WARNING: AlcoSense Lite is a sensitive measurement device. Performing a
breath test less than 10 minutes after drinking risks blowing high levels of
alcohol directly from your mouth into the system which could permanently
damage the sensor and cause the system to read inaccurately. For best results
wait at least 30 minutes after drinking or smoking before performing a breath
test. Do not blow directly into the blow hole without a blow tube – this can
damage the sensor and significantly reduce the lifetime of your unit.
Instruction Manual
2 3
AlcoSense Lite Instruction Manual
Thank you for purchasing your new AlcoSense Lite Breathalyser.
As you know, you never can tell how long it takes for alcohol to clear from
your body after having a drink. It depends on many variables including body
mass, time of day, food intake and even if you have a cold.
Road safety is our primary concern, specifically making it easy for you to
know when you are clear of alcohol again the morning after a few drinks.
The AlcoSense Lite breathalyser is designed to quickly and accurately
indicate your level of intoxication, alerting you as to whether you are over
or under the UK drink drive limit. With its unique ASC technology it can be
used again and again while maintaining accuracy for longer.
Thank you again for purchasing this product and I’m sure you will be
delighted with it. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact
us.
Yours sincerely,
Hunter Abbott, Managing Director
AlcoSense Lite User Manual Version 1.6
How Breathalysers Work
Breathalysers work by measuring the concentration of alcohol vapour in
your breath. Contrary to popular belief the alcohol is not coming from
residue in your mouth but is actually evaporating from the blood that passes
through your lungs when you breathe. The amount of alcohol evaporating
from your lungs is directly proportional to the amount of alcohol in your
blood stream making it possible to accurately calculate the promille Blood
Alcohol Concentration (‰BAC).
How Alcohol Is Processed by the Body
When you drink, alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream through your
mouth and throat but mostly through the stomach and small intestine. The
more you drink the more alcohol is absorbed by the body and the higher
your BAC reading will become. Approximately 90 minutes after the alcohol
is consumed it is distributed equally around the body through the blood
stream. This is known as the point of Equilibrium.
3
5
6
7
Contents
Introduction
Do's and Don't's
Getting Started
Preparing the unit for first use
Automatic Sensor Clean (ASC)
9
12
13
13
Understanding the results
Maintenance
Recalibration
Troubleshooting / Support
Accessories & Legal
14
Important - Please read
It is safest to drive when you have no alcohol left in your blood stream. As a result we only
recommend driving when the AlcoSense Lite breathalyser reads ‘LO’. If you have the slightest
doubt in your mind about your fitness to drive DO NOT. Before using the AlcoSense Lite
breathalyser you agree you have read the operating instructions & are aware of the legal
alcohol limit in your jurisdiction. The manufacturer distributors and sellers of this product
exclude all liability for improper use or loss or damage caused by actions taken by you after
use of this product.
As blood flows round the body around 90% of the alcohol it contains
is broken down in to water and carbon dioxide by the liver in a process
called Oxidation. The remaining 10% of the alcohol is passed from the body
through the lungs and kidneys. A healthy liver typically breaks down alcohol
at a rate of one unit of alcohol per hour but the more alcohol that is
consumed the longer it can take for the liver to process each unit.
When you stop drinking your level of intoxication may stay constant or if
you have been drinking heavily it could even increase for around 2 hours
afterwards. This is because of the time it takes for alcohol to reach the
bloodstream from the time you actually had the drink. If you have eaten
food this can also increase the time, as the release of alcohol into the
bloodstream can be slowed by it being absorbed by food in the stomach.
4
8
How to Perform a Breath Test
4 5
This is the reason why we do not recommend using the breathalyser just
after finishing drinking because there are too many factors that can
influence the reading. The ideal time is the morning after.
Things That Can Affect the Reading of Your Breathalyser
There are some factors that can affect the reading of breathalysers
whether it be the AlcoSense Lite breathalyser or a police system. As long as
you are aware of these factors you will be able to use your AlcoSense Lite
to give high precision readings.
The Do’s and Don’t's
Do:
• Use the breathalyser the morning after a few drinks.
