--- title: Where to Mount a Gas Analyser: Panel, Shelter or Field url: https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/learn/where-to-mount-a-gas-analyser.html description: Choose a location for an online gas analyser: control-room panel, analyser shelter or at the process. updated: 2026-11-02 source: html --- Learn · Installation and integration # Where to mount a gas analyser: panel, shelter or at the process The mounting location is a trade between speed and convenience. Decide it with the sample line in mind. Beginner 3 min read Lesson 1 of 6[Installation and integration](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/learn/track-installation.html) Quick answer Mount an analyser as close to the sample point as practical, in a clean, temperature-stable, accessible place, out of vibration, direct sun and weather. Common choices are a control-room panel, an analyser shelter and a field enclosure at the vessel. Closer means faster response and shorter lines; farther means easier maintenance and better protection. The area classification of the location decides which enclosure is allowed. Updated 2 November 2026 · Figures from Sarvesh datasheets **After this lesson you can** - Compare panel, shelter and field mounting - List the environmental limits that matter - Balance sample line length against maintenance access ## Three common choices | Location | Advantage | Drawback | |---|---|---| | Control-room panel or rack | Clean, climate-controlled, easy to maintain, in view of operators | Long sample line and more lag; sample may need transport | | Analyser shelter or house | Protected, close to several tappings, shared utilities | Cost of the shelter; needs heating, ventilation, sometimes gas detection | | Field mounting at the process | Shortest line, fastest response | Weather, vibration and temperature; hazardous area may apply | A rack analyser such as ACCURRA-S is built for panel or rack mounting. Field locations need a suitable enclosure, and classified areas need a certified one: [Hazardous area gas analysers explained](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/learn/hazardous-area-gas-analysers-explained.html). ## Environment - **Temperature.** Stay within the analyser's ambient limits and avoid direct sun. Condensation can form in cold spots; heated enclosures help. - **Vibration.** Avoid mounting on pumps, fans or pipework that shakes. Vibration loosens fittings and troubles sensors. - **Dust, water and corrosion.** Choose the enclosure rating (IP) for the site. - **Access.** Leave room to open the door, change filters, reach calibration gas connections and read the display. ## Distance and lag Every metre of sample line adds volume and lag. If the analyser must be far from the tapping, reduce pressure near the tapping, use a narrow stainless line and consider a fast loop: [Sample pressure, flow and fast bypass loops](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/learn/sample-pressure-flow-and-bypass-loops.html). See the lag calculator: [Gas sample line lag time calculator](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/calculators/sample-lag-time-calculator.html). ## Area classification The area where you mount the analyser, and the point where the sample is taken, may be classified differently. A safe-area analyser can sit in a safe room and take a sample from a classified tapping through a suitable arrangement, or a certified analyser can sit in the classified area. The decision belongs in the specification, with the drawings: [Hazardous area classification: zones, gas groups, T-Classes](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/learn/hazardous-area-classification-zones-gas-groups-temperature-classes.html). ## Plan for the rest - Cable routes and distance to the control system: [Wiring, grounding and electrical noise for gas analysers](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/learn/wiring-grounding-and-electrical-noise.html). - Utilities: power, instrument air, calibration gas, vent and drain: [Site utilities checklist for gas analysers](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/learn/site-utilities-checklist-for-analysers.html). - Space and lifting for service. **In short** - Mount close to the tapping for speed, in a protected, accessible place for maintenance. - Panel, shelter and field mounting each trade speed against convenience. - Check ambient temperature, vibration, ingress rating and access. - Area classification decides the allowed enclosure. ## Check your understanding Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the answer. Recalling an answer teaches more than rereading. **What is the main cost of mounting an analyser far from the sample point?** Longer sample lines, which add lag and more opportunity for leaks and condensation. **Why avoid mounting on vibrating pipework?** Vibration loosens fittings, causing leaks, and can disturb sensors. **Who decides if a certified enclosure is needed?** The area classification of the location, set in the project's hazardous-area documents. ## Key terms - [Analyser house (shelter)](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/learn/glossary.html#t-analyser-house-shelter) - [Enclosure rating (IP)](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/learn/glossary.html#t-enclosure-rating-ip) - [Ambient temperature](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/learn/glossary.html#t-ambient-temperature) - [Zone 1 / Zone 2](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/learn/glossary.html#t-zone-1-zone-2) ## Frequently asked questions **Can an ACCURRA-S be field mounted?** It is built for panel or rack mounting. For field use, ask about an enclosure suited to the site. **How far can the analyser be from the sample point?** As far as the acceptable lag allows; use a fast loop for long runs. **Do analysers need heating in winter?** Ambient limits apply; in cold sites a heated shelter or enclosure avoids condensation. **What IP rating do I need?** Choose by the dust and water exposure at the site; indoors IP20 to IP54 is common, outdoors IP65 or higher. ## Related products [ ### ACCURRA-S Online analyser for trace, percent and purity O2, CO, CO2, CH4 and dew point; can measure two gases from one sample. View ACCURRA-S ](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/safe-gas-analyser.html)[ ### ACCURRA-Hz Process gas analyser in an enclosure certified for Gas Group IIC, Zone 1 and 2, T6. View ACCURRA-Hz ](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/hazardous-gas-analysers.html) ## Where this applies - [Gas purity certification and cylinder filling](https://www.sarveshanalytics.com/applications/gas-purity-certification-and-cylinder-filling.html)