TOP 15 best breathalyzers: rating 2020-2021 and which one to choose for personal use

Rating of the TOP 15 best breathalyzers of 2020-2021

Which breathalyzer is better to buy?

This rating presents 7 models of breathalyzers, when choosing which you should take into account the purpose of their use. If you are a lover of beer or other alcoholic beverages, then it is enough to have a device with you for personal use. Those who work in the traffic police cannot do without professional breathalyzers. The same breathalyzers must be used for pre-trip inspections. It is desirable that they can work with printers, which will allow them to print the results.

Here are the criteria for choosing a good breathalyzer:

• View . Breathalyzers can be semiconductor (burn alcohol vapor), electrochemical (work based on the interaction of a reagent with alcohol) and photometric. The latter are rare and involve the absorption of alcohol vapor by infrared radiation.
• Accuracy . The most reliable information is provided by products with a mouthpiece through which inhalation is carried out and inserted into the oral cavity. The optimal error should not exceed 25%; the lower it is, the more accurate the data.
• Output of the result . It is shown on the display, mostly backlit, in % BAC, mg and ppm based on alcohol concentration.
• Metering range . It is possible to determine the alcohol content in the range from 0.00 to 5.00 mg/l. Some models do not capture low dosages that are harmless to the driver.
• Weight . Typically the device weighs from 70 to 120 g; the lighter it is, the more convenient it is to hold it in your hand.

Professional devices are known as breathalyzers, and they are the most accurate in readings. Therefore, if possible, it is best to buy them. With a limited budget, the driver will be helped out by the best breathalyzers for personal use presented in the rating.

How to choose a breathalyzer?

The first thing you should consider is the price: devices costing up to 3,000 rubles usually show results with a large error.

The most accurate indicators will be provided by breathalyzers costing around 10 thousand rubles and more.

You should also pay attention to the following parameters:

• measurement accuracy (error);
• time to prepare the device for operation;
• response time;
• range of indicators;
• operating temperature (if you plan to use the device outside the home);
• number of measurements per battery charge;
• presence of light indication of charge;
• presence or absence of a mouthpiece;
• guarantee period;
• Availability of self-testing and self-cleaning systems.

What to look for when choosing

It's time to figure out how to choose a breathalyzer for personal use. We recommend paying attention to the following characteristics:

• The preparation time for the device - the shorter it is, the faster the check will be.
• Response time - how quickly the device produces results.
• Measuring range.
• Allowable error.
• Operating temperature - this indicator is especially important for residents of northern regions.
• The number of tests per battery charge varies from 200 to 500 for different models.
• warranty .
• Blowing method – with/without mouthpiece.
• indicator .
• Availability of and self-cleaning systems

The main 4 parameters that people focus on in order to buy the right device: purpose, frequency of use, cost and degree of difficulty of maintenance.

Purpose

There are professional and personal models of analyzers. Certified models are purchased for enterprises. The information obtained on these devices is official evidence of the presence or absence of alcohol intoxication in a person. Professional type devices are also called breathalyzers.

Most personal devices are not certified. The measurement error is significantly greater than that of professional-grade devices. This device is only suitable for personal control.

Frequency of application

If the model is cheap, then experts recommend using it 1-2 times a week. At the same time, a professional device can easily withstand hundreds of samples throughout the day.

Price category

The accuracy of measurement and the cost of the device are directly proportional. It is advisable to buy products from well-known manufacturing companies. It costs more, but reliability is guaranteed. This is much more reliable than low-quality Chinese no name fakes.

Service maintenance

Even with a long working life, the sensor of the measuring device fails. Therefore, it is important to know whether there is a service center in your (or nearest) city that will allow you to replace the sensor. You should also consider the possibility of ordering components through the online store.

In addition, the following factors influence the choice:

• type of sensor. Professional models are usually equipped with electrochemical and spectrophotochemical sensitive elements. Personal class modifications are most often equipped with semiconductor sensors;
• air intake method. It can be carried out using a mouthpiece or without contact. Contact devices are more expensive, but they are more accurate;
• additional functionality. The breathalyzer may include a number of useful options: clock, thermometer, alarm clock, flashlight, stopwatch;
• units and measurement range. Devices that display information in various units of measurement (mg/l, %VAC, ppm) are convenient. As a rule, the device displays ethanol concentration from 0 to 5 mg/l;
• sizes, design. There can be no clear recipe here. It all depends on individual preferences.