•
Read the instructions carefully
•
Activate the sensor before first use (see page 6)
Perform an ASC (see page 6) regularly
•
Phone us if you have any difficulties
Don’t
• Use the breathalyser for at least 30 minutes after drinking alcohol (we
recommend using it the morning after, please see section “How Alcohol
is Processed by the Body” on page 3)
• Use the breathalyser for at least 30 minutes after using mouthwash,
breath spray, cough medicine or anything else that may contain alcohol.
•
Use the breathalyser for at least 25 minutes after having a cigarette or
eating certain over-ripe fruit.
• Perform a test in dirty air, i.e. a smokey room.
• Use the breathalyser if you are breathing quickly (for example, after running
up the stairs) or have been holding your breath. This can falsely lower or
raise the reading respectively. Wait until you are breathing normally again.
It is safest to drive when you have no alcohol left in your blood stream. As a
result we only recommend driving when the Alcosense breathalyser reads ‘LO’.
Getting Started
This section will take you step by step through the basics of using your new
AlcoSense Lite Breathalyser, namely:
1. Unpacking the box
2. Installing the batteries
3.
Preparing the unit for first time use - activating the sensor and
performing an ASC.
4. How to perform a breath test and understanding the results
1. Unpacking the Box
In the box you will have the following components:
1) 1 x AlcoSense Lite Breathalyser
2) This instruction manual
3) 5 x Blow Straws
4) 1 x Cleaning cap (small plastic cap inside battery compartment)
5) 1 x Pipette
2. Installing the Batteries
Turn the AlcoSense Lite over so that the back is facing you. Press the arrow
down and slide the battery cover away from the unit. Insert three new, good
quality 1.5v AAA alkaline batteries into the slots provided making sure that
the batteries are inserted the right way round as indicated in the battery
compartment. Then slide the battery compartment cover back on again.
AlcoSense Lite can be turned on and off by pressing and holding the On/Off Key.
Don't perform seqential tests. Leave at least 5 minutes between tests
perform no more than 6 tests in an hour and no more than 10 in 24
hours.
•
•
6
7
Automatic Sensor Clean (ASC) Function
The ASC Function cleans the sensor inside the system and removes any
contaminants from it (for example, oxidisation if it has not been used for a
period of time or residue left from previous tests). We recommend you
perform an ASC every 4 weeks. To perform an ASC please do the
following:
1. In a clean air environment, remove the batteries from the back of
the unit, wait 5 seconds and re-insert them. The ASC will automatically
start. Do not press any keys as this will cancel the ASC.
2.
Put the unit down and wait 10 minutes. Two beeps will be heard to
3. Preparing the unit for first time use
Activating the sensor
Before first use, or after an extended period of storage without
use you must activate the sensor.
1) To activate the sensor you need an alcoholic liquid of 5-7% volume. In the
UK pre-made drinks of this volume are difficult to find. We suggest the
mixing a small amount of white wine and water in a ratio of 1 part wine to 1
part of water.
2) In the box there is a small plastic cap. Put a small drop of the liquid you
have mixed in step 1 in to the cap. Place the cap into the blow tube hole
on the AlcoSense Lite as shown in the diagram below.
3) If you have inserted batteries already, remove them from the back of the
unit, press the power key once, then re-insert them. The ASC (Auto Sensor
Clean) will start. Do not press any keys as this will cancel the ASC.
4) Put the unit down and wait 10 minutes. Two beeps will be heard to
indicate the start of the ASC. After 10 minutes the AlcoSense Lite will beep
meaning that the ASC is finished.
5)
When the ASC is complete, leave the cap in the breathalyser and press
the power key as if you were performing a breath test (see page 8 of the
manual). When the AlcoSense Lite displays Blow on the screen, hold down
the Blow button for 5 seconds, until a beep is heard.
If the result shown on screen is 0.2 or higher, or just HI then the
sensor is activated and the unit is ready to be used. Remove the cap from the
breathalyser and you can use the pipette to blow fresh air through the
breathalyser blow hole.
