MSA Ultima X / XE / XIR to ULTIMA X5000 Cross Reference & Retrofit Guide
MSA has discontinued the Ultima X Series gas monitors — including the Ultima X, Ultima XE, and Ultima XIR — and designated the ULTIMA X5000 as the replacement platform. The good news for plants running legacy Ultima transmitters: MSA designed the X5000 with an identical mounting footprint and compatible wiring, so most retrofits reuse the existing conduit, wiring, and mounting location. Power compatibility should still be verified per installation.
What doesn’t carry over one-for-one is the ordering logic. The X5000 uses XCell sensor technology with different sensor part numbers, supports dual-sensor configurations, and replaces several distinct legacy models with configuration options on a single platform. The table below maps each discontinued Ultima X-series model and gas type to the equivalent X5000 configuration, with notes on sensors, HART/communication options, and what changes at commissioning.
A retrofit consideration worth planning for: TruCal-equipped H₂S and CO sensors extend calibration intervals up to 24 months, which changes your maintenance schedule — often the strongest budget argument for making the switch rather than hunting down legacy spares.
TCI Supply stocks MSA fixed gas detection and sources discontinued Ultima-series spares while you plan the transition. Send us your existing model and sensor part numbers and we’ll quote both paths: the X5000 retrofit and the legacy repair.
Table of Contents
1. Upgrading Legacy MSA Gas Detection
The ULTIMA X5000 represents a generational leap over the legacy Ultima X series, bringing dual-sensor capability in a single housing, Bluetooth connectivity via the X/S Connect App, and advanced diagnostic features. While the physical retrofit is largely a drop-in replacement, mapping your existing Ultima configurations to the correct X5000 ordering matrix is critical to ensuring your new system meets your plant’s specific gas detection requirements.
Note: The tables below serve as an engineering guide for modernization. All X5000 builds are custom-configured to order. Consult with a TCI Supply Application Engineer to verify exact part numbers against your legacy installation.
2. Legacy Ultima X / XE / XIR to X5000 Configuration Mapping
| Legacy Model & Gas Type | X5000 Replacement Configuration | Configuration / Commissioning Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ultima XA / XE (Toxic: H₂S, CO) | ULTIMA X5000 w/ XCell Toxic Sensor | XCell sensors feature TruCal logic, allowing up to 24-month calibration intervals. Includes Diffusion Supervision to detect sensor blockages. |
| Ultima XIR (Combustible: IR) | ULTIMA X5000 w/ XIR PLUS Sensor | Upgraded optical IR path. Verify target gas (e.g., Methane, Propane) during part number configuration. |
| Ultima XA / XE (Combustible: Catalytic Bead) | ULTIMA X5000 w/ XCell Combustible Sensor | Lower power consumption than legacy models. Note: X5000 allows adding a second sensor to the same transmitter body. |
| Ultima X / XE (Oxygen) | ULTIMA X5000 w/ XCell O₂ Sensor | 0-25% standard range. SafeSwap feature allows under-power sensor replacement without area declassification. |
3. Legacy Sensor to XCell Sensor Cross Reference
| Legacy Sensor Target (Ultima P/N series) | X5000 XCell Sensor Equivalent | Features & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toxic: H₂S (e.g., A-ULTX-SENS-17-x) | XCell H₂S Sensor | TruCal active monitoring standard. Matches exact range matrix requirements. |
| Toxic: CO (e.g., A-ULTX-SENS-15-x) | XCell CO Sensor | TruCal active monitoring standard. Matches exact range matrix requirements. |
| Oxygen: O₂ (e.g., A-ULTX-SENS-14-x) | XCell Oxygen Sensor | Improved expected sensor lifespan vs legacy lead-based sensors. |
| Combustible: LEL IR (e.g., 11111 Series) | XIR PLUS Infrared Sensor | Gas curve options available (Methane, Propane, etc.). 10-year source warranty. |
4. Retrofit Accessories & Commissioning Notes
| Component | Application / X5000 Note | Required Action |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting & Conduit | X5000 shares identical footprint to legacy Ultima X units. | Reuse existing mounting bracket and conduit entries; zero panel/pipe modifications needed. |
| SM5000 Sampling Module | Designed exclusively to work with X5000 and legacy XE. | Verify sampling pump flow parameters if porting from an older pumped system. |
| Relay Board (Fault/Warn/Alarm) | Optional expansion on X5000 (3x SPDT). | Confirm relay configurations during the ordering process if your legacy unit controlled local horns/strobes. |
| Remote Calibration Adapter | CalGard Remote Calibration Adapter available. | Recommended addition for hard-to-reach X5000 sensors (e.g., elevated ceiling mounts). |
5. Source Reference Documents & Resources
Source Reference Documents:
- This cross-reference mapping is compiled by TCI Supply based on MSA’s published discontinuation notices and ULTIMA X5000 configuration manuals. As all MSA X5000 units are configured to order, please route your legacy part numbers through our engineering team for final validation.
Related Resources & Categories:
6. Source Your Conversion Hardware From TCI Supply
We ship these products worldwide! Delivery is normally stock. Request a Quote now or call us at 1-800-755-2883 for expert assistance.
Cross-references are provided as a selection aid. Not all listed replacements are exact drop-in matches — verify voltage, timing, mounting, and wiring requirements against the original before ordering, or call us and we’ll verify it with you.