Q. Is Pocket CO just a "toy" or a "gadget"?
Don't be misled by its small size and low cost! Pocket CO is a top of the line instrument. The electrochemical CO sensor inside is professional grade, and inside its tiny case is an advanced computer processor that ensures reliable measurements.
Q. How does Pocket CO compare to a common plug-in CO detector?
Plug-in CO detectors should be your first defense against CO at home, and we recommend having one or more of them in your house. They are available at most hardware and drug stores.
Pocket CO is every bit as effective and sensitive as these detectors, but has these added advantages:
- Pocket CO is small, and can be taken anywhere you need protection.
- Pocket CO responds and alarms quickly to elevated CO levels. Plug-in detectors must comply with UL standards, which state that they can alarm only after minutes to hours of continuous CO exposure (for example, 10-50 minutes at 150ppm). These standards are designed to avoid false alarms.
- Pocket CO is ideal for monitoring low-levels of CO in your breathing space, perfect for individuals who may be exposed to CO in their line of work, or who are very sensitive to CO.
- Pocket CO collects and reports dosimetry information over a period as long as 12 hours. This helps employers and employees monitor average, maximum, and total CO exposure throughout the day. It's also useful for those who think CO may be leaking into their home at a certain time of day, and want to know when.
- Pocket CO's ability to detect low-levels of CO makes it easy to test using a source of CO, such as a blown-out paper match, or CO bump kit. Most plug-in detectors have a "Push to Test" button, but this only tests the audible alarm, and not the CO sensing element (which can expire after a few years).
Q. How often should I calibrate my Pocket CO?
The reading from a chemical sensor, such as the sensor in Pocket CO, can drift with environment and time. Thus for highest accuracy readings, one needs to calibrate Pocket CO periodically with a standard gas. KWJ Engineering, the manufacturer of Pocket CO, strongly recommends calibrating Pocket CO at least once per year, or whenever the accuracy of the reading is critical. Learn more about how to calibrate your Pocket CO.
