Sensit HXG-3 Instruction Manual

SENSIT® HXG-3

Combustible Gas Detector

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

7-11 UL V4

Approved UL913, For Class 1,
Division 1, Groups C & D
hazardous locations when used
with alkaline batteries.

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Read and understand
instructions before use.

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Warning:

To prevent ignition
of flammable or
combustible
atmospheres,
disconnect power
before servicing.

Sensit® is a registered trademark of J And N

Ex-Ox-Tox Gasdetectie

Westerdreef 5V
2152 CS Nieuw-Vennep

Telefoon: 0252 620885
E-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.exoxtox.nl

CONTENTS

Page # 1. Accessories and Parts

2. General Description

2. Specifications

3. Product Features

5. Sensor Type

5. Battery Installation

6. Adjustable Features - Factory Only

7. Operation and Use

10. Calibration Check

11. Menu

16. Calibration

18. Warranty and Repair Policy

ACCESSORIES AND PARTS

1

Standard Accessories (included)
Carrying Case 872-00001 Wrist Strap 360-00040
Filter Cap 365-00045
Instruction Manual 750-00023 Alkaline Batteries 310-00004

Optional Accessories and Parts

Extension Adapter 870-00012
Printer 870-00004
PC Interface with Software 870-00008

Calibration Kit – Methane 881-00015
Calibration Kit – Pentane 881-00077
LEL Sensor 375-2611-01

This safety symbol is used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION

NOTICE

2

The Sensit® HXG-3 is designed to detect combustible gases. All
Sensit® HXG-3 instruments incorporate an advanced low power
semiconductor sensor to measure combustible gases in LEL (Lower
Explosive Limit) range. All measurements are in 0.1% LEL incre­ments. The ppm display is simultaneously shown in 1 or 10ppm
increments (resolution). An automatically backlit display shows
all gas concentrations being measured. LEDs located on the front
of the instrument indicate preset visual warnings of increased gas
concentration.
Audible and visual alarms warn the operator of hazardous condi­tions being sensed. The preset alarms are indicated by a red flashing
LED, display indicator and alarm sound. The combustible gas
alarm is preset from 50% LEL (2.5% methane or 0.75% pentane).

The Sensit® HXG-3 instrument is approved by Underwriters Labo-

ratories to UL913, for Class 1, Division 1, Groups C & D hazardous
locations when used with Duracell™ MN1400BK or equivalent al­kaline batteries.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

SPECIFICA TIONS

SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS

TYPE RESOLUTION RANGE ACCURACY

Leak 1ppm or 10ppm 0-50,000ppm ±10%

LEL 0.1% 0-100% ±10%

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 1 1.5” x 3” x 2.32” (292 x 76 x 69 mm)
Weight: 1.2 lbs.
Operational Temp: 0 to 120° F
Storage Temp: -20° to 132° F
Battery Life-Alkaline: approximately 25 hrs. continuous

PRODUCT FEATURES continued from p age 3

The tick can be easily heard with the speaker located in the
back of the instrument.

The Infrared Communication window is located on the right side
to allow the Sensit® HXG-3 instrument to download: Calibra-
tion data; Communicate with Smart-Cal Calibration S tation; PCi­2s Computer Interface; Readings the operator has elected to
save to the instrument’s on-board memory .

A flexible gooseneck is used to assist in locating the source of
gas leaks and remote sampling.

A two line display continuously updates the operator of all avail­able gas concentrations and alarms simultaneously as well as
indicates battery power. Below the display is a series of LEDs
that are preset to indicate combustible gas concentrations. Dur­ing an alarm condition the red LED on the right side will flash
and an audible warning will sound.

There are 3 operational button pads on the front of all Sensit®
HXG-3 instruments.

• POWER/MUTE BUTTON (A): Operate the POWER and MUTE
feature and exit menu items.

• MENU BUTTON (B): Use to enter , change and select menu
items.

• SA VE/ZERO BUTTON (C): Use save data feature, zero
sensor, scroll and change menu items.

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3

Sensit® HXG-3 instruments are constructed of durable ABS
plastic to withstand the rigors of field use.

Incorporated in the hand grip area is the battery compartment.
All Sensit® HXG-3 instruments require 3 “C” type alkaline bat-
teries. Duracell MN 1400 batteries provide approximately 25
hours of continuous use. A thumbwheel is located on the right
side of the instrument to activate the audible tick sound that
helps in locating the source of a gas leak. This tick is generated
by using specialized circuitry in combination with the LEL sen­sor located at the end of the gooseneck assembly .

