The Difference Between an Alkometer and a Breathalyzer. For Russian motorists, the year 2010 is strongly associated with the “zero promille” rule—this was the legal limit for alcohol vapor concentration in exhaled air while driving. During that time, sales of Corvalol, kvass, and other mildly fermented drinks dropped, and breathalyzers became almost as popular as keychains. Drivers, fearing punishment, took precautions by “blowing into the tube” before each trip. Today, the allowable limit is 0.16 promille, but many drivers still keep these useful devices in their glove compartments.
The huge variety of breathalyzer models on the market—including those from manufacturers of media players, tablets, and GPS navigators—made choosing the right one quite confusing. Adding to the confusion was the difference between an alkometer and a breathalyzer: while the names suggested some distinction, few people could explain what it actually was.
A common belief was that alkometers were professional-grade devices used in workplaces or by traffic police, whereas breathalyzers were for personal use. However, this assumption has no official documentation but remains widespread.
Are They Actually Different?
In reality, alkometer and breathalyzer are simply two different names for the same type of device. These devices can be professional, personal, or specialized, depending on their intended use. The confusion may have originated from marketing claims, where some models were promoted as basic alcohol detection tools, while others emphasized precise alcohol concentration measurement with varying degrees of accuracy.
Most breathalyzer models use one of two technologies:
- Electrochemical sensors, which detect ethanol molecules
- Infrared sensors, which measure the absorption of infrared radiation by alcohol vapors
Any breathalyzer must be certified for safety as a medical device and undergo metrological verification as a measurement instrument. Both professional and personal devices require periodic calibration to ensure measurement accuracy.
Interestingly, this terminology confusion exists only in Russia. In the United States, for example, these devices are simply called breathalyzers (literally meaning “breath analyzers”). There have even been reports that future vehicles may be equipped with built-in breathalyzer ignition interlocks, preventing drivers from starting their cars if alcohol vapor levels exceed the legal limit.
