PCE INSTRUMENTS PCE-GA 10 (01) PDF Document

Please read the manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device may only be used by qualified personnel. Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from liability.

• The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used otherwise, this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.

• The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.

• Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.

• The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.

• Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.

• You must not make any technical changes to the device.

• The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner, no abrasives or solvents.

• The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.

• Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not use the device.

• Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.

• The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under any circumstances.

• Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to the user.

• The meter must not be used as a gas detector.

The PCE INSTRUMENTS PCE-GA 10 has the following features:

• Detection of flammable gases

• Vibration alarm when gases are detected

• Automatic calibration

• Measurement range up to 10000 ppm

• Audible alarm, 85 dB

• Sensor exchangeable

• Shelf life of the sensor approx. 5 years

• Rechargeable battery for mobile use

The PCE INSTRUMENTS PCE-GA 10 can detect the following gases and compounds in which these gases occur:

• Ammonia

• Benzene

• Ethane

• Ethanol

• Ethylene

• Formaldehyde

• Hexane

• ISO-Butane

• Methane

• Propane

• P-Xylene

• Hydrogen sulfide

• Toluene

• Hydrogen

Measurement range	Low concentration: 0 … 1000 ppm, High concentration: 0 … 10000 ppm (methane only)
Audible alarm	Volume: 85 dB
Sensitivity	<50 ppm (methane)
Measuring interval	<2 seconds
Display	5 red LEDs
Calibration	Automatic
Warm-up time	50 seconds
Battery	Polymer Li-Ion battery 18500 3.7 V 1400 mAh
Mains adaptor	Primary side: 100 … 240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.2 A Secondary side: 5 V, 1 A
Auto Power Off	Turns off automatically when battery is low or after 10 minutes of inactivity
Sensor shelf life	approx. 5 years (sensor is exchangeable)
Probe	Semi-rigid, approx. 500 mm
Weight	Approx. 430 g

The delivery contents include:

• 1 x gas leak detector PCE-GA 10

• 1 x charger

• 1 x user manual

The components of the PCE INSTRUMENTS PCE-GA 10 are as follows:

1. LED warm-up

2. LED low sensitivity

3. Automatic zero calibration on/off

4. Vibration alarm on / off

5. Meter on / off

6. LED display

7. LED high sensitivity

8. Sensitivity high / low

9. Auto Power Off

10. Hold on / off

11. Audible alarm on / off

• Fully charge the battery before the first use. The charging socket is located on the right side above the sensor arm bracket.

• Switch on the meter using the “On / Off” key and leave the device switched on for about one hour for the sensor to acclimatise. Deactivate the automatic power-off function with the APO key and set the sensitivity to low. The alarm LEDs will gradually go off. As soon as only LED 1 flashes, the acclimatization is complete.

• If you do not use the device for more than two months, repeat this procedure.

• Check the meter for mechanical damage.

• Only switch on the unit in an environment unpolluted by gas.

• Carry out a gas test with the appropriate test gas.

• Attention! When using a lighter, only move the sensor head very slowly towards the gas source. A 100 % concentration exposure can destroy the sensor.

• If the gas is not detected, the device is not ready for use.

• After the gas test, wait until all alarm LEDs have gone off when low sensitivity is set.

• Make sure the gas to be detected is listed in the manual.

• Only turn on the meter in an environment unpolluted by gas.

• Press and hold the “On / Off” key for about 1 second. The meter will vibrate and a signal tone will sound.

• Let the meter warm up for 50 seconds. The lower LED will flash.

• The end of the warm-up time is confirmed by the unit by all alarm LEDs flashing 4 times and the signal tone sounding 4 times.

• When the L and H LEDs are lit simultaneously, charge the device.

• Select the desired sensitivity with the “H/L” key (8).

• Clean the areas to be examined from oil and dust. Oil and dust can impair the detection.

• Slowly move the sensor head to the area to be examined.

• If there is a gas leak, the instrument will signal that gas escapes (see alarm chart), depending on the sensitivity setting. Keep in mind the reaction time of at least 2 seconds. Move the sensor head back a little to exactly locate the leak.

• Switch off the meter after the leak detection. To do this, press and hold the “On / Off” key for about 1 second.

The alarm chart for methane (CH4) indicates the device’s response at different concentrations, depending on the sensitivity setting.

Approx. reading in ppm		Alarm LEDs					Frequency
high	low	1	2	3	4	5	audible alarm x/s
0	0	Off	Off	Off	Off	Off	no alarm
0 … 100	0 … 1000	On	Off	Off	Off	Off	1
100 … 400	1000 … 4000	On	On	Off	Off	Off	1.2
400 … 700	4000 … 7000	On	On	On	Off	Off	1.65
700 … 1000	7000 … 10000	On	On	On	On	Off	3.25
>1000	>10000	On	On	On	On	On	6.25

The “Auto Zero” key is used to activate or deactivate automatic zeroing. Activating it improves sensitivity to the target gas and reduces the sensitivity to other existing gases.

The automatic power-off function switches off the unit after approx. 10 minutes of non-use to conserve the battery. With the “APO” key, this function can be deactivated.

With the “H/L” key you can adjust the sensitivity according to your needs.

Use the key with the vibration icon or with the speaker icon to switch the corresponding alarm on or off.

Error	Possible cause	Solution
Meter cannot be turned on	Battery flat	Charge battery
L and H LEDs are flashing simultaneously	Battery very low	Charge battery
All alarm LEDs and the L and H LEDs are flashing simultaneously	Sensor defective	Replace sensor ESS-PCE-GA 10

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste. They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.

In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU, the device can be returned. It will either be re-used or given to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.

For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with your local waste regulations.