A fantastic piece of kit, packed full of features. Here's our review of the Testo 310 Gas Analyser.
Like many major names in the heating industry, such as Worcester Bosch and Viessmann the Testo brand was founded in Germany.
Founded in 1957 in Lenzkirch, Testo has established themselves as the market leader in measurement equipment globally.
The brand has two major offerings when it comes to gas analysers, the entry level Testo 310 and the more advanced Testo 320, which offers more advanced features and capabilities.
The Testo 310 is designed for the commissioning and service of domestic gas boilers and heating appliances.
In this review, we’ll explore all features and highlight the pros and cons of the unit, as well as potential limitations you ought to be aware of.
What does the Testo 310 Gas Analyser include?
The Testo 310 Standard Kit includes the following:
Hard Carrying Case
Rechargeable Battery
USB Mains Cable
Silicon Hose for Pressure
5 x Filters
Calibration Protocol Document
180mm Probe with Cone
Spare Pressure Plugs
Testo 310 Standard Kit Vs 310 Advanced Kit
It’s worth noting that an optional add-on printer is available with the unit, but this is not part of the standard kit. If you want the printer, make sure to choose the advanced kit, or you always have the option of purchasing the printer at a later date.
The wireless printer is incredibly useful for keeping a record of results for future reference and keeping written evidence of all measurements.
Another handy feature is that the analyser and printer both have integrated magnets, allowing you to place them on surfaces and work hands free, allowing you to use both pieces of equipment easily and efficiently in a wide variety of different locations.
Who is the Testo 310 suitable for?
If you are a Gas Engineer looking for an entry level gas analyser that’s reliable, accurate and user-friendly, the Testo 310 is a superb choice. Offering you the ability to take accurate readings, it is ideal for everyday use on the job, even in rough and dirty surroundings.
Here are some of major features that make it great for working Gas Engineers on the job:
Lightweight and small design make it ideal for use in a variety of dirty conditions.
Illuminated display also means it’s easy to use in poorly lit surroundings.
A long battery life of up to 10 hours between rechargers
USB charging allows you to charge in the van or car.
Ability to measure flue gas, ambient CO, draught and differential pressure, among others.
A generous warranty period of 12 months on the thermocouple and 2 years for measuring instruments.
Testo 310 Gas Analyser Main Features
Here is a breakdown of the Testo 310 Gas Analysers main features:
Backlit display with two line, simple menu structure
Sensors for measuring carbon monoxide, oxygen, temperature and pressure
Built-in condensate trap
Flue gas probe has thermocouple and built-in filter that’s easy to replace
Major tests can be selected from the menu using simple icons - including flue gas, ambient CO, draught and pressure
Also measures excess air and efficiency
Standard kit includes lightweight carry case to protect and transport, hose attachment, probe, USB charger and spare filters
Printer kit includes the printer and paper roll - please note this is not part of the standard kit
All kits include user manual and calibration protocol
Testo 310 Warranty
When you purchase any piece of expensive and high-tech kit, you want the peace of mind that you will be provided with a decent warranty in the event that the product malfunctions.
The exact warranty can vary depending on the model, so it’s always worth checking before you purchase. However, in general Testo offers a 2 year warranty on the measuring probe and flue gas probe.
A warranty period is also offered on other components, which are as follows:
Thermocouple - 12 months
Rechargeable battery - 12 months
Sensors - CO and O2 - 24 months
Note: You need to register your Testo product on the official Testo website to activate the warranty.
How to use the Testo 310 Gas Analyser
The Testo 310 is very straightforward to use, to start you press the on button and it takes around 30 seconds to warm up and complete a purge cycle.
If you are in a dark, poorly lit room you can press the backlight button, which makes everything on the interface illuminated and easy to read.
If you make any incorrect selections, you can press the escape key, it will take you back to the previous selection, while pressing multiple times will take you back to the main menu to start from the beginning.
The two line display also makes reading measurements quick and easy and will provide a reading based on the icon selected e.g. carbon monoxide, pressure or oxygen. You can cycle through the data using the up and down arrow keys.
Once you have your measurement you can then press the print icon, which will send all of the data to the printer.
Note: the condensate water trap is also very easy to empty, however, make sure to remember to empty this as leaving it in the device could potentially result in freezing if left in your van or outdoor storage overnight.
Limitations of the Testo 310
The testo 310 is a great entry-level gas analyser, which will typically be suitable for most everyday jobs and for those on a limited budget.
However, Testo also offers the more advanced 320 model, which features bluetooth, a larger case and multiple accessory storage compartments. It also allows you to store tests and use additional probes that can be incredibly useful in certain scenarios e.g. the combustible gas leak detector.
Here is a summary of the main limitations of the 310 unit when compared to the upgraded 320 gas analyser:
Does not have a removable probe
The 320 also benefits from a removable probe, which means if it becomes damaged and needs to be replaced, it’s very easy to do. This is in contrast to the 310, which has a static probe that can’t be removed, so you would need to send the unit in for repairs. This would mean waiting, which isn’t always possible if you have pending jobs to complete.
Does not have colour or six line interface
The next advantage is the interface, on the 320 model, the interface is full colour, backlit and offers a 6 line display with easy navigation and user-friendly icons. The 6 line display means all information is displayed on a single display screen, saving you the inconvenience of having to scroll through different menus, as is the case with the 310 model.
Does not allow manual upgrades or repairs
The 320 enables you to access all sensors from the back panel, allowing you to replace and upgrade them yourself, without needing to send the unit into Testo. Again, this is an advantage over the 310, which does require you to send the unit in for repair if you are experiencing issues or require replacement parts.
Does not have additional probe compatibility
Another major advantage of the 320 is the additional probes it’s compatible with, allowing you to measure even more, including combustion air temperature, using the combustion air temperature probe. This is plugged into the ambient air temperature port.
There are two ports for different probe assemblies, the usual probe assembly port and the ambient air temperature probe. The one you use will depend entirely on the type of probe being used, but full instructions are available for each one.
For example, on the 320 you can use a probe called the combustible gas leak detector, which is of course incredibly useful in these specific applications.
Does not have bluetooth integration
The bluetooth integration is also a huge bonus, as it allows you to connect the analyser directly to your android device. This enables you to record and save your measurements and access additional information. You can then have all this data presented on a report including site location and name, which makes record keeping super convenient.
Does not have memory or test storage
The 320 also benefits from its own internal memory, allowing for the storage of upto 500 tests. The 310 does not have memory at all, so all tests must be documented at the time they are taken.
Testo 310 Verdict
The Testo 310 Gas Analyser is a high quality, reliable and accurate entry-level unit, perfect for typical everyday tasks such as the servicing and commissioning of gas boilers.
If you want nothing more than a gas analyser that provides all the essential measurements, then the 310 is ideal.
However, if you are interested in additional measurements, such as combustible gas leak detection, the 320 model is going to be for you. If you have the budget, we would recommend the 320. Why?
It has memory storage and bluetooth capability, allowing you to store tests and access them from your mobile device e.g. your smartphone. It’s also compatible with a whole host of different probes, allowing you to carry out further tests.
The 320’s removable probes and sensors also give it an edge, as it means damaged parts can be replaced easily and quickly, allowing you to avoid the wait times of sending the unit in to Testo for repair.
Still, the 310 is a great option if you are looking for an entry-level gas analyser with a solid reputation and solid warranty.