TOP 4 best breathalyzers for personal use by price/quality for 2021

In 2021, a home breathalyzer is not that uncommon. It is purchased to check troubled teenagers, monitor the recovery of people with alcohol addiction, and make sure that the next morning after a party you can already drive.

Inspector AT750

A compact breathalyzer from a Korean manufacturer with a stylish body, lightweight and neat, suitable as a gift.

It’s easy to understand the controls: the instructions in Russian contain clear recommendations.

The menu, power and display buttons are backlit . The display also shows a battery charge indicator. For normal operation of the device, two “little finger” batteries (AAA) and 15 seconds of time are required, and it will take only 5 seconds to blow through the breathalyzer before the next measurement.

Measurement range - 0 - 1.12 ppm . The device is equipped with sound and light indication, as well as an automatic shutdown function. Includes 6 mouthpieces.

Specifications:

• sensor: electrochemical;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 15 s.;
• blowing time: 5 s.;
• step: 0.01 ppm;
• operating temperature: 5 - 40 °C.

pros

• high accuracy;
• build quality;
• Ease of Management;
• fast warm-up;
• affordable price.

Minuses

• Few mouthpieces included.

Inspector AT850

Another lightweight Korean alcohol meter with an interesting design . The device shows close

to the truth, the results are highly accurate: the measurement, including preparation for the test, takes no more than a minute.

For normal operation of the device, you need 2 AA batteries. The uniqueness of the breathalyzer is the unit of measurement mg/l, as well as a wide measurement range - 0 - 4 ppm.

The kit includes the device itself, 3 mouthpieces and clear instructions in Russian.

Specifications:

• sensor: electrochemical;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 35 s.;
• operating temperature: 5 - 40 °C.

pros

• inexpensive;
• wide measurement range;
• easy to use;
• speed of measurements.

Minuses

• only 3 mouthpieces included;
• no backlight.

Inspector AT550

Convenient, small and very light (51 g) device, powered by two AAA batteries, audio and visual indication, battery charge indicator and self-shut-off function.

Using the breathalyzer requires 35 seconds of preparation, and after a 6-second purge, you need to wait 2 minutes before the next test.

The device has a wide measurement range - 0 - 4.4 ppm . Measurements are accurate and expressed in mg/l.

The device is very simple and clear: the display has 3 light indicators, one of which shows that it is ready for use, the other warns that the battery charge is low, and the third that the indicators have been exceeded and you cannot drive.

Below the indicators there is a power button.

Specifications:

• sensor: electrochemical;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 35-120 s.;
• blowing time: 6 s.;
• operating temperature: 5 - 40 °C.

pros

• build quality;
• light indication;
• Ease of Management;
• high testing accuracy;
• low price.

Minuses

• few replaceable mouthpieces included;
• After 500 tests, calibration is required.

Infracar AT-101

Personal breathalyzer of domestic production in a durable metal case with memory effect: the device is capable of remembering the last 48 measurements.

The device shows the test result in ppm and mg/l, is equipped with audio and visual indications, a battery charge indicator and an auto shut-off function.

The measurement range is 0 - 4 ppm, and it can be used within the ambient temperature range from 0 to 40 degrees.

The breathalyzer takes only 10 seconds to prepare for the first measurement, and preparation for each subsequent measurement takes 45 seconds.

The device not only displays hard numbers on the display, but also tells you how much sleep you need before getting behind the wheel.

Specifications:

• sensor: electrochemical;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 10-45 s.;
• step: 0.001 ppm;
• operating temperature: 0 - 40 °C.

pros

• holds a charge well;
• voice notification;
• accuracy of measurements;
• high accuracy;
• memory effect.

Minuses

• high price;
• One button for all actions.

The best breathalyzers for personal use

Here it is necessary to highlight 2 models that belong to the personal category. Unlike professional ones, their data cannot be taken as a basis for a medical examination. Because of this, in particular, such breathalyzers are cheaper. Personal breathalyzers for the most part are not certified; their error can reach 20%.

Inspector AT600

The rating opens with this personal breathalyzer, which is distinguished by its small size, neat shape, light weight and quick results with minimal error. The device for measuring blood alcohol has a long battery life; one resource is enough for 500 tests. It is reliable in readings and folds compactly into a case. The driver can easily take it on the road even in winter, as it can withstand sub-zero temperatures. Thanks to the backlighting of the screen, it is very convenient to use.

