STANDARD

ISA–92.0.01, Part I–1998

Formerly ISA–S92.0.01, Part I–1998

Performance Requirements
for Toxic Gas-Detection
Instruments:
Hydrogen Sulfide

(Replaces ISA–S12.15, Part I–1990)

Approved 30 May 1998

ISA-92.0.01, Part I-1998, Performance Requirements for Toxic Gas Detection Instruments:
Hydrogen Sulfide

ISBN: 1-55617-674-0

Copyright © 1998 by the Instrument Society of America. All rights reserved. Printed in the United
States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher.

ISA
67 Alexander Drive
P.O. Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Preface

This preface, as well as all footnotes and annexes, is included for informational purposes and is
not part of ISA-92.0.01, Part I-1998.

This Standard has been prepared as part of the service of ISA – the international society for
measurement and control – toward a goal of uniformity in the field of instrumentation. To be of
real value, this document should not be static but should be subject to periodic review. Toward
this end, the Society welcomes all comments and criticisms and asks that they be addressed to
the Secretary, Standards and Practices Board; ISA; 67 Alexander Drive; P. O. Box 12277;
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; Telephone (919) 990-9227; Fax (919) 549-8288; Internet:
[email protected].

The ISA Standards and Practices Department is aware of the growing need for attention to the
metric system of units in general, and the International System of Units (SI) in particular, in the
preparation of instrumentation standards. The Department is further aware of the benefits to
USA users of ISA standards of incorporating suitable references to the SI (and the metric
system) in their business and professional dealings with other countries. Toward this end, this
Department will endeavor to introduce SI-acceptable metric units in all new and revised
standards, recommended practices, and technical reports to the greatest extent possible.
Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System, published
by the American Society for Testing & Materials as IEEE/ASTM SI 10-97, and future revisions,
will be the reference guide for definitions, symbols, abbreviations, and conversion factors.

It is the policy of ISA to encourage and welcome the participation of all concerned individuals and
interests in the development of ISA standards, recommended practices, and technical reports.
Participation in the ISA standards-making process by an individual in no way constitutes
endorsement by the employer of that individual, of ISA, or of any of the standards, recommended
practices, and technical reports that ISA develops.

CAUTION—ISA ADHERES TO THE POLICY OF THE AMERICAN NATIONAL

STANDARDS INSTITUTE WITH REGARD TO PATENTS. IF ISA IS INFORMED
OF AN EXISTING PATENT THAT IS REQUIRED FOR USE OF THE
STANDARD, IT WILL REQUIRE THE OWNER OF THE PATENT TO EITHER
GRANT A ROYALTY-FREE LICENSE FOR USE OF THE PATENT BY USERS
COMPLYING WITH THE STANDARD OR A LICENSE ON REASONABLE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS THAT ARE FREE FROM UNFAIR
DISCRIMINATION.

EVEN IF ISA IS UNAWARE OF ANY PATENT COVERING THIS STANDARD,

THE USER IS CAUTIONED THAT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STANDARD
MAY REQUIRE USE OF TECHNIQUES, PROCESSES, OR MATERIALS
COVERED BY PATENT RIGHTS. ISA TAKES NO POSITION ON THE
EXISTENCE OR VALIDITY OF ANY PATENT RIGHTS THAT MAY BE
INVOLVED IN IMPLEMENTING THE STANDARD. ISA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE
FOR IDENTIFYING ALL PATENTS THAT MAY REQUIRE A LICENSE BEFORE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STANDARD OR FOR INVESTIGATING THE

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 3

 VALIDITY OR SCOPE OF ANY PATENTS BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION.
THE USER SHOULD CAREFULLY INVESTIGATE RELEVANT PATENTS
BEFORE USING THE STANDARD FOR THE USER’S INTENDED
APPLICATION.

HOWEVER, ISA ASKS THAT ANYONE REVIEWING THIS STANDARD WHO IS

AWARE OF ANY PATENTS THAT MAY IMPACT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
STANDARD NOTIFY THE ISA STANDARDS AND PRACTICES DEPARTMENT
OF THE PATENT AND ITS OWNER.

THE USER’S ATTENTION IS CALLED TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS STANDARD MAY REQUIRE USE OF AN
INVENTION COVERED BY PATENT RIGHTS. BY PUBLICATION OF THIS
STANDARD, NO POSITION IS TAKEN WITH RESPECT TO THE VALIDITY OF
THIS CLAIM OR OF ANY PATENT RIGHTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
THE PATENT HOLDER HAS, HOWEVER, FILED A STATEMENT OF
WILLINGNESS TO GRANT A LICENSE UNDER THESE RIGHTS ON
REASONABLE AND NONDISCRIMINATORY TERMS AND CONDITIONS TO
APPLICANTS DESIRING TO OBTAIN SUCH A LICENSE. DETAILS MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM ISA.

The following people served as members of ISA Committee SP92:

NAME COMPANY
J. Thomason, Chairman Omni Industrial Systems, Inc.
D. Bishop, Managing Director Chevron Production Technology
W. Alexander Mine Safety Appliances Company
D. Alpha Detcon, Inc.
K. Burden Sensidyne, Inc.
J. Chang Motorola SPA
M. Coppler Ametek, Inc.
T. Donkin Enmet Corporation
C. Groppetti Detector Electronics Corporation
B. Henderson Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
B. Holcom Gas Tech, Inc.
K. Johnson KWJ Engineering, Inc.
A. Maynard Gas Measurement Instruments Ltd.
R. Mease City of St. Johns
*R. Menot Factory Mutual Research Corporation
D. Mohla Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics
*G. Naujoks Keithley Instruments, Inc.
B. Northam Munro Electronics
R. Novak Ametek, Inc.
R. Pellissier RKI Instruments, Inc.
M. Schaeffer Control Instruments Corporation
W. Shao Canadian Standards Association
A. Spataru The Adept Group, Inc.

4 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

M. Stryker NCASI
* P. Stupay Keithley Instruments, Inc.
* D. Wagner Industrial Scientific Corporation
* R. Warburton Industrial Scientific Corporation
_________________________

* One vote per company

This Standard was approved for publication by the ISA Standards and Practices Board on
May 30, 1998.

NAME COMPANY

R. Webb, Vice President Altran Corporation

H. Baumann H. D. Baumann, Inc.
D. Bishop Chevron Production Technology
P. Brett Honeywell Inc.
W. Calder III Calder Enterprises
M. Cohen Senior Flexonics Inc.
H. Dammeyer The Ohio State University
W. Holland Southern Company
H. Hopkins (Retired)
A. Iverson Ivy Optiks
K. Lindner Endress + Hauser GmbH
V. Maggioli Feltronics Corporation
T. McAvinew Instrumentation and Control Engineering LLC
A. McCauley, Jr. Chagrin Valley Controls, Inc.
G. McFarland Honeywell Inc.
E. Montgomery Fluor Daniel, Inc.
D. Rapley VECO Rapley, Inc.
R. Reimer Rockwell Automation
J. Rennie Factory Mutual Research Corporation
W. Weidman Parsons Energy and Chemical Group
J. Weiss Electric Power Research Institute
J. Whetstone National Institute of Standards & Technology
M. Widmeyer Carnegie-Mellon University
H. Wiegle CANUS Corporation
C. Williams Eastman Kodak Company
G. Wood Graeme Wood Consulting
M. Zielinksi Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 5

 Content

1 Purpose....................................................................................................................... 9

2 Scope .......................................................................................................................... 9

3 Definitions ................................................................................................................ 10

4 General requirements.............................................................................................. 12

5 Construction............................................................................................................. 12

5.1 General............................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Meters, indicators, and outputs....................................................................... 13
5.3 Alarm/output function(s) (where provided) .................................................... 13
5.4 Trouble signals.................................................................................................. 14
5.5 Controls and adjustments................................................................................ 14
5.6 Consumables..................................................................................................... 14

