CO₂ concentration sensor for HVAC
Industrial CO₂ concentration sensor for indoor air quality and demand-controlled ventilation.
The MCO2 CO₂ transmitter measures carbon dioxide concentration from 0 to 5000 ppm and provides stable analog outputs (4–20 mA, 0–10 V or 0–5 V) for direct integration with HVAC controllers, PLCs and VFD-controlled ventilation systems.
Typical applications
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HVAC systems with VFD-controlled fans
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Offices, schools and public buildings
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Indoor air quality monitoring
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Commercial and industrial ventilation
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Greenhouses and controlled environments
Description
CO₂ Concentration Sensor for Demand-Controlled Ventilation
The MCO2 carbon dioxide concentration sensor is designed for reliable indoor air quality monitoring and ventilation control in HVAC systems. It uses advanced infrared (NDIR) measurement technology, ensuring high accuracy, long-term stability and minimal drift compared to traditional electrochemical CO₂ sensors.
By measuring CO₂ concentration in real time, the MCO2 enables demand-controlled ventilation, where fan speed is adjusted via frequency inverters (VFDs) according to actual occupancy and air quality. This results in improved indoor comfort, lower energy consumption and extended equipment lifetime.
The sensor features a robust wall-mounted enclosure with a high protection level, making it suitable for continuous operation in commercial and industrial environments. Multiple analog output options allow easy integration with building management systems, HVAC controllers and automation platforms.
Application Expertise
This CO₂ sensor is selected for professional HVAC and ventilation systems, where reliable air quality measurement is essential for energy-efficient control using frequency inverters. It is suitable for integration into modern building automation and VFD-based fan control strategies commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings.
Ideal for offices, schools, commercial buildings and other applications where fan speed and air exchange are regulated based on CO₂ levels.
Features
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Infrared (NDIR) CO₂ measurement technology
High accuracy, low drift and long service life -
Optimized for HVAC and ventilation control
Ideal for demand-controlled ventilation using VFDs -
Wide measuring range: 0–5000 ppm
Suitable for most indoor air quality applications -
Multiple analog output options
4–20 mA, 0–10 V or 0–5 V for flexible system integration -
Temperature compensation
Stable measurement with minimal temperature influence -
Wall-mounted, high-protection housing
Easy installation and reliable operation in real-world environments
Specification
Power supply
10–30 V DC
(0–10 V output version requires 24 V DC)
CO₂ measurement range
0–5000 ppm
CO₂ accuracy
±(40 ppm + 3% F.S.) at 25 °C
Measurement principle
Infrared (NDIR)
Output signal
4–20 mA
0–5 V
0–10 V
Working environment
Temperature: −10 °C to +50 °C
Humidity: 0–80 % RH (non-condensing)
Installation
Wall-mounted
FAQ
1. What is this CO₂ sensor typically used for?
This CO₂ concentration sensor is mainly used for indoor air quality monitoring and demand-controlled ventilation. Typical applications include offices, schools, commercial buildings and industrial ventilation systems where fan speed is adjusted using VFDs based on CO₂ levels.
2. Can this CO₂ sensor be used with a frequency inverter (VFD)?
Yes. The sensor provides standard analog outputs (4–20 mA, 0–10 V or 0–5 V), which can be directly connected to the analog input of most frequency inverters. This allows the VFD to control fan speed based on measured CO₂ concentration.
3. What is the difference between infrared (NDIR) and electrochemical CO₂ sensors?
Infrared (NDIR) CO₂ sensors measure gas concentration using optical absorption, which offers higher long-term stability, lower drift and longer service life compared to electrochemical sensors. This makes NDIR technology better suited for permanent HVAC installations.
4. Is the sensor suitable for continuous operation?
Yes. The sensor is designed for continuous 24/7 operation in HVAC and ventilation systems. Its stable infrared measurement principle and temperature compensation ensure reliable performance over time.
5. How is the sensor installed?
The sensor is designed for wall mounting in indoor environments. It should be installed in a location that represents the average air quality of the monitored space and avoids direct airflow from vents or windows.
6. Does the sensor require calibration or maintenance?
Under normal indoor HVAC conditions, the sensor requires minimal maintenance. Infrared CO₂ measurement technology significantly reduces long-term drift, and recalibration is typically not required for standard building applications.
7. Can the sensor be integrated into a building management system (BMS)?
Yes. With its analog outputs, the sensor can be easily integrated into BMS, PLCs, HVAC controllers and automation systems, making it suitable for both new installations and retrofit projects.
8. What CO₂ range is suitable for indoor air quality monitoring?
The measurement range of 0–5000 ppm covers typical indoor air quality levels. In most buildings, CO₂ concentrations between 400 and 1500 ppm are commonly used as reference values for ventilation control.
9. Is this sensor intended for safety or gas detection applications?
This sensor is designed for air quality and ventilation control, not for certified gas safety or personal protection applications. For safety-critical environments, dedicated gas detection systems should be used.
10. Is this sensor suitable for residential and commercial buildings?
Yes. The sensor is suitable for both residential and commercial HVAC systems, especially where energy-efficient ventilation and comfort control are required.
Datasheet
CO₂ concentration sensor for HVAC Datasheet