PRODUCT FEA TURES

BACKLIT
2 LINE DISPLAY

SPEAKER
(ON BACK)

WARNING LED’S

16” FLEXIBLE
GOOSENECK

IR COMMUNICATION
(DOWNLOADING)

SOLID STATE
SENSOR

PUSH PA D
BUTTONS

BATTERY
COMPARTMENT

(Continued on page 4)

THUMBWHEEL FOR
TICK ADJUSTMENT

ADJUST ABLE FEATURES (FACTOR Y ONL Y)

6

Session Saves 1 -1 00 6
Alarm-LEL 0-100% 50%
PPM Display Option 1ppm or 10ppm 10p pm
Cal Due Interval 30, 45, 60,

90, 180, 360 30 days
Show Session Log* 1- 10 0 6
Warm-up Time 10-30 sec. 30 sec.
Purge Time 1-60 sec. 0 sec.

* Can be disabled

MENU ITEMS RANGE DEFAULT

If you do not use your right hand to hold the bottom of the bat­tery compartment the batteries can come out. Observe the po­larity markings on the inside of the battery holder. Improper in­stallation will cause the instrument not to operate. Replace the
battery sleeve and allow the locking tab to snap into position.

NOTE: Improper battery installation will disable the instru­ment.

Check to be sure the handle is secure to the instrument body by
gently pulling the handle away . The handle will remain firmly in
place if a proper connection is made.

BA TTERY INST ALLA TION/REPLACEMENTContinued from pg 5

5

Combustible Gas Sensor

All Sensit® HXG-3 instruments incorporate a highly sensitive
semiconductor type sensor. The function and accuracy of the
sensor are monitored and controlled by specialized circuitry and
a microprocessor. This sensor is capable of measuring concen­trations of 10ppm of methane (natural) gas up to 100% LEL.

SENSOR TYPE

BA TTERY INST ALLA TION/REPLACEMENT
CAUTION: Always change batteries in an environment

free of combustible gases.
Battery replacement is necessary when the display reads BA T

LOW, an audible alarm sounds and the green ready LED flashes.

When the instrument remains in BAT LOW, a countdown will
appear starting at 300 seconds (5 minutes) which is the maxi­mum time remaining to shutdown.

Remove the battery sleeve cover by depressing the locking tab
on the front of the handle with a coin or flat object and pulling the
handle away from the top or display area of the instrument.

Place 3 approved batteries into the battery holder. For best re­sults hold the battery compartment so that it lays in your right
hand. With your left hand install the battery that goes toward the
front first, the battery that is in contact with the rear spring sec­ond and finally insert the third battery in the center by forcing the
second battery such that the spring compresses and allows the
batteries to go into place.

(Continued on page 6)

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(Continued on page 8)

CAUTION: Always start any Sensit® HXG-3 in a gas
free environment to insure a proper zero.

1. Push and hold the power button (A) until the display illumi-

nates.

2. If the display fails to illuminate or BA T LOW is shown on the
display replace the batteries. There is room in the carrying case
to keep an extra set of alkaline batteries.

3. During successful start-up the instrument will display:
a.Product name and model version
b.System check
c. Date and time
d.Gas Ty pe
e.CAL P AST DUE when calibration is overdue
f. Warm-up countdown
g.AUTOZERO indicating the zeroing of the sensor
h.Working display

NOTE: If a sensor is completely inoperable or improperly zeroed
at start up, the display will show ERROR LEL followed by FAIL.

OPERATION AND USE

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(continued on page 9)

OPERA TION AND USE continued from page 7

4. Model 3.30 displays LEL% only . Model 3.35 displays LEL%

and ppm. All LEL readings have a resolution of 0.1% LEL or
50ppm methane. All ppm readings have a resolution of 1ppm or
10ppm and are displayed simultaneously with the LEL display .

5. It may be necessary to manually zero the instrument based
on company practices and environmental conditions.

CAUTION: Zeroing should be done in a gas free envi­ronment only.

6. When testing high areas or overhead lines the use of the

optional extension adapter will allow a broom handle or painters
stick to extend the instrument to the area where sensing must
be accomplished. This slides onto the battery sleeve and is held
in place by the locking nut assembly.

