  Frequently Asked Questions
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Ordering Questions
Consumer Breathalyzer Questions
Professional Breathalyzer Questions
DOT-Approval Questions
General Breathalyzer Questions
Shipping, Refunds, Returns
Calibration
Questions
Questions About Breathalyzer.net
Questions for Consumers
How
accurate are the consumer models?
Very accurate. The Alcohawk series testers use advanced semiconductor sensors
and have accuracy levels of ±0.01% at 0.10% BAC. Each model provides an exact
blood alcohol level (BAC) reading to one hundredth of one percent. Some law
enforcement organizations actually use the Alcohawk ABI and Alcohawk Pro testers
as preliminary alcohol screening devices.
What's
the difference between the Alcohawk
ABI and Alcohawk
Pro?
There are a number of differences between the Alcohawk Pro and Alcohawk ABI.
-The Pro takes a longer (5-second) breath sample, ensuring a more accurate result.
-Also, the Pro now features FlowCheck, which analyzes the volume of air blown
into the tester to verify enough air was blown for an accurate test. If not
enough air was blown, the display reads ERR and instructs the subject to retest.
This feature is particularly useful to anyone doing professional testing or
anyone dealing with subjects that may be uncooperative.
-Finally, the Alcohawk Pro includes 50 mouthpieces to the Alcohawk ABI's 5.
Between the added accuracy and mouthpieces, the Alcohawk
Pro is a great choice for those who want a breathalyzer that's a step above
the rest and those who need the ability to test a larger volume of subjects.
What
is the difference between the Alcohawk and Alcomate?
Can I purchase an Alcomate through Breathalyzer.net.
The Alcomate and Alcomate Pro featured similar components to the Alcohawk ABI
and Alcohawk Pro. The Alcomate series testers are no longer manufactured as
of May 1st, 2005. We highly recommend purchasing only testers bearing the Alcohawk
name, which you can trust to be factory-fresh, calibrated and ready-to-use when
you receive them. All Alcohawk series testers include a one-year warranty, which
covers both parts and labor.
How
can I order additional mouthpieces for my breathalyzer?
Please visit our Accessories
page to order mouthpieces and other supplies for your tester.
Where
can I purchase a breathalyzer locally?
Currently, Breathalyzer.net does not have any retail locations. However, we
do offer free Priority Mail shipping on all orders
and no sales tax to most U.S. states. Most customers receive their orders within
2-3 business days of placing their order.
How
do I use my breath alcohol tester?
For most models, users simply blow through the mouthpiece for 2-5 seconds. The
sensors measure the alcohol level of air in the deep lungs. Testing is most
accurate if subjects have not consumed food or alcohol 15 minutes prior to testing.
Why
do I need a breath alcohol tester? Aren't they just for police?
Alcohol breath testers (i.e. breathalyzers) are a great tool for everyone. People
are often unaware of their precise intoxication level. Different factors like
a person's weight, muscle mass, and recently consumed food or beverages all
affect a person's blood alcohol content (BAC). Just because a person may act
or seem sober does not mean that they are.
I've
just blown a 0.08% BAC. I'm safe to drive home, right?
Absolutely not. There is no acceptable level of alcohol consumption that makes
it safe to drive. Any alcohol that enters a person's body can impair reflexes,
motor skills, and cognitive abilities.
Does
my personal alcohol tester come with a warranty?
Yes, all products are guaranteed by the manufacturers' warranties. Please refer
to the product order pages for additional information.
Questions for Professionals - Police, Clinics, Businesses, and
other organizations
Is
Breathalyzer.net an authorized reseller of professional breath alcohol testing
equipment?
Yes. When you buy from Breathalyzer.net, you not only receive our full service
sales support, but also any needed support from the manufacturer. All professional
breath testers include a full one year manufacturer's warranty that includes
parts and labor.
What
is the difference between the FC-10 and the FC-10 Plus?
The FC-10 Plus has all the capabilities of the FC-10. In addition, the FC-10
Plus has the ability to conduct passive testing. Passive testing does not require
use of a mouthpiece and allows the operator to test multiple subjects quickly
and easily. Subjects simply blow towards the back of the unit from a distance
of approximately four inches.
Note: A complete FC10 Basic Operation and Training CD can be ordered
here.
How
often should I check calibrate (verify) my unit?
· FC10/20: Check calibration (Verify) every 30 days and as soon as convenient
after a positive result. Calibrate every 12 months.
· PHOENIX: Check calibration (Verify) every 30 days and as soon as convenient
after a positive result. Calibrate every 12 months.
How
can I verify that my professional breath tester is accurate in two, three, or
five years from now?
We recommend that the FC Series testers and the Phoenix tester are checked every
two years in a certified factory diagnostic inspection. Simply contact Breathalyzer.net
and ship your tester to the factory service site. If any problem is found, we
will provide an estimated service price. Certified Diagnostic checks are $85
for the FC-10 and $95 for all other professional units.
DOT-Approval Questions
What
does DOT stand for?
DOT stands for the U.S. Department of Transportation. The DOT
serves the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and
convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and
enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.
What
does it mean if a breathalyzer is "DOT-approved"?
If a breathalyzer is "DOT-approved", it means that the DOT has tested
the breathalyzer and determined that it functions in the way described and provides
accurate results.
Are
there different levels of DOT-approval for breathalyzers?
Yes. There are three different classifications of DOT-approved breathalyzers.
