CO2 Indicator - FACTORY
CO₂ Traffic Light "Factory" – For Clean Air in Factories, Production Areas, and Workshops
The CO₂ Traffic Light "Factory" has been specifically developed for industrial work environments such as manufacturing halls, workshops, and production areas. It reliably displays air quality levels and helps maintain a healthy and safe working climate through timely ventilation.
Technical Data
- Operating voltage: 12 V DC (plug-in power supply)
- Protection class: IP 20
- Dimensions (H×W×D): 303 × 55 × 80 mm
- Color: –
- Cable length: approx. 150 cm (power supply), approx. 80 cm (indicator unit)
Sensor & Measurement
- Sensor type: Internal NDIR infrared sensor
Accuracy / Trigger Levels
- 1400 ppm CO₂: Initial ventilation recommendation
- 2000 ppm CO₂: Clear ventilation reminder
- 2500 ppm CO₂: Urgent action required
Environmental Conditions
- Operating range: +5 °C to +45 °C
- Humidity: 10–90% rH (non-condensing)
€293.28
The Schabus CO₂ traffic light “Factory”: the robust signal light for production, workshops and warehouses, with adapted thresholds and alarm tone
The CO₂ traffic light “Factory” was designed for industrial environments and larger production rooms. Its robust, high-visibility design is optically oriented towards industrial warning lights and ensures clear perception even in noisy environments. It serves as a visual warning and orientation system for assessing indoor air quality.
An internal infrared sensor (NDIR) continuously measures the carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the room air. The “Factory” is the most tolerant of the Schabus traffic lights: its higher yellow threshold takes typical production conditions with larger air volumes into account, and its highest alarm stage corresponds to half the maximum workplace concentration (MAK). In addition to the light display, it warns in the highest stage with an alarm tone. The clear signals also objectify the question of when to ventilate; discussions among colleagues are no longer necessary.
Important note: The “Factory” is not a calibrated measuring instrument, but a visual warning and orientation system for assessing indoor air quality. In addition: please do not unplug the traffic light overnight. It needs the night-time rest periods in order to calibrate correctly.
Good to know: The “Factory” reminds users to ventilate; it does not replace the proper installation, use and maintenance of supply and exhaust air systems and their air-conditioning controls.
See clearly, ventilate in good time, save energy
Robust signal light
Robust, high-visibility design based on industrial warning lights, clearly perceptible even in noisy environments.
Special Factory threshold values
Yellow from 1,400 ppm, red from 2,000 ppm, red flashing with alarm tone from 2,500 ppm. The higher yellow threshold takes typical production conditions with larger air volumes into account.
Optical and acoustic warning
In the highest stage the traffic light flashes red and additionally emits an alarm tone.
Sensor button
The touch field starts the LED and alarm test and mutes the alarm tone.
Precise NDIR measuring technology
The integrated infrared sensor continuously measures the CO₂ concentration of the room air.
Automatic night dimming
A light sensor dims the LEDs after approx. 10 minutes in complete darkness.
Auto-calibration
The traffic light automatically aligns itself to its theoretical zero point on a weekly cycle.
Long-life LEDs
Particularly low energy costs thanks to long-life LED lights.
Simple wall mounting
Wall bracket and plug-in power supply unit; mounting material is included.
Housing colours
Standard grey, on request white or green at no extra charge; further RAL colours on request.
What is included in the box
The “Factory” has no options and no additional variants. Everything you need for wall mounting and operation is included. Accessories can be ordered separately if required.
- CO₂ traffic light “Factory” with permanently connected supply cable
- Wall bracket
- Plug-in power supply unit
- Mounting material (4 screws and wall plugs) and Allen key
- Operating instructions
How the “Factory” is designed
The “Factory” is a slim signal column with three light stages, sensor area, touch field and wall bracket. The housing must not be opened; it contains no parts that you need to maintain.
Three light stages: red, yellow, green
At the top is the red stage, in the middle the yellow and at the bottom the green. The red stage lights continuously and flashes in the highest alarm stage.
