The MultiRAE Lite – Independant Review
The MultiRAE Lite is a real chunky hand held pumped/diffusive gas detector that looks and feels right the first time you pick it up. Its military style design gives you confidence it will stand up to the day to day wear and tear most instruments get in the workplace.
It has a protective rubber boot (nice and yellow!) and a large, well organised and clear backlit display. The 3 buttons are responsive and the menu simple to follow once you learn the Rae operating system.
Visible and audible alarms are bright and loud making it suitable as an area alarm should you want to use it as such.
The technical bit:
The multi-gas monitor provides a versatile, customisable detector and detects up to six gases. It is available in both pumped and diffused air models although given its size the diffusive option to us appears to have limited value.
With more than 25 sensors to choose from the MultiRAE lite claims to have the broadest selection in its class. (Although you’ll probably find the Draeger X-am 7000 beats this with 30). It can be used for VOCs, combustibles, a range of toxic gases and oxygen. So given its versatility it makes an excellent choice for personal protection and leak tracing.
Key features include:
- Multi-gas monitor for 1-6 gases
- Pumped and diffusion models available
- Man down alarm
- More than 25 different chemical sensors
- Fully automatic bump testing and calibration
- Swap out sensors as needed
- Simple maintenance with replaceable sensors, pump, and battery
- Multi-language capability – up to 18 languages
So what do we think?
Well its fair to say the MultiRAE lite fitted with: a PID, Catalytic pellistor, oxygen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide sensors, is an excellent starting point for applications such as confined space entry and leak tracing. And if you can negotiate a price below £1500 then it’s definitely worth considering. The PID is particularly good and well worth the addition money for anyone looking to detect VOC’s at low levels, or those trick to measure flammables a such as kerosene and diesel.
The instrument is realistically too large to be used as a personal alarm and the electrochemical sensor life isn’t as good as the Draeger equivalents. But for many of you, the MultiRAE Lite may be just what you need – for example those working in the shipping where entry into fuel tanks is common.
@gt ratings
Quality @@@@@ Ease of use @@@@@ Price @@@@@ Reliability @@@@@
Alternatives:
In such a competitive market, the price point of the MultiRae lite is in the lower range of all the instruments out there. Its tried and tested background provides confidence in its capabilities; however, Rae use third part sensors and therefore we recommend researching these before purchasing – just to ensure they meet your requirements. (note: sensor lifetimes and cross sensitivities should always be checked before purchase)
However, please give us your opinions and experiences so that we can pass these on to our readers.
Be the first to comment