PLEASE NOTE that the breathalyser may
temporarily read slightly high for a couple of hours after activation, for
example you may see a positive reading when you haven’t drunk any alcohol
- this will pass after a couple of hours.
If the result is ERR, please repeat step 5 again. This could be caused by
pressing the blow key too late or not for long enough.
If the result is LO
please perform an Auto Sensor Clean (see page 7 of
the manual), then repeat the above steps to activate the sensor again. If
it is still showing LO after repeating the process please call us on 0800
195 0088
indicate the start of the ASC and ASC will flash on the screen. After
10 minutes the AlcoSense Lite will beep meaning it is finished.
8 9
Understanding the Results
First, check the drink drive limit in the table below and with your local road
authority. AlcoSense will display the result of your breath test on screen in ‰BAC.
The alert level your unit is set to is displayed on a sticker on top of the unit.
Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive, do not drive if you have
any alcohol left in your system. The unit is accurate to +/-0.2‰BAC, therefore
your reading could be 0.2 higher than that shown on the screen, always take
this into account when reading your results. Only drive when the breathalyser
reads LO, you feel 100% and have no reason to believe you may still have
alcohol in your system. Have your unit calibrated annually, see page 14.
Country ‰BAC Limit* Country ‰BAC Limit*
Australia 0.5 ‰ BAC Italy 0.5 ‰BAC
Australia (prof.drivers) 0.2 ‰BAC Luxembourg 0.8 ‰BAC
Austria 0.5 ‰BAC Malta 0.8 ‰BAC
Belgium 0.5 ‰BAC Northern Ireland 0.8 ‰BAC**
Canada 0.5 ‰BAC Norway 0.2 ‰BAC
Cyprus 0.5 ‰BAC Poland 0.2 ‰BAC
Czech Republic 0.5 ‰BAC Russia Zero
England & Wales 0.8 ‰BAC Scotland 0.8 ‰BAC**
Denmark 0.5 ‰BAC Slovakia Zero
Finland 0.5 ‰BAC Spain 0.5 ‰BAC
France 0.5 ‰BAC Sweden 0.2 ‰BAC
Holland 0.5 ‰BAC Switzerland 0.5 ‰BAC
Hungary Zero Turkey 0.5 ‰BAC
Ireland (Republic of)
(proof & new drivers)
0.2 ‰BAC UAE Zero
USA 0.8 ‰BAC
*Please Note: The legal limits above are correct as of March 2014. Should you
use the breathalyser in different countries you must be aware of the drink drive
limit in the jurisdiction you are using the AlcoSense in. Also, should the drink
drive limit in your country change you must be aware that your AlcoSense
breathalyser will continue to alert you not to drive at the original level with an
accuracy of +/- 0.2‰ BAC. ** N.I. plans to lower this limit to 0.5‰BAC in
the near future. Continued overleaf...
4. How to Perform a Breath Test
Performing a breath test is easy and can be performed quickly. Responsible
drivers find the Alcosense breathalyser particularly useful to help make sure
they are ok to drive the morning after.
WARNING: AlcoSense Lite is a sensitive measurement device. Performing a
breath test less than 10 minutes after drinking risks blowing high levels of
alcohol directly from your mouth into the system which could permanently
damage the sensor and cause the system to read inaccurately. For best results
wait at least 30 minutes after drinking or smoking before performing a breath
test. Do not blow directly into the blow hole without a blow tube – this can
damage the sensor and significantly reduce the lifetime of your unit.
1.
Put a blow tube on the system as show in the
image below.
2. Press the ON/OFF button once and the screen will
count down to zero while the sensor pre-heats.
3. When it has counted down to zero it will beep twice
and BLOW will be displayed on the screen.
4. Blow through the blow tube in to the AlcoSense
Lite while pressing and holding the blow
button. You must blow into the unit with a
constant breath slightly harder than a sigh until the
unit beeps again. It will then display your results. If it says
ERROR please see the table on page 10 for instructions.
NOTE:
If the backlight turns off (for power saving), you can press ‘LIGHT’ key once
to turn it on again.
