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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.