A Breathalyser is a wise investment to help ensure the safety of you and those around you. Acohol absorbtion is affected by many factors (such as weight, muscle mass, and recently consumed food or beverages) meaning it’s impossible to accurately gauge intoxication level without a measurement tool like a breathalyser. People are often surprised when they measure their alcohol levels, particularly on different occasions after the same amount of alcohol is consumed
Why do I need a breathalyser?
How does a breathalyser work?
When you consume alcohol, your body immediately absorbs the alcohol through your mouth, stomach and intestines. This alcohol is rapidly distributed into your blood which goes on to affect your central nervous system. The human liver acts as a filter for the bloodstream. Alcohol is removed from the body and passed through the alveoli in the lungs. With each breath, some alcohol is exhausted from the lungs and out of the body. Breathalysers are designed to test this exhausted breath for the concentration of alcohol vapour. By taking a “deep lung air” sample, a breathalyser is able to give an accurate reading of your BrAC or Breath Alcohol Concentration.
What's the difference between types of breathalyser?
There are two main types of breathalyser:
1. Fuel Cell
2. Semiconductor
Fuel cell breathalysers are used by police forces and for evidential testing due to their accuracy. The fuel cell has two platinum electrodes with a porous acid-electrolyte material sandwiched between them. As the exhaled flows past one side of the fuel cell, the platinum oxidizes any alcohol in the air to produce acetic acid, protons and electrons. The electrons generate an electrical current from which a microprocessor calculates the breath alcohol content.
The materials and precision of construction required for a fuel cell breathalyser results in a higher production cost; but this is offset by increase accuracy.
The most common form of breathalyzer used is the oxide semiconductor breathalyzer. This works by carrying out a redox reaction of ethyl alcohol to acetic acid and water and measuring the current generated as an indication of how much alcohol is being reacted in the breath.
Semiconductor breathalysers, although significantly cheaper than fuel cell ones, can have high levels of accuracy.
When will I get my order?
We aim to despatch the same, or next, working day by first class "signed for" post.
On most occasions, you will receive your order withing 2-3 days of placing it in (in the UK) or 4-7 days (overseas).
How easy is it to change the sensor?
Very easy! Simply remove the cover, pull out the old sensor, and click in a new one. Replacing the sensor is the same as having the breathalyser recalibrated. It means the readings will be as accurate as the day you bought it.
Should I use a breathalyser to decide whether to drink and drive?
No! There is no "safe" level of alcohol for driving. If you are thinking of drinking, then don't drive.