6 Instrument markings and instruction manuals..................................................... 15

6.1 Markings on instruments ................................................................................. 15

6.2 Instruction manual ............................................................................................ 16

7 Performance tests.................................................................................................... 17

7.1 General............................................................................................................... 17
7.2 Sequence of tests ............................................................................................. 18
7.3 Preparation of the instrument .......................................................................... 18
7.4 Conditions for test and test area ..................................................................... 18
7.5 Non-powered transportation ............................................................................ 19
7.6 Drop test ............................................................................................................ 19
7.7 Vibration............................................................................................................. 20
7.8 Initial calibration and set-up ............................................................................ 20
7.9 Accuracy ............................................................................................................ 21

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 7

 7.10 Repeatability .................................................................................................... 21
7.11 Step change response and recovery............................................................. 22
7.12 Supply voltage variation................................................................................. 22
7.13 Temperature variation..................................................................................... 24
7.14 Humidity variation........................................................................................... 25
7.15 Position sensitivity ......................................................................................... 26
7.16 Air velocity variation....................................................................................... 26
7.17 Radio frequency interference (RFI) ............................................................... 27
7.18 Long-term stability .......................................................................................... 27
7.19 Battery and low-battery voltage alarm .......................................................... 29
7.20 Exposure to high concentration gas ............................................................. 30

Annex A—(Informative) References........................................................................... 31

Annex B—Applicability & Acceptance Criteria (Normative) .................................... 37

8 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

 CAUTION—EXPOSURE TO TOXIC GASES MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO
HEALTH AND LIFE.

1 Purpose

1.1 This Standard provides minimum performance requirements of electrical instruments for the
determination of toxic gas content in air in order to enhance the safety of personnel.

1.2 ISA-RP92.0.02, the companion Recommended Practice for this Standard, establishes user
criteria for the installation, operation, and maintenance of toxic gas-detection instruments.

2 Scope

2.1 This Standard addresses the details of construction, performance, and testing of portable,
mobile, and stationary electrical gas-detection instruments operating at ambient temperatures
and pressures used to provide a warning of the presence of toxic gases in air. Instruments used
to detect flammable (explosive) concentrations of toxic gas(es) when the LEL exceeds the TLV
are excluded.

Hereafter, the term “instruments” will refer to “gas-detection instruments.”

Parts of the instruments may be installed or operated in hazardous (classified) locations.

Reference Annex B, Item 1, for applicable ranges for specific instruments.

2.2 This Standard applies to mains-connected instruments rated at 250 V nominal or less, and
to portable, mobile, and stationary battery-powered instruments.

2.3 This Standard applies to instruments suitable for use in an ambient temperature range
indicated in Annex B, Item 2.

2.4 This Standard addresses instruments that provide at least one detection range that includes
the short-term exposure limit (STEL) as listed by the current NIOSH or ACGIH documents.

2.5 This Standard does not address laboratory- or scientific-type instruments used for analysis
or measurement in process control and process monitoring applications, instruments intended
for residential purposes, or instruments with full-scale gas concentration ranges that do not
include a level covered by paragraph 2.4 above.

NOTE – The user should specify instrumentation that will provide a higher level of accuracy
than the minimum tolerances of this Standard if required by the application risk.

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 9

2.6 The user should be aware of environmental effects on both the instrument and the toxic gas.
The effects are not intended to be evaluated by this Standard.

3 Definitions

For the purposes of this Standard, the following definitions apply:

3.1 alarm: An audible, visual, or physical presentation designed to alert the instrument user
that a specific level of gas concentration has been reached or exceeded.

3.2 alarm-only instrument: An instrument that provides alarm(s), but does not have an
integral display device indicating gas concentration levels.

3.3 alarm setpoint: The selected gas concentration level(s) at which an alarm is activated.

3.4 ambient air: Air to which the sensing element is normally exposed.

3.5 calibration: The procedure to adjust the instrument for proper response (e.g., zero level,
span, alarm, and range).

3.6 calibration gas: The known concentration(s) of gas used to set the instrument span or
alarm level(s).

3.7 clean air: Air that is free of any substance that will adversely affect the operation of or
cause a response from the instrument.

3.8 consumables: Materials or components that are depleted or require periodic replacement
through normal use of the instrument.

3.9 control unit: The portion of a multi-part gas-detection instrument that is not directly
responsive to the gas, but which responds to the electrical signal obtained from one or more
detector heads to produce an indication, alarm, or other output function.

3.10 detector head: The gas-responsive portion of a gas-detection instrument located in the
area where sensing the presence of gas is desired. Its location may be integral to or remote from
its control unit.

NOTE – The detector head may incorporate the gas-sensing element and additional circuitry
such as signal processing or amplifying components or circuits.

3.11 diffusion: A process by which the atmosphere being monitored is transported by natural
random molecular movement to and from the gas-sensing element.

3.12 gas-detection instrument: An assembly of electrical, mechanical, and (possibly)

chemical components that senses and responds to the presence of gas in air mixtures.

10 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

 NOTE – For convenience, the term "instrument" is used as an abbreviation for "gas-detection
instrument" within this Standard.

3.13 gas-sensing element: The particular subassembly or element in the gas-detection

instrument that, in the presence of a gas, produces a change in its electrical, chemical, or
physical characteristics.

3.14 IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health): The maximum concentration from
which, in the event of respirator failure, one could escape within 30 minutes without a respirator
and without experiencing any escape-impairing (e.g., severe eye irritation) or irreversible health
effects.

3.15 mobile instrument: A continuous-monitoring instrument mounted on a vehicle, such as,

but not limited to, a mining machine or industrial truck.

3.16 nominal voltage: The voltage given by manufacturers as the recommended operating
voltage of their gas detection equipment. If a range (versus a specific voltage) is given, the
nominal voltage shall be considered as the midpoint of the range, unless otherwise specified.

3.17 PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): Time-weighted average (TWA) concentration that
must not be exceeded during any 8-hour work shift of a 40-hour work week, as defined by the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

3.18 portable instrument: An instrument that is self-contained, battery-operated,

transportable, and can be carried by an individual.

NOTE – This type of instrument is intended to operate continuously for 8 hours or more.

3.19 range: The values of concentrations of toxic gas over which accuracy is ensured by
calibration.

3.20 sample-draw: A method to cause deliberate flow of the atmosphere being monitored to a
gas-sensing element.

3.21 signal-processing detector head: An instrument intended to be incorporated with

separate signal processing, data acquisition, central monitoring, or other similar systems in which
the instrument provides a conditioned electronic signal or output indication to systems of the
aforementioned type that typically process information from various locations and sources
including, but not limited to, gas-detection instruments.

3.22 span: The algebraic difference between the upper and lower values of a range.

3.23 stationary instrument: A gas-detection instrument intended for permanent installation in

a fixed location.

3.24 STEL (short-term exposure limit): A 15-minute TWA exposure that should not be
exceeded at any time during a workday, even if the 8-hour TWA is within the Threshold Limit
Value - Time-Weighted Average (TLV-TWA). Exposures above the TLV-TWA up to the STEL
should not be longer than 15 minutes and should not occur more than 4 times per day. There
should be at least 60 minutes between successive exposures in this range. An average period

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 11

other than 15 minutes may be recommended when this is warranted by observed biological
effects.

3.25 test gas: Toxic gas diluted with clean air or inert gas and to a known concentration within
the test gas tolerance stated in Annex B, Item 9.

3.26 TLV-TWA (Threshold Limit Value - Time-Weighted Average): The time-weighted

average concentration for a normal 8-hour workday in a 40-hour workweek, to which nearly all
workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without adverse effect.

