- Automation & ControlView all 1,962 products
- AC Drives
- PLC & I/O Cards
- Industrial Communications
- Automation Accessories
- Vibration Monitoring
- Controllers & Data Acquisition
- Isolator & Barrier
- CCTV & Security
- Safety Switches & Guard Locking
- Encoders
- HMI Displays
- Motor Soft Starters
- Industrial Computers
- Servo Drives
- Pneumatic Cylinders
- Machine Vision
- Automation Software
- Robotics
Brand: MSA Safety
MSA ALTAIR 5X Pumped Multigas Detector (up to 6 gases)
Description
MSA ALTAIR 5X pumped multigas detector explained
The MSA ALTAIR 5X is a portable, pumped gas detector that can monitor up to six hazards in one housing: combustible gas, oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and other toxic gases, plus an optional photoionization (PID) sensor for volatile organic compounds. Its name describes the platform, not one orderable code, because the ALTAIR 5X is configured by sensor line-up, display type (colour or monochrome), battery type and approval version. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat and supplies ALTAIR 5X detectors, sensors and spares in Oman and the GCC; we are not affiliated with the manufacturer.
This page summarises what the ALTAIR 5X can do, which sensors it accepts, how long it runs and what you must define before an enquiry. Variants named in the manufacturer literature include the standard ALTAIR 5X, the ALTAIR 5X iR with an infrared sensor for methane, carbon dioxide or butane, the ALTAIR 5X PID, and the mono-display ALTAIR 5XM for mining applications.
ALTAIR 5X technical specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / part number | MSA / ALTAIR 5X multigas detector (configured by sensor, display and battery) |
| Gases per unit | Up to 6, including combustible, O2, CO, H2S, SO2, NH3, Cl2, NO2, VOC (PID) and IR gases |
| Sampling | Non-detachable integral pump; draws up to 75 ft (22.86 m) at 0.3 L/min on standard versions |
| Size (pumped, no IR) | Not more than 16.9 x 8.9 x 4.2 cm (6.68 x 3.52 x 1.65 in) |
| Size (IR / PID) | IR about 5.0 cm deep; PID 17.0 x 9.0 x 5.1 cm |
| Weight | Not more than 453 g (1 lb); 680 g (1.15 lb) for the IR version |
| Enclosure rating | IP65 minimum; survives a 10 ft (3 m) drop |
| Display | Colour or monochrome LCD, 4.5 x 3.5 cm, white backlight; PID version colour only, 5XM mono only |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion; alkaline pack available except on IR and PID versions |
| Run time (room temperature) | At least 20 h standard, 18 h 5XM, 17 h IR, 13 h PID |
| Alarms | Visual LEDs top and bottom, vibration, audible typically above 95 dB; MotionAlert after 30 s without movement; InstantAlert |
| Data logging | Event log of at least 1,000 events; about 200 h of data at 1-minute intervals; interval 15 s to 15 min |
| Operating approvals (examples) | UL/CSA Class I Div 1 Groups A-D; ATEX and IECEx Zone 0/1 depending on sensor fit; MSHA for mining |
How the ALTAIR 5X senses gas
Toxic and oxygen channels use XCell electrochemical sensors, each with its own control circuitry, memory and analogue-to-digital converter, so the sensor carries its calibration and identity with it. The combustible channel is a catalytic bead XCell Ex sensor reading 0-100 %LEL or 0-5 %Vol methane, while the iR version adds an infrared element for 0-100 %Vol methane, 0-10 %Vol carbon dioxide or 0-25 %Vol butane. The PID option reads VOCs up to 2,000 ppm with programmable reference factors.
A built-in pump pulls the sample through user-replaceable filters. That makes the instrument suitable for pre-entry testing of tanks, vessels, manholes and pits, where a probe or sampling line is lowered into the space before anyone enters. The Fresh Air Setup function zeroes the sensors but is designed not to zero out a hazardous reading.
