Combustion Analyzer
The instrument that turns combustion from an opinion into a measurement.
Tool
Technician
#tools#combustion#safety#testingSafety
Evacuate and ventilate on elevated ambient carbon monoxide readings. Probes and flue gas are extremely hot.
What it is
A combustion analyzer samples flue gas and reports oxygen, carbon monoxide, stack temperature and calculated efficiency, with draft measurement on many models. It is the only way to know what a burner is actually producing.
Using it
- 1Turn the analyzer on in clean outdoor or ambient air so the sensors zero correctly.
- 2Take an ambient carbon monoxide reading in the space before starting the appliance.
- 3Insert the probe at the correct sampling location for the appliance type, in the undiluted flue gas stream.
- 4Allow the appliance to run several minutes until readings stabilise.
- 5Record oxygen, carbon monoxide, stack temperature and draft.
- 6Compare against the manufacturer specification and the limits that apply where you work.
- 7Run the analyzer purge cycle in clean air before shutting it down.
Sensors are consumables
Oxygen and carbon monoxide sensors age and require periodic replacement and calibration. An out of calibration analyzer gives confident wrong answers, which is worse than no reading at all.
Safety
Act on what you measure
If ambient carbon monoxide is elevated, evacuate and ventilate before continuing. Flue gas and probes are extremely hot. Never return an appliance to service that produces unsafe readings, and follow the response and documentation requirements that apply where you work.
Local Code Notice
Acceptable combustion values and technician response requirements vary by jurisdiction, adopted code edition and regulations in force.
Practice & Mastery
- Combustion Analyzer Troubleshooting Scenarios2
Practice is part of HVAC Pro — $5/month or $50/year.
AI Tutor
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