Advantages

• Large operating temperature range, from 10 to -40 degrees;
• Sound and visual notification;
• Warns in advance about low battery;
• 5 mouthpieces included;
• Accurate blood alcohol level measurement;
• Easy to use.

Flaws

• You need to wait a minute before measuring again;
• Not the largest working area (screen).

Reviews show that in order to obtain accurate data using a breathalyzer, the driver is recommended to calibrate the Inspector AT600 at least once a year.

Dingo AT-2000

The new model from a well-known company attracts attention with a reliable electrochemical sensor and a simple blowing control system, which guarantees the effective use of the device for personal purposes. It provides accurate results throughout the entire period until calibration, which is recommended once a year or every 500 tests. The device runs on batteries, which need to be changed after 1000 tests. It has a convenient case for carrying and storing in the car. The model is prepared for use in 10-20 seconds.

Advantages

• Light weight of 79 g;
• The readings on the screen are clearly visible;
• Compactness;
• Does not cause malfunctions;
• If the exhalation force is weak, a second test is automatically suggested;
• The result is provided in less than 20 seconds.

Flaws

• Cannot be used at sub-zero temperatures;
• At least two minutes must pass before the measurement is repeated.

The best professional breathalyzers

Such devices are intended for use in identifying drunk drivers on the road while driving or during a pre-trip inspection. In 2021, 2 breathalyzers from well-known companies can be called the best.

AlcoHunter Professional +

The device is the most reliable of the budget ones for professional use, for example, by traffic police officers. It is well reviewed due to its wide measurement range - from 0 to 5 ppm. It is convenient that when the norm is exceeded, an audio and visual indication is triggered. The breathalyzer weighs 120 g, has smooth edges and fits comfortably in the hand. The error of the data does not exceed 10%, they can be trusted. But even if in doubt, you will only have to wait 15 seconds before performing the second test.

Advantages

• Compliance with price and quality;
• Can be used for personal purposes by drivers;
• The error does not exceed 10%;
• Precise semiconductor sensor;
• Blowing for 5 seconds;
• Up to 150 alcohol level measurements can be taken per day.

Flaws

• When used in cold weather, it may fail;
• For the first test you need to prepare the device for about 50 seconds.

Drivesafe II

This fairly accurate breathalyzer for a driver is capable of determining the level of alcohol in the exhaled air up to 9.99 ppm. There are no complaints about the accuracy of its readings - the error does not exceed 5%, and the result is correct both at low and high temperatures. You can perform up to 20 tests with it per day. It can be prepared for the first use in just half a minute. To receive information, you do not need to exhale forcefully; just spend 5 seconds on it. The sensor does not fail even during intensive use.

Advantages

• Suitable for both professional and personal use;
• Easy sensor calibration;
• Detects traces of alcohol in minimal quantities;
• Two ways of notifying about the detection of alcohol - audio and visual;
• 5 mouthpieces included;
• Fast warm-up of the sensor.

Flaws

• Sometimes there are slight discrepancies with the data of traffic police devices.

TOP 4 best semi-professional breathalyzers

Semi-professional breathalyzers are also suitable for home use. They can be had, for example, by those whose work involves driving a car, but you need to understand that such devices are much more expensive.

ALCOSCAN AL-1100

Among analogues, this device can be called budget . Its weight is 180 g, externally it

quite large, but cute.

For ease of use, a lanyard is attached to the case for wearing on the wrist.

In the central zone there is a testing area, below it there are three light indicators that display the level of alcohol vapor in the exhaled air.

Due to the semiconductor measurement system, the device can also react to other compounds, such as ketones.

The device takes 120 seconds to prepare for the first test, but for subsequent tests it takes only 10.

Very fast blowing (2 sec.) and the number of measurements per day (up to 50) are the main advantages of the breathalyzer. It is also easy to use even without reading the instructions.

Specifications:

• sensor: semiconductor;
• mouthpiece: no;
• preparation time for measurement: 10-120 s.;
• blowing time: 2 s.;
• operating temperature: 0 - 50 °C.

pros

• fast blowing;
• minimum break between adjacent measurements;
• high accuracy;
• sound and light indication.

Minuses

• no mouthpiece;
• semiconductor sensor.

DRIVESAFE II

Breathalyzer with 5% accuracy, easy to use and short intervals between measurements.

The device is miniature and lightweight, runs on two AA batteries, and quickly “recharges” for repeated testing.

The device operates in the range of 0 - 9.99 ppm and allows up to 50 measurements per day.

Test results are reported in light and visual formats. There is also an auto shut-off and battery charge indicator.

