The FORENSICS DETECTORS™ FD-600 is a professional combustion analyzer designed for HVAC technicians, contractors, engineers, energy inspectors, plumbers, and others who need to analyze combustion and flue gases from natural gas or propane. It can also be used as an ambient air quality detector to assess for CO leakage. The device is factory calibrated to NIST standards and features a robust ATEX design with high-quality electrochemical sensors.
Function Description:
The FD-600 measures Carbon Monoxide (CO) in parts per million (ppm) and Oxygen (O2) in percentage (%). It calculates CO Air Free (COAF) and Excess Air (EA) when O2 is less than 20%. The analyzer is equipped with a 32-bit microprocessor, a color display, and graphing capabilities for real-time data visualization. It includes a pump for gas sampling and features alarm logging.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty.
- Sensors: Electrochemical Sensor for CO & O2.
- Calculated COAF: CO Air Free (COAF) when O2 < 20%.
- Calculated EA: Excess Air (EA) only when O2 < 20%.
- Sensor CO/O2 Life: 2 - 3 years (rated life).
- Detection Range: CO (0-1000ppm), O2 (0-30%vol).
- Error: <±5% F.S.
- Response Time: <30 seconds.
- Pump Flow Rate: 0.3 to 0.5 LPM (300 - 500 cc/min).
- Noise: <60dB.
- Store/Oper. Temp: 32°F - 113°F.
- Store/Oper. Humidity: <95%RH.
- Battery: DC3.7V Li-Ion battery 3500mAh.
- Operation Time: >6 hours.
- Dimension/Weight (Analyzer): 5 x 2.7 x 1.7 inches, 244grams (8.5 oz.).
- Rating: ATEX certified Exib IIB T4 Gb. IP65 certified.
- Carry Case Material: Polypropylene.
- Carry Case Weight: 2.5 lb.
- Carry Case Dimension: 11.7 x 8.3 inches x 3.8 inches.
Usage Features:
- Components: The FD-600 comes with a CO sensor, O2 sensor, FD-600 analyzer, NOx filter & water trap, gun probe, carry case, 110V wall charger, micro USB cable, magnet, calibration certificate, and user manual.
- Display: Features a color display with graphing capabilities for real-time sensor data over 10 seconds.
- Mounting: Equipped with a strong magnet for easy mounting on appliances.
- Power: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery via an easy USB charger. Charging takes about 4 hours.
- Durability: Housed in a professional waterproof hard-case.
- Gas Sample Probe: Includes a gas sample pistol probe with a stainless steel probe.
- Filters: Comes with a water trap, particle filter, and NOx filter. The NOx filter removes acid gases to minimize CO sensor interference.
- Operation:
- ON/OFF: Press the MIDDLE button for 3 seconds to turn ON or OFF. A 60-second countdown occurs during warm-up, during which the unit should be in fresh air.
- Home Detection Screen: Displays real-time gas levels (CO, O2, COAF, EA). In fresh air, CO should read ZERO and O2 should be about 20.9%.
- Menu Mode: Press the MIDDLE button to enter the main MENU SCREEN. Navigation is done using LEFT and RIGHT buttons, and selection with the MIDDLE button.
- Pump Control and Mute: Accessible via the FUNC button from the Home Detection Screen. Allows turning the pump ON/OFF and muting ON/OFF. Turning the pump OFF can preserve battery life.
- Curve Plot Screen: Accessible via the CURVE button from the Home Detection Screen. Plots real-time sensor data over 10 seconds, showing alarm levels as dashed lines. Users can toggle between gas plots.
- Alarm Settings: Alarms are triggered (LED flashes) when set points are met/exceeded. Alarms are highlighted in YELLOW (LOW alarm) or RED (HIGH alarm) on the Home Detection Screen. Users can set LOW or HIGH alarm levels.
- Recording Alarm Data: Alarms are automatically recorded with a date, time stamp, and min/max data point. These records can be viewed in the Menu Screen under "Record."
- Data Logging: The unit can transfer data to a computer for remote sampling, data logging, and continuous monitoring via a USB connection. Software and tutorials are available on the manufacturer's website.
- Calculations: Calculates COAF and EA only when the O2 reading is less than 20%.
Maintenance Features:
- Storage: Ensure the analyzer is stored within specifications.
- Water Trap: Condensation may occur, and the water trap will fill. It must be emptied as necessary, always before storing.
- Sensor Life: Sensors have a rated life of 2 years; with good care, they can last up to 3 years but may require more frequent calibration.
- Replacement Parts: Contact FORENSICS DETECTORS for any part replacements.
- Probe Usage: When placing the probe in the exhaust flue, ensure it remains in the hot exhaust for no longer than 2 minutes (avoid temperatures for prolonged periods of time <3 minutes). The pistol gun and gas sample probe can get very hot; users should beware of burning their hand.
- Zero Calibration (GasZero): Should not be used often unless the baseline zero value is flickering or drifting. For O2, exposure to pure ZERO nitrogen gas is important every 6-12 months. For CO, use fresh air. Maintain a flow of about 0.5L/min.
- Span Calibration (GasCheck): Recommended every 6 months to ensure accurate gas concentration readings. For this analyzer, a CO value of 100ppm is recommended. For O2, expose to fresh ambient air (20.9%). Maintain a flow of about 0.5L/min when using gas bottles.
- Cleaning: Ensure tubing and items are clean before storing to avoid contamination, residual odors, or toxic gases that may poison the sensor.
- Periodic Calibration: Ensure periodic calibration every 6 months to maintain performance within specification.
- Bump Testing: If regularly used, ensure bump testing occurs at least once per week. If seldom used, ensure bump testing occurs before use.
- Firmware Updates: Check the manufacturer's YouTube channel for instructional videos on calibration and data logging.
Important Operational Notes and Warnings:
- Avoid electromagnetic interferences (e.g., phones & magnets).
- Store the detector within specifications.
- Seek clean air and medical attention if unwell.
- The detector is very sensitive; follow instructions carefully.
- Calibrate the device at least every 6 months for accuracy.
- Check and set alarm levels appropriately to avoid harmful exposure. Consult with safety officers or state/federal agencies.
- Do not touch the probe after a flue gas measurement as it will be very hot.
- Take all precautions to prevent toxic gases from entering your breathable zone during combustion measurements.
- Keep away from dust, particulates, concentrated vapors, harsh chemicals, or extremely high concentration levels, as these can poison the sensor.
- This detector is not for life-threatening applications and is not a personal protection device.
- Do not charge the device in a combustible area.
- Flush/purge the detector with clean air for 60 seconds before turning it off.
- The analyzer calculates COAF and EA only when O2 is less than 20%.
- If the pump is under load, the unit will beep. Check for blockages or kinks in the tubing.
- The manufacturer can be contacted at sarah@forensicsdetectors.com for inquiries.
- The warranty is void if the unit is tampered with. Return faulty units to the original supplier with proof of purchase.