3.27 trouble signal: A signal (contact transfer or signal [visible or audible]) that alerts an
instrument user to abnormal conditions such as input power failure, an open circuit breaker, a
blown fuse, loss of continuity to the detector head, defective gas-sensing element, or significant
downscale indication.

4 General requirements

4.1 Gas-detection instruments shall meet the applicable electrical and electronic measuring
instrument requirements of ANSI/ISA-S82.01. See Annex A.

4.2 Any portion of a stationary gas-detection instrument and all portable instruments that are
intended for installation or use in a hazardous (classified) location shall be suitable for use in the
location. For example, refer to the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, Articles 500-505.

4.3 All toxic gas-detection instruments shall meet the minimum construction and test
requirements contained in this Standard. If the manufacturer makes performance claims that
exceed these requirements, all such claims shall be verified to the satisfaction of the testing
laboratory.

5 Construction

5.1 General

5.1.1 Gas-detection instruments, their components, and remote detector heads specifically
intended for use in the presence of corrosive vapors or gases shall be constructed of materials
resistant to, or protected against, corrosion.

5.1.2 Instruments of the sample-draw type shall include the necessary sample-pumping
mechanisms.

12 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

5.2 Meters, indicators, and outputs

5.2.1 Instruments having an integral meter to indicate gas concentrations shall employ a meter
having sufficient resolution to permit measurement with the precision required for performing the
tests referenced herein.

5.2.2 Nonlinear scales or indicators are permissible when prominently and clearly noted in the
instruction manual.

5.2.3 Gas-detection instruments shall provide a means to indicate to the user that a gas
concentration in excess of the range of the instrument has been detected.

5.2.4 When auxiliary outputs (e.g., 4 mA to 20 mA) from the gas-detection instrument are
provided, their malfunction shall not adversely affect instrument alarm functions.

5.2.5 Devices (such as switches) that disable alarm or trouble outputs or signals are acceptable
if the following criteria are met:

a) Alarm or trouble outputs or signals are automatically enabled when the device is returned
to the operating (normal) mode.

b) A distinctive visual or audible indication, or both, and a distinctive output signal are
provided with the device in the disable (bypass) mode.

c) Local (i.e., at the instrument) visual alarm indications are not disabled.

EXCEPTION: Indicators may be disabled when the instrument is in calibration mode.

5.2.6 Instruments of the sample-draw type shall incorporate a device to indicate either adequate
or inadequate flow. In portable instruments, the flow indicating device may be omitted provided
that the instruction manual contains detailed instructions as required by 6.2.1.

5.3 Alarm/output function(s) (where provided)

5.3.1 All stand-alone gas-detection instruments shall include alarm functions. Signal processing
heads, approvable under this Standard, are designed as components of a data acquisition,
central monitoring, or similar system where the alarm and malfunction are inherently part of the
system, and hence alarm functions are not separately required as part of the sensing head.

5.3.2 The instrument shall employ an integral alarm device or provide outputs (or both) intended
to indicate a gas concentration above a specific level. Alarms shall be of the latching-type,
requiring a deliberate manual action to reset.

5.3.3 The latching requirement may be omitted, or a defeating option permitted, if a clear and
prominent statement in the instruction manual recommends that the instrument be connected to
an auxiliary system that accomplishes the same purpose as latching.

EXCEPTION: The latching requirement may be omitted on personal gas-detection instruments

designed to be carried at all times when in use.

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 13

5.3.4 All instruments shall have at least one alarm function preset to the current OSHA PEL or
below. This alarm shall not be adjustable above either the ceiling (if available) or 50 percent of
the IDLH, whichever is lower (refer to Annex B, Items 4 and 5).

5.3.5 All portable gas-detection instruments shall be provided with a distinguishable alarm
indicating low-battery condition. This alarm shall operate for a minimum of 5 minutes, during
which time no erratic readings or false alarms are permitted.

5.4 Trouble signals

5.4.1 Where applicable, all gas-detection instruments shall provide for a signal or contact
transfer to produce a trouble signal in the event of:

a) input power failure to the instrument;

b) opening of a circuit protection device;

c) loss of continuity in any one or more electrical conductors or other link to any detector
head; or

d) downscale indication below zero equivalent to 10 percent of the range in use.

Such signal or contact transfer shall be independent of other alarms, shutdown signals, and
contact transfers.

NOTE– It is desirable to provide a trouble signal for a gas-sensing element failure.

5.4.2 Stationary and mobile sample-draw gas-detection instruments shall be provided with flow-
proving devices that produce a trouble signal in the form of a contact transfer or signal transfer in
the event of flow outside the manufacturer’s stated flow-rate range.

5.5 Controls and adjustments

5.5.1 All gas-detection instruments shall be provided with means for facilitating calibration
checks and adjustments as required.

5.5.2 Calibration, zero, and alarm(s) settings shall be designed to minimize the possibility of
unauthorized or accidental readjustment, and shall require a key, code, or tool for adjustment.

5.6 Consumables

5.6.1 Instruments powered by integral batteries shall be capable of continuous operations at a

temperature of -10o C (14o F) for a period of at least 8 hours, including 15 minutes of maximum
load (i.e., continuous alarm, lights, etc.) without replacement or recharge of batteries.

5.6.2 Portable and mobile instruments requiring consumables shall be capable of operating a
minimum of 8 hours without replacement or replenishment of such consumables.

14 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

6 Instrument markings and instruction manuals

6.1 Markings on instruments

6.1.1 The markings required in this clause are in addition to the marking requirements contained
in 4.2.

6.1.2 The markings required by this Standard shall appear in a clearly legible, visible, and
permanent manner on each gas-detection instrument in the following manner, as applicable:

a) For portable instruments, the markings shall appear both on the outside surface of the
instrument and also on any removable carrying case, if the case obscures the markings
required.

b) For stationary instruments, the markings required shall appear in a location where they
will be visible after installation and in direct sight during the routine periodic recalibration
and adjustment of alarm setpoint(s).

6.1.3 All gas-detection instruments shall be marked "CAUTION – READ AND UNDERSTAND
INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING OR SERVICING." The word "CAUTION" of
the foregoing shall be in capital letters at least 3 mm (0.12 in.) high. The balance of the wording
is to be in capital letters at least 2.5 mm (0.10 in.) high.

NOTES

1) For instruments that comprise a control unit and a remote detector head, it is sufficient that
the marking appear on the control unit only; however, if routine recalibration can be
accomplished entirely by adjustments at the remote detector location(s), this marking shall
appear both on the control unit and on the remote detector head.

2) For modular control units comprising one or more control modules in a common enclosure or
mounting assembly, the marking need not be repeated on each module but may appear as a
single marking on the common portion of the assembly.

3) For instruments that lack sufficient space for required markings or for instruments having
interchangeable gas-sensing elements, the markings shall be provided on permanent labels
or tags that are attached to the instrument by the manufacturer or user.

6.1.4 Where the design or special features of the instrument require additional markings or
changes in marking requirements, the additions or revisions are allowed, but the safety and
instructional intent of 6.1 must be met.

6.1.5 The manufacturer's stated temperature range over which the detector heads will perform
within specifications shall appear in a clearly legible, visible, and permanent manner on each
detector head. If multiple or interchangeable gas-sensing elements are provided in a common
housing, the most restrictive temperature range shall be used.