Specifications:

• sensor: electrochemical;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 30-60 s.;
• blowing time: 5 s.;
• operating temperature: 0 - 50 °C.

pros

• high accuracy;
• measurements in ppm and mg/l;
• fast blowing;
• stock up to 50 measurements per day.

Minuses

• high price.

Dingo E-010

A reliable, small-format device with an interesting design, ease of control and use.

On the central panel at the top there is a large display that displays test results and indications that the device is ready for measurements (for example, Wait).

The breathalyzer is charged using 2 AAA batteries . After turning on, you need to wait 60 seconds to start measuring. It only takes 4 seconds to blow through.

Up to 40 measurements can be taken per day.

The advantages of the device are a wide measurement range (0 - 4 ppm), sound and light indication, as well as the ability to connect to a smartphone or computer using a USB cable.

Specifications:

• sensor: electrochemical;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 60 s.;
• blowing time: 4 s.;
• operating temperature: 0 - 40 °C.

pros

• accuracy of measurements;
• unusual design;
• ease of management and use;
• ability to connect to a smartphone or PC;
• light weight.

Minuses

• underestimates the indicators.

Dingo SCREEN

A modern compact breathalyzer based on an electrochemical sensor with a highly sensitive sensor, according to the manufacturer.

The device is equipped with a multicolor color indicator: the test result depends on the color of the indication.

In addition to light sensors, there is a power button and a window for exhaling air. After switching on, it takes 2 minutes to prepare, after which the device is ready for operation indicator will light up.

Blowing lasts only 2 seconds, and a repeat test can be carried out after 20 seconds.

Among the additional functions, the device only has a battery charge indicator.

Specifications:

• sensor: electrochemical;
• mouthpiece: no;
• preparation time for measurement: 2-120 s.;
• blowing time: 2 s.;
• operating temperature: 0 - 50 °C.

pros

• easy to operate;
• minimum blowing time;
• a short break between adjacent measurements;
• long battery charge.

Minuses

• does not turn off by itself.

TOP 4 best professional breathalyzers

Professional breathalyzers are designed to provide the most accurate readings. It is these devices that are used by traffic police officers and other organizations where testing of employees is required (for example, in taxis, in medical institutions, etc.).

AlcoHunter Professional +

An inexpensive device for professional use with an error of 10% . Model

small, easy to use, lightweight and runs on 2 AAA batteries.

Test results are displayed on the display in ppm, BAC, mg/l.

The alcohol meter is sensitive to readings in the range of 0 - 5 ppm . The step is 0.01 ppm.

Up to 140 measurements can be taken per day, which makes it possible to use a breathalyzer in organizations for testing employees.

For convenience and speed of operation, the device is equipped with light and sound indication, battery charge indicator and auto shutdown function.

Specifications:

• sensor: semiconductor;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 15-50 s.;
• blowing time: 5 s.;
• operating temperature: -5 – 70 °C.

pros

• wide measurement range;
• suitable for testing in different weather conditions;
• high accuracy;
• small dimensions.

Minuses

• takes a long time to warm up before the first measurement;
• the mouthpiece falls out.

META STSI 01

A budget model for making up to 50 measurements per day, each of which can have an error of 20%, which is quite a lot for a breathalyzer.

The weight of the device is 500 g, and the preparation time for the first measurement is 3-4 minutes.

All these indicators are disadvantages of the device, but there are also advantages: simplicity and ease of use and low price.

The test result is shown on the display and accompanied by an audible signal . There is also a battery charge indicator.

Specifications:

• sensor: semiconductor;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 15-210 s.;
• blowing time: 5 s.;
• operating temperature: 1 - 40 °C.

pros

• inexpensive;
• 10 mouthpieces included;
• allows you to perform up to 50 tests per day.

Minuses

• measurement inaccuracy;
• long warm-up.

AlcoHunter Professional X

Easy to use and relatively inexpensive Russian-made device with a scale of 0.01 ppm.

The device runs on two AAA batteries, has sound and light indications, a battery charge indicator and an auto shut-off function.

Externally, the device looks interesting, and it is also easy to operate..

The set includes 5 comfortable, firmly fixed mouthpieces. Measurement results with an error of 10% are displayed in ppm, BAC, mg/l.

Specifications:

• sensor: semiconductor;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 50-190 s.;
• blowing time: 9 sec.;
• operating temperature: -5 - 40 °C.

pros

• allows you to make up to 140 measurements per day;
• compact;
• works even at sub-zero temperatures;
• affordable price.

