The portable indoor air quality meter CA 1510 from Chauvin Arnoux is designed for monitoring air quality in indoor spaces. It simultaneously measures the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, and relative humidity, providing a comprehensive overview of indoor air conditions. The device is designed for both stationary and mobile applications and is particularly suitable for spaces with high occupancy, such as schools, offices, hospitals, or public transport, where adequate fresh air supply is critical. Elevated CO2 concentration serves as an indicator of insufficient ventilation and may suggest increased levels of aerosols, which could potentially be virus-laden.

Applications

The CA 1510 is used in various sectors where air quality monitoring is required. These include public facilities, commercial and office buildings, as well as private spaces. Measuring CO2 concentration helps evaluate the efficiency of ventilation systems and enables timely actions such as opening windows. The display of humidity and temperature complements CO2 measurement, as these parameters also affect the comfort and health of occupants. Excessive humidity, for example, can lead to mold growth, which may cause allergic reactions or respiratory irritation.

Functions and Equipment in Detail

The device features a large, two-colour display that simultaneously shows measured values for CO2, temperature, and relative humidity. In Mode 1D, CO2 content is displayed as an index for used air, with visual indication (two-colour backlighting and pictograms) and an acoustic alarm triggered when threshold values are exceeded (e.g., 1000 ppm for moderate, 1700 ppm for high restriction). In Mode 3D, the optimal comfort zone is visualized based on hygrometric criteria and CO2 concentration. Users can set individual threshold values, for example, 800 ppm, to respond early to deteriorating air quality.

Technology Explained Simply

The CA 1510 measures CO2 in the range of 0 to 5000 ppm with an accuracy of ±50 ppm ±3% of the measured value and a resolution of 1 ppm. Temperature is measured in the range of -10 °C to 60 °C with an accuracy of ±0.5 °C, and relative humidity in the range of 5% to 95% relative humidity with an accuracy of ±2%. The measured values are stored in an internal memory that can hold up to 1 million data points. Data can be transferred via USB or Bluetooth; in USB mode, the device is recognized as a USB stick, enabling easy file transfer. Power supply is provided by two 1.5V LR6 batteries or a rechargeable battery; alternatively, the device can be connected to mains power via a supplied power adapter or via Micro-USB.

Compatibility and Accessories

The device comes with PC software and an Android app (1510 App) that enable graphical representation of measurement values, data export, real-time mode, and report generation. Data can be displayed in tabular form or as graphs and exported to Excel. Accessories include a wall mount (available in white and black), a carrying case, a USB power adapter, and a modem for Bluetooth/USB connection. A desk stand is included in the delivery scope of the CA 1510W, indicating a variant with desk mounting.

Mounting and Installation

The CA 1510 offers multiple mounting options: an integrated magnet allows attachment to metallic surfaces, a wall mounting system and a slot for hanging provide additional options. The desk stand (included with the CA 1510W) allows stable placement on a flat surface. Installation is simple and requires no special tools. The mounting options ensure flexible use in various environments.

Operational Advantages

The device offers high autonomy: in ECO mode, it performs measurements every 10 minutes within a programmable time window, enabling a battery-operated runtime of up to one year. In recording mode, the display can be locked to avoid disturbing the measurement values. Recording can be triggered programmatically (P_REC) or manually (M_REC); recording frequency, start and end dates can be adjusted via PC software or the Android app. Data analysis is straightforward and allows detailed evaluation of indoor air conditions over extended periods. An optional on-site calibration kit (P01651022) is available, enabling adjustment of the zero point and CO2 measurement value (e.g., 1700 ppm) on-site.

Delivery Contents

The device is delivered with the CA 1510 indoor air quality meter, PC software, Android app (1510 App), USB cable, magnetic holder, and user manual. Batteries are not included in the delivery scope.