6.1.6 The range of detection shall be indicated on the instrument.

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 15

6.2 Instruction manual

6.2.1 Each instrument shall be provided with an instruction manual, furnished by the
manufacturer, which shall contain at least the following information:

a) a list of desensitizing, contaminating, or interfering substances or water vapor

concentrations known to the instrument manufacturer, which may adversely affect proper
operation of the instrument (Warning as to effects of oxygen-enriched or oxygen-deficient
atmospheres must be included.);

NOTE– Recognizing that it is difficult to compile a complete list of all possible

desensitizing or contaminating gases or other substances, it is recommended that the
manual also include either the generic description of the sensing element or a description
of its properties so that the user is cautioned to either evaluate the probable effect of
contaminants that are not included in the list or contact the instrument manufacturer.

b) instructions and recommended frequencies for checking and calibrating: (1) on a routine
basis, (2) following exposure to desensitizing or contaminating substances, and (3)
following exposure to concentrations causing operation of any alarm;

c) complete installation and initial start-up instructions;

d) a list of operating adjustments and instructions for setting these adjustments (e.g., alarm
setpoint, zero, and span adjustments);

e) details of instrument operational limitations (e.g., ambient temperature limits for all parts
of the instrument, minimum warm-up time, humidity range, voltage range, maximum loop
resistance, and minimum wire size for wiring between the control unit and remote
detector head(s), need for shielding of wiring, grounding requirements, battery life,
accuracy, response times, maximum and minimum storage temperatures, pressure
effects and limits, sample-draw lag times, and air velocity limits);

f) for multi-gas-detection instruments, a list of gases for which the instrument has been
performance tested;

g) instructions to clearly indicate the nature and significance of all alarms, trouble signals,
and any provisions that may be made for silencing or resetting of these alarms;

h) instructions for the installation and operation of any accessories provided;

i) a list of available options;

j) for instruments of the sample-draw type, detailed instructions to ensure that sample lines
are intact and proper flow is established;

k) for instruments of the sample-draw type, instructions to indicate the minimum and
maximum flow rate or range of flow rates, tubing specifications, sample-draw lag times,
and materials suitable for transportation lines for proper operation;

l) for instruments of the sample-draw type, adequate data/information to advise the user of
inaccuracies caused by absorption/adsorption of toxic gas by sample lines and
contaminants;

16 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

 m) an operational review to determine possible sources of malfunction and the corrective
procedures, including periodic servicing of the instrument;

n) a listing of consumable and replacement components and the expected life/usage rate
and recommendations for storage of each item;

o) installation instructions, with an emphasis on the gas-sensing element;

p) minimum and maximum operating voltages for both battery-operated and line-powered
instruments;

q) a listing by manufacturer and model number of recommended batteries for portables (not
necessarily all-inclusive);

r) information concerning effects of externally generated Electromagnetic Interference

(EMI) on instrument performance. Likewise, information concerning any EMI generated
by the instrument, if such EMI could be detrimental to other nearby instrumentation;

s) the specific type(s) of calibration gas to be used;

t) information concerning nonlinear ranges, indicators, and outputs;

u) relationship between any outputs and toxic gas concentrations; and

v) a recommendation for external alarm latching when non-latching alarms are provided.

6.2.2 For signal processing detector heads, the manufacturer shall supply with the instrument a
specification that describes the relationship that the gas concentration detected by the instrument
has with the corresponding output signal or indication. Such specification shall be detailed to the
extent that the accuracy of the output or signal indications can be verified. As a minimum, the
manufacturer shall provide data showing the relationship between the output signal or indication
of the instrument and gas concentrations corresponding to 20 to 30 percent, 40 to 60 percent,
and 70 to 90 percent of each calibration range.

6.2.3 The design or special nature of the instrument may require additional instruction or special
information that is in contradiction to, or in addition to, the requirements of 6.2.1 and 6.2.2.

7 Performance tests

7.1 General

7.1.1 The tests described in 7.5 through 7.20 are in addition to the requirements specified in
Clause 4.

7.1.2 The instrument to be tested shall be fully representative of instruments intended for
commercial production, and the same instrument shall be subjected to all tests applicable to that
type of instrument.

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 17

7.1.3 Unwarranted (false) alarms shall be considered failure of the tests.

7.1.4 In 7.9, 7.13, 7.14, and 7.18, the tolerances of the test gas concentrations shall be included
in the uncertainty of the instrument indications.

NOTE– Some toxic gas mixtures are not stable and will deteriorate over time. Therefore, it is
necessary for the testing laboratory to use an independent analytical method to verify the gas
concentration at the sensor location.

7.2 Sequence of tests

The sequence of tests shall correspond to the order of these paragraphs.

EXCEPTION: The tests described by 7.11 through 7.17 may be performed in any order following
the test described by 7.10, but before the test described by 7.18.

7.3 Preparation of the instrument

7.3.1 The instrument selected for testing shall be prepared as if for actual service, including all
necessary interconnections and initial adjustments, in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instruction manual.

7.3.2 For instruments having remote detector heads, all tests shall be performed with
resistance(s) connected in the detector circuits to simulate the maximum line resistance specified
by the instrument manufacturer (except where the minimum line resistance offers a more
stringent test in the judgment of the testing laboratory).

7.3.3 For signal processing detector heads, adequate means for interpreting the output signal
shall be provided.

7.4 Conditions for test and test area

7.4.1 Except as otherwise indicated herein, all tests shall be performed at the nominal system
voltage and frequency marked on the equipment (or specified in the instruction manual), or with
fresh or fully charged batteries as applicable.

7.4.2 Except as otherwise indicated herein, tests may be performed at any temperature in the
range of 18o C to 30o C (64o F to 86o F).

7.4.3 Except as otherwise indicated herein, tests may be performed in ambient air having a
relative humidity in the range of 30 to 70 percent. Corrections shall be made for water vapor
displacing toxic gas.

7.4.4 Except as otherwise indicated herein, tests are to be performed in relatively still air
(velocity not more than 1.0 meter per second [m/s] [3.3 feet per second (f/s)]) other than those
currents that may be induced by convection due to the natural heating of the equipment under
test or caused by air-moving devices that are part of the equipment under test.

18 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

7.4.5 For purposes of the tests in 7.7 through 7.20, where reference is made to exposing the
detector head to specified gas mixtures or to other specified conditions, all normally attached
diffusion devices or protective mechanical parts shall remain attached.

7.4.6 For instruments intended to be used with more than one remote detector head, only one
detector head shall be exposed when tests call for the exposure of the remote detector head to a
specified test gas or other specified set of conditions. Dummy electrical loads (e.g., fixed
resistors) may be substituted for additional detector heads, but if additional detector heads are
used, all other detector heads shall be exposed to clean air and normal conditions as described
in 7.4.2 through 7.4.4.

7.4.7 The instrument under test may be adjusted or recalibrated prior to the start of each of the
tests described in 7.7 through 7.20. However, no further adjustments or recalibration shall be
carried out for the duration of that test, except where specifically permitted by the particular test
procedure.

7.4.8 Unless otherwise indicated herein, the instrument shall be allowed to stabilize under each
different test condition before measurements are taken.

NOTE– An instrument shall be considered to be stabilized when three successive

observations of the indication taken at 5-minute intervals indicate no further significant
change from the initial reading.

A significant change is defined as a variation greater than 2 percent of range or 10 percent of

reading, whichever is less.

7.4.9 For the tests described in the following paragraphs of Clause 7, the tolerance specified in
Annex B, Item 10, shall apply.

7.4.10 For selectable range instruments, the tests of 7.9 through 7.17 shall be performed with
the instrument set at all ranges unless specifically stated otherwise.

7.5 Non-powered transportation

To evaluate instruments for typical transportation environmental ranges, all parts of the gas-
detection instrument shall be exposed sequentially to the following conditions:

a) the minimum storage temperature specified in Annex B, Item 3 and ambient barometric
pressure for at least 24 hours;

b) ambient temperature and humidity for at least 24 hours;

c) the maximum storage temperature specified in Annex B, Item 3 and ambient barometric
pressure for at least 24 hours; and

d) ambient temperature and humidity for at least 24 hours.

