VSP-005 fits the legacy VESDA VLP, VLS, VLC and VLF detectors. VSP-962 fits the VESDA-E VEP, VEU and VES. The VEA takes VSP-972 and the VLI takes VSP-030. Xtralis ties replacement to the environment: every 12 to 60 months for VSP-005, and every two years or on a filter fault for VSP-962.
Which filter cartridge fits which VESDA detector?
The legacy and VESDA-E cartridges are different parts and do not interchange. Go by the detector model on the approvals label.
| Detector | Filter (single) | Bulk pack | Xtralis document |
|---|---|---|---|
| VESDA VLP, VLS, VLC, VLF | VSP-005 | VSP-025 (20 cartridges) | Filter cartridge data sheet 13996 |
| VESDA-E VEP, VEU, VES | VSP-962 | VSP-962-20 (20 cartridges) | VEP, VEU and VES data sheets |
| VESDA-E VEA | VSP-972 | None listed | VEA data sheet |
| VESDA VLI | VSP-030 Intelligent Filter (VSP-031 is the secondary foam filter) | None listed | VLI data sheet |
| Any Xtralis aspirating detector, in the pipe run | In-line filter housing VSP-850-G (grey) or VSP-850-R (red) | Elements: VSP-855-4 and VSP-855-20 | In-line filter data sheet 17240 |
The in-line filter is an extra stage for dirty sites, fitted in the sampling pipe ahead of the detector. It does not replace the cartridge inside the detector.
How often should a VESDA filter be replaced?
There is no single number. Xtralis says the service interval depends on the environment, and recommends replacing on schedule even if no filter fault has been raised.
VSP-005 (VLP, VLS, VLC, VLF). The Xtralis filter replacement guide gives these intervals:
| Environment class | Typical site | Replace the filter |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sealed, HEPA-filtered spaces: clean rooms, restricted-access computer rooms | At least every 60 months |
| 2 | Enclosed, usually air-conditioned: offices, telecom and switch rooms, malls, general warehouses | At least every 36 months |
| 3 | As class 2 in heavily polluted regions with unfiltered outside air; light industrial; prison cells | At least every 24 months |
| 4 | Partly enclosed, no air conditioning: loading bays, dusty production, underground platforms | At least every 18 months |
| 5 | Open sites with visible airborne particles: coal-fired power stations, waste treatment, tunnels, bus terminals | At least every 12 months |
| 6 | Special cases: fumigation, corrosive atmospheres, cement, textile, welding, oily or steamy processes | Monitor closely for the first 3 to 6 months, then set a schedule |
The detector also counts. Per the Xtralis replacement instructions, a legacy detector raises a minor fault when the filter reaches 80% of its capacity and an urgent fault at 120%. The service interval can be changed with the LCD Programmer or Xtralis VSC software.
VSP-962 (VEP, VEU, VES). The VESDA-E VEU product guide recommends replacing the filter every two years, or when a filter fault occurs, and more often in highly contaminated environments. The default filter service interval in that guide is 731 days and is configurable. The VESDA-E filter is a smart cartridge that retains its dust count and remaining life. We took the two-year figure from the VEU guide; the VEP and VES use the same cartridge, but read the guide for your model.
What is the replacement procedure, and does the filter counter need resetting?
On legacy detectors, yes: the detector must be told a new filter is in. Xtralis' instructions for the VSP-005 keep the detector powered during the change and treat the cartridge as single use. It cannot be cleaned and refitted.
