GMI PS200 Review
Reviewing gas detectors for some may seem a rather mundane and even boring pastime. But for those of us using them in the real world, we know, once these very similar looking devices are put through the rigours of day to day use, not all live up to the manufacturer’s claims. And with the personal gas detector market getting increasingly crowded, choosing continues to be a tricky business.
Having said this, if you are looking for a low cost, standard 4 gas “Jack of all trades” – then the GMI PS200 may be just what you are looking for.
It’s not the smallest or the prettiest of personal gas detectors, but its simple setup, combined with its modular design, means it’s simple to use, calibrate, repair and maintain – with just a little training. All this makes the GMI PS200 an attractive package. But there is more. When you add the internal pumped option and prices starting from £300 to £400 – then the PS200 become difficult to ignore.
The instrument also has an automated bumptest and calibration station option, which makes daily function testing and routine calibrations simple to undertake.
So now for the technical details.
Key Features
- Simple 1-button operation
- Measurement of up to 4 gases:
- CH4 – Methane (LEL) – (others available)
- O2 – Oxygen
- CO – Carbon Monoxide
- H2S – Hydrogen Sulphide
- Audible, visual and vibrating alarms
- Optional Internal pump
- Lightweight but robust construction
- Man down feature
- Dimensions:
121 H x 59 W x 32 D (mm) - Weight:
230g (with pump)
215g (without pump) - Humidity:
0 – 95% RH non-condensing - Temperature:
-20oC to +50oC (4oF to +122oF) - Power Supply: Lithium Ion rechargeable battery Run Time (diffusion): > 14 hours
- Run Time (pumped): > 8 hours
- Charging Time: less than 4 hours
- IP67
- Warranty: 2 years as standard
So – should you buy one?
Well in the past this would have been a good question, because GMI were one of the smaller gas detector manufacturers, based in Scotland and specialising in the gas utility market. Their niche was based around gas measurement devices rather than alarmed detectors (which they still excel at.)
And for whatever reason, GMI’s previous personal gas detectors didn’t compare well with the market leaders. But the GMI PS200 appears to be a breakthrough device for GMI, setting a new standard for their products. It’s worth noting too, that Scott Safety (A Tyco business) now owns GMI and as a result their products sells through a much larger distribution channel.
So should you buy one? Well, we suggest, if a standard 4-gas device is what you need, then you should certainly have one on trial. Ask your supplier to let you have one to try. Test out its functions and make it work under your harshest environments.
And watch this space for user feedback. Because as we always say, you readers are the best testers!
@gt ratings
Quality @@@@@ Ease of use @@@@@ Price @@@@@ Reliability @@@@@
Manufacturer: GMI
In such a competitive market, the price point of the GMI PS200 is in the lower range of all the instruments out there. Its tried and tested background provides confidence in its capabilities; however, GMI 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)
Alternatives see:
- Draeger X-am 2500
- MSA’s ALTAIR® 4x
- Crowcon’s Tetra 4
- GasAlert MicroClip XT
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