An ignition interlock consists of a handset to conduct breath alcohol tests with and relays messages to the driver and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that is connected to the power and control circuits of the vehicle.

An ignition interlock device controls the normal operation of a vehicle through a connection with the vehicle starter. To start the engine, the driver must provide an acceptable breath sample with a Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) below the preset limit.

At our Service Centres, we ensure that every installation goes smoothly and according to plan. Our trained technicians are certified and know exactly how to treat your vehicle. If, however, you experience difficulties with your ignition interlock, please contact us for assistance.

During normal operation, the device requests the driver to provide additional breath samples at fixed or random intervals to ensure that alcohol has not been consumed since starting the engine.

Our ignition interlock devices will never cause the vehicle engine to stop. The handset will beep to notify you of the retest request, and the timer will activate and give you sufficient time to stop in a safe location before providing a breath sample. We do not recommend performing a breath test while the vehicle is in motion.

We also install ignition interlocks on motorcycles, but certain modifications may apply.

Calibration is the process of checking and adjusting the sensor within your breathalyzer to ensure it displays an accurate reading.

There are 3 different types of sensors used in breathalyzer devices: semiconductors, electrochemical and infrared. No matter what kind of breathalyzer device you use, it needs to be calibrated on a regular basis.

Without calibration, the sensor will begin displaying inaccurate and inconsistent results and eventually become damaged.

Calibration ensures that the sensor is in great working condition, results will be accurate and accuracy will be consistent. Calibration also ensures that all components of the breathalyzer are working properly, free of defects and are well maintained, extending the overall lifespan of the breathalyzer device.

In addition, damage to the sensor caused by delaying calibration is not covered under the device warranty.

There are different breathalyzer calibration methods depending on the type of sensor within the breathalyzer device. Semiconductors and electrochemical sensors can be calibrated using a breath alcohol simulator or compressed gas standard. Infrared sensors can be calibrated using gas calibration.

A breath alcohol simulator uses an alcohol reference solution to mimic a person providing a breath sample. An alcohol reference solution is a liquid with a known alcohol content level. The breath alcohol simulator connects to the breathalyzer and provides a sample. If the breathalyzer results indicate an incorrect breath alcohol concentration, the device is reset to the accurate reading.

Compressed Gas Standard requires a gas tank filled with oxygen and ethanol. The gas tank connects to the breathalyzer device and mimics a breath test. If the breathalyzer results do not correspond to the known alcohol level indicated on the gas tank, the breathalyzer is adjusted to the correct level.

No matter which calibration method is used, a trained laboratory technician must perform the calibration process.

Depending on the type of device and the purpose, recommended calibration times vary. Most breathalyzers with a display screen will display CAL when the tester is due for calibration. For breathalyzers with LED lights, refer to your user manual to see how calibration is required is displayed.

In general, a personal breathalyzer device will indicate that calibration is required after 1 year or 5000 tests; breathalyzers for law enforcement should be calibrated once per month.

Calibration is needed sooner if your breathalyzer is providing inconsistent results, results that are abnormally high or low, or the device is not displaying results at all.

Just as it is important to calibrate a breathalyzer to ensure the sensor is reporting an accurate reading, it is essential to calibrate the ALCOSIM to ensure all components are working correctly and can calibrate breathalyzer devices effectively and efficiently.

The following is a list of reasons why it is important to calibrate the ALCOSIM:

• ensure that the firmware is up-to-date

• ensure that the temperature of 34 °C is reached and maintained

• ensure that all components are working properly and free of defects

If any components of the ALCOSIM are not in working order or working effectively, the ALCOSIM will not calibrate breathalyzer devices accurately which can damage the breathalyzer sensor.

The ALCOSIM requires calibration at least once per year to ensure that the latest firmware is installed and that all components are in optimal working condition. The ALCOSIM may need to be calibrated sooner if you notice that it is taking longer than usual to reach 34 °C or that the temperature is not being maintained. The ALCOSIM may also need calibration sooner than once a year if it does not seem to be calibrating breathalyzer devices properly.

The calibration process includes the following procedures:

• Check for and install firmware updates

• Check hardware to ensure all components are in optimal condition

• Heat and stabilize the ALCOSIM at 34 °C; ensure the heater is working efficiently and the temperature remains within the expected range

• Calibration is performed by using a thermometer to track the temperature of the ALCOSIM. The temperature is raised and lowered; the amount of time it takes for the ALCOSIM to adjust back to 34 °C is recorded. The calibration process ensures the heater and all other components are working properly.

• Verify calibration by completing the process again with a second temperature probe to ensure the results are accurate and consistent

A trained laboratory technician must perform the calibration process.

For price information for our calibration services, contact Customer Service at service@acs-corp.com.

With 40 years of experience producing and maintaining breath alcohol testing products, we know how to keep your device working to its greatest potential. When your breathalyzer requires calibration, simply send it to ACS and we’ll calibrate it and ensure that all components are in optimal condition.

Alternatively, you can enroll in the ACS Product Protection Plan, which includes 4 breathalyzer calibrations per year as well as many other services which ensure your device is perfectly maintained and kept in great working condition.

With our experience and expertise creating industry-leading breath alcohol testing technology, there is no better way to ensure that your breathalyzer is working accurately and in optimal condition.

Equipment that requires service should be individually wrapped and packed securely before it is shipped prepaid to an authorized service centre. Contact Alcohol Countermeasure Systems for more details: Email: service@acs-corp.com
acs-corp.com/contact

text_insuranceacsanswer

To maintain the accuracy of the device, most alcohol testers require calibration each year from the first date of use or after a set number tests. When calibration is due, “CAL” will appear on the display of the device. When the tester is due for a calibration, contact an authorized Service Centre.

If the breath alcohol tester is being used by multiple people it is strongly recommended to use a new mouthpiece for each individual. If the tester is used by a single person, a new mouthpiece is not necessary each time. However, moisture collects in the mouthpiece and if moisture enters the tester it may damage the equipment’s capabilities and result in costly repairs that are not covered by warranty. If a new mouthpiece is not used each time ensure that the mouthpiece is visibly dry.

Units must be stored in a clean environment that is free from fumes, chemicals or pollution.

Storage temperature must be within the 10°C to 30°C range.

For optimal performance, run at least 10 tests with the unit every month. This will keep the humidity in the sensor.