Why it matters
A node installed and commissioned the same afternoon may be producing meaningless numbers, and nothing about the readings announces this. It is a real operational constraint, not a footnote in a datasheet.
Sensing
Sensor burn-in
Burn-in is an initial powered period a sensing element requires before its readings become stable and trustworthy.
How it works
The gas elements need to reach thermal equilibrium and settle before they read consistently. Until then output drifts substantially regardless of the actual gas concentration.
Example
The gas channels typically require 24 to 48 hours of continuous power before stable readings.
In Alfa HazardX
The 24-48 hour burn-in applies to the gas channels. Baseline capture should follow it, not precede it.
Read further
Related terms
- Sensor driftSensor drift is the gradual change in a sensor's output over time for an unchanged input, caused by ageing, contamination or environmental exposure.
- Baseline deviationBaseline deviation measures how far a current reading has moved from what is normal for that specific sensor in that specific location.