An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that provides supplemental oxygen therapy by filtering ambient air to deliver concentrated oxygen to the user. Like an odometer in a car, an hour meter tracks the total cumulative time the device has been actively running. This operational time is the most important metric for managing the concentrator’s performance and longevity. Knowing how to locate and read this meter is necessary for scheduling maintenance and ensuring a reliable oxygen supply.
Identifying the Hour Meter Location
The physical location of the hour meter varies significantly between manufacturers and device types, including stationary home units and portable oxygen concentrators (POCs).
For most home concentrators, the meter is often a small, dedicated display, sometimes labeled “h” or “hr,” found on the main control panel near the power switch or flow meter. Older or analog models may use a small, mechanical odometer that clicks over as hours accumulate.
Portable concentrators typically integrate the hour reading into a digital display to conserve space. Accessing this information may require pressing a specific button, such as “Menu” or “Usage,” to cycle through the device’s operational statistics.
If the location is not immediately apparent, the most reliable source is always the specific model’s user manual, which often includes a diagram of the control panel. The meter can also sometimes be found on the side or rear chassis, perhaps near the power cord inlet or under a small protective flap.
Interpreting the Usage Display
The hour meter displays the total cumulative hours the compressor has been running since the unit was first put into service. This value cannot typically be reset by the user, ensuring an accurate record of the device’s operational life.
The reading is presented as a numerical value, often including a decimal point, such as “2500.5” or “400.3.” The numbers to the left of the decimal point indicate the total whole hours of operation.
The single digit to the right represents tenths of an hour. For example, a reading of “2500.5” means 2,500 hours and half an hour (30 minutes), not 2,500 hours and 5 minutes.
This fractional measurement provides precision for maintenance tracking and should not be confused with a real-time clock or session timer. Analog meters display total hours through a series of rotating number wheels, similar to a car odometer.
Using Hour Readings for Essential Maintenance
The total hours displayed is the fundamental metric for determining when preventative maintenance must be performed to maintain oxygen purity and flow. Manufacturers establish service intervals based on these hours to ensure internal components remain in proper working order.
While routine tasks, such as cleaning or replacing the gross particle filter, are often scheduled monthly or weekly, major servicing is tied directly to the hour reading.
The hour reading is particularly important for the internal sieve beds, which filter nitrogen from the air to create concentrated oxygen. These molecular sieves degrade over time and typically require performance checks or replacement after reaching 10,000 to 15,000 operating hours.
Knowing the current reading allows users to proactively schedule professional service, which may involve internal cleaning or compressor pressure testing. The hour meter reading is also required by the equipment provider to verify warranty eligibility and schedule major maintenance, such as a compressor overhaul, which can be due around 20,000 to 30,000 hours of use.