CO₂ and light sensor behind the protective grille
Behind the protective grille on the housing are the internal NDIR infrared sensor for CO₂ and the light sensor for night dimming. The grille must remain free so that room air can reach the sensor.
Piezo alarm sounder
The alarm sounder in the housing provides the acoustic warning in the highest stage in addition to the flashing red light.
Touch field
With the touch field (sensor button) you carry out the LED and alarm test and mute the alarm tone.
Cover screw for the anti-theft device
At the top of the housing is a screw. If you use the optional anti-theft device, the steel cable is firmly connected to the traffic light in place of this cover screw using the supplied screw.
Wall bracket with Allen screws
The wall bracket is fixed to the wall with the supplied screws and wall plugs. Allen screws are fitted on the bracket; the matching Allen key is included.
Supply cable and plug-in power supply unit
The supply cable is led out at the bottom of the wall bracket and is connected to the supplied plug-in power supply unit, which you plug into a socket. If the distance to the socket is greater, an extension cable helps.
What the colours and the alarm tone mean
Green: air is OK
The CO₂ concentration is below the first threshold value. Close the windows as soon as green is reached.
Yellow: time to ventilate
From 1,400 ppm yellow lights. Get into the habit of ventilating already at yellow.
Red: ventilate now
From 2,000 ppm red lights. Ventilate immediately until the traffic light goes via yellow back to green.
Red flashing with alarm tone
From 2,500 ppm the traffic light flashes red and the alarm tone sounds. This highest stage corresponds to half the maximum workplace concentration (MAK). No panic: the thresholds are set so low that there is still no danger to life for a long time. However, the room must be thoroughly ventilated by this point at the latest. You can mute the tone via the touch field.
Yellow flashing: fault
There are faults that the traffic light can detect itself. It then flashes yellow. Information on remedying them can be found under “Troubleshooting”.
Start: green flashing
When plugged in, each colour first lights up once; then green flashes during initialisation.
Correct installation and connection
The traffic light may only be installed in dry indoor rooms in which there are no technical installations with carbon dioxide under pressure. It should be clearly visible from as many places in the room as possible, for all employees and visitors.
Installation
- Choose the position: Mount the wall bracket at a height of approx. 1.8 to 2.0 m. The higher the traffic light hangs, the less sensitive it becomes. Maintain a minimum distance of 30 cm from all corners, edges and the ceiling. In hall areas the traffic light can alternatively be freely positioned with the fixed stand.
- Mark the drill holes: The fixing holes do not have the same spacing vertically as horizontally. Mark them beforehand for this reason.
- Fix the wall bracket: Screw the bracket to the wall with the supplied screws and wall plugs.
- Insert the traffic light: Place the traffic light in the bracket, using the supplied Allen key if necessary.
- Ensure a free position: Choose a place where the traffic light does not get in the way and where things are not regularly hung or attached.
Connection
- Plug-in power supply unit: Plug into a socket and connect to the supply cable of the traffic light that is led out at the bottom of the wall bracket
- Extension cable: For high mounting positions or a distant socket, a DC extension cable from the power supply unit to the traffic light is possible; for cable extensions observe the operating instructions
- Continuous operation: Leave the traffic light connected to the mains, also overnight; only in the event of operational interruptions of more than one week may it be unplugged
Where the traffic light must not hang
- In places that could prevent an alarm from being triggered, for example behind curtains or in cupboards
- Directly above a cooker, a combustion appliance or a sink
- Directly next to a door, a window, a ventilation opening, a fan or an air-conditioning unit
- In areas where dust, moisture or dirt can put the sensor out of operation; moisture must be kept completely away
- In potentially explosive atmospheres
Start, calibrate, test and care
Commissioning
- Ventilate the room thoroughly: This creates clean starting conditions.
- Connect the power supply unit: Plug the plug-in power supply unit into the socket and connect it to the supply cable of the traffic light.
- Wait for the start phase: First each colour lights up once. After around three minutes the traffic light is ready for operation; until then it flashes green.
- Keep your distance: Move away from the traffic light during this time so that your breath does not falsify the starting conditions.