Do not perform sequential tests. Residue and condensation from the previous
test can affect the accuracy of the next test. Leave at least 5 minutes between
tests and perform no more than 6 tests in an hour and 10 tests in 24 hours. If
you require more frequent tests please consider a higher model from the
AlcoSense range.
10 11
LO
Less than 0.2‰BAC
LO
Less than 0.2‰BAC
Zero or Trace Alcohol
There is either no alcohol in the sample or such a
small amount it is negligible. The reading is well
below the legal drink drive limit.
Between 0.2‰BAC
and 0.3‰BAC
Between
0.2‰BAC and 0.5‰BAC
Low Levels
The sample has alcohol in it but it is below the
limit that has been set. Any amount of alcohol
affects your ability to drive.
Do not drive.
Between 0.3‰BAC
and 0.4‰BAC
(Hazard symbol will be
displayed on screen)
Between 0.6‰BAC and
0.7‰BAC
(Hazard symbol will be
displayed on screen)
Possibly Over the Limit
Taking into account environmental variables and
the accuracy of the unit you could be on or just
ov
er the limit. Do not drive.
Between 0.5‰BAC
and 1.5‰BAC
(Don’t drive symbol is
shown)
Between 0.8‰BAC and
1.5‰BAC
(Don’t drive symbol is
shown)
Over the Limit
The sample above the legal drink drive limit.
Do not drive.
Above 1.5‰BAC
(Don’t drive symbol is
shown)
Above 1.5‰BAC
(Don’t drive symbol is
shown)
The sample’s alcohol level is above 1.5‰BAC
and is outside the reading range of this
device. Do not drive.
Error in Reading Error in Reading
There has been an error while performing the
breath test. This is normally caused by either
blowing too hard or too softly into the
AlcoSense. See page 8, bullet point 4 or call us.
Example of Screen Example of ScreenDescription Description Explanation
On top of the unit there is a small sticker showing the alert level. Check
this then refer to the correct column and explanation for your device
below. Make sure you know the correct drink drive limit in your area.
0.5‰BAC Alert Level Model 0.8‰BAC Alert Level Model
IMPORTANT: The unit
is accurate to +/- 0.2‰BAC, therefore your reading
could be 0.2‰BAC higher than that shown on the screen. e.g. if your result was
0.6‰BAC, you could actually be 0.8‰BAC. Always take this into account.
12 13
Maintaining your AlcoSense Lite Breathalyser
Keep it Clean
To keep your AlcoSense Lite in tip top condition we recommend cleaning it
regularly using a soft cloth and storing it in a clean, cool dry place not close
to a heat source. We also recommend that you regularly perform an ASC
(Auto Sensor Clean as explained on page 6).
Clean the Sensor
To help maintain the accuracy of the device we recommend you should
perform an ASC regularly to remove any contaminants from the sensor. If
you have not used your breathalyser for several weeks re-activate the sensor
before use. You can find instructions for doing this on page 6.
Be Careful
Take care not to drop the AlcoSense Lite breathalyser as sudden knocks can
affect the unit’s accuracy. If you have dropped your AlcoSense Lite and feel
that it is not reading correctly please call us to arrange to have the unit
serviced. When the product is unused, please store it in a cool and dry
environment.
Technical Support
If you have any queries which are not covered in this manual or need
assistance using your unit please check the troubleshooting section in this
manual, visit www.alcosense.co.uk/support or call our technical support
number 0800 195 0088 Monday to Friday 9am to 5.00pm. If calling please
make sure you have your breathalyser to hand.
Re-Calibration
Like any breathalyser, your AlcoSense will require recalibration after a period
of use. We recommend your AlcoSense breathalyser should be re-calibrated
once a year, or more frequently if you use it heavily. If you do not have
your breathalyser recalibrated on time it may read inaccurately.
Recalibration requires speciliast laboratory equipment can only be
performed by an AlcoSense approved service centre. At the time of
printing, recalibration costs £19.99 and takes 5 working days to complete.