7. When a gas is sensed the display will update. Additionally , a
series of LEDs on the front of the instrument will illuminate when
the preset concentrations of the calibration gas are reached. If
an alarm condition exists, based on a preset alarm point, the
red (HAZ 3) LED will flash and the alarm will sound.

The preset levels of the LED warning lights are:

Amber LED/Low 5 - 9.9% LEL methane
Red LED/Haz1 10.0 - 24.9% LEL
Red LED/Haz2 25.0 - 49.9% LEL
Red LED/Haz3 50.0 - 100% LEL

(Continued on page 10)

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OPERA TION AND USE continued from page 8
Caution: These instruments have cross sensitivities to

a variety of gases.

8. During an alarm condition (factory default at 50% LEL) the

display will flash, LED HAZ 3 will flash and an audible alarm will
sound indicating a potentially unsafe environment. To disable
the audible alarm press and release the mute button (A). To
enable the alarm press and release it again.

9. To assist in locating the source of small combustible gas

leaks or surveying areas outdoors or indoors, rotate the
thumbwheel located on the right side of the instrument until a
steady ticking sound is heard. Note: There is no warm-up for
this feature as it uses the LEL sensor that is already operating.
Move the sensor toward the area suspected of leakage. As the
sensor moves closer to a leak source the tick will increase.When
the tick becomes a steady tone rotate the thumbwheel in a
clockwise direction while keeping the sensor in the same posi­tion. This will slow down the tick and allow the operator to find a
higher concentration using the same procedure.If the tick goes
away you have moved away from the leak or there is no more
gas present. For best results always use the leak detector prior
to using any liquid leak detection fluids as these sensors will
detect their presence.

10. At any time the operator may save the readings on the dis-

play by pressing the SA VE/ZERO button (C). This will save all
readings for download at a later time.

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OPERA TION AND USE continued from page 9

The memory is factory set to store 6 events. This can be ad­justed from 1-15 at the factory. The most recent save is first
during download.

11. Following Federal, State, Municipal and/or Company proce­dures move to the areas where gas readings are suspected or
must be tested. During sampling the respective readings may
change. Audible and visual alarms will activate when the preset
limits are reached.

12. When being used in dark areas an automatic backlight will
illuminate the display .

13. T o turn instrument off, push and hold the power button (A)
for 5-6 seconds until POWER DOWN appears on the display .

To verify the accuracy of any Sensit® HXG-3, it must be ex­posed to a known concentration of test gas. Any sensor that
does not meet the specifications listed in this manual may re­quire calibration or replacement. A calibration check does not
update the calibration due date. Full calibration is required to
update these times.

A calibration past due message will illuminate during warm-up if
calibration has not been performed per your company specified
interval. Anytime it is suspected the Sensit® HXG-3 is not work-
ing properly , check calibration.

CALIBRA TION CHECK

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(continued on page 13)

MENU continued from page 11

(C) to scroll to another PRINT MENU function. Pressing the
POWER/MUTE button (A) will reenter the USER MENU. Use
the SAVE/ZERO button (C) at this time to scroll to another
menu function. Pressing the POWER/MUTE button (A) will re­turn the instrument to the working display .

CALIBRATION (see page 16 for complete instructions)

From the working display access the user menu by pressing
and holding the MENU button (B) until the top line of the display
reads USER MENU. Press and release the SA VE/ZERO but-
ton (C) until the bottom line displays CALIBRATION.

POWER OFF

From the working display access the menu by pressing and hold­ing the MENU button (B) until the top line of the display reads
USER MENU. Press and release the SA VE/ZERO button (C) until
the bottom line displays POWER OFF. Press the MENU button
(B). Use the SAVE/ZERO button (C) to increase the number of
minutes of run time and the MENU button (B) to reduce them.
Setting the timer to 0 will cause the unit to always remain on. After
adjusting the number, press and release the left button (A) to save
the adjustment. Use the SAVE/ZERO button (C) at this time to
scroll to another menu function. Pressing the POWER/MUTE but­ton (A) will return the instrument to the working display .

SET CLOCK

From the working display access the user menu by pressing
and holding the MENU button (B) until the top line of the display
reads USER MENU. Press and release the SA VE/ZERO button
(C) until the bottom line displays SET CLOCK. Press the MENU
button (B). The day will flash upon entering the SET CLOCK

MENU

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(Continued on page 12)

The Sensit® HXG-3 has several features in the user menu.
These include:

PRINT MENU: SESSION LOG - print data that was saved.
CAL LOG - print last 4 successful calibrations.
SMART CAL - access to Smart-Cal Calibration S tation.
CALIBRATION: Calibrate LEL and access Smart-Cal
Calibration St ation.