Auto-calibration and night operation
For permanently precise CO₂ measurement the traffic light should remain continuously connected to the mains, also overnight. During the night-time rest periods the device uses the lowest measured CO₂ values for automatic self-calibration. The traffic light remembers the lowest CO₂ concentration of the last 7 days and aligns itself to its theoretical zero point on this weekly cycle. The 7-day period was deliberately chosen because it is significantly more meaningful than a purely day-based calibration. If the traffic light is regularly unplugged overnight, calibration cannot take place correctly.
In complete darkness the green LEDs are strongly dimmed after approx. 10 minutes in order to save energy. In brightness or when CO₂ values rise to the yellow stage the LEDs switch back to full brightness immediately. The sensor remains active even in darkness; the traffic light remains ready for operation and calibrates itself independently in the background.
Functional test
- Test once a month: The manufacturer recommends this test monthly for your safety.
- Use exhaled air: Take a deep breath and, when exhaling, blow gently with pursed lips in the direction of the grille of the traffic light from a distance of about 30 to 50 cm.
- Wait for the reaction: Give the traffic light up to 60 seconds. Exhaled air contains a great deal of CO₂; such a rapid increase is not normal for rooms; the traffic light detects it and flashes red immediately.
- Observe the decrease: Move a few metres away and watch how the stages go from red via yellow back to green.
- Check LEDs and alarm: Via the touch field you start the LED and alarm test. You also test the function of all LEDs by switching the operating voltage off and on again.
Cleaning and care
- Remove dust from the sensor regularly by gently blowing it away
- Do not use compressed-air devices for this purpose
- Keep moisture and humidity away from the sensor
- The service life of the sensor increases significantly if the traffic light operates in a regularly well-ventilated room; 30 minutes of fresh air per operating day is a desirable optimum
- Do not open the device; it contains no parts that you need to maintain
Troubleshooting
- Yellow flashing (fault)? Unplug the traffic light, wait approx. 5 minutes and put it back into operation
- Fault remains? Take the traffic light into the fresh air and operate it there again for approx. 30 minutes
- Fault still present? Contact the manufacturer so that the traffic light can be repaired or replaced
- Unexpected values? Check whether the traffic light was unplugged overnight, whether the sensor grille is covered or dirty, and whether the location is next to a window, door or ventilation opening
Useful accessories, available separately
The accessories are not included in the scope of delivery and are ordered extra if required.
Ball protection grille, Art. No. 300947
Robust protective grille made of galvanised steel wire for school and sports areas as well as public facilities. It protects against mechanical damage from balls or other impacts without impairing air circulation or measuring accuracy. Mounting material is included.
Anti-theft device, Art. No. 300948
For publicly accessible rooms such as corridors, waiting areas or seminar rooms. The coated steel cable is screwed into the wall and makes opportunistic removal considerably more difficult. Mounting material is included.
Metal stand, Art. No. 400110
For table or floor mounting with milled aluminium tube for lateral cable entry. It is fixed in place and ensures good visibility even in spacious rooms.
Extension cable
DC extension cable from the power supply unit to the traffic light, available in 1.5 m, 3 m, 6 m and 10 m; special lengths on request. Useful for high mounting positions, large rooms and distant sockets.
Fresh air: why CO₂ is a good indicator
Fresh air means more well-being and more performance. Nobody wants to freeze either, so the right amount of ventilation needs to be found. Regular cross-ventilation is better for the indoor climate than leaving windows permanently tilted.
The European standard EN 13779 evaluates the CO₂ concentration in indoor rooms in four quality levels from high to low indoor air quality. From a concentration of 2,000 ppm the indoor air quality is considered hygienically unacceptable.
The CO₂ concentration depends on room size, ventilation situation, number and activity of the persons as well as on duration and frequency of room use. Combustion processes, for example from smoking, candles or open fires, and fermentation processes can also increase the values. For CO₂ from technical installations the maximum workplace concentration (MAK) is relevant; the highest alarm stage of the “Factory” corresponds to half of this.
