FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Why do I
need a breathalyzer?
If you drink, you can always be safer by using a breathalyzer.
If you don't drink, you may know someone close to
you that does.
Without a breathalyzer, you can't be very sure about how drinking alcohol relates to your specific Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). There are generic weight charts available, but they are only vague approximations and do not account for the differences in body chemistry from person to person. Only with a breathalyzer can you know for certain.
Even if you don't drink yourself, you may have a parent, a child, a friend or a close peer who does. Maybe you are hosting a party where alcohol will be served.
Whatever the case, don't let your loved ones fall victim to the heavy fines, criminal records and even possible loss of life in the face of alcohol-related tragedies.
- What is BAC?
BAC stands for Blood Alcohol
Concentration and is a percent (%) measure
of alcohol in the blood. A breathalyzer is able to
calculate this percentage using only a breath sample
because of the precise relationship between alcohol
in the blood and alcohol metabolised into the lungs
from the bloodstream. This is also why it is important
to make sure the mouth is clear of contaminant (including
alcohol) so that the breath sample contains pure lung
air, or as close as possible.
- What is the
BAC limit where I live?
The BAC
legal limit for all states in the US for DUI/DWI
is currently set at 0.08%. For licensed drivers under
the age of 21, there is a Zero Tolerance
policy in most jurisdictions, with a limit of 0.01%
or 0.02%.
- Can I drive
if my breathalyzer shows that I'm under the legal
limit?
Breathalyzers are for informational/monitoring purposes
only. We absolutely do NOT recommend
driving after consuming ANY amount
of alcohol. It has been medically shown that there
is a greatly increased risk even when driving with
a BAC of 0.05% or lower. There is NO
"safe" amount of alcohol to drink before
driving.
- How do I
install a pre-calibrated replaceable sensor module?
Click here for instructions.
- I think my
breathalyzer is not showing a correct reading.
Please wait at least 20 minutes after eating, drinking
or smoking before performing a breath alcohol test.
It is important that your breath sample contain ONLY
lung air (See What is
BAC? above).
Remember that a breathalyzer analyzes the alcohol
concentration in your lungs. If you have alcohol in
your mouth, test results may be dramatically affected.
Common household products like mouthwash or breath
spray often contain alcohol that may cause a high
reading on a breathalyzer.
If you have owned your device for at least 6 months
and/or have performed up to 200 tests on the
device, it may be in need of sensor replacement.
*Note: In rare cases, diabetics that are untreated
for their condition, as well as some individuals on
special diets, may exhibit elevated levels of ketones
and/or acetones on their breath. High concentrations
of ketones and acetones may induce a false positive
in alcohol sensors.
- I would
like information about becoming a reseller/distributor.
Please check our Distributor
page for details.
- Can I walk into a retail store to buy a breathalyzer?
Currently, the only brick-and-mortar retail chain that carries our products is Fry's Electronics. You can use the Store Locator on the Fry's website for a list of retail locations.
- My question
is not answered here.
Please contact us.
If you believe there is something wrong with your
breathalyzer, you should contact us before returning
the product. Many apparent problems may be resolved
without physical service.