To arrange calibration please visit www.alcosense.co.uk/cal or call us on
0800 195 0088.
Troubleshooting
The reading I got was lower than I expected.
If the breathalyser is new or it has not been used for an extended period
you will need to activate the sensor, see page 6 of this manual. If you
have activated the sensor perform an Auto Sensor Clean, see page 7 of
this manual. If this does not fix the issue please call us on 0800 1950088.
I’m doing a breath test and it says ERR.
This can be because you are not pressing and holding the blow key while
blowing. If you are pressing and holding the blow key while blowing you
coudl be stopping blowing too soon. Keep blowing and holding the key
until the unit beeps again. If this does not work please call us for
assistance.
Continued on following page....
I have got a positive reading but I haven’t drunk any alcohol.
This can be caused by testing within 10 minutes of eating some strong
foods, using dental products, chewing gum or smoking. On some occasions
it can also be caused by the body releasing acetone/keytones released
during the metabolism of acetoacetic acid. This can be increased with the
use of some prescribed medications or certain medical conditions, most
commonly diabetes. A healthy body can also create these substances
occasionally, it is more likely if you are on a low carbohydrate diet such as
the Atkins diet or similar. If you experience this problem please call us.
14 15
AlcoSense Lite limited warranty
WARRANTOR
This Limited Warranty is granted by and this Limitation of
Liability is stipulated for the benefit of AlcoSense Lite, a trade
mark of Now Group UK Ltd, Minster Court, 22-30 York Road,
Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1SF Unite Kingdom.
WHAT THIS WARRANTY COVERS
1) Now Group UK Ltd. (“AlcoSense Lite”) warrants to you that
the Hardware will be free from defects in workmanship and
materials under normal use (“Defects”) for a period of one
(1) year from the date that the Hardware was first purchased
by you (“Warranty Period”). During the Warranty Period the
Hardware will be repaired or replaced at AlcoSense Lite’s
choice (“Limited Warranty”) without charge to you for either
parts or labour. This Limited Warranty covers the replacement
of the Hardware only. If the Hardware is repaired after the
Warranty Period has expired (at your cost), the Warranty Period
for the repair will expire six (6) months after the date of repair.
WHAT THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
2) The Limited Warranty does not apply to normal wear
and tear, does not apply when the Hardware is opened or
repaired by someone not authorised by AlcoSense Lite and
does not cover repair or replacement of any Hardware or
part thereof damaged by: misuse, moisture, liquids, proximity
or exposure to heat and accident, abuse, non-compliance
with the instructions supplied with the Hardware, neglect or
misapplication. The Limited Warranty does not cover physical
damage to the surface of the Hardware or calibration of the
Hardware.
HOW TO MAKE A WARRANTY CLAIM
3) In order to make a claim of a Defect, you must contact
AlcoSense Lite by email or telephone during the Warranty
Period via www.AlcoSense.com to explain the Defect and
to obtain an RMA number (Return Materials Authorisation) if
necessary. You must return the Hardware during the Warranty
Period, along with an explanation of the Defect, to the address
provided to you by AlcoSense Lite. If a defect arises and a valid
claim under this Limited Warranty is received by AlcoSense
Lite after the first one hundred and eighty (180) days of the
Warranty Period, AlcoSense Lite is entitled to charge you
for any reasonable shipping and handling costs made in
connection with the repair or replacement of the Hardware.
You must comply with any other return procedures stipulated
by AlcoSense Lite, if any.
YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
4) Some countries may not allow the exclusion or limitation
of damages. If any part of this Limited Warranty is held to
be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Limited
Warranty shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect.
5) This Limited Warranty is the only express warranty made
to you and is provided in lieu of any other express warranties
or similar obligations (if any) created by any advertising,
documentation, packaging, or other communications.