| Sensor | Range | Resolution | Typical T90 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combustible | 0-100 %LEL / 0-5 %Vol | 1 %LEL / 0.05 %Vol | under 10 s (methane) |
| Oxygen | 0-30 %Vol | 0.1 %Vol | under 10 s |
| Carbon monoxide | 0-2,000 ppm (0-10,000 ppm high range) | 1 ppm (5 ppm) | under 15 s |
| Hydrogen sulfide | 0-200 ppm (0-100 ppm option) | 1 ppm (0.1 ppm) | under 15 s |
| Sulfur dioxide | 0-20 ppm | 0.1 ppm | under 10 s |
| Chlorine | 0-10 ppm | 0.05 ppm | under 30 s |
| Ammonia | 0-100 ppm | 1 ppm | under 40 s |
| Nitrogen dioxide | 0-20 ppm (0-50 ppm option) | 0.1 ppm | under 15 s |
| PID VOC | 0-2,000 ppm | 0.1 ppm | under 10 s |
Where the ALTAIR 5X fits and what works with it
The ALTAIR 5X sits between the compact two-gas ALTAIR 2X and the four-gas ALTAIR 4XR on the one hand, and the connected ALTAIR io family on the other. It is compatible with the GALAXY GX2 automated test system, which bump-tests and calibrates the instrument and keeps records without a computer. Data can be read through an infrared link using MSA Link software for calibration reports and alarm set-point changes. Spares that are listed for the platform include the rechargeable battery pack 10114835, the maintenance kit 10114949, the XCell Ex combustible sensor kit 10106722 and the XCell O2 sensor kit 10106729, together with sampling lines and probes in 1 ft to 25 ft lengths.
ALTAIR 5X selection checklist
- List the gases to be measured and the alarm points required, including whether low-concentration H2S or hydrogen-resistant CO sensors are needed.
- Decide on catalytic or infrared combustible detection; choose iR where methane in oxygen-poor air or high %Vol readings must be measured.
- Add the PID only when VOC and benzene-type compounds are a real hazard; it needs the colour display and a shorter run time.
- Pick the battery type. Rechargeable lithium-ion is standard; alkaline is not available for IR or PID versions.
- Confirm the approval scheme for the site: UL or CSA, or ATEX/IECEx, or mining approval for the 5XM.
- Specify sample-line length and material; reactive gases such as ammonia and chlorine need a dedicated probe and line.
- Add a docking or multi-unit charger and calibration gas if the fleet is large.
Commissioning, calibration and maintenance of the ALTAIR 5X
Calibration needs no special tools: a cylinder, regulator and tubing are enough, and the pushbuttons drive the whole procedure. Span calibration takes about 60 seconds for the combustible, O2, CO, H2S and SO2 sensors, and a bump test is typically complete in under 10 seconds. Chlorine and ammonia need about 2 minutes, nitrogen dioxide Series 20 about 4 minutes and chlorine dioxide about 6 minutes. The instrument warns the user as a sensor nears end of life, with typical life above 4 years for most XCell sensors and above 3 years for ammonia and chlorine.
Keep spare filters and a maintenance kit on the shelf. A blocked inlet filter is the usual cause of low-flow faults, and a long, dirty sample line slows the response time noticeably. The battery warning appears 10 minutes before power loss, and a stored event log helps trace alarms and calibration history during audits.
Typical ALTAIR 5X applications in Oman and the GCC
In Oman and the GCC the ALTAIR 5X is used for confined-space entry on oil and gas facilities, shutdown and turnaround work, tank cleaning, welding and hot-work permits, desalination and water treatment plants, power stations and petrochemical sites. The sealed IP65 housing and rubberised armour cope with desert dust and the knocks of daily site use, while the colour display stays readable in strong sun. Operating temperature should be checked against the approval label for your configuration in summer heat, and instruments should be kept out of parked vehicles.
ALTAIR 5X variants at a glance
| Variant | Distinguishing feature | Run time |
|---|---|---|
| ALTAIR 5X | Catalytic combustible, O2 and toxic XCell sensors, colour or mono display | 20 h or more |
| ALTAIR 5X iR | Adds infrared CH4, CO2 or C4H10 sensor | 17 h or more |
| ALTAIR 5X PID | Adds 10.6 eV PID sensor for VOCs, colour display only | 13 h or more |
| ALTAIR 5XM | Mining version, monochrome display only | 18 h or more |
Information to send with an ALTAIR 5X RFQ
- Required gases, ranges and alarm set points
- Variant: standard, iR, PID or 5XM, and display type
- Approval scheme and country of use
- Battery and charger type, quantity of units
- Sampling line, probe and filter needs
- Calibration gas, regulator and GALAXY GX2 requirements
- Delivery location and required date
Documents and quotation
A bid specification for the ALTAIR 5X is attached on this page; it lists the sensor ranges, response times, alarm behaviour and approvals in detail. Use it to confirm the configuration before ordering.
