

6. When you are done with the settings, press

[MODE] until “Exit” is highlighted, and [Y/+] to
return to the Programming menus. At “Exit,” press

[Y/+] to return to normal operation.

7. Start the EchoView Host or RAELink3 Mesh

wireless modem and ProRAE Guardian on your
computer.

8. The antenna icon and signal-strength bars should be

shown on the screen’s upper-left corner.

9. Check that data is being received by ProRAE

Guardian or EchoView Host.

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