Calibration FAQ

 

✅ How do I Purchase Calibration Service?

Select if you have a single gas detector or multi gas detector:


gas detector calibration

✅ What Is Gas Detector Calibration?

  • Gas detector calibration is a technical procedure performed every 12 months to ensure your device is functioning accurately.
  • Over time, gas detectors and their respective sensors degrade at different speeds. The only way to ensure accurate and repeatable measurements is through gas calibration.
  • Gas calibration involves exposing your detector to a concentration of test gas, known as reference gas.
  • In the USA, certified gas standards come from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Therefore, it is imperative for your calibration gas (reference gas) to have traceability back to a NIST standard.

 

✅ How Often Must I Calibrate My Gas Meter? 

We typically suggest every 12 months.

This time period is typical for gas detectors employing electrochemical or catalytic bead sensor elements.

Calibrate more regularly (every 3 months) if:

  • The user is employing the device as an analytical tool where accuracy is paramount.
  • The device is used in an extreme environment (temperature and humidity).
  • The user is performing an imminently dangerous application. Calibration and bump testing is mandatory since imminent injury or death will occur if the device fails.
  • Follow best practices and bump test regularly to ensure reliable operation.

 

✅ Who Can Calibrate My Gas Detector? 

There are two options when it comes to gas detector calibration:

  • OPTION 1: Calibrate the device yourself. To help, we have a video library with step-by-step gas detector calibration tutorials for our products. 
  • OPTION 2: Send it to us and we can calibrate your gas detector. The calibration services we offer include:

✅ What Equipment Do I Need to Calibrate My Gas Meter?

 To calibrate a gas detector, ensure you have the following:

  • Calibration cap: When required, calibration caps are included with the purchase of a detector (usually needed for diffusive gas detectors, such as FD-90A and FD-103 series)
  • Gas bottle: Recommended calibration reference gas bottles, click here.
  • Regulator: Recommended gas bottle regulator 0.5 - 1.0 LPM, click here.
  • Tubing: Recommend 1/8" ID silicone tubing, click here.
  • If you have a gas detector with a built in pump (FD-600, FD-311), then you will also need to purchase a T-piece to calibrate.

 

✅ What Is Bump Testing?

  • Bump testing is a procedure where the user exposes the detector to a small amount “blast” of target gas to ensure the detector operates and alarms as programmed.
  • The function of this test is to verify proper operation and build user confidence, particularly in hazardous applications.
  • It is recommended to do a bump test when first purchased, followed by weekly tests.
  • We recommend daily bump testing (before use) when there is a risk of risk of injury, illness, or death from respiratory hazards such as oxygen deficiency and combustible or toxic gases. 
  • This recommendation is in line with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) stating, "A bump test . . . or calibration check of portable gas monitors should be conducted before each day's use in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions." If an instrument fails a bump test or a calibration check, the operator should perform a full calibration on it before using it. If the instrument fails the full calibration, the employer should remove it from service. Contact the manufacturer for assistance or service.
  • Ozone bump testing is performed with a small ozone generator.
  • We do not offer bump gas for highly reactive gases such as ammonia, phosphine, nitrogen dioxide, and chlorine. In this case, we recommend purchasing 34 L calibration gas bottle to be used as bump gas.
  • Be aware of OSHA requirements regarding bump testing and calibration, see here.

✅ How Do I Calibrate My Gas Detector?

  • Calibration procedures are highlighted in each product manual.
  • Calibration videos are also available on our YouTube channel. 
  • General gas calibration / bump testing procedures: click here.

 

✅ How is Ozone Calibrated?

  • Ozone (O3) is unique gas and cannot be calibrated with a calibration gas bottle setup like most gases.
  • Ozone is an unstable gas and therefore cannot be stored at a fixed concentration in a gas cylinder. Ozone must be generated on-site.
  • The generated ozone concentration must be calibrated to a NIST traceable source. Only a few laboratories in the USA have the expensive, NIST calibrated equipment necessary to perform ozone gas detector calibration. 
  • Our ozone NIST traceability procedure is highlighted here.
  • The same considerations apply for ozone bump testing. Ozone bump testing must be performed with a small ozone generator.  

✅ Model FD-4S

Gases: CO, H2S, EX, O2

✅ Model FD-4A

Gases: CO, H2S, EX, O2


✅ Model FD-103-CO-LOW

Gases: CO (low level)

 

✅ Model FD-103-O2

Gases: O2 (Example)

 

✅ Model FD-103

Gases: CO, H2S

✅ Model CO2000

Gases: CO2 (USB or AC110V)

✅ Model FD-311 

Gases: Helium, Argon