Product Review: TopTes Tools CT-300 Carbon Monoxide Detector

[@Zensiji]

I noticed the Klein had a MAX reading of 106 PPM after you picked it up at the very end of the video. For some reason they seem to take forever to get a reading. The best I can find in terms of sensitivity is one from "Forensics Detectors", it's their little yellow one. They're made in CA, USA and each one comes with a tested certification. Seems very sensitive in the videos too.

[@uxwbill]

For whatever reason, the Klein Tools CO detector likes to report false readings when it is moved in any way, or held in any other direction than with the sensor facing straight up. It's a rebadged Uni-T product, and the Uni-T manual mentions this. That seems to me like a serious design flaw. I have thought a little about how best to remake this video. Some commenters suggested buying a "reference" test bottle of CO gas. I also revisited the manual for the Fieldpiece detector, which contains a testing method. While not absolute, I think their test could still give a relative idea of how similar the detectors are to one another.

[@w5cdt]

The sensor is a Figaro TGS5141 - data sheet is available on line.

[@vwestlife]

If I had one, I wouldn't be able to resist the urge to write in the missing final T.

[@twocvbloke]

It's like when I see Anker products, being a brit, I mentally add the W........ :P

[@w5cdt]

Place a candle near the exhaust to figure out which way the wind is blowing.

[@rockyraccoon3630]

After listening to this man for 18 minutes and 16 seconds...I came to the conclusion that I trust him.

[@uxwbill]

Be that as it may, this was by my own admission a terrible product review because my testing methodology didn't work.

[@chrismaster1]

Since noone said "FIRST", and since I'm a little more classy (quit that snickering), I'll say this: TOAST.

[@uxwbill]

I often tell people I have culture, and not just between my toes! (ba-dumm, pssh!)

[@The_Magic_of_Zelda]

My father used to fly RC planes as a hobby so he had an anemometer (I‘m sure it was a TopTes brand) to measure wind speed before he would fly one his RC planes. It worked pretty well from what I remember although it has been a while.

[@oledcrt]

Wow, that is a remarkably inexpensive tool, but it seems to work at least a little bit. Anyway, if your emissions system is working properly and the engine is warm there will be very little carbon monoxide. A carbureted engine, especially a small one, should provide the copious levels you’re looking for. The exhaust from a gas fueled household oven should provide a steady ~10ppm or so for testing low level detection. You can also blow out a match and put the sensor in the smoke plume to at least see if the Klein Tools is working at all. And if you really want to get serious you can buy calibration gas cylinders online, but you have to shop around to get a good price. Even if you find a good deal the gas may end up costing as much as that TopTes.

[@dosman01302]

Was it maybe because of the catalytic converter you didn't get good readings? Good to see you sir! Enjoyed the tractor ac video as well.

[@jdwyerofive2798]

Good review, although I see what you mean when you said you weren’t satisfied with it. Might need to try to use something that gives off better emissions. Also, if I’m allowed to ask, who is driving the GMC Acadia these days?

[@thelazyfishkeeper2730]

hey bill, perhaps there was too much fresh air exchange. the tester may be for enclosed areas. i would like to see it compared to a house hold unit. see you in the next video. stay well

[@uxwbill]

This can't really be compared to a household CO monitor. Those generally don't alarm until well into the point of danger and I don't believe they are made to respond as quickly as this handheld meter does. At lower concentrations, it may take thirty minutes to a few hours before a household monitor will go off.

[@twocvbloke]

Always a good idea to have CO alarms at the very least where there's something that could create CO gas, though that's just basic common sense, which sadly is thin on the ground these days...

[@uxwbill]

Whenever I find myself doing fuel-based heating work at a location that doesn't have one, I'll provide a basic model at my own expense.

[@paulholland3232]

You should’ve pressed the speaker button and hold to start at zero reading for continuous reading

[@uxwbill]

All of the CO meters shown in this video start detecting a short time after being turned on. No buttons need to be pressed. Truthfully, though, it's best to just forget this video even exists. It just didn't turn out, and I don't know why I even uploaded it.