In a side by side comparison, BW GasAlert Micro and BW GasAlert Max
almost compare to similarly priced Crowcon Tetra gas detector.
Not all portable multi-gas detectors
are built the same. BW GasAlert Micro and BW GasAlert Max are
portable gas
monitors that require 4 button operation and offer no Ingress Protection
standards against intrusion from dust and water. Crowcon's Tetra comes
equipped with single button operation and its rugged casing is dust and
waterproof to IP65 standards, saving on repairs and replacement costs.
Benefits of Tetra vs. BW GasAlert Micro/GasAlert Max...
Alarm visibility is essential. Tetra provides a high impact visual alarm
featuring a striking red/blue LED combination while GasAlert Micro/Max has
only red LED's. Red light has the lowest frequency of the light
spectrum. Light emitting diodes, (LED's) convert the energy of one electron into one light photon. Blue light photons have
higher energy and frequency than red, more effectively penetrate the
atmosphere and provide higher visibility.
Tetra is simple to read with a display on top,
allowing the operator to easily view Tetra at a glance while clipped to his
or her
belt or shirt. This is particularly important in confined spaces where
maneuverability may be an issue. GasAlert Micro and GasAlert Max have a front
display only, requiring the operator to physically hold the device to view
readings.
Tetra has a pumped version for applications requiring
regular sampling. GasAlert Micro is available only with a
Diffusion/Hand Aspirator which requires a separate pump that needs its own
power; adding bulk, weight and additional cost. When we look at
GasAlert Max, which comes with an internal pump compared to Tetra, the one
difference we see here is price. Crowcon Tetra with an internal pump
is priced less than the GasAlert Max. |
BW GasAlert Micro |
|
Now let's look at intelligence. We find
the Tetra to be more versatile in terms of plug and play. The Tetra is
modular and has fully interchangeable
pre-calibrated sensors allowing any four sensor combinations. GasAlert Micro/Max is limited to FL/Ox and CO/H2S for toxics, making it a 3
sensor unit, not a true 4 gas unit. Tetra allows PC interface by IR
link to PC software that has simple access for configuration changes and
event log transfer. Tetra's innovative technology allows printing of
formatted configuration reports and calibration reports. GasAlert
Micro/Max uses a flash card for data transfer only and card holder is at
risk for water ingress. GasAlert Micro/Max provides no printed
configuration or calibration reports. Tetra's internal software
conforms to IEC 61508, guaranteeing functional safety.
BW's GasAlert Micro/Max offers no such conformity.
Another ease of operation benefit of Tetra is
that it can be recharged with batteries staying in the unit. GasAlert
Micro/Max requires battery removal for charging. Tetra can operate up
to 12 full hours while GasAlert Micro and GasAlert Max are both limited to 10 hours.
Rugged
Features of Tetra not Present in GasAlert...
Tetra is an ultra rugged, compact multi-gas
monitor available with a built-in internal pump. Tetra contains a flexible
internal assembly, allowing the shock to be absorbed by the casing instead
of the boards and sensors when dropped. Tetra can also float if
accidentally dropped in water, saving on repairs and replacement costs.
Even though Tetra is compact and lightweight(about 1lb.)it is one of the
most flexible instruments on the market. Tetra is certified valid for
use in temperatures up to 131°F, making it suitable
for use in foundries, steel mills and hot outdoor environments.
Tetra offers more options and value than GasAlert...
Unlike the GasAlert Micro/Max's 4 button
operation, Tetra offers simple one button operation that works like a
computer mouse; either a single or double click. Reliable and rugged,
Tetra saves on operating costs, repairs and replacement. Tetra is made
from tough plastic construction and overmoulded rubber for added protection
in harsh environments. Why pay several hundred dollars more for BW's
GasAlert Micro/Max when the Tetra offers more features, better ruggedness and more flexibility?
|
Compare Features of Tetra with BW Gas
Alert... |
|
|
Crowcon Tetra |
BW GasAlert Micro |
BW GasAlert Max |
|
Number of Sensors |
1-4 |
Up to 3 (Uses dual
CO/H2S) |
2, 3 or 4 |
|
Sensor Types |
Fl, OX, Toxics |
FL/OX/HS/CO |
FL/OX/HS/CO |
|
Max number toxic gases |
4 from total of 12 |
1 |
CO and H2S Only |
|
Intelligent Sensors |
Yes, fully
pre-calibrated |
No |
No |
|
Size |
124x128x57 mm |
100x60x33 mm |
150x75x40 mm |
|
Weight |
500g |
185g |
396g |
|
Ingress Protection |
IP65 |
Not Specified |
Not Specified |
|
Instantaneous Alarms |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
TWA Alarms |
8hr and 15min |
8hr and 15 min |
8hr |
|
Alarm Tones |
Selectable from 5 |
Variable Pulse |
Single Pulsing |
|
Sounder Output |
85dBA @ 1ft |
95dBA @ 1ft |
95dBA A 1ft |
|
Visual Alarm |
Red and Blue LEDs
on top |
Two Flashing bars |
Flashing bar/alarm
icon |
|
Vibrating Alarm |
Yes |
Yes |
External |
|
Confidence Flash |
Flashing Icon |
No |
No |
|
Confidence Sound |
Every 10 seconds |
Yes |
Every 5 Seconds |
|
Low Battery Alarm |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Display |
Simultaneous |
Simultaneous |
Simultaneous |
|
Display Type |
Graphic LCD |
LCD |
LCD |
|
Peak Display Capability |
On Demand |
On Demand |
On Demand |
|
TWA Toxic Display |
On Demand |
On Demand |
On Demand |
|
Auto zero on Start Up |
Configurable |
Yes |
On Demand |
|
Computer Interface |
IR |
Flash Card |
Flash Card |
|
Data Logging |
Event Logging |
Event logging
extra cost |
Yes |
|
Flammable Gas Factors |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Rechargeable Battery |
Li-ion |
NiMH |
Nicad or NiMH
Versapak |
|
Operating Time |
12hrs |
10hrs |
8-9 hrs Nicad,
10-12 hrs NiMH |
|
Recharge Time |
5 hours |
Not specified |
3-4 hours |
|
Dry Cell Batteries |
AA cells |
AA Cells |
No |
|
Operating Time |
15 hours |
16 hours |
N/A |
|
Sampling |
Diffusion/Aspirator/Pumped |
Diffusion/Aspirator |
Pumped Only |
|
Electric Pump |
Internal, optional |
External option |
Standard |
|
Certification Code Rechargeable
(Europe) |
EEx iad IIC T4 (Tamb
+55degC) |
EEx iad IIC T? |
EEx iad IIC T4 |
|
Certification Code Dry Cell (Europe) |
EEX iad IIC T3 (Tamb
+55degC) |
EEx iad IIC T? |
N/A |
|
Temperature Rating |
-20 to +55 degC |
-20 to +50 degC |
-20 to +50 degC |
|
Certification Code Rechargeable (US) |
Class I Division 1
Groups A,B,C,D |
Class I Division 1
Groups A,B,C,D |
Class I Division 1
Groups A,B,C,D |
|
Certification Code Dry Cell (US) |
Class I Division 1
Groups A,B,C,D |
Class I Division 1
Groups A,B,C,D |
Class I Division 1
Groups A,B,C,D |
|
Rubber Boot |
Over molded |
Over molded |
option |
|
Carry case |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Chest Harness |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
Shoulder Strap |
Yes |
No |
Boot with neck
strap |
See the
Crowcon Tetra Gas Monitor
or read about all
Portable Gas Detectors.
If you have
any questions, call us toll free, we'll be glad to help!
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