7.6 Drop test

7.6.1 This test is applicable only to portable instruments.

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 19

7.6.2 While in the operating mode, the instrument (less any removable case, unless otherwise
specified by the manufacturer) shall be released from a height of 1.0 m (3.3 ft.) above a concrete
surface and allowed to free-fall.

7.6.3 The test required by 7.6.2 shall be performed three separate times, each time released
with a different surface, edge, or corner of the instrument facing down at the time of release.

7.6.4 The instrument shall be considered to fail this test if it is inoperative after the test.

NOTE – Failures resulting from this test may not become apparent until future tests are
conducted.

7.6.5 For the tests of 7.6, multi-range instruments need to be tested only on one range.

7.7 Vibration

7.7.1 The vibration test machine shall be capable of producing a vibration of variable frequency
and adjustable constant excursion (or adjustable constant acceleration peak) with the instrument
under test mounted in place, as required by the test procedure.

7.7.2 While in the operating mode in clean air, all instruments shall be mounted on the vibration
test machine and vibrated successively in each of three mutually perpendicular directions,
respectively parallel to the edges of the instrument. The instrument shall be mounted on the
vibration test machine in the same manner and position as intended for service using any
resilient mounts, carriers, or holding devices that are provided as a standard part of the
instrument. The instruments shall be vibrated over a frequency range of 10 Hz to 30 Hz at a total
excursion of 1.0 mm (0.04 in.), and 31 Hz to 100 Hz at a 2 g peak acceleration for a period of one
hour in each of three mutually perpendicular directions. The rate of change of frequency shall
not exceed 10 Hertz per minute (Hz/minute).

7.7.3 The instrument shall not give any false alarms; there shall be no loose components or
damage to the enclosure that could cause a shock hazard. The instrument shall be considered
to fail this test if it is inoperative after the test.

NOTE – Failures resulting from this test may not become apparent until future tests are
conducted.

7.8 Initial calibration and set-up

7.8.1 The instrument shall be calibrated for testing in accordance with this Standard by using
the manufacturer's recommended calibration equipment and specified calibration procedures.
Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, at least one calibration gas shall be a minimum
of 50 percent of the selected range over which the instrument is to be calibrated.

7.8.2 The indication using the manufacturer's recommended calibration equipment shall be
capable of matching the indication using the intended method of gas monitoring within 10
percent.

20 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

7.9 Accuracy

7.9.1 For instruments having meters or output signals, the detector head shall be exposed to
clean air and mixtures of test gas in clean air by the intended method of gas monitoring or an
alternate gas presentation method verified by the tester. Compositions of the mixtures shall be
20 to 30 percent, 40 to 60 percent, and 70 to 90 percent of range. In each case, the
concentration indicated by the meter or output signal shall not vary from the known test gas
concentration by more than the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 10. For instruments having
selectable ranges, the instrument shall be tested on all ranges.

7.9.2 For alarm-only instruments, all alarm setpoints shall be tested, with the lowest alarm
setpoint of multiple alarm setpoint units tested first.

a) Alarm(s) shall be activated by a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by
the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

b) Alarm(s) shall NOT be activated by a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint
by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

c) The time of exposure to each test gas concentration shall not be less than 5 minutes or
greater than 10 minutes.

7.9.3 For sample-draw instruments, the accuracy test shall be conducted at both the minimum
and the maximum sample flow rates given by the manufacturer. Unacceptable performance at
either flow rate shall constitute failure of the test.

7.10 Repeatability

7.10.1 For instruments having meters or output signals, the detector head shall be exposed to
clean air and mixtures of test gas in clean air by the intended method of gas monitoring or an
alternate gas presentation method verified by the tester. Compositions of the mixture shall be
70 to 90 percent of range. The test gas shall be applied three times to the instrument, allowing a
maximum of 180 seconds between exposures. In each case, the concentration indicated by the
meter or output signal shall not vary from the average indication by more than the tolerance
specified in Annex B, Item 10. For instruments having selectable ranges, the instrument shall be
tested on all ranges.

7.10.2 For alarm-only instruments, the highest alarm setpoint shall be tested. The test gas shall
be applied three times to the instrument, allowing a maximum of 180 seconds between
exposures.

a) Alarm(s) shall be activated by a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by
the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

b) Alarm(s) shall NOT be activated by a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint
by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

c) The time of exposure to each gas concentration shall neither be less than 5 minutes nor
greater than 10 minutes.

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 21

7.10.3 For sample-draw instruments, the repeatability test described above shall be conducted
at both the minimum and the maximum sample flow rates given by the manufacturer.
Unacceptable performance at either flow rate shall constitute failure of the test.

7.11 Step change response and recovery

NOTE – For instruments having multiplexed or scanned channels, the step change response
test must be conducted while scanning all channels.

7.11.1 For instruments having meters or output signals, after initially being in clean air, the
detector head shall be exposed suddenly to a test gas at atmospheric pressure having a
concentration corresponding to 95 to 100 percent of range. From the instant of exposure to this
gas mixture, the instrument shall respond to provide an indication as specified in Annex B, Items
13, 14, and 15.

7.11.1.1 When stabilization has occurred, the test gas shall be removed and the detector head
exposed to clean air. From the instant of exposure to clean air, the instrument shall respond to
provide an indication as specified in Annex B, Items 16 and 17.

7.11.1.2 For sample-draw instruments, the transportation lines should be as short as practical.

NOTE – The Step Change Response and Recovery Test evaluates response time of the
instrument only; it does not consider transport time through sample lines.

7.11.1.3 For sample-draw instruments, the manufacturer's stated response times for maximum
sample line length and size and lag times shall be verified.

7.11.2 For alarm-only instruments, after initially being in clean air, the detector head shall then
be suddenly exposed to gas concentrations of 500 percent of the values of the alarm setpoint
concentrations. All alarms shall be tested, and all shall respond within the T20 time specified in
Annex B, Item 13.

7.11.2.1 After two minutes, the test gas shall be removed and the detector head exposed to
clean air. All alarms shall clear or be resettable within the T90 (fall) time specified in Annex B,
Item 17.

7.12 Supply voltage variation

7.12.1 For gas-detection instruments intended for operation on ac power supply systems, with
the detector head exposed to either clean air or test gas as noted, the supply voltage shall first be
decreased to 85 percent of nominal voltage and then increased to 110 percent of nominal
voltage. Adjustable alarms shall be set to operate at 50 percent of selected gas concentration
range or maximum setpoint, whichever is less. As a result of this test, there shall be no
instrument malfunction or false actuation of the alarm(s).

NOTE – The method of causing these step changes in voltage shall simulate the effect of a
heavy load being added to or removed from the source of supply; that is, there shall be no
actual interruption of the voltage supply during the voltage transition.

7.12.1.1 For instruments having meters or other outputs, with the detector head exposed to a
concentration specified in Annex B, Item 8, the variation in the meter or other output from the

22 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

initial reading at nominal voltage shall not vary from the known test gas concentration by more
than the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 10.

7.12.1.2 For alarm-only instruments, all alarm setpoints shall be tested, with the lowest alarm
setpoint of multiple alarm setpoint units tested first.

a) Alarm(s) shall be activated by a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by
the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

b) Alarm(s) shall NOT be activated by a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint
by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

c) Alarm(s) shall NOT be activated when the detector head is exposed to clean air.

d) The time of exposure to each test gas concentration shall neither be less than 5 minutes
nor greater than 10 minutes.

7.12.2 For instruments intended for operation on dc power supply systems, with the detector
head exposed to either clean air or test gas as noted, the supply voltage shall first be decreased
to 87.5 percent of nominal voltage and then increased to 122.5 percent of nominal voltage.
Adjustable alarms shall be set to operate at setpoints listed in Annex B, Item 12. As a result of
this test, there shall be no instrument malfunction or false activation of the alarm(s).

