This guide gives instructions on how to install CO2 sensors so that they can report readings to the cloud.
A PDF copy of the abbreviated installation manual in download format is available here.
Quick access
- What you need
- Planning the installation
- Activation
- Mounting options
- Configuration
- Settling Period
- Battery Replacement
What you need
Upon unpacking, you will find the following items in the box:
Please note!
The screw and wall anchor are not included in the box.
Besides the CO2 sensor itself, it is advisable to have the following on hand:
- a laptop or a smartphone running the DT Studio web application studio.d21s.com. If your company does not have a DT Studio organization, get started at d21s.com/start
- we also recommend having one or more online Cloud Connectors (gateways) close by to enable forwarding sensor data to the DT Cloud and to check the connectivity of the sensor once it is installed. Please refer to our guide for detailed instructions on how to properly install our Cloud Connectors
- an M6 wall screw and anchor, if you choose to not use the included adhesive.
Planning the installation
For larger installations, please plan before starting. To accurately monitor the CO2 level on an office floor, we recommend using one CO2 sensor for each room up to 50 sqm (500 sqft). For larger rooms, like open-area office spaces, it depends on the number of people and the room's layout. LEED recommends that all areas with occupancy greater than or equal to 25 people per 90 sqm (1000 sqft) are monitored by a CO2 sensor.
CO2 sensors should be placed at least 1m (3ft) from doors, windows, air supply, air vents, or any other heating or cooling source that can affect the CO2, temperature, or humidity measurement.
Activation
Common practice is to activate the sensor before mounting it. Pull the battery tab to activate the sensor. Nearby online Cloud Connectors will automatically start to relay data from the sensor to the cloud service. The default update rate is 5 minutes.
Claim the sensor in Studio by scanning the QR code found on the back of the device. The same code is printed on the packaging label. The sensor is now available in Studio and you can give it a name, e.g. “Main Meeting Room”.
As part of the activation process and before placing the sensors, set how often readings will be measured and transmitted by configuring the Heartbeat Interval for all CO2 sensors in Studio.
Mounting options
CO2 sensors are designed to be wall mounted at approximately 1-1.8m (3-6 ft) above the floor (breathing height). Installing the sensor higher on the wall or in the ceiling can lead to measuring artificially low CO2 levels.
There are two mounting options available:
- Adhesive backing: Mount the sensor to a clean wall surface using the included adhesive backing.
Please note!
The adhesive creates a strong bond to the surface and can’t be removed and reapplied once placed.
- Screws: Remove the mounting plate by sliding it downwards and mount the bracket to the wall using a screw.
Configuration
The Wireless CO2 Sensor uses Heartbeat Interval (HBI) to transmit a message notifying the system that it is present and operational, which can be set to 2.5 min, 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, or 60 min.
Settling Period
After installing and removing the battery tab, the sensor needs 7 days to self-calibrate before the CO2 measurements are within the specification. That will cause CO2 levels to be artificially high within the first 7 days. Self-calibration means the sensor is adjusted by "auto-zero" setting to the 400ppm point.
Q&A: Why are my CO2 sensors showing unusual values or very high ppm?
If your CO2 Sensor has not been given 7 days to self-calibrate, unusual and high ppm reports are expected. Please wait up to seven days for the sensor to settle.
Q&A: How is the sensor calibrated?
Two calibration processes are in play when it comes to our CO2 sensors:
- Factory calibration
- Field calibration
Factory calibration utilizes a known reference to ensure accuracy at specific CO2 levels and lifelong linearity. Over time, reference levels may change compared to factory settings.
Field calibration preserves the factory response and counters the impact of environmental shifts, dirt buildup, and wear on sensor reference levels during operational use. Our sensitive CO2 sensor can also be influenced by environmental factors during storage and transport. However, manual installation adjustments are unnecessary; the auto-zero function, activated by data accumulation, is just as effective in helping the sensor successfully self-calibrate and provide precise readings.
Other factors that impact measurement accuracy
- Since the sensor makes real-time measurements, the readings taken during installation can be artificially high
- Human breath within meters of the sensor can impact the CO2 reading
- Physically touching the device during installation can impact temperature and humidity measurements.
Battery Replacement
Experiencing an installation issue?
If you have any additional questions or if any problem should occur during installation, please reach out to us.