Honeywell vs Crowcon Fixed Gas Detection

Introduction – Honeywell vs Crowcon

When it comes to fixed gas detection, two of the most trusted names in the industry are Honeywell and Crowcon. Both offer a wide range of reliable, accurate, and durable gas detection solutions, but which is best for your specific application? At Rockall Safety, we’re proud to be authorised resellers of both brands. This guide will help you compare the key features, strengths, and considerations of each to help you make the best choice for your workplace.

About Honeywell International Inc

Honeywell International Inc. is a global technology and manufacturing leader, widely recognised for developing innovative solutions across a range of critical sectors. As a diversified industrial company, Honeywell delivers advanced technologies designed to solve complex challenges in energy, safety, security, productivity, and sustainability, all while supporting the demands of modern global urbanisation.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Honeywell operates through a broad portfolio that spans energy-efficient products, process automation, advanced materials, specialty chemicals, and sensing technologies. Its offering includes cutting-edge gas detection systems, safety solutions, productivity-enhancing tools, and high-performance components used across a variety of industrial environments.

In addition to its wide range of products, Honeywell provides comprehensive services including system management, technical consulting, repair, overhaul, and long-term maintenance support. Its customer base includes key players in aerospace, building management, petrochemicals, refining, manufacturing, and infrastructure development across North America, Europe, and globally.

With a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and integrated system solutions, Honeywell continues to lead in advancing workplace safety, environmental monitoring, and operational efficiency across the industries it serves.

About Crowcon

With over 50 years of industry expertise, Crowcon has become a trusted name in gas detection technology, helping protect over 25 million lives annually. Their award-winning systems provide reliable, real-time gas detection when it matters most, ensuring the safety of both people and property.

At Crowcon, their core focus is on advanced gas detection and fire hazard management. Through continuous innovation and cutting-edge research, they develop technologies designed to safeguard lives worldwide. It is estimated that every year, over 25 million lives are protected by Crowcon’s solutions, reflecting their global commitment to safety across various industries.

As part of the Halma Group plc, Crowcon benefits from being part of a broader network of organisations dedicated to delivering world-class safety, health, and environmental technologies. This enables them to support a diverse range of industries and provide integrated solutions that enhance operational safety on a global scale.

Crowcon’s success is underpinned by their commitment to a shared common purpose and a set of core principles. They focus on leveraging the collective strength of their people, recognising the unique contributions each individual makes, and cultivating a culture that fosters growth, collaboration, and innovation. This approach allows their teams to thrive, contributing to the long-term success of the company.

It is this strong foundation of people-focused principles and continuous technological advancement that has driven Crowcon’s success in the past and will continue to propel them forward as a leader in safety technology into the future.

Honeywell Fixed Gas Product Range

Sensepoint XRL
Midas®-M
Searchline Excel™ Plus
Searchline Excel™ Edge
Searchpoint Optima Plus
SearchZone Sonik™
Sensepoint XCL
Sensepoint XCD
XNX Universal Transmitter

Crowcon Fixed Gas Product Range

IR Plus
XgardIQ
Xgard Bright
Xgard
TXgard IS+
SMART S-MS MED
Smart 3G-c3
Smart 3G-D2
Smart P
Smart 3-R

Comparing Two Popular Fixed Gas Detectors

The Crowcon Xgard IQ and Honeywell XNX Universal Transmitter and two popular fixed gas detectors used across multiple industries. Today, we are going to compare the two:

Honeywell vs Crowcon Product Comparison

Features	Honeywell XNX Universal Transmitter	Crowcon Xgard IQ
Dimensions	159 x 197 x 113.8 mm (6.138 x 7.75 x 4.48 inches)	H278 x W140 x D89mm (10.9 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches)
Weight	2.27 kg (5 lb) Aluminium	4.1kg (9lbs)
Enclosure Material	LM25 Aluminium (SS316 painted optional)	316 Stainless Steel
Ingress Protection	IP66	IP66
Connection / Cable Ports	Five (2 right, 2 left, 1 bottom) in ¾” NPT or M25	Three M20 or ½” NPT cable gland entries
Power / Operating Voltage	EC/mV: 16V to 32V DC (24V nominal) IR: 18V to 32V DC (24V nominal)	14-30V DC, 4W max
Display	Custom backlit LCD, magnetic wand access	OLED 128 x 64 pixels, yellow text on black background
Electrical Output	HART over 3-wire 4-20mA (sink, source, isolated) NAMUR NE43 compliant	4-20mA current sink/source (Auto-Sense/manual) RS-485 Modbus RTU HART 7 over 4-20mA (optional) Foundation Fieldbus (pending)
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +75°C (-40°F to 167°F)	-40°C to +75°C (-40°F to 167°F)

Honeywell XNX Universal Transmitter Gases:

