Extech recently announced the launch of the new CO260 Datalogging Indoor Air Quality meter with both carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) measurements in addition to dew point, wet bulb, air temperature and relative humidity. The rugged handheld meter can be used to solve elusive indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in an array of job sites including schools, homes and apartment buildings, offices, boiler and mechanical rooms, hotels and senior housing facilities, loading docks, as well as transportation sites such as bus and train stations. HVAC technicians responding to CO alarms or occupant complaints of dizziness, headaches, fatigue or flu-like symptoms resulting from inadequate fresh air can quickly measure both carbon monoxide (PPM) and carbon dioxide (PPM) levels, along with other complementary environmental readings.
When an alarm is triggered due to high CO levels and emergency responders are called to evacuate a building, the clock starts ticking for HVAC or IAQ pros to identify and validate the source of hazardous or fatal air quality conditions using the CO260. In less urgent cases, techs can use the datalogging meter when occupants report stuffy air or when managers notice productivity has declined because of too-hot or too-cold work areas. For both on the spot readings and extended datalogging, the CO260 can identify IAQ anomalies such as idling trucks near a fresh air intake, clogged flue or simply incorrect thermostat programming.
With the increased prevalence of LEED-certified buildings and more modern high efficiency HVAC systems, troubleshooting IAQ issues is increasingly complex. The new Extech IAQ meter puts powerful capabilities to measure air quality into one meter.
The CO260 features a large, bright 2-line display that displays the time along with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, dew point, wet bulb, air temperature or relative humidity.
Unlike most CO/CO₂ meters, the CO260 from Extech goes beyond basic, real-time measurements with 4 additional environmental metrics for a complete picture of a site’s IAQ. Users can program High CO alarm thresholds that will trigger an audible alarm. In addition to tracking Minimum and Maximum values and a Data Hold function, the IAQ meter calculates dew point and wet bulb values. For added datalogging insights on air quality over the course of office hours for example, the useful meter offers an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) snapshot of carbon dioxide readings. For occupational health and industrial hygiene managers tracking acceptable average exposure over a short period of time, a 15-minute Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) function monitors is useful for diagnosing abnormal, transient CO/CO₂ spikes. The CO260 pressure compensation adjustment capability ensures accuracy in a wide range of altitudes beyond sea level.
For extended data recording requirements at a job site, the meter’s auto power off can be disabled while datalogging up to 32,000 readings (in addition to 99 manually saved readings). Data logs can be downloaded via USB to a PC for trending, analysis and reporting to diagnose problems and to document before/after conditions.
Extech’s new IAQ meter comes with 4 AA batteries, USB cable, PC software and a hard case. The optional Humidity Calibration Reference kit (33% and 75%) is available separately. By using a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor, the Extech meter ensures maintenance-free use. For added peace of mind, Extech backs the CO260 with a one-year limited warranty.