What the “Factory” is not
- It is not a calibrated measuring instrument, but a visual warning and orientation system
- It does not replace supply and exhaust air systems or their air-conditioning controls
- It is intended only for dry indoor rooms in which there are no technical installations with carbon dioxide under pressure
- It must not be operated in potentially explosive atmospheres
- It must not be permanently unplugged at night, otherwise the auto-calibration cannot work correctly
- The device is not approved for any use other than that described
Manufacturer’s notes
- Read the operating instructions thoroughly before installation and first commissioning, especially follow the safety instructions, and keep them for future reference
- Packaging material is not a toy and does not belong in children’s hands
- Do not open the device; it contains no parts that you need to maintain
- Keep the traffic light completely away from moisture
- The standards according to which the product was assessed provide for use in residential, commercial and industrial areas as well as in small businesses, each connected to the public low-voltage network
- At the highest alarm stage: stay calm, open all doors and windows and ventilate regularly with a cross-draught instead of leaving windows permanently tilted
- The declaration of conformity and a design drawing are available for download on the manufacturer’s website
Warranty, guarantee and disposal
The “Factory” is subject to the statutory warranty of at least 2 years in the EU. The manufacturer Elektrotechnik Schabus additionally offers a 5-year guarantee that can be registered online. Repair and spare parts are available directly from the manufacturer, also beyond the statutory warranty.
As an electrical appliance the “Factory” does not belong in household waste (WEEE Reg. No. DE91394868). Information on the take-back of waste electrical equipment can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
Why the “Factory” is suitable
The most tolerant traffic light
Adapted thresholds for typical production conditions with larger air volumes.
Dual warning
Flashing red light and alarm tone in the highest stage.
Robust and high-visibility
Industrial warning-light design, clearly perceptible even in noisy environments.
Reliably calibrated
Auto-calibration on a 7-day cycle, around the clock in continuous operation.
Ventilate and save energy
Targeted ventilation saves heating and air-conditioning costs; the traffic light itself consumes very little power.
Flexibly positionable
Wall mounting or freely in the hall with fixed stand.
From the manufacturer
Made in Germany, German manufacturer since 1992, personal expert advice without call centre, ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Service included
5-year guarantee can be registered, repair and spare parts directly from the manufacturer.
Areas of application
- Production halls and production facilities
- Workshops
- Warehouses and logistics areas
- Assembly halls
- Technical operating rooms
- Public offices with public traffic
- Gastronomy
- Individual offices, reception offices and open-plan offices
- Meeting and conference rooms
- Spacious hall areas, for example with stand
The Schabus CO₂ traffic light “Factory”: no more discussions about ventilating among colleagues.
Frequently asked questions
What is the “Factory” suitable for?
The “Factory” monitors the CO₂ concentration in the room air and reminds users with a clearly visible signal light to ventilate in good time. It was designed for industrial environments and larger production rooms, for example production halls, workshops, warehouses, logistics areas, assembly halls and technical operating rooms.
When does the traffic light switch?
Yellow lights from 1,400 ppm, red from 2,000 ppm. From 2,500 ppm the traffic light flashes red and the alarm tone sounds. The higher yellow threshold takes typical production conditions with larger air volumes into account. This highest stage corresponds to half the maximum workplace concentration (MAK).
What distinguishes the “Factory” from the other traffic lights?
The “Factory” is the most tolerant variant and warns later than the Schabus traffic lights “Medical”, “School” and “Office”. Its highest alarm stage corresponds to half the maximum workplace concentration (MAK). It is ideal for production facilities, workshops, public offices with public traffic and gastronomy. Unlike the “School” it has an alarm tone and sensor button.
Can I mute the alarm tone?
Yes. The “Factory” has a sensor button, the touch field. With it you mute the alarm tone and start the LED and alarm test.
Is the “Factory” a measuring instrument?
No. It is not a calibrated measuring instrument, but a visual warning and orientation system for assessing indoor air quality.
May I unplug the traffic light overnight?
No, please do not. The traffic light uses the night-time rest periods for auto-calibration. It remembers the lowest CO₂ concentration of the last 7 days and aligns itself to its zero point on this cycle. Only in the event of operational interruptions of more than one week may it be unplugged.
