Extech CO15 – Carbon Monoxide Meter

When the unit senses CO it jumps around a lot. Its very hard to get a specific CO reading. In addition, it turns off after a certain amount of time. I think about 15 or 20 minutes. I sometimes want to perform a long-term test and I can't.

dont mess around the with the cheapies, this unit, although pricey, is highly sensitive and accurate, easy to use & takes aaa batteries.

The build quality is OK. Definitely not top-notch as the plastic feels a bit cheap. The case is almost twice the size it needs to be (any reason why it needs to be so BIG?).Functionally, this seems to work just fine. I tested it at the end of my tailpipe and it registered around 25 to 70ppm CO (the max is set automatically to 70ppm, so I know the upper range is 70ppm).Features:(1) Max CO Value Automatically Recorded (Can Be Reset)(2) CO Threshold Alarm (alarm sounds when a preset CO value is reached)(3) Thermometer(4) Illumination (not backlit but side lit)There are only two buttons: (1) Light Button and (2) ON/OFF buttonThe features above are utilized using only these two buttons! Don't worry, the user manual provides fairly clear and easy-to-follow instructions.However, here are the instructions modified from the original (a bit more lengthy, but clearer I think):- Turn The Meter ON/OFFShort-press the Power Button to toggle between ON and OFF.- Set CO Threshold AlarmLong-press Power Button from a powered OFF state, release the button when desired CO threshold value is displayed.- Turn Illumination ON/OFFShort-press the Light Button to toggle between ON and OFF.- Set Temperature UnitsLong-press Light Button during the initial meter startup/self-test period (when the meter is first turned on). During this period, the numbers on the LCD will blink.- Reset Max CO ValueLong-press Light Button in normal operating mode.That's it.---This is a relatively affordable CO meter that my cursory testing seems to indicate that it works like it's supposed to.

Easy set up. Put the batteries in and turn it on. Instructions are clear, but honestly there are two buttons to work with so it's not a complicated device. You get a list of the varying levels of CO and when it becomes deadly. Once on the device checks for CO levels. I walked around my whole house including the fireplace and furnace room. All readings were 0ppm. Whew! The only machines I know that would show me actual CO in a safe environment (outside) was our cars. I got a reading of 100ppm inside the tailpipe of my 2017 Ford. With my wife's 2008 Dodge I got a reading of 900 ppm. To put into perspective, 100ppm is acceptable level exposure for up to 8 hrs. in a closed space. 900 ppm on the other hand will result in death within 2-3 hours in a closed space.I turned off the device and went back inside. I turned the device back on and now inside the house was reading "some" CO. I am guessing that the sensor hadn't fully cleared from the previous readings. I was literally inside the tailpipes. I took out a battery and powered back up and the reading was 0ppm. Extech states in the directions this device is for "general purposes" so you really can't rely 100% on it. However, a good tool when you have your suspicions in places your mounted CO detectors can't reach

This meter is easy to use and based on the specifications, accurate. I was not able to test the accuracy however, so we will have to wait for a reviewer to provide us with this information. Although Extech claims to provide a backlight, what is provided is a side light that is adequate but does not provide comparable readability. The instructions are excellent, but unfortunately printed in a format that prevents them being placed in the pouch.Note that this meter is not designed to continuously monitor CO levels. It is for accurately measuring CO levels when the user pushes the button. It does allow the user to set the warning level, and when the warning level is past, the display will flash and an audible alarm will beep. The maximum level is held and displayed, which is a very useful feature.Build quality is adequate but not impressive. This is not a professional build designed for daily use, but one that will suffice for personal occasional use.

Extremely basic, low cost but very functional carbon monoxide meter. Extech is a well known scientific instrument manufacturer, and has some fairly high end equipment but this is intended more for a home or small lab use. It's so simple, there is almost nothing you need to do except turn it on. You can choose between degrees C and F and set an alarm tone for the carbon monoxide level you desire. There is a backlight that can be enabled but you don't need to do anything to activate the sensor once its on. It displays the highest reading and that number can be reset easily. The display shuts off automatically after 15 minutes and comes with a nice cloth case for storage and wrist strap. This unit operates on 3 AAA batteries which are included in the package.Overall, this is a unique measuring tool that could potentially save a life by preventing exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide. CO is odorless and colorless but it can kill you in high doses. The manual explains the different levels of CO and how they can affect you. Exposure to low amounts for extended periods of time can cause a headache or dizziness, so that may be one clue that you should test for a CO leak. I was unable to find any carbon monoxide leaks in my house but it definitely gave me a reading by putting it near my older car's tailpipe when it was on. So I know the meter works well, and have peace of mind knowing I don't have any carbon monoxide leaks.