Best Flue Gas Analyser UK: Combustion Analysers For Boiler Servicing

BS 7967:2015 is a BSI guide for gas operatives on using an electronic portable combustion gas analyser conforming to BS EN 50379-3. BSI lists its scope as the general use of the analyser, determining ambient levels of carbon monoxide in dwellings, measuring CO and CO2 in the combustion products of type A, B and C appliances, and use as a diagnostic aid when commissioning, servicing and maintaining appliances. It assumes you are competent in using the analyser and interpreting readings, which BSI says can be shown through the relevant ACS assessments. It also says analysers are not a substitute for normal service and maintenance, and notes analysers to the older BS 7927 remain acceptable.

BS EN 50379 is the standard the analyser itself is tested to. Anton states that the Sprint Pro range is BSI tested to EN 50379-1:2012 and EN 50379-3:2012, for use with BS 7967 and BS 8494, and its manual says the Sprint Pro passes the requirements of EN 50379-1 and EN 50379-3 and has been independently tested by BSI.

All four Sprint Pro pages list the same base: CO and O2 sensors with CO2, a water stop condensate trap, a washable foam dust filter, USB-C charging, built-in sensor over-range protection, a drop-in bag and a hydrogen blend ready claim. Each comes with a calibration certificate and quick start guide. The manual gives a five-year manufacturer's warranty.

Sprint Pro 1 kit (PRO1-KIT) measures CO, O2 and calculated CO2, and includes a flue probe, a USB-charged infrared magnetic printer and a pipe temperature clamp probe.

Sprint Pro 2 (PRO2) adds a built-in manometer with full pressure testing. A gas escape probe is ready to fit but sold separately.

Sprint Pro 3 (PRO3) adds full iOS and Android connectivity and gas leak detection, with an included gas escape probe that has a flexible swan neck and an LED torch.

Sprint Pro 4 (PRO4) measures CO2 directly by infrared as well as CO and O2, with pressure testing, the gas escape probe and wireless connection. Anton highly recommends its 3 micron filter flue probe if you test oil-powered appliances.

Wöhler A 450 (5181) is a compact, touchscreen analyser with a 5-inch display, an app that sends the measurement to a phone, and a report app. The listing gives a 10,000 ppm CO sensor that is not H2 compensated, a 250 mm probe with a 1.5 m hose, a 3.6V 6700 mAh lithium-ion battery, WLAN, USB and IR interfaces, a weight of 620 g and a 48-month warranty. The page lists TÜV certification for adjustment control and does not name EN 50379.

Wöhler's UK listing says its A 550 is all that is needed to perform analyses, inspections and settings in accordance with EN 50379, and that it is approved and certified by test houses including TÜV and CPA. Wöhler describes the A 550 as for analyses, inspections and settings on residential and commercial appliances. Check whether the page for the exact Wöhler model you want names EN 50379 before you buy.

Anton's Sprint Pro manual says the analyser should be calibrated once a year and warns you when the due date is close. If the date has passed it shows a 'Calibration overdue' message, and the manual says the Test Menu locks out once calibration has expired. It also says not to use the analyser if calibration has expired, and that calibration and repair must be done by a qualified service centre.

Anton's service page describes an all-inclusive service of full inspection, test and re-calibration with a traceable calibration report. Each service in years 1 to 4 includes inspection, test, calibration and in-warranty parts, year 5 adds a sensor replacement, and extra charges can apply if the device has missed a full year of calibration.

• The standard: the maker's page should name BS EN 50379 (parts 1 and 3). Anton names it on every Sprint Pro page.
• What it measures: CO, O2 and CO2, plus pressure testing or gas leak detection if you want one tool for both.
• CO sensor range: Wöhler lists the A 450's 10,000 ppm sensor as not H2 compensated.
• Oil appliances: Anton highly recommends a 3 micron filter probe for Sprint Pro 2 to 4, and its oil boiler kit for the Sprint Pro 1.
• Warranty and service: Anton's manual gives five years, Wöhler's A 450 listing 48 months. Check where calibration is done and how long it takes.
• Records: put the readings on a boiler service record against the manufacturer's range.

For the rest of the kit, see the best tool bag for tradespeople. For the register and your scheme, see the Gas Safe Register guide.