Analox CO sensor testing question

[TT_Vert]

I have an analox EII CO tester that I got in 2013. The sensor is dated from 2012. I know the lifespan of the sensor is 5 years. I know I cannot get my particular type of sensor anymore (Has 3 male pins, not a JST plug). The manual says in lieu of bump gas I can hold my breathe and breathe into it. If the sensor rises from 0 to 1 or 2 I am OK. I confirmed that it rises to 1 (and 2 on occasion) when I breathe into it. It states if the breathe test fails I should test w/ bump gas. I also generated some CO by lighting a toothpick and using hte smoke. It rose well above 90 PPM so it does seem to be working. I'm curious if any of you have an opinion on this? I know it's out of date but I do also know I have used this less than 40 times, and it was always in a climate/humidity-controlled environment. Also, does anyone know the resistance readings I should see on the sensor in open air? I would like to do some further testing.

Thanks
Dave

 

[davecampbell]

I'm in that exact boat. I picked up the same analyzer for next to nothing...knowing it, and it's sensor were quite old. It still seems to function just fine though, always showing a zero when you would expect it to, but rising to a reading of 2 when a long held breathe is exhaled into it.

 

[TT_Vert]

I'm in that exact boat. I picked up the same analyzer for next to nothing...knowing it, and it's sensor were quite old. It still seems to function just fine though, always showing a zero when you would expect it to, but rising to a reading of 2 when a long held breathe is exhaled into it.

I would assume due to liability analox would not mention that as a potential method to test the sensors ability to function if it wasn't reliable. Given the co2 output of our breathe is 1-6 ppm (1.25 on average) and it is seeing that I do feel pretty good about using it but curious what others have to say. I am not a smoker so it will be lower also.