Send us your sensor list, variant and quantity and we will prepare a quotation. Seven Star LLC supplies the ALTAIR 5X in Oman and the GCC as an independent supplier, with delivery arranged to your site.
Datasheets & Documents
- Datasheet MSA ALTAIR 5X Bid Specification Download
Reviews (0)
About brand
MSA Safety is an American maker of safety equipment, founded in 1914 in Pittsburgh by mining engineers John T. Ryan and George H. Deike as Mine Safety Appliances Company, after a series of deadly mine disasters. It first supplied miners with electric cap lamps and breathing apparatus. MSA is headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, and listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Seven Star LLC supplies MSA gas detectors and accessories in Oman, covering both sides of the product line: ALTAIR portable detectors worn by technicians, and fixed gas monitors such as the ULTIMA X5000 and General Monitors S5000 that feed a fire and gas system.
MSA Safety company profile
| Founded | 1914, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
|---|---|
| Founders | John T. Ryan and George H. Deike |
| Original name | Mine Safety Appliances Company |
| Headquarters | Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania |
| Listing | New York Stock Exchange (MSA) |
| Product families | ALTAIR 4XR and ALTAIR io portable gas detectors, ULTIMA X5000 and General Monitors fixed gas and flame detection, G1 SCBA, V-Gard helmets, V-Series and V-FORM fall protection harnesses and lifelines |
MSA gas detection families listed here
On the portable side, the ALTAIR 4XR is the four-gas detector for combustible gas, oxygen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide, and the ALTAIR io4 is the connected version that reports readings to a cloud platform. The GALAXY GX2 automated test system handles bump tests and calibration records for ALTAIR instruments.
On the fixed side, the ULTIMA X5000 and General Monitors S5000 are transmitters for combustible, toxic and oxygen sensors. Many installed units still carry the General Monitors name on the nameplate. The Chillgard 5000 is a refrigerant leak monitor for machinery rooms. Small consumables are listed too, such as window cleaning solution 10272-1.
Where MSA gas monitors are used
Fixed MSA gas monitors are found on wellheads, gas plants, refineries, tank farms, LNG and petrochemical units, wherever hydrocarbon or H2S leaks must be alarmed early. Portable ALTAIR detectors go with crews into confined spaces and on hot work permits. Chillgard monitors serve chiller plant rooms in district cooling and large buildings, a common application in the GCC.
MSA Safety products we list
Ordering MSA detectors and sensors: what we need
Fixed gas monitors are configured items. Send the full part number or the configuration code from the nameplate, the target gas and range, the sensor technology (catalytic, infrared, electrochemical), the housing material, the output (4-20 mA with HART, optional relays) and the hazardous area approval required. For portables, state the sensor combination, charger type and regional version. For replacement sensors, a nameplate photo of the transmitter avoids mistakes. We check each code against MSA documentation and propose the manufacturer's current model when an older one is no longer made.
Facts checked against MSA Safety's corporate history and investor materials, October 2026.
Browse MSA Safety products by category: Fire & Gas Detector, Gas Analyzer Accessories, Fire & Gas Systems, Gas Analyzer Systems.
FAQ
Questions about the MSA ALTAIR 5X Pumped Multigas Detector (up to 6
Answers from our engineering team on installation, compatibility and integration.
01How many gases can the ALTAIR 5X measure?
It can monitor up to six gases at once, using XCell electrochemical sensors, a catalytic or infrared combustible sensor and an optional PID for VOCs. The exact line-up is chosen when the unit is configured.
02Does the ALTAIR 5X have a built-in pump?
Yes. The pump is integral and non-detachable, and on standard versions it can draw a sample through up to 75 ft (22.86 m) of line at 0.3 L/min. Filters protect it from dust and liquids and are user-replaceable.
03How long does the battery last?
Typical run time is at least 20 hours for the standard unit, 18 hours for the 5XM, 17 hours for the IR version and 13 hours for the PID version at room temperature. Cold weather and heavy alarm use shorten this.
04How long does a bump test or calibration take?
A bump test is usually complete in under 10 seconds and a span calibration in about 60 seconds for the combustible, oxygen, CO, H2S and SO2 sensors. Chlorine, ammonia, NO2 and ClO2 sensors need longer.
05What is the difference between the ALTAIR 5X and 5X iR?
The 5X iR adds an infrared sensor that can read methane up to 100 %Vol, carbon dioxide or butane. It weighs up to 680 g and has about 17 hours of run time, and it cannot use an alkaline battery pack.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.