RKI Instruments T3A Operator's Manual
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RKI Instruments T3A Operator's Manual

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T3A
Operator's Manual
Part Number: 71-0533
Revision: P2
Released: 12/7/20
RKI Instruments, Inc.
www.rkiinstruments.com

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Summary of Contents for RKI Instruments T3A

  • Page 1 Operator’s Manual Part Number: 71-0533 Revision: P2 Released: 12/7/20 RKI Instruments, Inc. www.rkiinstruments.com...
  • Page 2 Frequency of calibration depends upon the type of use you have and the sensor types. Typical calibration frequen- cies for most applications are between 1 and 3 months, but can be required more often or less often based on your usage. 2 • T3A Transmitter...
  • Page 3 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 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.
  • Page 4 Danger Statements DANGER: The RKI Instruments Inc. T3A is an ambient air Hazardous gas sensor assembly and only monitors in the immediate vicinity of the sensor housing. A site survey is required in order to determine the best placement and quantity of sensor assemblies.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Mounting the T3A ........
  • Page 6 Appendix C: Modbus Register Map ..........59 6 • T3A Transmitter...

  • Page 7: Overview

    When the magnetic switch is toggled, an on-screen indicator will appear on the display screen, signifying that a connection was made. The T3A display screen will always show the present concentration of gas being detected by the sensor assembly.

  • Page 8: Specifications

    Specifications Table 1 lists specifications for the T3A. Table 1: Specifications Target Gas Detection Range Increments Haz. Loc. Ammonia 0-100 ppm 1 ppm Cl. 1 Div. 2 0-200 ppm 0-400 ppm Carbon Dioxide 0-5.0% volume 0.1% volume Cl. 1 Div. 1...
  • Page 9 Weight 6 lbs. WARNING: When using the T3A, you must follow the instructions and warnings in this manual to assure proper and safe operation of the T3A and to minimize the risk of personal injury. Be sure to maintain and periodically calibrate the T3A as described in this manual.

  • Page 10: External Description

    External Description Figure 1: T3A External Component Location MENU button Sensor housing assembly Front panel thumbscrew Rain guard Enclosure Magnetic tool Explosion proof plug Alarm 1 LED SUB button ADD button Mounting hole Enclosure lid locking screw Alarm 2 LED...

  • Page 11: Internal Description

    Internal Description Figure 2: Internal Component Location RS-485 Modbus terminal block Sensor housing socket Fault terminal block Not installed in T3A Power input/4-20 mA output Relay 1 terminal block (if relays installed) terminal block Not installed in T3A Relay 2 terminal block (if relays installed)

  • Page 12: Exploded Drawing

    Figure 3: Exploded Diagram Enclosure lid Sensor housing base Internal system Sensor element Not installed in T3A Rain guard Enclosure body Sensor housing cap (with flame arrestor for Class 1 Div. 1 assemblies; without flame arrestor for Class 1 Div. 2 assemblies)

  • Page 13: Installation

    Mounting the T3A 1. Consider the following when you select the mounting site. • Select a site where the T3A is not likely to be bumped or disturbed. Make sure there is sufficient room to perform start-up, maintenance, and calibration procedures. •...
  • Page 14 Figure 4: Mounting the T3A 14 • T3A Transmitter...

  • Page 15: Wiring Power And 4-20 Ma Output

    The T3A has several basic wiring configurations, dependent upon the desired usage and functionality intended by the end-user. All T3A units require +12 to +35 Volts of wired DC power to operate. Data communication from the device, through either the 4-20 output or the RS-485 Modbus connection, to an external location are optional.
  • Page 16 T3A. You will connect the opposite end of the cable’s drain wire to the controller’s chassis (earth) ground. 5. Route the cable or wires leading from the T3A through one of the conduit hubs at the controller housing.

  • Page 17: Connecting Rs-485 Modbus

    1. If necessary, unscrew the enclosure lid and pull the internal system out by the thumbscrews. CAUTION: Be sure power to the T3A is off before pulling out the internal system. 2. Feed the RS-485 cable through the power hub and into the enclosure.
  • Page 18 Figure 6: Modbus Wiring NOTE: If an RKI controller is not used, the T3A can be connected to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for RS-485 Modbus data communications. For integration and setup, refer to the Modbus Register Map found in Appendix C of this manual.

