Sound Level Meter Calibration and doseBadge Noise Dosimeter Calibration

Many noise measurement regulations state that a Sound Level Meter and Calibrator should be sent to a calibration laboratory for verification on a regular basis. This page explains when you need to calibrate your noise measurement equipment and how to go about it.

Why Calibrate?

Sound Level Meters measure very small changes in pressure. The microphone and measurement chain may drift due to temperature stress and every-day knocks.

Regular calibration gives the following benefits:

Assurance that the meter is still accurate
Most faults are repaired free of charge
The meter gets a full service, helping to prolong its life
A Calibration Certificate is supplied showing traceability
It is often a requirement for an extended warranty

When does it matter?

When measurements are made for legal purposes
Occupational noise - hearing protection
Environmental, planning, boundary monitoring

How Often?

We recommend that equipment is returned for calibration once every year. This fits in with most calibration and service schedules and with many noise measurement regulations.

Some regulations, such as those for UK and EU Noise at Work, state that the calibration should be carried out at least every two years.

How Much? How Long?

You can see a price list for calibration and get a quotation at Calibration Quotation.

Calibration can usually be completed in two weeks. Allow an extra few days for shipping.

Your Questions Answered

You can return the equipment directly to us for calibration, or we can arrange for a courier to collect it from you. Please ensure the meter is packed in a suitable box and well protected against damage during transit. Please also include a note stating that you want the equipment calibrated.

You can use our online booking system to book your equipment in and print out the address label and instructions for the engineer.

A Calibrator is used to check for drift due to temperature changes or to indicate problems in the measurement chain. It is used just before making any important measurements.

However, the Calibrator only checks the meter's function at one level and frequency. The full annual Calibration goes much further and checks parameters such as linearity and frequency response.

When you return the Sound Level Meter for calibration you should return the Calibrator for checking too.

Some calibration certificates show an "expires on" date, others show a "valid for" period. These usually suggest that the certificate is valid for 1 year. In reality it is the noise measurement regulations that you are following that determine the period between calibrations. Some regulations say 1 year, some say 2 years.

For equipment that is being used for legal purposes, that is getting heavy use, or that is exposed to large variations in ambient temperature, we recommend calibrations are carried out every year.

If the meter was bought from NoiseMeters and is still under warranty then any faults will be repaired - this does not include damage to parts such as the microphone capsule and display.

Even if the equipment is out of warranty many repairs and adjustments are still included in the Calibration Service. Due to the high cost, microphone capsules and displays are not usually included free of charge, but most other repairs are.

You can send the equipment to us for checking and we will contact you before carrying out any repair work that will result in any additional charge. We do not charge for this quotation service, even if you decide not to go ahead with the repair.