Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I would like to submit my sensor for an evaluation. What type of sensors can be evaluated?
We typically test air quality sensors that are commercially available and measure common criteria pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). We can also evaluate the performance of sensors measuring methane (CH4) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). In order to be considered for evaluation, a sensor must have the ability to either store data internally or log data to a computer via a supplied software or have a serial port output. Logging data to a cloud based server is also acceptable. If your sensor stores data another way, please contact us at +1 (909) 396-2713 or info.aq-spec@aqmd.gov to see if we can accommodate your device.
What is the charge for a sensor evaluation?
Currently, there is no charge for AQ-SPEC sensor evaluations. The AQ-SPEC program is funded by the South Coast AQMD.
How many sensors should I send for the AQ-SPEC evaluation?
Sensor evaluations are run in triplicate, so three sensors at a minimum.
Where should I send my three Air Quality sensors to be evaluated?
Please send your sensors to the AQ-SPEC team at the address indicated below:
South Coast AQMD
Attn: AQ-SPEC / Brandon Feenstra
21865 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765 USA
How long will the evaluation take?
First, sensors are evaluated in the field at one of SCAQMD’s fixed air monitoring stations for two months. Depending on the field testing results, sensors may also be evaluated under controlled environmental conditions (e.g. variable temperature and relative humidity) in the AQ-SPEC atmospheric chamber.
When will the sensor evaluation report be published on the website for viewing?
The field testing evaluation report is typically published within a month of the conclusion of the two months field deployment.
My sensor is not ruggedized for ambient Air Quality monitoring. Can it still be tested under AQ-SPEC?
Sensors that are not ruggedized are placed in our custom-built screen or instrument shelter. This shelter protects the sensors from the weather while being open enough to sample ambient air quality conditions.
What type of power is provided for field testing?
The instrument shelter is wired with 120 volt A/C power. For DC sensors, please provide the appropriate AC/DC converter.
What type of connectivity is provided at the Ambient Air Quality Station?
WiFi and Ethernet connectivity are provided by the AQ-SPEC team at the SCAQMD air monitoring station.
Where are the field sites located?
Field deployments typically take place at either the SCAQMD Rubidoux air monitoring station or at the Interstate 710 freeway site in Long Beach (a near roadway monitoring station).
Where can the Sensor evaluation reports be found?
Go to our AQ-SPEC Evaluations page and click on the Results tab.
For additional questions about our sensor testing protocol and/or other aspects of the AQ-SPEC program, please contact:
South Coast Air Quality Management District
21865 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4178
Tel: +1 (909) 396-2713
E-mail: info.aq-spec@aqmd.gov