The Dräger X-zone 5500 is intended to transform the Dräger personal gas detection instruments X-am 5000, 5100 and 5600 into innovative area monitoring devices for a wide range of applications. As with all area monitors, these are designed to be positioned where gas hazards are expected, so an early warning can be given.
Dräger has developed an additional module, the X-zone Com, which if used together allows users to receive and view the measured data and alarms outside of the danger zone.
Dräger states:
“This module allows you to access the Dräger X-zone 5500 data wirelessly over the GSM network. Be it status requests or alerts via SMS using a periodic delivery of data via e-mail to a FTP server or a cloud service – the X-zone Com GSM module sends all data directly to the device of your choice. Up to 25 Dräger X-zone can automatically connect themselves to a wireless alarmchain to accurately and comprehensively monitor large areas. Only a single X-zone Com is required to retransmit the data of the entire chain. All relevant information will reach those responsible within seconds.”
As we have yet to test the X-zone Com GSM; we will reserve our review for a later date.
Dräger X-zone 5500 Review
Its fair to say, The Dräger X-zone 5500 is well designed and made. It is apparent when you first get one, that the designers have spent considerable time researching the customer’s requirements.
The solid black casing and large illuminated colour coded alarms give the feel associated with a Dräger made product – and the weight of these units at 10Kg adds to the feeling of quality.
But the real test of quality and reliability can only be established following its use in the most trying of conditions. (For this reason, please share your experiences with us.) The earlier versions of the X-zone did suffer for a while with water ingress into the top cover protecting the X-am 5000 range of detectors and the battery connections didn’t always fit correctly. However these problems have now been resolved and the unit is watertight and robust.
Pumped or Diffusive?
The X-zone 5500 comes as a pumped/diffusive unit, or just diffusive. The pumped version is obviously more expensive, but we recommend you seriously consider this option as it opens up a larger and more practical range of gas monitoring applications to you. (For more on this please see our gas tester training courses.)
features include:
- Visual 360° LED (illuminated ring)
- Audible 360°; > 108 dB in a distance of 1 m (30 ft.), 120 dB in a distance of 30 cm (1 ft.)
- Approval for Ex-Zone 0
- Individually configurable with the Dräger CC-Vision PC software (eg. alarm frequency)
- Inductive charging station: easy and convenient non-contact charging
- Continuous operation for up to 120 hours: The 24 Ah battery of the Dräger X-zone 5500 provides up to 120 hours of continuous operation – a complete working week
@gt ratings
Quality @@@@@ Ease of use @@@@@ Price @@@@@ Reliability @@@@@
In such a competitive market, the price point of the X-zone 5500 is in the higher range of all the instruments out there. Its tried and tested background provides confidence in its capabilities and the Dräger sensors come with long warranties and a proven performance. (note: sensor lifetimes and cross sensitivities should always be checked before purchase)
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However, please give us your opinions and experiences so that we can pass these on to our readers.
For the full review see our members area.
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