"Are My Sensors Working?" How to Perform a Functional Check on Your Kaiterra Air Quality Monitor

This article outlines how to perform a functional check of your Kaiterra air quality monitor sensors.

This guide outlines safe methods for creating temporary, localized changes in your air quality to observe your monitor's response. A prompt and clear reaction confirms the sensor is functioning correctly. If you do not see the expected response, check the device's status lights before contacting Kaiterra Support for assistance.

Checking the Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅) Sensor

Particulate matter can be generated by combustion. A simple way to create a temporary source is by creating a puff of smoke.

1. Preparation: In a room with low air circulation (close doors and windows, and turn off fans or air purifiers), place your Kaiterra monitor on a stable surface.
2. Generate Source: Safely light a candle or an incense stick 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) from the monitor. Gently blow it out towards the monitor.
3. Observe: Log in to your Kaiterra Data Platform and view the real-time data for the device. You should observe a noticeable and relatively rapid increase in the PM2.5​ concentration.
4. Verify Recovery: After a few minutes, once the smoke has cleared and the source is removed from the room, observe the data again. The PM2.5 reading should begin to fall, returning toward its baseline level.

Expected Response: A clear spike in PM2.5​ readings when smoke is introduced, followed by a decline after it dissipates, indicates the PM sensor is functioning correctly.

Alternatives: Aerosol Sprays may also be detected by the PM sensor and can be used as an alternative test.

Checking the Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Sensor

Humans are the primary indoor source of carbon dioxide through exhalation.

1. Preparation: Place the monitor in a small, enclosed room with limited ventilation, including all doors and windows closed. Note the baseline CO2​ reading, which is typically between 400 and 600 ppm in a well-ventilated space.
2. Generate Source: Have one or two people enter the room and remain there, engaging in normal activity like talking or sitting, for 15-20 minutes.
3. Observe: Monitor the CO2​ reading on the Kaiterra Data Platform. You should see a steady increase in the CO2 concentration.
4. Alternative Quick Check: A faster method is to exhale gently in the direction of the monitor from a short distance (~1 foot away). Do not breathe directly into the sensor's intake vents. You should see a rapid and significant spike in the CO2​ reading.

Expected Response: A gradual rise in CO2​ with occupancy or a sharp spike in response to nearby exhalation confirms the CO2 sensor is operational.

Checking the Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) Sensor

Many common household products release VOCs, which the TVOC sensor is designed to detect.

1. Preparation: Place the monitor in a well-ventilated area and note the baseline TVOC reading.
2. Generate Source: Open a bottle of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or uncap a dry-erase marker and hold it near the monitor (within 6 inches / 15 centimeters). These products release volatile compounds that the sensor will detect.
3. Observe: Watch the TVOC reading on the Kaiterra Data Platform. You should see a rapid increase as the sensor detects the compounds.
4. Verify Recovery: Cap the source (alcohol or marker) and move it outside the room. The TVOC reading should begin to decrease, returning toward its baseline.

Expected Response: A sharp increase in the TVOC reading when the source is introduced, followed by a decrease upon removal, indicating a functioning TVOC sensor.

Alternatives: Perfumes, colognes, and body sprays also release VOCs that will trigger a response.

Checking the Temperature and Relative Humidity (RH) Sensors

These sensors respond to changes in heat and moisture in the surrounding air.

1. Preparation: In a standard room, note the baseline temperature and RH readings.
2. Generate Source: After boiling water in an electric kettle, turn it off when steam appears. Carefully hold the kettle a safe distance below the monitor: close enough for the rising warm, humid air to reach the sensors, but far enough that it doesn't feel uncomfortably hot.
3. Observe: Monitor the device's readings on the Kaiterra Data Platform. You should see a clear rise in both the Temperature and Relative Humidity readings.

Expected Response: A corresponding rise in both readings confirms the temperature and RH sensors are working correctly.

Alternatives: You can also gently breathe on the sensor from close range, much like warming your hands in the winter. This will create a brief rise in temperature and humidity, though the response will be less pronounced than the primary method.

Interpreting the Results

If your monitor's sensors respond as described, you can be confident the device is powered, connected, and its sensing components are functioning.

If a sensor does not respond, first verify the device’s power and network connection by checking its physical status lights. If the issue persists, please contact Kaiterra Support for further assistance.

Look for Data Trends, not Specific Numbers

When performing these checks on multiple Kaiterra devices simultaneously, you may notice small differences in their readings. For example, one sensor might read 500 ppm of CO2 while another next to it reads 510 ppm. This is normal and expected.

Each device contains its own precision sensor, and minor variations are a natural characteristic of any scientific instrument. Comparing sensors against each other is not a valid method for testing accuracy.

Instead, focus on the data trends. When you introduce a source, do the readings on all devices rise and fall together in a synchronized pattern? If the answer is yes, it's a clear confirmation that all your sensors are online, responsive, and functioning correctly. The synchronized trend, not the specific number, is the key indicator of a successful test.