How to Monitor Oxygen Levels in a Room?

If you're wondering how to monitor oxygen levels in a room, look no further than an oxygen monitor. Learn how to use an oxygen monitor, where you install an oxygen monitor, and why this one little device could save a life. 

Why Should I Measure Oxygen Levels in a Room? 

Before we can answer the question of how to measure oxygen levels in a room, we must look at why you're measuring oxygen levels in a room. 

Humans need oxygen to breathe. The air's natural oxygen concentration is around 21 percent; however, natural oxygen in the air can be displaced by certain gases, including nitrogen and argon. If nitrogen were to leak in a closed space, oxygen levels would fall. Since nitrogen and other inert gases have no color or odor, it's not as if you can spot a nitrogen leak occurring. 

When oxygen levels fall below the safe threshold, which is 19.5 percent, health hazards may occur. With only a few breaths of oxygen deficient air, you could fall unconscious and suffocate. Given these safety risks, leak detection systems are necessary. 

What is an Oxygen Monitor? 

An oxygen monitor is a device that measures oxygen levels in the room, to ensure the air has enough oxygen for respiration. Also called an oxygen deficiency monitor or an O₂ monitor, an oxygen monitor uses a sensor to measure oxygen levels. By tracking oxygen levels, gas leaks can be detected even though the leaking substance cannot be seen or smelled. 

Oxygen monitors come with a range of features, including built-in alarms that go off when leaks occur. There is usually a loud alarm (designed to be heard over machine noise) as well as a flashing light. 

Oxygen levels differ in their setup and maintenance needs, which makes the question of how to use an oxygen monitor a little more challenging to answer. Some brands of oxygen monitor require annual maintenance and calibration. Other styles of oxygen monitor, such as those sold at PureAire, do not need calibration after installation. PureAire's O₂ monitors are designed to work efficiently and accurately for 10 or more year after installation, saving time and money. 

Where You Install an Oxygen Monitor? 

Oxygen monitors should be installed anywhere there is a risk of gas leaks. Place one oxygen monitor in any room where you store inert gases and in any room where these gases are used. This way, if you have a helium, argon, or nitrogen spill -- for instance, in a university science lab -- the oxygen sensor will detect the lower levels of oxygen and sound the alarm. 

How do You Install an Oxygen Monitor?

Oxygen monitors can be mounted on the wall using a bracket and screw, then connected via plug-in-the-wall power supply. Alternately, oxygen monitors can be hardwired with the services of an electrician. It's your choice. We recommend that oxygen monitors be installed 3 to 5 feet off the ground, and 3 to 5 feet away from any obstacle, such as a gas tank. 

Oxygen monitors deliver peace of mind that your employees and your facility are protected from the hazardous side effects of a gas leak. They may be required by industry regulations. To get an industry-leading oxygen monitor that's maintenance-free, look to PureAire.

Where Can I Buy an Oxygen Monitor?

You know you need an O₂ monitor, but where do you get one, and how much does it cost?  Selling oxygen deficiency monitors is our business, so we've rounded up information to choose the right oxygen deficiency monitor for your needs. 

Who Should Use an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor? 

An oxygen deficiency monitor should be placed anywhere that inert gases, such as argon or nitrogen, are used or stored. Industries that use an oxygen deficiency monitor include: 

• Research & development – Laboratories often perform testing using nitrogen, argon, or CO2.
• Medical gases- Used in hospitals, or labs requiring ultra-purity (99.9%) inert gases or nitrogen gas.
• MRI facilities- Helium gas surrounds the MR magnet to protect from overheating while in operation.
• Pharmaceutical- Nitrogen is used in cryogenic freezers and CO₂ or dry ice is commonly used for shipping heat sensitive prescription drugs.
• Cryotherapy- Nitrogen gas is used to create on-demand low temperatures quickly for therapy. Used for treating people to reduce inflammation.
• Cryopreservation- N₂ gas is used in the process of cooling and storing cells, tissues, or organs at very low temperatures to maintain their viability.
• Universities- Many schools specializing in medicine, sciences, or aerospace require nitrogen gas, argon gas, or carbon dioxide for experiments and long-term research.
• Semiconductor- Ultra purity nitrogen gas or other inert gases are required to reduce corrosion and oxidation on wafers or in semiconductor tools.
• Food & Beverage- Nitrogen gas or CO₂ is used to rapidly flash freeze food, or increase the shelf life of packaged foods and beverages.
• OLED- Nitrogen gas is used to reduce oxidation in printing chambers maintaining the quality of the substrate.
• 3D Printers- Argon gas and nitrogen gas are used in printers to reduce corrosion and protect metals from being a source of ignition, most commonly titanium metals.

What is an Oxygen Monitor Alarm?

An oxygen monitor alarm goes off if oxygen levels fall to a critical threshold, which is defined by OSHA as below 19.5 percent. 

The type of alarm varies by the specifications of the oxygen deficiency monitor you're considering. At PureAire, our oxygen monitors have two alarm levels, for 19.5 percent and 18 percent. The built-in alarm operates at 90 decibels, so workers can hear the alarm over facility noise. The optional horn and strobe combination amplifies the alarm. 

Alarm relays link alerts with third party communication systems, such as control panels, PLCs, or fire alarm systems for maximum versatility. 

How Much Does an Oxygen Monitor Cost?

Oxygen monitors range in price from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on if you need percentage or ppm accuracy. 

Where Can I Buy an Oxygen Monitor? 

Now that you understand the different features available in an oxygen monitor, as well as who should have an O₂ monitor, you're ready to research and buy. We're partial to PureAire products, but we always recommend that you review the specifications of any oxygen deficiency monitor so you understand what features the product has and whether it's right for you. PureAire includes a sensor lasting 10 year or more which is usually more desirable when you’re planning on using an oxygen monitor longer than 2 to 3 years.

You can buy an oxygen deficiency monitor online from the manufacturer, directly though distributors, and through commerce outlets as well. 

PureAire works with various distributors such as Airgas, Air Liquide, Linde, Air Products, Fisher Scientific, and Johnson Controls.

One note of caution here, especially if you use the internet to research oxygen monitors. A number of products may come up when you search for O₂ monitors that are NOT the correct product to detect gas leaks. You may find search results for the following products when you begin to look for oxygen monitors online: 

• Finger oxygen monitor
• Blood oxygen monitor 
• Pulse oximetry monitor 
• Oximeter
• Baby monitor 

As you may guess from the names, these other monitors are commonly used in medical and pharmaceutical settings. The price point will be far less than what you would spend for the type of oxygen monitor we're talking about. The other oxygen monitors are also found in stores and online at pharmacies: Walgreens, Target, CVS, and the like. 

When you review the product specifications, make sure the product you've found does what you need it to do: Monitor levels of oxygen in the air to detect a gas leak that could harm your facility and workers. 

If there are other questions you have about shopping for an oxygen deficiency monitor, we're here for you. Chat with us online or email us today.