which CO meter?

 
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Post by gardener » Tue. Oct. 30, 2018 9:30 am

Does anyone own / use a carbon monoxide meter (not alarm, not detector) ???
If so, what brand / model?

I have been wanting a carbon monoxide meter, and there are a number available, but which is the most reliable and/or accurate?

I already have two carbon monoxide detectors/alarms, but would like an ongoing measurement of the parts per million, especially in the low range, like single digit PPMs.

Kidde makes alarms with a digital readout of the PPM, but the readout is not a function of accuracy but more an indication of what level of threat the alarm is detecting and correlates with the beep sequence. Most of their models with digital displays their literature says 30-999 PPM for the display. Also "The unit shall provide accuracy of ±20% +15 ppm when reading CO concentration levels." which is no where near the accuracy of a meter.

The shopping I have done for meters, it seems the meters in the price range of $75-$150 seem to be used as a backup alarm by various technicians while working and often measuring with another more expensive meter. It seems most use a model in $150 -$200, unless their job responsibilities are somehow reliant on knowing with certainty the CO PPM, like a fireman, then they may have a professional meter. I see that Fluke has a meter, but it is $400+; all CO meters the sensor is only reliable for three years, but Fluke's meter the sensor can be replaced. Professional meters can be in the thousands of dollars.

I see that REED Instruments R9400 claims "Accuracy ±5% or ±5 ppm" between 32° to 122°F, and it is around $190. After some digging, I found that Klein Tools ET110, which around $100, is ±5% or ±5 ppm between 59° to 77°F, otherwise ±10% or ±10 ppm between 32° to 122°F. If measuring around the stove, I wonder if I can let it sit in the other room, then take a measurement around the stove before the sensor heats up... Maybe it worth it to pay for the REED.


 
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Post by freetown fred » Tue. Oct. 30, 2018 11:52 am

Hate to sound like the grimm reaper--BUT--if you're gonna get anal about measuring CO--ya get what ya pay for. I've got a plug in/battery back up that has a digital read out--KIDDE--Nighthawk

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Post by gardener » Tue. Oct. 30, 2018 1:10 pm

Kidde Nighthawk (with or without digital display) <==> carbon monoxide alarm <==> not a carbon monoxide meter

 
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Post by coalnewbie » Tue. Oct. 30, 2018 2:16 pm

I have four areas with coal stoves and yes I also take this seriously. One installed next to Sunny. The other three will take their places by the end of the day. All dated as I forget.

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Post by freetown fred » Tue. Oct. 30, 2018 2:52 pm

We all take it real seriously--Simon, what does the N stand for--mine is 3 yrs old--are yours newer versions?

 
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Post by freetown fred » Tue. Oct. 30, 2018 3:16 pm

G, it is a meter/alarm combo
gardener wrote:
Tue. Oct. 30, 2018 1:10 pm
Kidde Nighthawk (with or without digital display) <==> carbon monoxide alarm <==> not a carbon monoxide meter

 
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Post by titleist1 » Tue. Oct. 30, 2018 4:16 pm

I understand you are looking for a meter, not a digital monitor like a nighthawk or alarm. However, the nighthawk will give you a CO level below its alarm point. I will see 12 or 15 on mine when i do the 30 second vacuum of the flue pipe without shutting down (shame on me!) I don't know the accuracy or repeatability but it will register a reading at those low levels.


 
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Post by gardener » Wed. Oct. 31, 2018 8:52 am

I was trying to get responses about what CO meters people have/use, not including Kidde products.

I don't speak for Kidde, but the reading I did back when I shopped for CO alarm/detectors, the Kidde units that have digital displays the sensor cannot accurately detect below 30 PPM, so any number less than 30 is an estimation by the hardware. Even above 30 PPM, the Kidde units have an accuracy range of ±20% +15 ppm, which is why they probably do not advertise them as meters.

Kidde has the ultra sensitive carbon monoxide alarm (KN-COU-B) that can detect down to 10 PPM. Its manual says "This monitor will display a “0” if CO concentrations between 0 and 10 PPM have been detected within the last 15 seconds."

I am interested in getting measurements in single digits, with better than 20% accuracy, which requires a meter. As far as alarms / detectors Kidde products fit the bill, but thats not what I was asking about.

 
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Post by freetown fred » Wed. Oct. 31, 2018 9:05 am

Seems like you're lookin for total accuracy AND inexpensive--LOL---good luck G. .>)

 
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Post by Lightning » Wed. Oct. 31, 2018 10:31 am

I'm not sure why all the concern/need for such accurate CO measurements. Your CO detectors will let you know well in advance of any danger, won't they?

 
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Post by freetown fred » Wed. Oct. 31, 2018 11:22 am

That's OK Lee--I've never been sure why you got all the gadgets & gizmo's on your beast!!! LOL Just things to play with is what I've come up with, plus they look KOOL. :)

 
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Post by Lightning » Wed. Oct. 31, 2018 11:43 am

freetown fred wrote:
Wed. Oct. 31, 2018 11:22 am
That's OK Lee--I've never been sure why you got all the gadgets & gizmo's on your beast!!! LOL Just things to play with is what I've come up with, plus they look KOOL. :)
Well thanks Fred. I mean yeah measuring things is important but I don't really need to know down to a tenth of a degree lol.

 
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Post by freetown fred » Wed. Oct. 31, 2018 12:11 pm

.>) Indeed---:)

 
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Post by Keepaeyeonit » Wed. Oct. 31, 2018 4:02 pm

Hey Gardener, I have a Fluke CO-220 works good but I don't use it much just don't drop it or you will see 1st hand why I have rubber bands around it :D
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Post by gardener » Wed. Oct. 31, 2018 4:43 pm

Lightning wrote: I'm not sure why all the concern/need for such accurate CO measurements. Your CO detectors will let you know well in advance of any danger, won't they?
I'm not concerned, nor have a need. I am curious, which is why I want one.

Keepaeyeonit wrote: Hey Gardener, I have a Fluke CO-220 works good but I don't use it much just don't drop it or you will see 1st hand why I have rubber bands around it
Thanks Keepaeyeonit!
I've got other Fluke tools and I like'em alot. I don't expect to use one I get much either, which is why I am/was considering something less expensive than the Fluke, even though the Fluke is superior. Think I may save up for the Fluke anyway ;)


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