  • Page 19: Connecting Relays/Alarms

    Connecting Relays/Alarms The T3A relays are commonly used to power and control external alarming devices, such as alarm lights (visual) and horns (audio). NOTE: Relays are protected by replaceable 4A fuses. Table 4: T3A Terminal Block Wire Gauges Terminal Block...
  • Page 20 5. Connect the external power source’s “+” terminal (GRAY) to the COM terminal on the relay terminal block. Figure 7: Relay Wiring 20 • T3A Transmitter...

  • Page 21: Connecting The Fault Terminal

    1. If necessary, unscrew the enclosure lid and pull the internal system out by the thumbscrews. CAUTION: Be sure power to the T3A is off before pulling out the internal system. 2. Locate the power (RED) and ground (BLACK) wires on the alarming device.

  • Page 22: Closing The Enclosure

    2. Using the thumbscrews, gently push to seat the internal system into the mounting posts. NOTE: The thumbscrews on the T3A function ONLY as thumb-holds for ease in removal of the internal system from the base of the enclosure. Do NOT attempt to loosen or tighten the thumbscrews when opening or closing the enclosure.

  • Page 23: Start Up

    1. Measured gas concentration (reading) 2. Gas concentration unit of measure 3. Sensor element gas type 7. The T3A is factory-calibrated before shipping from RKI. If a full calibration is desired at startup, see page 48. T3A Transmitter • 23...

  • Page 24: Operation

    Normal Operating Mode While in normal operating mode, the T3A continuously samples the air and updates the measured concentration of the target gas on the display screen. The display, when in normal operation, appears as shown below.

  • Page 25: Magnetic Buttons

    Magnetic Buttons Use the provided magnet to actuate the T3A’s buttons without having to remove the junction box’s lid. Touch the magnet to the outer edge of the junction box lid near the button you want to actuate. Tapping the junction box is the same and pressing and releasing the button.

  • Page 26: Manual Reset For Activated Latching Alarms

    The unit continuously registers that the system is in fault. When the fault is corrected, the unit will return to normal operating mode. For a list of the fault codes and warning symbols of the T3A, and their associated meaning, see page 44.

  • Page 27: Accessing Menus

    Settings menu from the normal operating screen, press and release the MENU button once and the menu will open and show on the display. NOTE: After 5 minutes of no interaction with the device, the unit will automatically return to normal operating mode. T3A Transmitter • 27...

  • Page 28: Product Settings And Configuration

    The Product Settings and Configuration menu allows the end-user to tailor the device settings to meet their required specifications and/or site conditions. The T3A continues monitoring for gas while in the Product Settings and Configuration menu. The Product Settings and Configuration menu consist of the following screens: •...

  • Page 29: Alarm Test

    The test can also be used to simulate emergency/safety drills onsite. NOTE: Triggering T3A relays will also simulate Alarm 1 and Alarm 2 relays at the controller. Controllers cannot distinguish between real and simulated data received. When the controller relays are triggered, alarm devices will perform as intended, initiating emergency procedures as if a harmful or toxic gas was actually present.

  • Page 30: Zero/Calibration Timer Information

    2. Press and release the MENU button until the Zero/Calibration Timer Information screen appears. 3. Review the information displayed. 4. Press and release the MENU button to move through the Product Settings and Configuration menu or to exit to the normal operating mode screen. 30 • T3A Transmitter...

  • Page 31: Unit Information

    Relay 1: Latching/Auto Reset Setting 1. If necessary, enter the Product Settings and Configuration menu by pressing and holding the MENU button for 6 seconds. 2. Press and release the MENU button until the Relay 1 Latching/Auto Resetting screen appears. T3A Transmitter • 31...