Do the LEDs light at night as well?
In complete darkness the LEDs are dimmed after approx. 10 minutes in order to save energy. The sensor remains active. In brightness or when CO₂ values rise to the yellow stage the LEDs switch back to full brightness immediately.
Where and at what height should I mount the traffic light?
At a height of approx. 1.8 to 2.0 m, clearly visible for all employees and visitors; in hall areas alternatively with fixed stand. Maintain a minimum distance of 30 cm from corners, edges and the ceiling. Not behind curtains, in cupboards, above a cooker or sink and not directly next to a door, window, ventilation, fan or air-conditioning unit.
How do I test the traffic light?
Once a month blow gently with pursed lips from a distance of about 30 to 50 cm in the direction of the sensor grille. The traffic light flashes red within up to 60 seconds and then, when you move away, goes via yellow back to green. You start the LED and alarm test via the touch field.
What does yellow flashing mean?
This is a fault that the traffic light has detected itself. Unplug it, wait approx. 5 minutes and put it back into operation. If the fault remains, operate the traffic light for approx. 30 minutes in fresh air. If that does not help either, contact the manufacturer.
How do I clean the sensor?
Blow the dust off the sensor gently and regularly. Do not use compressed-air devices and keep moisture and humidity away.
What do I do when the traffic light is red or the alarm sounds?
No panic; there is still no danger to life for a long time. However, open all doors and windows and ventilate thoroughly. Close the windows again as soon as the traffic light shows green. Regular cross-ventilation is better than leaving windows permanently tilted.
Which housing colours are available?
By default the “Factory” is grey. On request it is also available in white or green at no extra charge: white (RAL 9016), grey (RAL 7032) and green (RAL 6024). Further RAL colours on request. The “Factory” has no further options beyond this.
What accessories are available?
Ball protection grille (Art. No. 300947), anti-theft device (Art. No. 300948), metal stand (Art. No. 400110) and extension cables in 1.5 m, 3 m, 6 m and 10 m. The accessories are not included in the scope of delivery and are ordered separately.
How long is the warranty valid?
The statutory warranty of at least 2 years in the EU applies. In addition, the manufacturer Schabus offers a 5-year guarantee that can be registered online.
Questions about the CO₂ traffic light “Factory”?
Our support team in Germany will advise you free of charge on selection, installation and configuration.
CO₂-Ampel "Factory" – Für gute Luft in Fabrik, Produktion und Werkstatt
Die CO₂-Ampel "Factory" ist speziell für industrielle Arbeitsumgebungen wie Fertigungshallen, Werkstätten und Produktionsräume entwickelt. Sie zeigt zuverlässig die Luftqualität an und unterstützt dabei, ein gesundes und sicheres Arbeitsklima durch rechtzeitiges Lüften aufrechtzuerhalten.
Technische Daten
- Betriebsspannung: 12 V DC (Steckernetzteil)
- Schutzart: IP 20
- Abmessungen (HxBxT): 303 × 55 × 80 mm
- Farbe: –
- Leitungslänge: ca. 150 cm (Netzteil), ca. 80 cm (Ampel)
Sensor & Messung
- Sensortyp: interner NDIR-Infrarotsensor
Genauigkeit / Auslösekonzentrationen
- 1400 ppm CO₂: erste Lüftungsempfehlung
- 2000 ppm CO₂: deutliche Lüftungsaufforderung
- 2500 ppm CO₂: dringender Handlungsbedarf
Umgebungsbedingungen
- Funktionsbereich: +5 °C bis +45 °C
- Luftfeuchtigkeit: 10–90 % rH (nicht kondensierend)
Manufacturer information:
Electrical engineering Schabus GmbH & Co. KG
Baierbacher Straße 150
83071 Stephanskirchen
Germany
Telephone: +49 80 36 / 674 979 – 0
Email: info@elektrotechnik-schabus.de
Responsible person:
Didactum® Security GmbH
Im Mühlenfeld 4
48163 Münster
Deutschland
Fon:
(+49) 250 19 71 63 54 / (+49) 171 33 11 577
Email: info@didactum-security.de