NOTE – The method of causing these step changes in voltage shall simulate the effect of a
heavy load being added to or removed from the source of supply; that is, there shall be no
actual interruption of the voltage supply during the voltage transition.

7.12.2.1 For instruments having meters or other outputs, with the detector head exposed to a
concentration specified in Annex B, Item 8, the variation in the meter or other output from the
initial reading at nominal voltage shall not vary from the known test gas concentration by more
than the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 10.

7.12.2.2 For alarm-only instruments, all alarm setpoints shall be tested, with the lowest alarm
setpoint of multiple alarm setpoint units tested first.

a) Alarm(s) shall be activated by a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by
the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

b) Alarm(s) shall NOT be activated by a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint
by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

c) Alarm(s) shall NOT be activated when the detector head is exposed to clean air.

d) The time of exposure to each test gas concentration shall neither be less than 5 minutes
nor greater than 10 minutes.

7.12.3 For instruments containing integral batteries, the voltage variation shall correspond to the
maximum terminal voltage of fresh or fully charged batteries and the voltage at which the low-
battery voltage alarm activates. This lower voltage must be within 5 percent of the minimum
operating voltage given by the manufacturer. Instruments having provision for adjustment to
compensate for battery voltage decline may be so adjusted. During this test, the detector head
shall be exposed to clean air or the test gas as noted. Adjustable alarms shall be set to operate

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 23

at setpoints listed in Annex B, Item 12. As a result of this test, there shall be no instrument
malfunction or false actuation of the alarm(s).

7.12.3.1 For instruments having meters or other outputs, with the detector head exposed to a
test gas concentration specified in Annex B, Item 8, the variation in the meter or other output
from the initial reading at maximum battery voltage shall not vary by more than the tolerance
specified in Annex B, Item 10.

7.12.3.2 For alarm-only instruments, all alarm setpoints shall be tested, with the lowest alarm
setpoint of multiple alarm setpoint units tested first.

a) Alarm(s) shall be activated by a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by
the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

b) Alarm(s) shall NOT be activated by a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint
by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

c) Alarm(s) shall NOT be activated when the detector head is exposed to clean air.

d) The time of exposure to each gas concentration shall neither be less than 5 minutes nor
greater than 10 minutes.

7.12.4 Gas-detection instruments intended for operation from an external power source shall be
subjected to five momentary power interruptions, ranging from approximately 0.1 seconds to
5 seconds, with the detector head exposed to clean air. Following each interruption, the
instrument shall be allowed sufficient time (not to exceed 150 seconds) to return to normal
operating conditions. There shall be no incorrect instrument functions when the primary power is
interrupted (applied or removed), with the detector exposed to both clean air and test gas of a
concentration exceeding the lowest alarm setting by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 10.

7.12.5 Gas-detection instruments containing integral batteries shall be subjected to five

momentary power interruptions, ranging from approximately 0.1 seconds to 5 seconds, with the
detector head exposed to clean air. Following each interruption, the instrument shall be allowed
sufficient time (not to exceed 150 seconds) to return to normal operating conditions. This may
include turning the instrument ON. There shall be no incorrect instrument functions when the
primary power is interrupted (applied or removed), with the detector head exposed to both clean
air and test gas of a concentration exceeding the lowest alarm setting by the tolerance specified
in Annex B, Item 10.

7.12.6 Output inhibit circuits activated upon power application are permitted, provided the status
of the inhibit is visually indicated.

7.13 Temperature variation

All gas-detection instruments first shall be calibrated in accordance with 7.8, with all parts of the
instrument at ambient temperature. The instrument then shall be placed in a test chamber. The
temperature of the test chamber shall be adjusted first to the maximum operating temperature,
then ambient, and then the minimum operating temperature, as specified in Annex B, Item 2.
Stabilization time shall be as stated by the manufacturer, but not less than 2 hours. Then the
detector head shall be exposed to a test gas concentration specified in Annex B, Item 8, and
tested at each temperature.

24 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

7.13.1 For instruments with meters or other output signals and having the detector head integral
with or directly attached to the control unit, the entire instrument shall be placed in the test
chamber. At the two temperature extremes, the meter or output indication shall not vary from the
initial stabilized ambient temperature meter or output indication by more than the tolerance
specified in Annex B, Item 10.

7.13.2 For instruments with meters or other output signals and a separate (non-integral)
detector head, the control unit shall be placed in the test chamber at both temperature extremes
while the detector head remains at ambient temperature. Subsequently, the detector head shall
be placed in a test chamber at both temperature extremes while the control unit remains at
ambient temperature.

7.13.3 For alarm-only instruments, all alarm setpoints shall be tested at the two temperature
extremes, with the lowest alarm setpoint of multiple alarm setpoint units tested first.

a) Alarms shall be activated by a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by the
tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

b) Alarms shall NOT be activated by a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint
by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

c) The time of exposure to each gas concentration shall neither be less than 5 minutes nor
greater than 10 minutes.

7.14 Humidity variation

NOTE – Parts of the humidity variation test are waived for some toxic gases where it is
impractical to supply a consistent test gas concentration at the agreed relative humidity (see
Annex B).

7.14.1 The detector head shall be exposed to 15 percent or less relative humidity (RH) at
ambient temperature for 2 hours. The detector head shall then be exposed to ambient
temperature test gas of a concentration specified in Annex B, Item 8, and a relative humidity of
15 percent or less.

The detector head shall then be exposed to 50 percent RH at ambient temperature for 2 hours.
The detector head shall then be exposed to ambient temperature test gas of a concentration
specified in Annex B, Item 8, and 50 percent RH.

The detector head shall then be exposed to at least 90 percent RH at ambient temperature for
2 hours. The detector head shall then be exposed to ambient temperature test gas of a
concentration specified in Annex B, Item 8, and at least 90 percent RH.

NOTE – Relative humidity values shall be accurate within 5 percent.

7.14.2 For instruments having meters or other output signals, the variation in the meter or other
output signal at each humidity extreme shall not vary from the 50 percent RH zero indication after
correcting for displacement by water vapor, if necessary, by more than the tolerance specified in
Annex B, Item 10.

7.14.3 For alarm-only instruments, all alarm setpoints shall be tested, with the lowest alarm
setpoint of multiple alarm setpoint units tested first.

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 25

 a) Alarms shall be activated by a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by the
tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

b) Alarms shall NOT be activated by a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint
by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

c) The time of exposure to each gas concentration shall neither be less than 5 minutes nor
greater than 10 minutes.

7.15 Position sensitivity

7.15.1 For portable instruments having meters or other outputs, with the detector head exposed
to a test gas concentration specified in Annex B, Item 8, the variation in the meter or other output
from the initial reading shall not vary from the known test gas concentration by more than the
tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 10, when the orientation of the instrument is varied in three
orthogonal planes.

7.15.2 For alarm-only instruments, all alarm setpoints shall be tested when the orientation of the
instrument is varied in three orthogonal planes, with the lowest alarm setpoint of multiple alarm
setpoint units tested first.

a) Alarms shall be activated by a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by the
tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

b) Alarms shall NOT be activated by a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint
by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

c) The time of exposure to each gas concentration shall neither be less than 5 minutes nor
greater than 10 minutes.

7.16 Air velocity variation

7.16.1 The instrument shall be calibrated with the detector head exposed to a still mixture of
calibration gas. Then it shall be exposed to a flowing test gas that impinges on the detector head
with a velocity of 5 ± 0.5 m/s (16.5 ± 1.7 f/s). During this test, the direction of the air velocity or
the orientation of the detector head shall be varied to determine the direction or orientation that
causes the greatest deviation.

7.16.1.1 For instruments having meters or other output signals, the meter or other output signal
(during exposure to the mixture in motion) shall not vary from that observed during exposure to
the still gas mixture by more than the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 10.