  • Page 32: Relay Fail-Safe Setting

    Site specific circumstances may prevent the use of the fault terminal, leading to potentially dangerous situations without end-user notification. In response, the T3A provides a relay fail- safe setting to enhance the safety protection provided when the fault terminal cannot be used.
  • Page 33 CANNOT be used. The factory default settings on the T3A for Relay 1 and Relay 2 fail-safe are No (Off). If the fault terminal cannot be used, RKI Instruments recommends one of the following...

  • Page 34: Fault Terminal Fail-Safe Setting

    Auto calibration will set the reading, after a predetermined amount of time, during calibration to the value entered during the auto calibration setup process. 34 • T3A Transmitter...

  • Page 35: Modbus Address Setting

    1 to 247 available for your device. The RS-485 Modbus communication parameters used in the T3A is 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit; these parameters are fixed and cannot be changed. The floating point data values are presented with the least significant bytes first.

  • Page 36: Modbus Baud Setting

    The T3A’s default Modbus baud setting is 9600 bps. The RS-485 Modbus communication parameters used in the T3A are 8 data bits, no parity bit, and 1 stop bit (8-N-1) these parameters are fixed and cannot be changed. Some devices come with different Modbus baud rates.

  • Page 37: 4-20 Ma Offset Settings

    4-20 mA offset will need to be recalibrated. The factory default settings on the T3A for the 4-20 mA offset are 4.00 mA for the zero offset and 20.00 mA for the full-scale offset.

  • Page 38: Display Screen Contrast Setting

    The factory default setting on the T3A for the display screen contrast is 29, approximately 45% of the contrast scale. The contrast setting ranges from 1 to 64.

  • Page 39: Return To Factory Default Settings

    Return to Factory Default Settings Returning the T3A to its factory default settings will reset all customization of the device, including the zero and calibration settings of the sensor element. A factory default does not change the gas type. T3A Product and Configuration Factory Default Settings...

  • Page 40: Reset Zero & Calibration Values

    Configuration menu or to exit to the normal operating mode screen. NOTE: If the T3A is reset to the factory default settings, ALL configuration steps MUST be repeated and the device MUST then be zeroed and calibrated for proper operation of the device.

  • Page 41: Operation Settings

    All alarm set-points are field adjustable up to 60% of the full scale gas concentration. The factory default setting on the T3A for Alarm 1 is 10% of full scale and 15% of full scale for Alarm 2. The Alarm 1 set-point should NEVER be programed to a higher setting than the Alarm 2 set-point.
  • Page 42 Sensor Alarm 2 Setting 1. From normal operating mode, press and release MENU until the Alarm 2 setting screen appears. 2. Use the ADD and SUB buttons to increase and decrease the Alarm 2 set-point, respectively. 42 • T3A Transmitter...

  • Page 43: Maintenance

    The T3A may be adversely affected by the exposure to certain airborne substances. Loss of sensitivity or corrosion may be gradual, if such materials are present in sufficient concentrations.

  • Page 44: Troubleshooting

    * System faults will activate the fault terminal on the device. Desiccant Replacement Each T3A comes with a desiccant bag installed in the junction box. The contents are blue when it is dry. As the desiccant absorbs moisture, it turns amber. Periodically check the desiccant and replace it if it has turned amber.

  • Page 45: Sensor Replacement

    1. Press and hold the SUB button for approximately 6 seconds, until “OFF” shows on the display screen. 2. Unscrew the rain guard. 3. Unscrew and remove the sensor housing cap from the sensor housing base. Set aside. 4. Gently unplug the sensor element from the sensor housing board. T3A Transmitter • 45...

  • Page 46: Fuse Replacement

    1. Disconnect or turn off power to the VOC Pro. 2. Unscrew the enclosure lid and set it aside. 3. Grab the thumbscrews and gently lift the internal system out of the enclosure. It can rest on the edge of the enclosure. 46 • T3A Transmitter...
  • Page 47 10. Verify that the sealing ring, seated at the threaded opening of the device enclosure, is correctly in place. 11. Secure the enclosure lid back onto the enclosure. T3A Transmitter • 47...

