Peter T What's the expected shelf life for this product? I'm planning on getting the analyser and want to know if I should get a replacement now or when the existing sensor expires.
DAVID O To answer Peter's question I would not purchase a replacement O2 sensor until you need one because my analyser didn't need a replacement sensor for 4 years. The sensor in the bag not being used still has a shelf life and may expire by time you need it.
JAY H W Analox sells a cover for your analyser that keeps air from getting to the sensor. It will extend the life of it. I find the life of a sensor to be about four years so I would wait until I needed one.
JEFF M mine lasted 2 years or about 200 fills
DIANE M Wait until you actually need to replace the O2 sensor.
MIKE H Depending on daily use, 1-1/2 years, with saver plug attached.
Humidity and storage has an effect as well.
But I have found no longer than 2 years.
JOSEPH A Sensor life is supposed to be about 4 years, warranted for 3 years, once installed. Mine lasted around 5 years. I don't know how long one would last in an unopened shipping bag, though.
ARCHIE J Dont recommend purchasing ahead of time since the life of O2 sensors is approx 2 yrs. I recieved mine in only a few days after placing my order.
DOMINICK M Usual O2 sensor life is two years. Wait until you need the sensor as shelf life can be an issue.
PAUL L Wait till it expires as while they are sealed, they are dated. Should last at least two years (providing it's cared for properly) but mine failed within the first year. Looking back I should have called the manufacturer regarding replacement.
DAVID P it's something like 3 years. I would definitely NOT buy a replacement now as I understand they deteriorate based on time and not use.
JOSEPH P if you replace the plug when not in use the sensor will last for years.
DEREK S Definitely wait until the sensor in the unit needs replacing. Different manufacturers recommend different expiration times for their sensors (12-18 months), but even sitting in the packaging they are already losing life. Considering normal shipping times are 2-3 days, it is not a problem to order a new one.
GARY B Given the sensor is basically an chemical-electrical reaction with a limited life span and will expire regardless of use, it's better to wait until the existing sensor begins to exhibit problems, such as unstable or fluctuating reading, before replacing it. The one you have sitting on the shelf may possibly be expired by that time as well. It's far better to replace them once they begin to go bad, than to rely on one that's been sitting on a shelf.
Peter T Thanks Gary, just the answer I was looking for.