6) Except for the Limited Warranty and to the maximum extent
permitted by applicable law, AlcoSense Lite and its suppliers
provide the Hardware “AS IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS”, and
hereby disclaim all other warranties and conditions, whether
express, implied or statutory, including, but not limited to, any
(if any) implied warranties, duties or conditions of satisfactory
quality, of fitness for a particular purpose, of reliability or
availability, of accuracy or completeness of responses, of
results, of workmanlike effort, of lack of viruses, and of
reasonable care and skill, all with regard to the Hardware,
and the provision of or failure to provide support or other
services, information, software, and related content through
the Hardware or otherwise arising out of the use of the
Hardware. Also, there is no warranty or condition of quiet
enjoyment, quiet possession, or non-infringement with regard
to the Hardware. This exclusion does not apply to (i) any
implied condition as to title and (ii) any implied warranty as to
conformity with description.
7) This Limited Warranty does not affect any legal rights
under applicable national legislation governing the sale of
consumer goods.
8) This Limited Warranty cannot be transferred to any other
person.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
1) Neither Now Group UK Ltd nor its suppliers shall be liable
to you or to any third party for any damages either direct,
indirect, incidental, consequential or otherwise (including
in each case, but not limited to, damages for the inability to
use the equipment, loss of business, loss of profits, business
interruption or the like) arising out of the use of or inability to
use the Hardware even if Now Group UK Ltd has been advised
of the possibility of such damages.
2) Notwithstanding any damages that you might incur for any
reason whatsoever (including, without limitation, all damages
referenced herein and all direct or general damages in contract
or anything else), the entire liability of Now Group UK Ltd and
any of its suppliers shall be limited to the amount actually paid
by you for the Hardware.
3) Now Group UK Ltd shall not be liable for (i) any fraud on
the part of its employees and/or agents; or (ii) any fraudulent
misrepresentation on the part of its employees and/or agents.
4) Notwithstanding the above, neither party’s liability for
death or personal injury resulting from its own negligence
shall be limited.
5) If any of these terms shall become or be declared illegal,
invalid or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever such term
shall be divisible from these terms and shall be deemed to be
deleted from them.
Note on Environmental Protection
After implementation of the European Directive 2002/96/EU in the national legal system, the following applies: Electrical and
electronic devices may not be disposed of with domestic waste. Consumers are obliged by law to return electrical and electronic
devices at the end of their service lives to the public collecting points set up for the purpose or point of sale. Details to this are
defined by the national law of the respective country. This symbol of the product, packaging or instruction manual indicates that
this product is subject to these regulations. By Recycling, re-using the materials or other forms of utilising old devices, you are
making an important contribution to protecting our environment.
Although every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this manual are accurate and reliable Now Group UK Ltd
accept no liability for errors or omissions and we reserve the right to change information without notice.
Accessories
The following accessories are available for your AlcoSense Lite unit, which
are available either from your local dealer or directly from alcosense.co.uk.
Accessory Description Price*
Protective Carry
Case
Keep your AlcoSense Lite
breathalyser safe and
sound in this beautiful
carry case
£9.99
Pack of 20 Spare
Blow Tubes
Pack of 20 new blow
tubes for breath tests
£4.99
*Subject to change
I’ve done two breath tests and got different results.
This
is expected. The first test is the most accurate, if you perform a second
test within a few minutes of the first test the breath alcohol levels in your
lungs may not have stabilised after the first test, causing the second test to
give you a different reading. If you have recently drunk alcohol, your blood
alcohol level can also change quickly over the course of a few minutes. This
is why you should only use the breathalyser 90 minutes after drinking or
ideally, the morning after. If you test two different breathalysers back to
back you will also expect slightly different readings for the same reason.
This is why you cannot use one breathalyser to test the accuracy of another,
it can only be done using Breath Alcohol Simulators. To give you an
example, UK law allows for up to 15% difference on sequential test results
taken by the Police.
For any other queries please visit alcosense.co.uk/support or
call us on 0800 195 0088 (+44 1628 778885 outside the UK).
Now Group UK Limited
AlcoSense™ is a trademark of Now Group UK Ltd
0800 195 0088 info@AlcoSense.co.uk AlcoSense.co.uk
Unit 3, Maidenhead Enterprise Centre, Cordwallis Street,
Maidenhead, SL6 7BE. United Kingdom
Made in China
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