MSA Altair 2X Gas Detector

MSA ALTAIR® 2X Gas Detector – Reliable Gas Monitoring with Advanced Sensor Technology

✔ Ships from UK stock    ✔ Free UK delivery over £50    ✔ Calibration & service support available    ✔ Trade pricing on request

The MSA ALTAIR® 2X is a portable gas detector built for single- or two-gas monitoring in industrial, marine, and hazardous environments. Powered by MSA's XCell® Sensor Technology, it delivers faster response times, longer sensor life, and lower calibration costs than conventional detectors — with full compliance to ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, IECEx, and EN 60079 series standards for use in explosive atmospheres (Zone 1, Zone 2). The ALTAIR 2X is also suitable for compliance workflows under SOLAS regulations for enclosed space entry on vessels, where detectors must be maintained, bump-tested, and calibrated to a documented schedule.

Many gas detectors require a docking station and calibration gas to complete a daily bump test — adding time and cost before every shift. The ALTAIR 2XP variant solves this with XCell Pulse Technology, the world's first stand-alone bump test: one button, no external gas, confirmed safe in seconds. For sites running large fleets or operating under confined space entry procedures (including IMO MSC.1/Circ.1401 guidance on enclosed space entry), this reduces pre-entry administration significantly without compromising the integrity of the safety check.

▸  XCell® Sensor Technology  — 2× faster response than industry average; sensors sense gas in <15 seconds

▸  Stand-alone bump test (2XP only)  — XCell Pulse Technology — no calibration gas or accessories required

▸  IP67 dust- and water-resistant housing  — over-moulded rubber armour, survives 25 ft (7.6 m) drops

▸  95 dB audible alarm + LED + vibrating alarm  — ensures alarm is perceived in high-noise environments

▸  Data logging  — 950+ hours of periodic data; 300+ stored events for audit and compliance

▸  Compatible with MSA GALAXY® GX2 test system  — automated bump test and calibration scheduling, records exportable to MSA Grid

▸  End-of-sensor-life warning  — proactive replacement alerts reduce unplanned downtime

▸  3-year instrument warranty  — 2 years on Cl₂ and NH₃ sensors

▸  One-handed glove-friendly operation  — single button design for use in full PPE

The ALTAIR 2X is certified and approved under the following standards. These are relevant when specifying gas detectors for regulated industries, tendering for contracts, or completing ATEX/DSEAR risk assessments:

▸  ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU  — Group II, Category 2G — certified for Zone 1 and Zone 2 explosive atmospheres. Marking: Ex ia IIC T4 Gb

▸  IECEx  — International equivalent of ATEX; accepted in most global jurisdictions outside North America

▸  EN 60079-0 / EN 60079-11  — European standards for explosive atmosphere equipment (general requirements and intrinsic safety)

▸  cCSAus — Class I Division 1, Groups A, B, C, D  — North American approval for the most hazardous locations

▸  UL 913 7th Edition  — US standard for intrinsically safe apparatus

▸  CSA 22.2 No. 157  — Canadian standard for combustible gas detection instruments

For marine applications, the ALTAIR 2X supports compliance with IMO MSC.1/Circ.1401 (revised guidelines for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships) and IMO Resolution A.1050(27) (Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships). While these guidelines do not mandate a specific detector model, they require that detectors used for enclosed space entry monitoring are calibrated, bump-tested, and appropriate for the gases present — all of which the ALTAIR 2X supports with its built-in data logging and GALAXY GX2 compatibility.

The ALTAIR 2X is also relevant for compliance with UK DSEAR 2002 (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) and EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits (4th edition), which define the exposure thresholds (TWA and STEL) that alarm set points should be referenced against when selecting a variant — see the variant table below.

Select the variant that matches your primary gas hazard. Alarm set points are factory-set and reference EH40/2005 WELs and industry best practice — they can be adjusted via MSA Link software if your site risk assessment requires different thresholds.

Note: All prices exclude VAT. EH40 WEL TWA = 8-hour time-weighted average. STEL = 15-minute short-term exposure limit. Alarm set points can be adjusted via MSA Link software; consult your site risk assessment before changing factory defaults.

 Who It's For

The ALTAIR 2X is the right choice for individual workers in industrial, offshore, marine, utility, or construction environments where monitoring for one or two specific gas hazards is required as part of a permit-to-work or confined space entry procedure. It is in stock and ready to ship — no lead time, no configuration required.

The ALTAIR® 2X Gas Detector from MSA sets a new standard in portable gas detection, offering unmatched performance, durability, and ease of use. Equipped with industry-leading XCell Sensor Technology, the ALTAIR 2X provides fast, accurate detection for single or dual gas monitoring, helping workplaces stay safe and compliant while reducing total cost of ownership.

The ALTAIR 2X series introduces XCell Pulse Technology, enabling the world’s first stand-alone bump test—no additional calibration gas or accessories required—making daily testing simple, quick, and reliable. Built for tough environments, these detectors survive drops up to 25 feet, feature IP67 dust- and water-resistant construction, and deliver long sensor life for maximum uptime.

Key Features:

• Fast, reliable detection with single or two-gas XCell sensors

• Durable design: over-moulded rubber armour, drop-tested, and IP67 rated

• Low total cost of ownership: longest sensor life in the industry, minimal maintenance, 3-year warranty on instrument and most sensors

• Enhanced safety & compliance: stand-alone bump tests, end-of-sensor-life alarms, clear LED indicators

• Full traceability: records up to 75 alarm events and over 150 hours of periodic data, compatible with MSA GALAXY® GX2 and MSA Grid

Available Sensor Options:

• ALTAIR 2XP with XCell Pulse Technology: H2S

• ALTAIR 2X Sensors: CO, CO-HC (High Concentration), CO-H2 (Hydrogen Resistant), H2S-LC, SO2, NO2, NH3, Cl2

• ALTAIR 2XT Two-Tox Detectors: CO/H2S, CO-H2/H2S, CO/H2S-LC, CO/NO2, SO2/H2S-LC

With advanced technology, rugged construction, and full data traceability, the ALTAIR 2X series provides reliable, flexible gas detection for industrial, commercial, and hazardous environments.

MSA Altair 2X Data Sheet

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