7.16.1.2 For alarm-only instruments, all alarm setpoints shall be tested, with the lowest alarm
setpoint of multiple alarm setpoint units tested first.

a) Alarms shall be activated by a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by the
tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

b) Alarms shall NOT be activated by a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint
by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

26 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

 c) The time of exposure to each gas concentration shall neither be less than 5 minutes nor
greater than 10 minutes.

7.17 Radio frequency interference (RFI)

The instruments (including detector head, electronics, and interconnecting wiring) shall be
subjected, while in all energized modes (e.g., operating and calibrating), to electromagnetic
energy in the frequency ranges of 150 to 170 MHz and 450 to 470 MHz. This test shall be
conducted using frequency modulated portable radio transmitters (5 W maximum output from the
final amplifier) at a distance of 1.0 meter (3.3 ft) from the instrument (i.e., the gas-sensing
element, electronics, and any interconnecting wiring) at any orientation. Tests shall be
conducted using any convenient frequency within each of the two frequency ranges. Tests
should be conducted after following the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning wiring,
shielding, and installation techniques as they pertain to electromagnetic interference.

NOTE – Except for portable instruments, covers shall be removed when tests are conducted
if the covers must be removed for calibration.

7.17.1 For instruments incorporating meters or other output signals, the radio signals shall not
cause a variation in the meter or other output from the initial reading of more than the tolerance
specified in Annex B, Item 10, with test gas of a concentration specified in Annex B, Item 8
applied. For all instruments, the test shall not result in an incorrect instrument function.

7.17.2 For alarm-only instruments, all alarm setpoints shall be tested with RF present, with the
lowest alarm setpoint of multiple alarm setpoint units tested first.

a) Alarms shall be activated by a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by the
tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

b) Alarms shall NOT be activated by a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint
by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

7.18 Long-term stability

For battery-operated instruments, a suitable dc power supply or fresh batteries may be used for
the test of 7.18, but the actual batteries specified for the instrument shall be used for the first 8
hours. Portable instruments shall be ON for 8 hours minimum and OFF for 16 hours maximum.
The instruments shall be exposed to the clean air or test gas mixture as noted continuously
(except when batteries are being exchanged or when adjustments are being made). Calibration
shall be performed as recommended by the manufacturer. For multi-range instruments, the test
of 7.18 needs to be performed only on the highest range unless otherwise specified.

7.18.1 For instruments incorporating meters or output signals, calibrate or adjust the instrument
on a test gas concentration specified in Annex B, Item 8, and keep the power ON for the duration
of this test.

7.18.1.1 Subject the detector head to clean air at ambient temperature and humidity for a period
of 21 days.

7.18.1.2 Apply the test gas of a concentration used in 7.18.1 to the detector head. The indicated
concentration shall not deviate from the initial reading observed in 7.18.1 by more than the

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 27

tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 10. The reading shall be taken after stabilization, and the
response time shall meet the requirements specified in Annex B, Items 13, 14, and 15.

7.18.1.3 Subject the detector head to a continuous toxic gas concentration equivalent of
10 percent of the TLV-TWA (refer to Annex B, Item 6) for a period of 14 days.

NOTE – A precise concentration is unnecessary. This test is provided only to test the
instruments after exposure to a low background level of toxic gas.

7.18.1.4 Remove the test gas for 5 minutes and repeat 7.18.1.2.

7.18.1.5 Subject the detector head to clean air at ambient temperature and humidity for a period
of 7 days.

7.18.1.6 Apply the test gas of a concentration used in 7.18.1 to the detector head. The indicated
concentration shall not deviate from the reading observed at 7.18.1.2 by more than the tolerance
specified in Annex B, Item 10. The reading shall be taken after stabilization.

7.18.1.7 Calibrate the instrument as per 7.8.

7.18.1.8 Apply a test gas concentration equal to the TLV-TWA (refer to Annex B, Item 6) for 8
hours. The indicated concentration shall not deviate from the actual applied concentration by
more than the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 10. The reading shall be taken after
stabilization.

7.18.1.9 Calibrate the instrument as per 7.8.

7.18.1.10 Repeat the accuracy test as per 7.9.

7.18.2 For alarm-only instruments, calibrate the instrument per 7.8 and then proceed.

7.18.2.1 Subject the sample inlet to clean air at ambient temperature and humidity for a period of
21 days.

7.18.2.2

a) All alarm setpoints shall be tested, with the lowest alarm setpoint of multiple alarm
setpoint units tested first.

b) Alarms shall be activated by a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by the
tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

c) Alarms shall NOT be activated by a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint
by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

d) The time of exposure to each gas concentration shall neither be less than 5 minutes nor
greater than 10 minutes.

7.18.2.3 Subject the detector head to a continuous toxic gas concentration equivalent to
10 percent of the TLV-TWA for a period of 14 days.

28 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

 NOTE – A precise concentration is unnecessary. This test is provided only to test the
instruments after exposure to a low background level of toxic gas.

7.18.2.4 Remove the test gas for 5 minutes and repeat the tests of 7.18.2.2.

7.18.2.5 Subject the sample inlet to clean air at ambient temperature and humidity for a period of
7 days.

7.18.2.6 Repeat the tests of 7.18.2.2.

7.18.2.7 Calibrate the instrument per 7.8, and ensure that one alarm setpoint is set to the
TLV-TWA of the applicable gas (refer to Annex B, Item 6).

7.18.2.8

a) Apply a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint by the tolerance specified in
Annex B, Item 11, for 8 hours. The alarms shall NOT be activated during this time.

b) Apply a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by the tolerance specified in
Annex B, Item 11, for 8 hours. The alarms shall be activated and shall not be resettable
during this time.

7.18.2.9 Calibrate the instrument per 7.8.

7.18.2.10 Repeat the tests of 7.18.2.2.

7.19 Battery and low-battery voltage alarm

7.19.1 This section is applicable only to instruments powered by integral batteries (excluding
batteries used only for memory retention). This test is intended to verify that portable
instruments will operate for specified time periods without exchanging or recharging batteries.

7.19.2 Calibrate or adjust the instrument with a test gas concentration specified in Annex B,
Item 8.

7.19.3 Subject the instrument to clean air at the minimum operating temperature specified in
Annex B, Item 2, for 8 hours. The 8-hour period shall include a continuous 15-minute period of
maximum-load conditions (i.e., alarms, lights, etc., activated). Instruments having provisions for
adjustment to compensate for battery voltage decline may be adjusted.

7.19.4 For instruments having meters or output signals, at the end of the 8 hours specified in
7.19.3, the detector head shall be exposed to a test gas of a concentration specified in Annex B,
Item 8. The indicated concentration shall not deviate from the initial reading observed in 7.19.2
by more than the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 10.

7.19.5 For alarm-only instruments, at the end of the 8 hours specified in 7.19.3, all alarm
setpoints shall be tested, with the lowest alarm setpoint of multiple alarm setpoint units tested
first.

a) Alarms shall be activated by a test gas concentration exceeding the alarm setpoint by the
tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 29

 b) Alarms shall NOT be activated by a test gas concentration lower than the alarm setpoint
by the tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 11.

c) The time of exposure to each gas concentration shall neither be less than 5 minutes nor
greater than 10 minutes.

7.19.6 Remove the test gas. Operate the instrument with batteries that are approaching the low
battery alarm point until the alarm activates. The alarm must operate for a minimum of 5 minutes
following alarm activation.

7.20 Exposure to high concentration gas

7.20.1 The detector head of instruments shall be subjected to a step change in gas
concentration from clean air to the “high exposure” concentration specified in Annex B, Item 18.
Sample-draw instruments shall be subjected to this test using the shortest practical sample
tubing and operated within the flow rate range recommended by the manufacturer. The
instrument shall produce an alarm output within 10 seconds of exposure to the gas. Exposure
and the alarm condition shall continue for 5 minutes.