  • Page 48: Calibration Frequency

    If air quality cannot be guaranteed, a cylinder of zero air will be required to properly zero the sensor. 1. While the product is in normal operating mode, press the MENU button to activate the Operation Settings menu. 48 • T3A Transmitter...
  • Page 49 4. If the sensor is not in clear air: a. Unscrew and remove the rain guard from the assembly. b. Install the calibration cup to the T3A’s sensor housing. c. Screw the regulator into the zero air calibration cylinder. d. Use the sample tubing to connect the regulator to the calibration cup.

  • Page 50: Calibrating The Sensor (Manual Cal)

    Product Settings and Configuration menu, see page 51. 1. Unscrew and remove the rain guard from the assembly. 2. Install the calibration cup to the T3A’s sensor housing. 3. Screw the regulator into the calibration cylinder. 4. Use the sample tubing to connect the regulator to the calibration cup.

  • Page 51: Calibrating The Sensor (Auto Cal)

    5. Unscrew and remove the rain guard from the assembly. 6. Install the calibration cup to the T3A’s sensor housing. 7. Screw the regulator into the calibration cylinder. 8. Use the sample tubing to connect the regulator to the calibration cup.
  • Page 52 The sensor element will need to be replaced before completing the zero and calibration process. 12. Turn the regulator knob clockwise to close the regulator. 13. Press the MENU button until the normal operating screen appears. 52 • T3A Transmitter...

  • Page 53: Parts List

    Parts List Table 6 lists replacement parts and accessories for the T3A. Table 6: Parts List Part Number Description 43-4163 Fuse, 4A 71-0533 T3A Operator’s Manual (this document) 81-0002RK-01 Calibration cylinder, 50% LEL hydrogen in air, 34 liter steel 81-0002RK-03...
  • Page 54 81-1051RK Regulator with gauge and knob, 0.5 LPM, for 34 liter aluminum, 58 liter, and 103 liter calibration cylinders (cylinders with internal threads) 81-1183 Calibration cup with 3 foot tube 81-1184 Rain guard 82-0101RK Magnetic wand 54 • T3A Transmitter...

  • Page 55: Appendix A: Introduction To 4-20 Ma Current Loop Signals

    4 mA representing the lowest end of the range and 20 mA the highest. The relationship between the current loop and the gas value is linear. In addition, the T3A uses values below 4 mA to indicate special status conditions, as shown below: 4-20 mA Ranges...
  • Page 56 (DMM), or current meter, may be used in conjunction with the controller and/or to test the 4-20 mA current loop signal. To measure the current, place the meter probes in line with the current loop. 56 • T3A Transmitter...

  • Page 57: Appendix B: Modbus Communications

    “crosstalk” between neighboring pairs. In electronics, crosstalk is any phenomenon by which a signal transmitted on one circuit or channel of a transmission system creates an undesired effect in another circuit or channel. The T3A requires twisted pairs for all wired Modbus connections.
  • Page 58 Shielded, in areas of 1,000 Feet Gauge high noise Long* 1,000 Feet to 18 to 20 Shielded, in areas of 4,000 Feet Gauge high noise (*) Terminating resistor may be required for the last device in the daisy-chain. 58 • T3A Transmitter...

  • Page 59: Appendix C: Modbus Register Map

    Write 1 to reset Relay 2 state Register Address 1: Hexadecimal numbers Register Address 2: Decimal numbers R/W: Read/Write capable data R: Read-only data FLOAT: Floating point number ENUM: Enumeration UINT: Unsigned integer INT: Integer BFLD: Bit Field (*): Limited by precision T3A Transmitter • 59...
  • Page 60 T3A Modbus Register MAP Enumeration Keys Register Address 4: Gas Type Response Gas Type H2S – Hydrogen Sulfide SO2 – Sulfur Dioxide O2 – Oxygen CO – Carbon Monoxide CL2 – Chlorine CO2 – Carbon Dioxide LEL – Combustible Gas VOC –...
  • Page 61 1 – Yes (On) Relay 2: Latch/Auto 0 – Auto Reset Reset 1 - Latch Relay 1: Latch/Auto 0 – Auto Reset Reset 1 – Latch Register Address 19/25: Calibration Type Response Calibration Type Manual Calibration Auto Calibration T3A Transmitter • 61...

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