HCl – Hydrogen Chloride
H₂S (Low) – Hydrogen Sulfide
SO₂ – Sulfur Dioxide
SO₂ (High) – Sulfur Dioxide (High Range)
NH₃ – Ammonia
NH₃ (High) – Ammonia (High Range)
Cl₂ – Chlorine
Cl₂ (High) – Chlorine (High Range)
ClO₂ – Chlorine Dioxide
NO – Nitrogen Monoxide
NO₂ – Nitrogen Dioxide
H₂ – Hydrogen
H₂ (High) – Hydrogen (High Range)
HF – Hydrogen Fluoride
PH₃ – Phosphine
O₂ – Oxygen
CO – Carbon Monoxide

Crowcon Xgard IQ Gases:

$C_{2} H_{2}$ – Acetylene
$N H_{3}$ – Ammonia
Ar – Argon
$A s H_{3}$ – Arsine
$B r_{2}$ – Bromine
$C_{4} H_{10}$ – Butane
$C O_{2}$ – Carbon dioxide
CO – Carbon monoxide
$C l_{2}$ – Chlorine
$Cl O_{2}$ – Chlorine dioxide
$B_{2} H_{6}$ – Diborane
$C_{2} H_{6}$ – Ethane
$C_{2} H_{4}$ – Ethylene
$C_{2} H_{4} O$ – Ethylene oxide
$F_{2}$ – Fluorine
$G e H_{4}$ – Germane
He – Helium
$H_{2}$ – Hydrogen
HCl – Hydrogen chloride
HCN – Hydrogen cyanide
HF – Hydrogen fluoride
$H_{2} S$ – Hydrogen sulphide
LPG – Liquefied Petroleum Gas
$C H_{4}$ – Methane
NO – Nitric Oxide
$N O_{2}$ – Nitrogen dioxide
$O_{3}$ – Ozone
$O_{2}$ – Oxygen
$C_{5} H_{12}$ – Pentane
Petrol vapour
$COC l_{2}$ – Phosgene
$P H_{3}$ – Phosphine
$C_{3} H_{8}$ – Propane
$S i H_{4}$ – Silane
$S O_{2}$ – Sulphur Dioxide
$C_{2} H_{3} Cl$ – Vinyl chloride (VCM)
VOCs – Volatile organics

Conclusion – Honeywell vs Crowcon

Both the Crowcon Xgard IQ and the Honeywell XNX Universal Transmitter are robust fixed gas detectors designed for use in industrial environments and potentially hazardous areas; however, they present distinct features that may make one more suitable than the other depending on the specific application requirements. Regarding similarities, both units share a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +75°C (-40°F to +167°F) for the transmitter itself, making them suitable for harsh environmental conditions, and they both offer an IP66 rating, ensuring a high level of protection against dust and water ingress. Furthermore, both operate within a similar DC voltage range (Crowcon: 14-30V DC, Honeywell: 16-32V DC or 18-32V DC depending on the version), and both offer a 4-20mA output and RS-485 Modbus RTU as standard, with optional HART communication available for both. Finally, both hold ATEX and IECEx certifications for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Key differences emerge in areas such as enclosure material and weight, where the Crowcon Xgard IQ uses a 316 stainless steel enclosure weighing approximately 4.1 kg (9 lbs), while the Honeywell XNX offers a choice of LM25 painted aluminum alloy (2.8 kg / 6.2 lbs) or 316 stainless steel (5 kg / 11 lbs), providing flexibility based on weight and corrosion resistance needs. The displays also differ, with the Crowcon Xgard IQ featuring a bright OLED display and a blue “+Ve Safety LED” indicator, and the Honeywell XNX utilizing a custom backlit LCD with a magnetic wand interface. In terms of cable entries, the Crowcon Xgard IQ has three M20 or ½” NPT entries, whereas the Honeywell XNX provides five conduit/cable entries (2 right, 2 left, 1 bottom) in M25 or ¾” NPT sizes. While both offer 4-20mA and Modbus outputs, the Honeywell XNX also has Foundation Fieldbus as a pending option and more detailed configuration options for the 4-20mA output. Regarding relays, both offer optional modules, with similar contact ratings. The Honeywell XNX explicitly states compatibility with all of Honeywell Analytics’ gas sensor technologies, offering a broader range from a single manufacturer, while the Crowcon Xgard IQ is compatible with Crowcon’s full range and features auto-sense and auto-configure functionality. Notably, the Crowcon Xgard IQ is SIL2 certified, emphasising its suitability for safety-critical applications, whereas the Honeywell XNX has a SIL assessment to IEC61508 SIL 2. Finally, the Crowcon Xgard IQ emphasises user-friendliness with non-intrusive calibration and simple sensor replacement, while the Honeywell XNX uses a magnetic wand for configuration.

In conclusion, both the Crowcon Xgard IQ and the Honeywell XNX Universal Transmitter are high-quality gas detectors with robust features, and the choice between them will likely depend on specific application needs. If a bright OLED display with a clear safety indicator and SIL2 certification are critical, along with ease of maintenance, the Crowcon Xgard IQ is a strong contender. Conversely, if flexibility in enclosure material, a higher number of cable entries, and explicit compatibility with a wider range of Honeywell sensors are prioritised, the Honeywell XNX Universal Transmitter may be more suitable. Ultimately, a detailed evaluation of the specific gas detection requirements, the existing infrastructure, and the preferred maintenance procedures will guide the optimal selection between these two capable gas transmitters.