Minuses

• low accuracy;
• takes a long time to warm up.

Breathalyzer Mark V

Professional compact breathalyzer with keychain and an impressive set of mouthpieces - 5 pieces included.

The device can store 2000 measurements in memory, which are expressed on the display in mg/l.

After switching on, the first test can be performed in 17 seconds. A minute passes between adjacent measurements.

The range of acceptable values ​​is 0 - 4.4 ppm, the error is only 10%.

To operate you will need 4 AAA batteries and positive ambient temperature: at temperatures below 15 degrees the device does not work.

Specifications:

• sensor: electrochemical;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 17-60 s.;
• blowing time: 5 s.;
• operating temperature: 15 - 35 °C.

pros

• can store up to 2000 measurements in memory;
• equipped with a key fob;
• 105 mouthpieces included;
• can be connected to a smartphone or PC;
• speed of work.

Minuses

• Requires 4 batteries to operate;
• does not work at temperatures below 15 degrees.

The best professional breathalyzers

First of all, these gadgets are needed in the workplace, so the following are professional-grade breathalyzers.

AlcoHunter Professional X

The main quality of any good breathalyzer is high accuracy. This model fully confirms this description. The device has a built-in Japanese sensor that detects even the smallest doses of alcohol. The result will always be true, since before starting the measurement the sensor is tested and, if calibration is necessary, indicates this. The display of the device is quite bright and has a large font, which will allow you to clearly see the result both day and night. You can select convenient counting units. Works with both batteries and battery power.

pros

• high accuracy;
• bright display;
• large font;
• quickly determines the result;
• convenient units of measurement.

Minuses

• According to reviews, it takes a long time to heat up;
• quickly consumes batteries.

Dingo E-010

This is a good breathalyzer that is easy to use, since it has specially developed computer software. Using it, you can enter data on test takers into the database and view information about them. This allows you to organize pre-trip and pre-shift inspections at enterprises. It is very compact, so the device is convenient to carry with you if it is used for personal use. Can be used with or without a mouthpiece (in this case the results will be less accurate). The battery needs to be changed every 500 tests. The breathalyzer kit includes a case, a cable for connecting to a PC, 2 batteries, 5 mouthpieces.

pros

• software;
• accuracy;
• compactness;
• can be measured with or without a mouthpiece;
• there is a cover.

Minuses

• discharges quickly;
• price.

META 02 spectrophotometric

This breathalyzer comes with 10 mouthpieces. Its operating temperature is from -10 to 40 °C, which allows you to work in both cold and hot weather. Indication is both visual and audio. Can be connected to a PC/phone. There is a low battery indicator that allows you to check the working condition.

pros

• quick warm-up before measurement;
• temperature resistant;
• low battery indicator;
• connects to PC/phone;
• visual and audio indication.

Minuses

• price;
• dimensional case.

TOP 3 best inexpensive breathalyzers

Breathalyzers that are too cheap should not be completely trusted, but they can be kept at home to, for example, make sure that a teenager is behaving strangely due to hormonal fluctuations and not prohibited tests, or to choose who will drive after a holiday.

Inspector AT500

Budget household breathalyzer with a bright, clear display, accurate measurement in mg/l and a compact body weighing only 70 g.

Preparation for work takes only 15 seconds: in the future, the readings will be displayed on the display and stored in memory (up to 50 results).

The standard blowing procedure takes 10 seconds . After the results are displayed, you must wait 2 minutes before the next test.

The result is displayed on the screen and is also accompanied by lighting and a sound signal.

Specifications:

• sensor: electrochemical;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 15-120 s.;
• blowing time: 10 s.;
• operating temperature: 10 - 40 °C.

pros

• can store up to 40 measurements in memory;
• inexpensive;
• compact and lightweight;
• wide measurement range;
• high test accuracy.

Minuses

• inconvenient to store mouthpieces;
• long warm-up.

Inspector AT100

A compact device with a keychain and a durable body, only 6 cm in height . To start work

You need to insert one AA battery into the special compartment and wait 20 seconds: after this, the breathalyzer can be used for its intended purpose.

The pause between tests is 60 seconds.

Additional functions of the breathalyzer include a timer, auto shutdown and battery charge indication.

Units of measurement are ppm, BAC . For ease of movement and operation, the device is equipped with a key fob.