POWER OFF: Set the automatic shut off timer in minutes.
SET CLOCK: Set date and time.
SHOW CAL LOG: Display last calibration.
SHOW SES LOG: Display saved gas reading data with date

and time.
BUMP TEST: Perform automatic test for response to minimum
of 80% of calibrated gas value within 30 seconds.

SMART-CAL: Access automatic calibration st ation.
GAS TYPE: Select natural/methane or pentane as primary gas

to be sensed.

PRINT MENU

From the working display access the user menu by pressing
and holding the MENU button (B) until the top line of the display
reads USER MENU. The bottom line will read PRINT MENU.
Press the MENU button (B) to access the print menu options.
Use the SA VE/ZERO button (C) to select the CAL LOG or SES-
SION LOG.
At this time prepare the printer . Aim the IR window on the right
side of the instrument to the IR receptor on the printer. Position
the instrument 6-12” from the IR receptor and press the MENU
button (B). Downloading will begin immediately . When the dis­play no longer reads PRINTING... use the SA VE/ZERO button

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(Continued on page 14)

MENU continued from page 12
option. The SA VE/ZERO button (C) advances to the next item

are based on US time and date settings using a 24 hour clock.
After adjusting all numbers press and release the POWER/
MUTE button (A) to save the adjustment. Use the SA VE/ZERO
button (C) at this time to scroll to another menu function in the
USER MENU. Pressing the POWER/MUTE button (A) will re­turn the instrument to the working display .

SHOW CAL LOG

From the working display access the user menu by pressing
and holding the MENU button (B) until the top line of the display
reads USER MENU. Press and release the SA VE/ZERO button
(C) until the bottom line displays SHOW CAL LOG. Press the
MENU button (B) and the display will show the last gas cali­brated and calibration date. Pressing any button will return the
display to the user menu. Pressing the POWER/MUTE button
(A) will return the instrument to the working display.

SHOW SES LOG

From the working display access the user menu by pressing
and holding the MENU button (B) until the top line of the display
reads USER MENU. Press and release the SA VE/ZERO button
(C) until the bottom line displays SHOW SES LOG. Press the
MENU button (B). Use the SA VE/ZERO button (C) to scroll to
the saved session you wish to review. SESSION 1 is the most
recent data saved. Pressing the MENU button (B) will display
the date and time of that session. Pressing the MENU button
(B) again will display the gas reading. Press the POWER/MUTE

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(Continued on page 15)

MENU continued from page 13
(B) again will display the gas reading. Press the POWER/MUTE

button (A) to return to SESSION(#) and pressing the SAVE/
ZERO button (C) will allow you to scroll all previously saved
SESSIONS. Pressing the POWER/MUTE button (A) 2 times
will return you to the USER MENU. Pressing the POWER/MUTE
button (A) once more returns you to the working display. The
number of stored session log saves is factory set at 6. It can
store up to 100 by changing a factory setting (contact SENSIT
TECHNOLOGIES for instructions).

BUMP TEST

From the working display access the menu by pressing and hold­ing the MENU button (B) until the top line of the display reads
USER MENU. Press and release the SAVE/ZERO button (C) until
the bottom line displays BUMP TEST. Prepare 50% LEL methane
(or pentane) calibration gas for application to the instrument.

Apply calibration gas to the instrument sensor. Press the MENU
button (B). The reading must read 80% of calibrated value within
30 seconds. The reading is on the left side and the timer is on
the right side of the display .

If the instrument passes, the display will read BUMP TEST
PASSES, a beep will sound and the unit display will automati­cally return to the user menu. If the instrument fails, the display
will read BUMP TEST F AILED and a beep will sound. Repeated
bump test failure indicates possible need for instrument repair.
Contact J And N for instructions.

At the end of any bump test press the POWER/MUTE button
(A) to return to the working display .

