A Flexible Fixed Gas Detection Solution
The Honeywell Sensepoint XCD is a fixed gas detector designed to monitor flammable gases, toxic gases and oxygen in industrial environments, both indoors and outdoors.
It combines the sensor and transmitter into a practical monitoring platform, providing local indication, alarm outputs and communication with plant control or safety systems.
One Platform for Different Gas Hazards
Sensepoint XCD is available in configurations for different detection requirements:
- Flammable gas detection using catalytic or infrared sensors
- Toxic gas detection using Honeywell Surecell™ electrochemical sensors
- Oxygen monitoring
- Poison-resistant catalytic bead and infrared sensor technologies
This common transmitter platform can simplify equipment selection, training and spare-parts management across different gas detection points.
Designed for Hazardous and Outdoor Environments
Sensepoint XCD is designed for potentially explosive atmospheres and is available with aluminum alloy or stainless steel explosion-proof housings.
The standard enclosure provides IP66 protection, making it suitable for demanding industrial environments. Depending on configuration and region, Honeywell lists approvals including ATEX, IECEx, CSA, UL, INMETRO, KTL, PA, GB and CCCF.
Remote Sensor Mounting for Difficult Locations
One of the most useful features of Sensepoint XCD is its optional remote sensor capability.
For toxic and oxygen applications, the sensor can be installed up to 30 m (100 ft) away from the transmitter. This is particularly useful when the actual detection point is difficult to access, concealed at a high or low level, or located where the transmitter itself would not be easy to see or reach.
The transmitter can therefore be installed in a more accessible location while keeping the sensor close to the area that needs to be monitored.
Easy Sensor Replacement and Configuration
The sensor plugs into the bottom of the transmitter, and the transmitter automatically configures itself for the installed sensor.
Routine configuration can be performed through the LCD and non-intrusive magnetic switches, without opening the enclosure. This allows one-person operation and can reduce maintenance time in the field.
The plug-in sensor arrangement also makes sensor replacement straightforward when maintenance is required.
Clear Local Status Indication
The tri-color backlit LCD allows operators to identify the detector status from a distance:
- Green: Normal operation
- Yellow: Fault condition
- Red: Alarm condition
The display can also provide digits, bar graphs and icons for clearer local information.
Flexible Outputs and Communication
Sensepoint XCD provides several ways to connect the detector to a plant control or gas safety system.
Standard outputs include:
- 4–20 mA output with selectable sink or source configuration
- Two programmable alarm relays
- One programmable fault relay
- RS485 Modbus RTU
Modbus communication can also support remote diagnostics and configuration, while Modbus multidrop installations can help reduce cabling requirements.
Maintenance Without Unnecessary False Alarms
During maintenance or configuration, detector outputs can be automatically inhibited to reduce the possibility of unwanted alarms at the control panel.
This is particularly useful for fixed gas detection systems where routine sensor replacement, calibration or configuration needs to be performed without unnecessarily activating the plant alarm system.
Key Features
- Fixed gas detector for flammable, toxic and oxygen gases
- Catalytic, infrared and Surecell™ electrochemical sensor options
- Optional remote toxic and oxygen sensor mounting
- Remote sensor distance up to 30 m
- 4–20 mA selectable sink/source output
- RS485 Modbus RTU
- Two programmable alarm relays
- One programmable fault relay
- Tri-color backlit LCD
- Non-intrusive magnetic switch configuration
- Automatic sensor recognition/configuration
- Plug-in sensor replacement
- Auto-inhibit during maintenance
- IP66 enclosure
- Aluminum alloy or 316 stainless steel housing options
- Multiple international hazardous-area approvals
Typical Applications
Sensepoint XCD can be used for fixed gas monitoring in:
- Oil and gas facilities
- Chemical and petrochemical plants
- Manufacturing facilities
- Energy installations
- Process plants
- Indoor and outdoor hazardous areas
- Gas rooms and equipment enclosures
- Areas requiring continuous toxic or oxygen monitoring
The remote sensor option is especially useful when the gas detection point is located in a restricted-access, concealed or difficult-to-reach location.
FAQ
What is Honeywell Sensepoint XCD used for?
Sensepoint XCD is a fixed gas detection system for monitoring flammable gases, toxic gases and oxygen in industrial environments and potentially explosive atmospheres.
What gases can Sensepoint XCD detect?
The product family supports different sensor technologies for flammable, toxic and oxygen detection. The actual gas range depends on the selected sensor cartridge and model configuration.
Can the sensor be installed separately from the transmitter?
Yes. Optional remote mounting allows toxic and oxygen sensors to be installed up to 30 m (100 ft) from the transmitter. This is useful when the detection point is difficult to access or the transmitter needs to be installed in a more accessible location.
Does Sensepoint XCD support Modbus?
Yes. Sensepoint XCD provides RS485 Modbus RTU communication for remote diagnostics and configuration. Modbus multidrop can also help reduce cabling requirements in suitable installations.
Does it have a 4–20 mA output?
Yes. The detector provides an industry-standard 4–20 mA output, with selectable sink or source configuration.
How does the detector indicate an alarm?
The tri-color backlit display provides a simple local indication: green for normal operation, yellow for fault and red for alarm. Programmable alarm relays are also available for connection to external systems.
Is Sensepoint XCD suitable for hazardous areas?
Yes. The Sensepoint XCD family is designed for potentially explosive atmospheres and has multiple hazardous-area approvals depending on the selected configuration and market, including ATEX and IECEx.
Is sensor replacement complicated?
The sensor uses a plug-in design, and the transmitter automatically configures itself for the installed sensor. This helps simplify routine sensor replacement and reduce maintenance time.
Can the detector be used outdoors?
Yes. Honeywell specifies Sensepoint XCD for indoor and outdoor applications, with an IP66 enclosure and appropriate hazardous-area configurations available.
What is the advantage of the remote sensor configuration?
It allows the sensing point to be placed where the gas needs to be detected while the transmitter remains in a more accessible position. This is particularly valuable for high-level, low-level, concealed or restricted-access detection points.
What should I confirm when selecting a Sensepoint XCD?
The key selection factors are the gas to be detected, sensor technology, measuring range, hazardous-area approval, housing material, installation location, communication requirements and whether remote sensor mounting is required. The exact sensor and transmitter configuration should be selected according to the application.