The first, DOT-Approved as an Alcohol Screening Device, applies to a large number
of breathalyzers available today. The entire Alcohawk series of testers falls
into this classification, including the Micro,
the Precision,
the ABI, the Pro
and the Elite.
The second type of DOT-approval is DOT-Approved for Law Enforcement Use. This
approval allows for the following testers to be used for evidential testing
by law enforcement agencies: The Lifeloc FC10,
FC10-Plus and FC20.
The third and final type of DOT-approval is Approved for DOT-Regulated Workplace
Testing. This type of tester is needed for DOT-physicals and testing in the
trucking industry and other industries that fall under DOT regulations. Training
and certification is required for operators. For more information on DOT workplace
testing, please contact Breathalyzer.net at 1-877-334-6876.
General Breathalyzer Questions
How
does a breathalyzer work?
Most breathalyzers use one of three technologies to detect alcohol: a spectrophotometer,
a fuel-cell sensor or a semiconductor oxide sensor. Spectrophotometer technology
is used in large, table-top breathalyzers often found at police stations. Spectrophotometers
work by identifying molecules based on the way they absorb infrared light. The
level of ethanol in a sample is singled out and measured, and a subject's alcohol
level can then be determined. Breathalyzer.net does not carry spectrophotometer
testers.
Fuel-cell testers, such as the Lifeloc
FC series, offer extremely high accuracy and sensitivity, in addition to
being handheld and portable. In over 30 US states, roadside evidential testing
is now permitted using testers like these. A fuel cell measures alcohol content
by creating a chemical reaction that oxidizes the alcohol in the sample and
produces an electrical current. The more alcohol that is oxidized, the greater
the current. The current is measured to determine the subject's BAC.
Semiconductor oxide based testers are relatively new and very affordable. The
Alcohawk
series of testers employ semiconductor oxide technology. An ethanol-specific
sensor is used to measure the subject's BAC. Semiconductor oxide sensors offer
many benefits, including low cost, low power consumption and small size. The
semiconductor oxide based breathalyzers carried by Breathalyzer.net are are
DOT-approved and many law enforcement agencies use these testers for preliminary
screening of DUI suspects. Semiconductor oxide based testers require calibration
service on a more frequent basis (every 300-400 tests or once a year) than fuel
cell based testers (every 5,000 tests). When used for personal, home and low-volume
professional testing, semiconductor oxide models have been proven to perform
very well and provide extremely accurate readings.
Who
invented the breathalyzer?
Though technologies for detecting alcohol vary, it's widely accepted that Dr.
Robert Borkenstein (1912-2002), a captain with the Indiana State Police and
later a professor at the University of Indiana, is regarded as the first to
create a device that measures a subject's alcohol level based on a breath sample.
In 1954, Borkenstein invented his breathalyzer, that used chemical oxidation
and photometry to determine alcohol concentration. The invention of the breathalyzer
provided law enforcement with a non-invasive test with immediate result reporting
that can be used to determine an individual's level of intoxication.
Shipping, Refunds, and Returns Questions
See our holiday shipping schedule in our Latest
News section.
How
long does it take for my order to arrive?
All products currently include FREE two to four day Priority Mail shipping. If you need a delivery by a specific date including next day shipping, please choose one of the UPS shipping options from the drop down bar during checkout. Please allow additional
transit time during weekends and holidays and to some rural areas.
What
shipping carriers does Breathalyzer.net use?
All consumer breathalyzers are shipped via USPS Priority mail. All professional
breathalyzers are shipped via UPS. International orders are shipped Global Priority
Mail unless otherwise requested by the customer.
I
live outside the United States. Does Breathalyzer.net ship international orders?
Yes. Breathalyzer.net ships to most countries around the world. There are no
additional charges for international orders. However, orders will take longer
than two days to reach destinations outside the United States.
My
order arrived damaged. What should I do?
Please email customerservice@breathalyzer.net immediately if any item arrives
damaged. We will ship a replacement order to you free of charge.
What
is the return policy at Breathalyzer.net?
Any item may be returned within 14 days of purchase for a refund, minus a 15%
shipping and restocking fee. Please fill out our Return
Authorization Form and include with your return. Any item that is not working
properly and is still within a warranty period may be returned for an exchange.
Just fill out our Return
Authorization Form, describe the problem on the form, and include with your
return. If your breathalyzer is giving inaccurate readings, please read our
Calibration
Questions page before returning your product.
Questions
About Breathalyzer.net
Why
should I buy from Breathalyzer.net?
Breathalyzer.net is your trusted source for all types of breath alcohol detectors.
We work directly with breathalyzer manufacturers to ensure quality products
and service for our customers. Unlike other companies that may sell a variety
of different products, we specialize in personal and professional breath alcohol
testers. We're an industry leader and have been providing satisfied customers
with alcohol testing equipment since 2001. Our website features advanced 128-bit
security, so you know your transaction is safe. Our advanced order fulfillment
system ensures that most orders ship the same business day as long as the order
is placed by 12:00 pm! Not many websites can offer that type of service. Breathalyzer.net
also offers free phone support to all customers. Our knowledgeable employees
are here to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. For
toll-free phone support, please call us at 1-877-334-6876. Our normal hours
of business are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Pacific time.
How
do I contact Breathalyzer.net?
Please refer to our info page for contact information.
What
else should I know about Breathalyzer.net?
Breathalyzer.net is a division of KHN Solutions LLC, privately-held company
located in San Francisco, California. We believe that portable breath testers
can help discourage drinking and driving and unsafe levels of alcohol consumption,
and also serve as educational and entertaining safety devices.
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