The PCE-ALC 20 alcohol tester is a portable breathalyser designed to quickly check alcohol concentration in exhaled air. It is compact, practical and easy to carry, suitable for personal checks, preventive tests before driving, occasional measurements after consuming alcoholic drinks and situations where an immediate indicative assessment of alcohol level is useful. Its compact design and rechargeable battery make it suitable for both personal use and professional environments where responsible behaviour and risk reduction are important.

The product features a compact gas measuring circuit, a high-precision sampling system and advanced algorithms designed to provide fast, accurate and stable measurements. This technical architecture allows the instrument to analyse the exhaled air sample and return a numerical value on the display. After the result is shown, the breathalyser also uses green, yellow and red indicator lights, helping the user quickly interpret the detected level.

The measuring range is 0 ... 400 mg/100 ml, referring to alcohol concentration in exhaled air. Resolution is 0.001 mg/L, allowing fine reading of the measured value. Stated accuracy varies according to concentration: for C below 0.400 mg/L the deviation is ±0.020 mg/L, for values from 0.400 to 1.000 mg/L the deviation is ±5%, and for values equal to or above 1.000 mg/L the deviation is ±20%. Repeatability is also specified by range: 0.007 mg/L for C below 0.400 mg/L, 1.75% between 0.400 and 1.000 mg/L and 6% for C equal to or above 1.000 mg/L.

The 0.96” LCD display allows the measured value to be read clearly. The interface also shows operating indications during the test, such as the prompt to blow and the detecting phase. After the test, if the value is 0 it is displayed in green; if the value is above 20 mg/100 ml it is displayed in yellow; if it is above 80 mg/100 ml it is displayed in red. This colour logic helps the user immediately interpret the detected condition and distinguish a no-alcohol reading from a condition requiring attention.

Operation is simple. To switch on the device, the user presses and holds the power button. After start-up, the power button is pressed again to begin the test; the device displays a message asking the user to blow before the blowing phase. During measurement, the user must blow into the air inlet slowly, at a constant speed and for more than 3 seconds. The technical blow time is 2.5 seconds with a flow rate of ≥ 20 l/min. At the end of the detection phase, the result is shown on the display.

The 150 mAh rechargeable lithium battery and USB-C charging connector make the breathalyser practical for everyday use. The user does not need to frequently replace disposable batteries and can recharge the instrument through a modern and widely used connector. This is useful for keeping the device in a car, bag, technical case or personal checking kit, ready for use before trips, business travel, events or professional activities.

The PCE-ALC 20 can also display test records. The record viewing function allows previous measurements to be reviewed and measured values to be checked over time. This can be useful in personal use for comparing several measurements, and in organisational or company contexts where an indicative record of checks may be needed, always in compliance with applicable regulations, internal procedures and the privacy of the people involved.

The device includes a setting control, speaker, air outlet, LCD display, air inlet, power button, strap eyelet and charging connector. The speaker and visual indications make operation more intuitive, while the strap eyelet makes transport easier and reduces the risk of dropping the unit during use. Its compact structure, with dimensions of approximately 52 x 64.5 x 17 mm, is suitable for mobile use and frequent transport.

To obtain more consistent results, certain operating precautions must be followed. The manual recommends performing the test 10 minutes after consuming alcohol, because alcohol requires time to be absorbed and digested by the body and test results can change dynamically during absorption. It is also stated that after 20 minutes, alcohol vapour evaporates from the mouth and alcohol is absorbed by the digestive tract, making later tests more accurate. This means that a measurement taken immediately after drinking may be less representative of the actual alcohol level.

During the test, the user should blow slowly and at a constant speed for 3 ... 5 seconds, keeping the breath calm and uninterrupted. It is advisable to breathe as deeply as possible so that the exhaled air is as close as possible to the blood alcohol content. If the result is above 0.1900% BAC, it is recommended to perform the next test after a 2-minute pause so that the sensor can recover completely. This precaution helps reduce interference between consecutive measurements and supports more reliable results.

It is important not to blow saliva, residues or smoke into the air inlet, as these elements may damage the device and affect test results. Smoke and irritating gases can influence the sensor, while saliva and food residues can obstruct or contaminate the air path. For the same reason, the breathalyser should be stored correctly, away from high temperatures, direct sunlight inside vehicles, dirty environments, vapours or electromagnetic interference that could affect normal operation.

Calibration is recommended every 6 months. This is essential because breathalysers are sensor-based instruments and must be checked periodically to maintain accuracy and repeatability. Regular calibration is particularly important if the instrument is used frequently or in contexts where result reliability matters. Neglecting calibration may reduce measurement quality and make results less dependable.

The instrument’s operating temperature range is -5 ... 40 °C, while storage temperature is -20 ... 70 °C. Ideal operating conditions are 20 °C ±5 °C, air humidity below 80% RH, pressure 86 ... 106 kPa and no vapours or electromagnetic interference in the environment. These parameters matter because temperature, humidity, pressure and environmental contaminants can affect sensor behaviour and result stability.

The PCE-ALC 20 can be used by private users who want to check themselves after dinner or an event, by professionals who drive for work, travelling technicians, drivers, logistics operators, safety managers and companies wishing to promote a preventive approach. It is also useful for accommodation facilities, event organisers or training contexts where users should be made aware of alcohol-related driving risks. However, the product should be considered a preliminary reference and self-checking device, not an official monitoring or legal evidence instrument.

The manual states that test results are only indicative and that definitive confirmation of drunk driving is based on blood alcohol content detected by hospital blood testing. The manufacturer and seller assume no legal responsibility for accidents caused by drunk driving or other user behaviour. The most important operating message is therefore preventive: do not drive after drinking and do not perform risky activities if there is any doubt about your physical and mental condition.

The breathalyser is not a dimensional measuring instrument and is not used to check heights, transmission clearances, form errors or geometry. Its specific function is to measure alcohol concentration in exhaled air. However, in a safety context, the measured value can have a real impact on risk prevention, personal awareness, responsible driving management and protection of operators and third parties. A quick check can help users avoid imprudent decisions and support safer behaviour.

The PCE-ALC 20 is therefore a compact and modern solution for users looking for a portable, rechargeable and easy-to-use breathalyser. The combination of gas measuring circuit, high-precision sampling, LCD display, colour indication, test records, lithium battery, USB-C charging, compact dimensions and intuitive operation makes the product suitable for personal and preventive checks on the move, with a good balance between practicality, speed and technical information.