Calibration

Calibration

Which Detectors can be re-calibrated?
All our detectors from the level of the AL5000 upwards can (and should) be re-calibrated after a period of time to ensure continuing accurate results. The Leisure range, AL2500 and BT5500 are all fixed-calibrated and are more designed for occasional use.

Can I recalibrate my Alcohol Detector myself?
No. Professional recalibration equipment is required, and a licence from Customs & Excise is needed to purchase, store and use the materials required so the detector must be returned to us for recalibration. For more technical information on how breathalysers are calibrated, see our FAQ

What if I have a detector with exchangeable sensor?
If you have an AlcoMate Prestige, AL6000 Pro, AlcoScan 6000i or DigiPro X sensors are available for £ that you can fit yourself - Buy Now

How often do they need to be Calibrated?
Think of calibration as a service on your car. If you use the car a lot, you need to have it serviced more often but even if your car just sits in the garage for most of the time, it still needs an annual service - and sometimes, leaving your car out of use can lead to more service work than using it regularly. It's the same with a breathalyser. Most people will do less than 500 tests a year, in which case an annual service will be fine, however if it spends long periods of time out of use, this in itself can lead to problems with the sensor drying out. It's best to use it at least a couple of times a month to make sure this doesn't happen.

Another reason for regular calibration is because if a breathalyser hasn't been recalibrated for some time it is possible that the sensor will move so far out of range that it cannot be brought back into the operating range. We therefore recommend re-calibration be done every 6-9 months or 500 tests, whichever the sooner. Using a detector within less than the minimum time after drinking (20mins) or smoking (10mins) can dramatically reduce a sensor's life before it needs recalibrating, or in some cases replacing if excessive smoke/alcohol or other contaminants have been blown into the unit. Users must remember that these are sensitive medical instruments and must be used in accordance with the supplied User Guide.

How do I know if my unit needs Calibrating?
When the readings start to lose consistency. 3 tests, each taken 2 minutes apart and with a consistent blow should produce readings within a narrow margin; the degree of "wander" will vary depending upon the quality of detector purchased but a regular user will become accustomed to the level of accuracy he/she would expect and when the readings start to vary too greatly for accurate use then the unit should be sent for calibration. If in doubt, give us a call!

How do I get my Detector calibrated, and what does it cost?
Calibration of Semi-Conductor based detectors costs £ per detector inc vat (£26.95 plus £3 return-to-customer shipping charge via recorded delivery). For Breathalysers originally purchased from us, existing customers receive a 25% discount. Professional Fuel Cell devices, such as the Draeger 6510 & 7410 cost £ per detector inc vat (£28 calibration fee, plus £8 return-to-customer, insured next day shipping, plus vat). Please ensure the unit is adequately packed as we cannot be responsible for damage sustained in transit to our facility.

Can you recalibrate a Detector I've purchased elsewhere?
Possibly - contact us and let us know what type of unit it is. If we can, we will.

To order Calibration now, Click Here.