Multi-gas detectors, such as four-gas and five-gas monitors, are widely used for detecting toxic, combustible, and asphyxiant gases. These devices offer the flexibility to configure sensors for specific gas hazards commonly encountered in your environment, all in one compact, wearable design.
When selecting a gas detector, consider two key questions: What can the gas detector do, and how can it improve your workflow?
While no gas monitor can detect every possible gas combination, a multi-gas detector is a versatile starting point. Understanding how a gas monitor will be used on the job and which features matter most to you is crucial to finding the best solution.
For example, if you are choosing between the Ventis® MX4 and the Ventis® Pro5, understanding their differences in features, configurations, and use cases can help guide your decision. Both detectors are designed to meet the demands of industrial environments but offer unique benefits depending on your needs. Below, we’ll explore how each device compares to help you identify the right multi-gas detector for your team.
Overview of Ventis MX4 Four-Gas Monitor
The Ventis MX4 is a reliable four-gas monitor with the portability and size of a single-gas monitor. The Ventis MX4 can detect up to four of the following gases simultaneously:
- Combustible gases and lower explosive limits (LEL)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
- Oxygen (O2)
- CO/hydrogen (H2) low
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
The Ventis MX4 is designed to be extremely rugged yet lightweight, making it easy to wear for long shifts. You can also customize your run-time with different batteries, personalize your device by selecting alarm thresholds, and enjoy a four-year warranty on the monitor and select sensors.
As a multi-gas detector for everyday use, the Ventis MX4 offers both pumped and non-pumped functionality. With the Ventis MX4, you eliminate the need for additional monitors for other applications, as it transitions from personal monitoring to confined space monitoring with a slide-on pump. Buying one monitor that can do both is more cost effective in the long run. On top of that, it reduces the number of devices workers need to use to get the job done, making everyone’s lives just a little bit easier.
The Ventis MX4 is compatible with iNet® Control software, the DSX Docking Station, and can be placed on an iNet® Exchange agreement, which means you can automate maintenance, reporting, and data tracking so you can spend more time applying insights to make your site safer, and less time repairing gas detectors or sifting through paperwork.
Overview of Ventis Pro5 Five-Gas Monitor
With all that the Ventis MX4 has to offer, why should you consider the Ventis® Pro5? Much like the Ventis MX4, the Ventis Pro5 is ideal for both personal monitoring and confined space entries thanks to the available pump options. In fact, both gas monitors are compatible with the same slide-on pump.
Where the Ventis Pro5 steps ahead of the Ventis MX4 is its connectivity. This wireless connectivity adds an extra layer of protection and visibility to an already robust multi-gas detector.
Using a five-gas monitor like the Ventis Pro5 allows you to advance the level of detection, giving you better awareness of the gas hazards around you. The Ventis Pro5 is, of course, capable of detecting even more gases than the Ventis MX4 and allows DualSense™ capabilities. This feature uses two sensors to provide a single reading to overcome the challenges of sensor failure and improve reliability.
With the Ventis Pro5, you can set custom, actionable alarms for up to five of the following gases:
- LEL (Methane)
- LEL (Pentane)
- Chlorine (Cl2)
- CO
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- H2S
- Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)
- NO2
- Ammonia (NH3)
- O2
- Phosphine (PH3)
- SO2
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
These custom alarm messages make it easy for users to respond appropriately and quickly to gas hazards. For example, you can customize the alarm to tell users to “evacuate” or “wear SCBA” depending on the gas and threshold.
With a man-down alarm, panic button and extensive connectivity capabilities, you and your workers can be confident that they will get the help they need in the case of an incident. Wireless connectivity relays gas readings and other worker safety stats to live monitoring software via cellular, wi-fi, satellite, or to your co-workers on site with LENS® Wireless. You can then receive real-time alerts that show who needs help, why they need help, and where they’re located. Whether you’re working side-by-side or far apart, the Ventis Pro5 keeps you and your workers on the same page – wherever you are.
In addition to the connectivity and live monitoring features covered above, the Ventis Pro5 is also compatible with iNet Control, the DSX Docking Station and can be placed on an iNet® Exchange agreement, giving you easy access to critical gas detector data and eliminating the hassle of maintenance and repair.
Why the Ventis Pro5 is the Way to Go
On a basic level, many multi-gas detectors have similar capabilities: they detect hazardous gases. With so many different gas hazards to detect, it’s important to understand the environment around you. When you know which hazards you want to detect, that makes it easier to choose the right multi-gas detector.
You can differentiate the monitors by looking at the gases they detect and their additional safety features. For next-level safety from your gas detector, the Ventis Pro5 has you covered. With alarm sharing, live monitoring, panic button and man-down functionality, the Ventis Pro5 offers additional lifesaving safety features. Not to mention, it can detect more gases at a time and a wider variety of gases compared to the Ventis MX4.
If you already have a Ventis MX4 or need a variety of gas monitors, it’s easier than ever to upgrade to the Ventis Pro5 or switch between detectors depending on your application because of their shared accessories. This allows you to take advantage of the connectivity of the Ventis Pro5 while cutting down on additional upgrade costs. Both use the same slide-on pump, DSX Docking Station, and more.
Ventis MX4 vs Ventis Pro: Making the Right Choice for Your Safety Needs
While no gas detector can address every safety challenge, advanced technology and features can simplify the process of keeping your team safe. Choosing between the Ventis MX4 and Ventis Pro5 depends on your specific worksite needs, gas hazards, and operational priorities. By understanding the unique strengths of each monitor, you can make an informed decision that ensures worker protection and operational efficiency.
Selecting the right multi-gas detector doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right information and guidance from industry experts, you can confidently choose the equipment that best fits your environment and safety goals. If you need assistance evaluating your options, our team is here to help you determine whether the Ventis MX4 or Ventis Pro5 is the ideal solution for your site.
