RKI Instruments GD-K8A User Manual

Model GD-K8A Diffusion Detector Head

Operator’s Manual

Part Number: 71-0081RK
Revision: A
Released: 3/1/11

www.rkiinstruments.com

WARNING

Read and understand this instruction manual before operating
detector . Improper use of the dete ctor could result in bodily harm
or death.

Periodic calibration and maintenance of the detector is essential
for proper operation and correct readings. Please calibrate and
maintain this detector regularly! Frequency of calibration
depends upon the type of use you have and the sensor types.
T ypical calibration frequencies for most applications a re between
3 and 6 months, but can be required more often or less often
based on your usage.

Model GD-K8A Diffusion Detector Head

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 the 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. Parts must be returned to RKI
Instruments, Inc. for repair or replacement. 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:

a) Pump diaphragms and valves c) Batteries
b) Fuses d) Filter elements

Warranty is voided by abuse including mechanical damage, alteration, rough handling, or
repair procedures not in accordance with instruction 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 WARRANTY 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 WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO
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 only 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. Warranty covers parts and labor performed at RKI Instruments, Inc. only, and does
not cover field labor or shipment of parts back to RKI.

Model GD-K8A Diffusion Dete ctor Head

Table of Contents

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Housing Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Sensor Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Auto Sensor Keeper (ASK) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Mounting the GD-K8A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Wiring the GD-K8A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Startup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Introducing Incoming Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Setting the Zero Signal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Storing the GD-K8A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Replacing Components of the GD-K8A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Preparing for Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Setting the Zero Reading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Setting the Response Reading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Model GD-K8A Diffusion Detector Head

Overview

This manual describes the Model GD-K8A di ffusion 4 - 20 mA transmitter detector head.
This manual also describes how to install, start up, maintain, and calibrate the GD-K8A
when it is used with a gas monitoring controller. A parts list at the end of this manual lists
replacement parts and accessories for the GD-K8A.

Specifications

Table 1 lists specif ications for the GD-K8A.

Table 1: Specifications

Target Gas & Detector Range Refer to the RKI Instruments Inc. List of Detectable Gasses
Area Classification Indoor, non-hazardous locations
Sampling Method Diffusion
Input Power 24 VDC
Signal Output 4 to 20 mA
Response Time 90% in 60 seconds
Accuracy ± 10% of reading or ± 5% of full scale (whichever is greater)

W ARNING: When using the GD-K8A, you must follow the instructions and warnings in

this manual to assure proper and safe operation of the GD-K8A and to
minimize the risk of personal injury. Be sure to maintain and period ically
calibrate the GD-K8A as described in this manual.

Model GD-K8A Diffusion Detector Head • 1

Description

er

This section describes the components of the GD-K8A. The GD-K8A consists of three
major components: the housing assembly, the sensor unit and the auto sensor keeper
(ASK). The sensor unit is secured in the housing by two screws. It can be removed by
loosening these two screws for sensor or amplifier replacement. The ASK is also secured
in the housing by two screws.

AA Alkaline Battery, 2X

Auto Sensor Keep
(ASK)

Sensor Unit

External Wiring
Terminal Strip

Spark Killer, 2X

Housing

Grounding Bolt

Cable Bushing

Figure 1: Model GD-K8A Component Loca t io n

Housing Assembly

The housing assembly includes the housing, cable bushing and external wiring terminal
strip.

Housing

The painted steel housing is radio frequency (RF) and dust resistan t. A gasketed door
rotates on two hinge pins on the left side of the housing and is secured in the closed
position with a snap latch on the right side of the housing. When the door is closed, a
gasketed hole in t he door seals ag ainst the sensor and allows the sensor to be exp osed to
the ambient air. An earth ground bolt is provided to the left of the external wiring terminal
strip.

2 • Model GD-K8A Diffusio n Detector Head