Specifications:

• sensor: semiconductor;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 20-60 s.;
• blowing time: 5 s.;
• operating temperature: 10 - 40 °C.

pros

• cheap;
• lightweight and compact;
• there is a timer;
• speed of work.

Minuses

• no case for attachments;
• large error (step - 0.1 ppm).

Delta AT-550

Inexpensive domestically produced breathalyzer with an interesting design, small dimensions and weighing only 40 g.

For normal operation of the device, 3 AAA batteries are required, as well as 20 seconds of preparation: after this, you can conduct a test, the results of which are displayed on the LCD display in ppm, BAC.

The scale step is 0.01 ppm, and the measurement range is 0.1 - 2 ppm.

Both visual and audio indications will notify you of the measurement results. There is also an auto shutdown function.

Specifications:

• sensor: semiconductor;
• mouthpiece: yes;
• preparation time for measurement: 20 s.;
• blowing time: 5 s.;
• operating temperature: 0 - 40 °C.

pros

• spectacular appearance;
• measurement speed;
• accuracy of measurements;
• compact size;
• stores up to 10 measurements in memory.

Minuses

• discharges quickly;
• no battery charge indication.

The best inexpensive breathalyzers

Inexpensive devices include devices that cost up to 1,500 rubles. for personal models and up to 6000 for professional ones. The rating included 2 such devices with good value for money.

Ritmix RAT-350

My experience shows that this model of breathalyzer is only effective when used for a maximum of several hours after drinking alcohol...

Expert opinion

This is one of the best and most practical breathalyzers in the ranking. His choice is justified by the excellent combination of low price and good quality. The device has a backlit semiconductor sensor, which makes its use comfortable. The result is displayed on the screen in the form of fairly large numbers, but just in case there is also a sound indication. No special preparation is needed for use; you just need to blow it once for 5 seconds. The disadvantage is that the measurement range is not the largest - from 0 to 1.99 ppm.

Advantages

• Reasonable cost;
• Small sizes;
• There is a cord for the hand;
• The batteries last a long time;
• Can work at sub-zero temperatures;
• Accurate analyzer.

Flaws

• Determines the presence of alcohol in case of taking a medicine containing it;
• No mouthpiece.

Supra ATS-300

This is another inexpensive but good breathalyzer for personal use. Drivers note in reviews the ease of use. The device is not large, fits compactly in the hand, stores the last 10 measurements in memory, runs on batteries for a long time and displays information about the level of alcohol in the air on a backlit LCD display in 7 seconds. The kit comes with replaceable mouthpieces, making it reusable. There is no need to calibrate the analyzer often; tuning 1-2 times a year is sufficient.

Advantages

• The error does not exceed 10%,
• Easy to use;
• Does not take up much space during storage;
• Determines alcohol concentration up to 3 ppm;
• You need to breathe into the mouthpiece for no more than 7 seconds;
• Low price.

Flaws

• Cannot be used at sub-zero temperatures;
• You need 3, not 2, as usual, batteries;
• It takes about a minute to prepare;
• No sound indication.

The Supra ATS-300 breathalyzer, although it shows the most accurate data, can not be accepted by traffic police officers when examining a driver for alcohol intoxication.

Operating principle of a home breathalyzer

The operating principle of a home breath alcohol meter depends on the type of sensor device that is built into the device. This may be a semiconductor or electrochemical sensor.

In the first case, alcohol molecules are retained on the sensor . They change its conductivity, and the signal on the display is displayed taking into account the number of these same molecules.

More accurate electrochemical alcohol meters act differently: a special catalyst reacts to alcohol vapor, converting the measurement result into a digital signal.

Types of breathalyzers

All types of breathalyzers can be divided into 2 large groups: professional and household. The former are more expensive, give more accurate readings, are capable of making up to 100-150 measurements per charge and are equipped with a greater number of functions. For example, many of them can take photos of the test subject.

Household ones are cheaper and simpler, and also have a larger error. They typically take longer to recover from one measurement and are designed to take no more than 5 measurements per charge.

Depending on the type of sensor, there are semiconductor and electrochemical devices . The former are less accurate, sensitive to environmental conditions, cheaper and react not only to alcohol vapors, but also to similar compounds, for example, aldehydes and ketones.

Electrochemical alcohol meters are more expensive, more accurate, and give more realistic readings at low temperatures and high humidity.

Less popular types of breathalyzers include:

• spectrophotometric;
• personal;
• special;
• LED;
• disposable;
• laser;
• automobile;
• medical;
• test strips;
• mobile;
• virtual.