Gas Range Testing

GAS RANGE TESTING

Testing CO levels in gas ranges can be tricky. This is the testing protocol we believe results in the most efficient and reliable tests.

A typical oven testing procedure is:

1. Turn on the oven to BAKE and set for 450 degrees.

2. Once the oven reaches temperature, it will hold that temperature for a while.

3. Allow the oven to cycle off, then on, then off, and then on again.

4. While it is reheating, test for CO in the oven vent sleeve.

This can be confusing. Here are our clarifying points and recommended tips:

· Remember: The oven needs to be heating (burning gas) in order to be able to test for CO. Some ovens turn on and off as they are heating up. If the oven has reached it's set temperature, the gas burning stops and that isn't the time to be testing for CO. If there is no flame, there is no CO. The oven temperature sensor is located in a different place than the combustion analyzer probe. The oven will reach the set temperature sooner than the analyzer sensor records temperature, and the oven will shut off.

· Although testing CO Air Free (CO AF) is probably best, If you are going to be taking an action based on BPI's Action Levels, be sure you set your CO tester for CO and NOT CO AF. If you test CO AF, you will likely take an action (such as clean and tune the oven) that may be unnecessary, as the current BPI Action Levels appear to be based on CO, not CO AF.

· If your combustion analyzer doesn't have a NOx filter, expect to see a higher CO level than you'd find if you were testing with a combustion analyzer that has a NOx filter.

For more info about CO AF: http://www.karg.com/pdf/coairfree_article.pdf

For more info about NOx filters: http://www.trutechtools.com/noxfilter

10 North Bausman Drive ª Lancaster, PA 17603 ª Ph: 717-293-8990 ª Fax: 717-293-1952