| Detector | Steps in the Xtralis instructions | How the new filter is registered |
|---|---|---|
| VLP, VLS | Slide off the filter cover, undo the recessed screw, pull the cartridge (the aspirator stops), fit the new one, tighten, refit the cover. | Reset the filter counter with the LCD Programmer or a PC running Xtralis VSC. |
| VLC | Open the front cover, undo the filter screw, lift out the cartridge, fit the new one, tighten, close. | Log on and run Reset Filter Settings: by PC on the RO version, by LCD Programmer or HLI on the VESDAnet (VN) version. |
| VLF | Open the field service door, hold Disable for 6 seconds to enter Standby, undo the retaining screw, pull the filter. | Press the filter switch in the recess 5 times within 5 seconds before inserting the new filter, then hold Disable for 6 seconds to return to normal. |
| VEU (VESDA-E) | Open the door, press the release, tilt the cartridge to the left on its hinge pins and lift it out. Seat the new one and press until it clicks. | The 24 VDC supply stays on; the detector stops the aspirator and signals a fault while the filter is out. The procedure in the guide has no reset step; a filter reset exists as an administrator function in the software. |
Before you start, tell the monitoring station that the detector will be in fault or disabled, clear dust from around the filter, and write the install date on the cartridge label.
One more check on VSP-005 stock and installed filters. Xtralis ran a replacement program for cartridges made from December 2017 to September 2019, identified by a pink or purple replacement label. Cartridges supplied from October 2019 carry a blue label. If a detector still has a pink or purple filter, replace it.
Single cartridge or 20-pack?
VSP-025 is twenty VSP-005 cartridges, and VSP-962-20 is twenty VSP-962 cartridges. The cartridge is the same in each case. Buy singles for one or two detectors and the pack when you service a site or a route. For the VEA and VLI filters we found single-item codes only.
How are VESDA sampling pipes cleaned?
Pipe maintenance is on the same schedule as the filter. The VEU product guide's maintenance table includes checking the pipe network and pipe flow, a pipe-integrity smoke test, cleaning the sampling points and flushing the pipe network, and it says the frequency depends on local codes and the environment. It also recommends putting the detector in Standby while you work on the pipe network or sampling points.
For the VLI, Xtralis publishes a back-flush method: valves near the detector isolate it so the pipe network can be cleared with a vacuum or with compressed air, with the frequency set from the site's background level. For other models, follow the product guide for that detector. The Xtralis filter guide suggests an overall maintenance period of 6 to 24 months depending on environment class and notes that codes typically call for 12-month service intervals.
What to order
All cartridges and in-line elements are in the filters collection; detectors and pipe parts are in the VESDA collection. For a service contract quantity or a mix of legacy and VESDA-E filters, request a quote. In-stock orders placed by 3 PM ET ship the same business day.
Inspection, testing and maintenance must follow NFPA 72, the manufacturer's product guide and the local AHJ.
Sources
- Xtralis, VESDA Filter Cartridge VSP-005, VSP-025 data sheet, Doc. No. 13996_04, September 2024: xtralis.com/file/832
- Xtralis, VESDA Filter Replacement, Doc. No. 32694_04, August 2021: xtralis.com/file/1039
- Xtralis Technical Tip, VSP-005 Filter Cartridge Replacement Instructions, Doc 09849_02 (copy hosted by a distributor): msr-tec.at
- Xtralis Product Bulletin, VL Series Filter Replacement Program, Doc 35720_00, March 2020 (published by Johnson Controls / Zettler as TIB 1105): docs.johnsoncontrols.com
- Xtralis, VESDA-E Filters product page (VSP-962, VSP-962-20, VSP-972): xtralis.com
- Xtralis, VESDA-E VEU-A00 Product Guide, Doc. No. 22061_15, August 2021: prod-edam.honeywell.com
- Xtralis, VESDA-E VEP (UL 268 7th Ed.) data sheet, Doc. No. 36106_07, July 2025: xtralis.com/file/12015
- Xtralis, VESDA-E VEA data sheet, Doc. No. 22210_09: prod-edam.honeywell.com
- Xtralis, Industrial VESDA VLI data sheet, Doc. No. 17115_21: xtralis.com/file/707
- Xtralis In-Line Filter VSP-850 data sheet, Doc. No. 17240_06, August 2022: xtralis.com/file/641
- Xtralis, VESDA VLI Pipe Network Back Flush Application Note, Doc. No. 19827_06, August 2022: xtralis.com/file/7389