MEC

Mini Electrochemical Sensor

The Analox MEC family is one of the world’s most extensive ranges of toxic gas OEM sensors with digital output capability.

The Analox MEC (Mini Electrochemical) is a compact, rugged sensor module available in multiple gas variants. All versions are housed in an IP65-rated enclosure and share the same physical dimensions, power requirements, and communication protocol.

Key Features

  • Sensor can be easily replaced
  • Digital output for OEM integration
  • IP65-rated enclosure - fully dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets
  • Integral pressure sensor providing compensation for atmospheric pressure changes
  • Digital communication via RS485, allowing the sensor to be mounted remotely from monitoring equipment
  • Available in a wide range of gas variants
  • Long-life sensor with an operating life of up to 50,000 hours
  • Easy integration into larger gas management systems

Following our recent US office relocation, all accounts receivable payments must be directed to our new address:

4153 Bluebonnet Drive, Stafford, TX, 77477

Please update your records accordingly. 

Information

Datasheets & Manuals

Technical Specifications

MEC O2 Sensor

FeatureSpecification
Range0 to 100% (atmospheric pressure), 0 to 3000 mbar (hyperbaric)
Temperature range−5 to 55 °C (23 to 131 °F)
Accuracy (over ±10 °C)±(0.035% O2 + 1% of reading + temperature coefficient), temperature coefficient = 0.4% of reading/°C or 0.22% of reading/ °F
Detection modeelectrochemical
Sensor Life2 years for the electrochemical cell in atmospheric air
Supply voltage5.0 V DC (±0.5 V)

MEC CO Sensor

FeatureSpecification
Range0 to 20 ppm
Temperature range−5 to 55 °C (23 to 131 °F)
Accuracy (over ±10 °C)±(1 ppm CO + 5% of reading + temperature coefficient), temperature coefficient = 0.1 ppm CO/°C + 0.5% of reading/°C or 0.056ppm CO/°F + 0.278% of reading/°F
Detection modeelectrochemical
Sensor Life2 years in operation
Supply voltage5.0 V DC (±0.5 V)

MEC He Sensor

FeatureSpecification
Range0 to 100%
Temperature range−5 to 55 °C (23 to 131 °F)
Accuracy (over ±10 °C)±(2% FS + temperature coefficient), temperature coefficient = 0.05% FS/°C or 0.028% FS/°F
Detection modepellistor
Sensor Lifeup to 5 years
Supply voltage5.0 V DC (±0.1 V)

VOC Sensor

FeatureSpecification
Range0 to 100 ppm
Temperature range−5 to 55 °C (23 to 131 °F)
Accuracy (over ±10 °C)±(1 ppm VOC + 5% of reading + 0.25% of reading °C)
Detection modeAnalox MEC intelligent PID sensor
Sensor Life5,000 hours (~6 months), Cell - 50,000 hours (~5 years)
Supply voltage5.0 V DC (±0.5 V)

Additional Information

Gas Monitoring with the MEC

Oxygen Sensor

The Analox MEC Oxygen (O₂) Sensor is based on the proven 9212 range of electrochemical oxygen sensors.

The sensor operates using the principle of electrochemical galvanic action, generating an electrical current proportional to the amount of oxygen passing through a Teflon membrane. The partial pressure of oxygen present directly affects the absorption rate.

The sensor output is highly resistant to cross-interference, as the membrane and oxygen partial pressure are largely unaffected by most other gases.

Both the 9212 series sensor and the MEC Oxygen (O₂) Sensor itself are field replaceable, helping provide long operating life and cost-effective oxygen monitoring.

Carbon Monoxide Sensor

The Analox MEC CO sensor uses electrochemical sensing technology for carbon monoxide monitoring.

With field-replaceable cells and long sensor life, the MEC CO provides a highly cost-effective solution for continuous CO monitoring.

Integration into larger gas management systems is simplified through a digital serial communications interface.

Helium Sensor

Breathing pure helium (He) can cause asphyxiation within minutes. Inhaling helium from a pressurized cylinder can also cause gas embolisms, where gas bubbles become trapped in blood vessels, potentially leading to vessel rupture and hemorrhage.

The Analox MEC He sensor is ideal for integration into breathing air compressors and gas systems. The sensors are compact, highly accurate, and designed for long operating life.

VOC Sensor

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds with an initial boiling point less than or equal to 250°C at standard atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa). VOC exposure can affect air quality and may damage visual or respiratory health.

Common VOC sources include:

  • Gasoline vapors
  • Paint solvents
  • Air fresheners
  • Construction chemicals such as carpet adhesives
  • Dry-cleaning chemicals
  • Cigarette smoke

Along with airborne particulates, VOCs are considered major contributors to poor indoor and outdoor air quality. Many VOCs are also believed to be carcinogenic at high concentrations or with prolonged exposure.

A Solution for Flexible Integration

Analox understands that many customers prefer to integrate sensors into their own systems rather than purchase a complete monitoring solution. The MEC sensor range was designed specifically for this purpose.

The MEC range is ideal where digital inputs are required. Compact enough to be integrated almost anywhere, each sensor housing includes a gas port and can be installed in series within a gas path using a simple flow adapter.

An integral pressure sensor compensates for atmospheric pressure effects where appropriate, while the MEC design also allows easy replacement of sensor cells.

Analox also uses MEC digital sensors within its own products, including the ACG+.

Note: For monitoring sub-ppm gas levels, the TEC range is also available.

Applications
  • MEC for OEM Integration
  • Armored vehicles
  • Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
  • Laboratories
  • Food and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)
  • Green and environmental sectors
  • Service and maintenance operations
  • Emergency services
  • Manufacturing environments

Obsolete Product Manuals