PCE-PCO 1 Air Particle Counter
Portable airborne particle monitoring for cleanrooms, IAQ, healthcare, HVAC, and controlled environments in Canada
The PCE-PCO 1 Air Particle Counter is a handheld laser particle counter designed for professionals who need a practical way to measure airborne particulate levels in real working environments. It is well suited for cleanrooms, indoor air quality investigations, healthcare spaces, pharmacies, production areas, and other controlled environments where dust and particle levels matter.
This model measures six particle sizes from 0.3 µm to 10 µm, giving users a clearer picture of air cleanliness than a basic air quality meter alone. It also measures air temperature, dew point, and relative humidity, which makes it useful when you need to understand both particle levels and surrounding environmental conditions during an inspection or site check.
For Canadian buyers, the PCE-PCO 1 is a strong fit when the goal is to make a confident purchasing decision based on function, ease of use, and documented results. It combines particle counting, environmental readings, onboard storage, and image capture in one portable instrument.
Who this product is for
The PCE-PCO 1 is a good choice for buyers who need to monitor airborne particles in:
- Cleanrooms
- Pharmacies and compounding areas
- Hospitals and healthcare spaces
- HVAC and ventilation investigations
- Indoor air quality assessments
- Manufacturing and packaging areas
- Laboratories and controlled rooms
- Maintenance and troubleshooting programs
This unit is suitable for monitoring clean rooms, indoor air quality, exposure to exhaust, tobacco or cigarette smoke, and other harmful air pollutants, as well as airborne dust.
Why choose an air particle counter
A standard air quality meter may tell you basic environmental conditions, but it does not tell you how many airborne particles are present across multiple size ranges. The PCE-PCO 1 is built for that job.
This makes it a useful tool when you need to:
- Check particulate levels in a room or process area
- Compare one area to another
- Investigate dust-related complaints
- Support air handling or filtration checks
- Document conditions for internal reporting
- Track changes over time
Because it offers cumulative, differential, and concentration counting modes, the PCE-PCO 1 gives users more than one way to review and interpret particle data depending on the application.
Key features
- Measures 6 particle sizes: 0.3 µm, 0.5 µm, 1.0 µm, 2.5 µm, 5.0 µm, and 10 µm
- Flow rate of 0.1 cfm (2.83 L/min) for standard handheld particle counting
- Measures air temperature, dew point, and relative humidity in addition to particle counts
- Stores up to 5,000 records with 80 MB internal memory and support for microSD cards up to 8 GB
- Includes a built-in camera for image and video recording
- Features a 2.8 inch backlit colour LCD display for easy viewing in the field
- Powered by a 7.4 V 1200 mAh Li-Polymer rechargeable battery with about 4 hours of operating time
How this product helps buyers make a better decision
The PCE-PCO 1 is a sensible option for buyers who want a professional handheld instrument without stepping into a more complex benchtop or advanced validation system. It gives you the core functions most buyers actually need for day-to-day environmental checks.
It is especially useful when you want:
- A portable instrument for site visits and room checks
- Multiple particle channels instead of a single reading
- Onboard memory for recordkeeping
- Image and video capture tied to inspections
- Added temperature and humidity context during measurements
For many buyers, that combination makes the PCE-PCO 1 easier to justify because it supports both immediate troubleshooting and longer-term documentation.
Common applications in Canada
Canadian buyers commonly use a particle counter like the PCE-PCO 1 for:
- Cleanroom spot checks
- Indoor air quality investigations
- Healthcare and pharmacy environment reviews
- Production and packaging area monitoring
- Dust exposure checks
- Maintenance diagnostics
- HVAC performance comparisons
- Environmental reporting and documentation
This unit is also suitable for monitoring exposure to smoke, mold, respirable crystalline silica dust, and airborne combustible dust across a range of industries.
Specifications
| Model | PCE-PCO 1 |
| Product Type | Handheld laser particle counter |
| Measurable Particle Sizes | 0.3 µm, 0.5 µm, 1.0 µm, 2.5 µm, 5.0 µm, 10 µm |
| Flow Rate | 0.1 cfm (2.83 L/min) |
| Counting Modes | Cumulative, differential, concentration |
| Counting Efficiency | 50% at 0.3 µm, 100% at greater than 0.45 µm per ISO 21501 |
| Coincidence Error | Less than 5% at 2,000,000 particles per cubic foot |
| Data Storage | 5,000 records |
| Internal Memory | 80 MB |
| External Memory | MicroSD card up to 8 GB optional |
| Display | 2.8 inch, 320 x 240 pixel, backlit colour LCD |
| Air Temperature Range | 0 to 50°C |
| Dew Point Range | 0 to 50°C |
| Relative Humidity Range | 0 to 100% RH |
| Battery | 7.4 V, 1200 mAh Li-Polymer rechargeable battery |
| Operating Time | Approximately 4 hours |
| Environmental Conditions | 0 to 50°C, 10 to 90% RH non-condensing |
| Dimensions | 240 x 75 x 55 mm |
| Weight | 420 g |
What’s included
- PCE-PCO 1 particle counter
- Zero filter
- Rechargeable battery
- International charger
- USB cable
- User manual
- CD-ROM software
- Mini tripod
- Hard case
Why buy from a Canadian supplier
Buying from a Canadian supplier helps simplify purchasing, quoting, and support. For institutions, industrial facilities, labs, contractors, and service teams, that often matters just as much as the instrument itself.
Cambridge Environmental can support Canadian buyers with:
- Formal quotations
- Product selection support
- Shipping across Canada
- Purchasing documentation for institutions and facilities
- Assistance before and after the sale
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the PCE-PCO 1 measure?
The PCE-PCO 1 measures airborne particles in six size channels from 0.3 µm to 10 µm. It also measures air temperature, dew point, and relative humidity.
Is the PCE-PCO 1 a good fit for cleanrooms?
Yes. It is suitable for monitoring clean rooms and other environments where airborne particulate levels need to be checked.
Can the PCE-PCO 1 be used for indoor air quality work?
Yes. It is well suited for indoor air quality monitoring as well as dust and pollutant exposure checks.
Does the PCE-PCO 1 store readings?
Yes. The unit stores up to 5,000 records, includes 80 MB internal memory, and supports an optional microSD card up to 8 GB.
Does it include software?
Yes. The standard delivery scope includes CD-ROM software along with the meter and accessories.
Does it come with a case?
Yes. The standard delivery scope includes a hard case.
How long does the battery last?
The operating time is approximately 4 hours.
Is the PCE-PCO 1 available for Canadian buyers?
Yes. Cambridge Environmental can supply this model in Canada with quote support, application guidance, and shipping across the country.
Need help choosing the right air particle counter?
Contact Cambridge Environmental for pricing, availability, and application guidance. We can help you determine whether the PCE-PCO 1 is the right fit for your cleanroom, IAQ, healthcare, HVAC, or controlled-environment application in Canada.