Dear MSA Customer,

The global market for electronic components is going through an unprecedented and tumultuous period. Virtually all industries have been impacted, MSA has not been immune to this. The volatility of the supply chain along with pandemic related labour interruptions has forced MSA to temporarily extend the standard lead time for the ALTAIR 5X product line from 5 days to 60 days. However, MSA is doing everything in our power to reduce or eliminate supply chain constraints to ship as soon as realistically possible. In addition to the lead time extension, there are additional updates below:

ALTAIR 5X & ALTAIR 5X PID Color Display Update:

Due to the diligence of the MSA Global Sourcing team, we were able to secure a significant supply of necessary components to resume production of the ALTAIR 5X with color display and ALTAIR 5X PID (which includes a color display). This is a reversal of the messaging from Q4 2021 where we communicated that the color display would be discontinued.

ATO instrument type “B” and “D” will be reactivated along with all associated part numbers. MSA will begin to accept orders January 18, 2022 for all color display variants of the ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X PID.

MSA will be capable to ship color display versions of the ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X PID under standard lead times.

Please note that the long term availability of the color display is uncertain. MSA will be opportunistic and offer it when available, however, future supply issues may continue to occur.

ALTAIR 5X Monochrome Display Update:

There has been a temporary supply chain interruption for the 5X monochrome display. All ALTAIR 5X orders placed before January 25th (approximated date) will be fulfilled under standard lead times. Any order placed after January 25th delivery will be delayed until approximately late-May.

The ALTAIR 5X with a color display should be used as a replacement for all versions of the ALTAIR 5X with monochrome display except the ALTAIR 5X MINING and ALTAIR 5X with IR sensor versions. The mining and IR version will experience increased lead times and do not have color display alternatives available. All other mono-to-color equivalents are captured on the table on the final page of this document.

ALTAIR 5X PID with Monochrome Display Launch Update:

As an addition to our ALTAIR 5X offering, MSA is still planning to launch a monochrome version of the ALTAIR 5X PID. The expected launch is in May 2022.

ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X PID Product Line future:

The ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X PID are high priority product lines and we will continue to do our best to support both the monochrome and color variants in the foreseeable future. However, the monochrome display version is the preferred variant due to the more stable supply chain. All versions of the ALTAIR 5X line including the 5X, 5X IR, 5X PID, and 5X MINING are available with a monochrome display.

Warranty and Service Implications:

Color Display Replacements (10148366-SP & 10148366) may become available again for service in late Q1/early Q2 as the supply permits.

Monochrome Display Replacements (10111389) will continue to be available, but may experience supply interruptions in the first half of 2022.

The ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X PID will continue to be serviceable, both in-warranty and out-of-warranty.

If a display needs serviced on an ALTAIR 5X, MSA will attempt to replace it with the same type that was previously installed, however if supply issues occur, a service center is capable of making the following replacements:

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by these global supply chain issues. Please be assured that MSA is committed to maintaining continuity of supply for your gas detection needs in the best way possible and will continue to communicate changes in the market if they occur. We truly appreciate your continued support and patience. Should you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact MSA Customer Service.

View the Official Notice Here

Kind regards,

Anthony Bafile

Global Product Line Manager

Portable Gas Detection