7.20.1.1 Following removal of the test gas, the detector head shall be exposed to clean air.

7.20.1.2 Instruments incorporating meters or output signals shall produce an output of less than
the TLV-TWA (Annex B, Item 6) within the recovery time specified in Annex B, Item 19.

7.20.1.3 Alarm-only instruments, with alarm setpoint(s) adjusted to the TLV-TWA, shall not
indicate an alarm condition or shall be able to be reset within the recovery time specified in
Annex B, Item 19.

7.20.1.4 For all instruments except alarm-only units, 60 to 75 minutes after the removal of the
test gas and exposure to clean air, the instrument will be exposed to a test gas concentration
specified in Annex B, Item 8. The indicated concentration shall not deviate by more than the
tolerance specified in Annex B, Item 10 from the most recent reading for that same gas observed
before exposure to the "high concentration." The reading shall be taken after stabilization. The
instrument must meet the requirements of 7.9.

7.20.1.5 For alarm-only instruments, 60 to 75 minutes after the removal of the test gas and
exposure to clean air, the instrument shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of
7.18.2.2.

30 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

Annex A—(Informative) References

This annex is included for informational purposes and is not part of this Standard.

The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this ISA Standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All
standards are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this Standard are
encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards
indicated below.

AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE (API)

RP14F Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical

Systems for Offshore Production Platforms

RP49 Recommended Practice for Safe Drilling of Wells Containing

Hydrogen Sulfide

RP55 Conducting Oil and Gas Production Operations Involving

Hydrogen Sulfide

RP14C Recommended Practice for Analysis, Design, Installation, and

Testing of Basic Surface Safety Systems for Offshore Production
Platforms

RP 500-1997 Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electri-

cal
Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Division 1
and Division 2

RP505-1997 Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations at

Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1 and
Zone 2

Available from: API

1220 L. Street NW
Washington, DC 20005 Tel: (202) 682-8000

CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION (CSA)

C22.2 No. 0.4 Bonding and Grounding of Electrical Equipment

(Protective Grounding)

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 31

 C22.2 No. 152 Combustible Gas-detection Instruments
Available from: CSA
178 Rexdale Blvd.
Etobicoke ON M9W 1R3
CANADA Tel: (416) 747-4104

FACTORY MUTUAL RESEARCH CORPORATION (FMRC)

Class No. 3610-1988 Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus

for Use in Class I, II, and III, Division 1 Hazardous
Classified) Locations

Class No. 3611-1986 Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I, Division 2,

Class II, Division 2, and Class III, Division 1 and 2
Hazardous (Classified) Locations

Class No. 3615-1989 Explosionproof Electrical Equipment – General

Requirements

Class No. 3600-1989 Electrical Equipment for Use in Hazardous (Classified)

Locations – General Requirements

Class No. 6310, 6320- Combustible Gas Detectors

1989

Available from: FMRC

1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike
Norwood, MA 02062 Tel: (617) 762-4300

INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS (IEEE)

Std. 142-82 Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and

Commercial Power Systems

Std. 315-75 Graphic Symbols for Electrical and Electronics

Diagrams

Available from: IEEE

PO Box 1331
445 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331 Tel: (800) 678-4333

32 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

ISA

ISA-S5.1-1992 Instrumentation Symbols and Identification

ISA-S12.1-1991 Definitions and Information Pertaining to Electrical

Instruments in Hazardous (Classified) Locations

ISA-S12.4-1970 Instrument Purging for Reduction of Hazardous Area

Classification

ANSI/ISA-RP12.6- Installation of Intrinsically Safe Systems for Hazardous

1995(R) (Classified) Locations

ANSI/ISA-S12.13-1995 Part I: Performance Requirements, Combustible Gas

Detectors

ISA-RP12.13-1987 Part II: Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of

Combustible Gas-detection Instruments

ISA-S51.1-1993 Process Instrumentation Terminology

ISA-S71.04-1986 Environmental Conditions for Process Measurement

and Control Systems: Airborne Contaminants

ANSI/ISA-S82.01-1994 Safety Standard for Electrical and Electronic Test,

Measuring, Controlling and Related Equipment –
General Requirements

Available from: ISA

PO Box 12277
67 Alexander Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Tel: (919) 549-8411

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION (IEC)

Pub. 654-1-1979 Operating Conditions for Industrial-Process

Measurement and Control Equipment Part I:
Temperature, Humidity and Barometric Pressure

Available from: IEC

3 Rue de Varembe
PO Box 131
Geneva 20, CH-1211
Switzerland Tel: 41 22 7340150

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 33

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CORROSION ENGINEERS (NACE)

MR-01-75 Sulfide Stress Cracking Resistant Metallic Materials for Oil Field
Equipment

Available from: NACE

PO Box 218340
1440 S. Creek Drive
Houston, TX 77218-8340 Tel: (713) 492-0535

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA)

No. 70-1993 National Electrical Code

No. 496-1993 Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical

Equipment

Available from: NFPA

PO Box 9101
One Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269-9101 Tel: (617) 770-3000

UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES, INC. (UL)

913-1988 Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus for

Use in Class I, II, and III, Division 1, Hazardous (Classified)
Locations

Available from: UL
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60062 Tel: (708) 272-8800

UNITED STATES CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)

Title 29, Part 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Subpart S,
Electrical

Title 30, Parts 250 Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer
Continental Shelf and 256

34 ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

 Title 46, Parts 154, U. S. Coast Guard Regulations for Gas Detection
1345 and 1350 and Gas Detection Systems on Self-Propelled
Vessels Carrying Bulk Liquefied Gases

Available from: GPO

Superintendent of Documents
Washington, DC 20402 Tel: (202) 512-1800

MISCELLANEOUS

Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances in the Work Environment Adopted by the
American Congress of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) for 1994-1995

Standard for Industrial Hygiene Practice for Handling Anhydrous Ammonia from Environment,
Health, and Safety Division of Safety and Industrial Hygiene (December 1991)

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998 35

ISA-S92.0.01, Part I-1998

Annex B—Applicability & Acceptance Criteria (Normative)

*Carbon *Sulfur *Nitric *Nitrogen

GAS DETECTED: Hydrogen Sulfide *Ammonia *Chlorine
Monoxide Dioxide Oxide Dioxide
H2S CO NH3 Cl2 SO2 NO NO2 H2O2
Item
1 Full Scale Range 10 - 100 PPM full scale
2 Operating Temperature Range -10°C to +50°C
3 Storage Temperature Range -35°C to +55°C
4 TLV-IDLH 300 PPM
5 TLV-ceiling N/A
6 TLV-TWA 10 PPM
7 TLV-STEL 15 PPM
8 Test Gas Concentration 45-55% of full scale
9 Test Gas Tolerance 1 PPM or 5% of concentration1
Accuracy/repeatability (Readout or
10 2 PPM OR 10% of reading1
display)
Accuracy/repeatability
11 2 PPM OR 10% of reading1
(Alarm-only)
12 Alarm setpoint 50% of full scale

13 Time, Response to 20% of Final 10 s

14 Time, Response to 50% of Final 30 s
15 Time, Response to 90% of Final N/A
16 Time, Recovery to 50% of Initial 45 s
17 Time, Recovery to 10% of Initial 90 per ballot

18 High Concentration 1000 PPM

19 High Conc. Recovery Time 10 min

Comments
NOTES:
1. Where two values exist (e.g., 2PPM or 10% of reading), the value providing the widest tolerance should be used.
2. Humidity test (clause 7.14) not applicable.

*Values for other gases to be added in future editions.

37
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Attn: Standards Department
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P.O. Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

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