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MENU continued from page 14
SMART-CAL (methane calibration only)

From the working display access the menu by pressing and
holding the MENU button (B) until the top line of the display
reads USER MENU. Press and release the SA VE/ZERO button
(C) until the bottom line displays SMART CAL. Place the
instrument into the cradle provided on the left side of the Smart­Cal Calibration Station. Att ach the tubing from the station to the
instrument sensor. Press the MENU button (B). The display
will show SMART CAL Communicating. Select the test from
the Smart-Call Station to be performed. At the end of the test
the instrument will beep 3 times and display PASS or FAIL.
Retry the test if necessary by pressing the proper button on the
Smart-Cal St ation again. Press and release the POWER/MUTE
button (A) to return the working display . Remove the tubing and
return instrument to service or send instrument to the proper
place for repair per company procedures.

SHORTCUT TO ACCESS SMAR T-CAL: Place the instrument
into the cradle provided on the left side of the Smart-Cal calibra­tion Station. Attach the tubing from the station to the instru­ment sensor. While in the working display press the POWER/
MUTE button (A) for 2-3 seconds and release. The display will
show SMART CAL Communicating. Perform all tests as de­scribed in the SMART CAL section.

GAS TYPE

From the working display access the user menu by pressing
and holding the MENU button (B) until the top line of the display

(Continued on page 16)

GAS TYPE continued from page 15

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(continued on page 17)

reads USER MENU. Press and release the SAVE/ZERO
BUTTON (C) until the bottom line displays GAS TYPE. Press the
MENU BUTTON (B). Press Button (B) or Button (C) to change
between PEN (Pentane) or NA T (Natural or Methane) as primary
gas to be sensed. Press Button (A) to confirm selection is made.

CALIBRA TION

Calibration is the process of setting the readings of the instru­ment to equal the value of certified calibration gases.

NOTE: Using calibration kits other than recommended by
SENSIT TECHNOLOGIES may cause inaccurate readings.
Repairs are required if any sensor fails to calibrate. Con­sult SENSIT TECHNOLOGIES for details.

NOTE: When calibrating, the numbers shown on the dis­play represent the numbers seen by the microprocessor
and should not be confused with actual gas readings.

Combustible Gas Calibration Procedure (50%LEL Methane
or 50%LEL Pentane)

The calibration gas used for this procedure should match the
Gas Type selected for your instrument. Refer to Gas Type in
the Menu section of this manual. Instruments set to methane
will calibrate with 50% LEL methane/air while those set to
pentane will calibrate with 50% LEL pentane/air .

Prior to calibration allow the instrument to operate for 5 minutes
in a gas free environment. Manually zero the instrument by

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CALIBRATION continued from page 16

press and holding the (C) button until the display shows
AUTOZERO. Prepare the corresponding calibration gas (methane
or pentane), regulator and adapter .

From the working display access the USER MENU by pressing
and holding the (B) button until the top line of the display reads
USER MENU. Press and release the (C) button and the bottom
line should read CALIBRA TION. Press and release the (B) button,
the top line will read CALIBRA TION and the bottom line will read
LEL 50%.

Apply the appropriate calibration gas for your instruments set-up
and press the (B) button to start the automated calibration process.

If calibration is successful, the display will flash DATA SAVED
before automatically returning to the calibration menu. Pressing
the (A) button repeatedly will return the instrument to the working
display . Remember to disconnect and shut off the gas supply .

If calibration is unsuccessful, the display will flash BAD CAL before
returning to the calibration menu. In the event of a BAD CAL,
remove the instrument from service and contact SENSIT
T echnologies for assistance.

NOTE: Calibration will be based on the last successful calibration.
The calibration due date will not be updated until successful
calibration has occurred.

Any instrument that does not calibrate

requires service. Contact SENSIT TECHNOLOGIES for details.

WARRANTY AND REP AIR POLICY

Your Sensit® HXG-3 is warranted to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of two years after pur­chase (excluding sensor, calibration and batteries). If within the
warranty period, your instrument should become inoperative from
such defects, the unit will be repaired or replaced at our option.
This warranty covers normal use and does not cover damage
which occurs in shipment or failure which results from alteration,
tampering, accident, misuse, abuse, neglect or improper main­tenance. Proof of purchase may be required before warranty is
rendered. Units out of warranty will be repaired for a service
charge. Internal repair or maintenance must be completed by a
SENSIT TECHNOLOGIES authorized technician. Violation will
void warranty . Units must be returned postpaid, insured and to
the attention of the Service Dept. for warranty or repair .

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have
other rights which vary from state to state.

18

Ex-Ox-Tox Gasdetectie

Westerdreef 5V
2152 CS Nieuw-Vennep

Telefoon: 0252 620885
E-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.exoxtox.nl