How to Choose a Breath Alcohol Tester for Your Site

Why the Sensor Type Matters in Every Test

Only a fuel cell sensor responds specifically to ethanol. Semiconductor sensors react to solvents, smoke and acetone, which causes false positives. A fuel cell produces a current proportional to ethanol concentration, making the result defensible in a dispute. All ALCOKSON handhelds, terminals and interlocks use fuel cell sensors, not semiconductor ones.

What Accuracy Means at Different BAC Levels

The published accuracy is +/-0.005 percent at 0.05 percent BAC. It is established at 0.008 percent and 0.032 percent BAC. No accuracy is published above 0.032 percent BAC. This means the device is calibrated and verified within a specific range, not across the full scale.

Read the Breath Alcohol Tester ALC-215 specification →

How Fast the Device Delivers Results

Warm up takes 10 to 15 seconds. Blowing time is about 6 seconds at 10 L/min. The result appears in under 10 seconds. A repeat test can be performed in under 60 seconds. This allows high throughput at gate checks or shift starts.

Read the Breath Alcohol Tester ALC-213 specification →

What to Track in the Field

Each device has a test counter and memory for the last 5 records. The display shows HI when above the upper range. Audible alerts and LCD colour change indicate alarm threshold exceedance. These features help verify test integrity during operations.

How to Plan for Recalibration

Recalibration is required every 500 tests or one year, whichever comes first, for handhelds. For interlocks, it is every 12 months. The alarm point is set at the service centre and cannot be changed in the field. Plan service around the test count, not just the calendar.

Read the Alcohol Interlock ALC-303 specification →

What to Ask a Supplier for in Writing

Specify the sensor type, accuracy at a defined BAC level, recalibration interval in tests and months, alarm point options, and whether the device supports body temperature or facial recognition. For ALCOKSON, this includes fuel cell sensor, +/-0.005% at 0.05% BAC, 500 tests or 1 year, and selectable 0.02%, 0.05%, or 0.08% alarm points.