Recalibration of noise meters – 4 reasons why you need to do this

Recalibration of Noise Meters FAQs

Many of the questions we get asked are about recalibration of noise meters, in particular, we are often asked “why do I need to recalibrate my noise meter?” and “how often do I need to do it?” The simple answer is your noise meter needs to be recalibrated and serviced on a regular basis, to ensure that your noise measurements remain accurate, reliable and legally compliant. This recalibration is also called Routine Verification; we suggest recalibration happens annually, so you could look at it as being an MOT for your noise measurement device.

4 Answers to “why I need to recalibrate my noise meter”:Ensure your noise measurements reliable, legally compliant and to show traceabilityGet the best possible accuracy for your noise measurements.You receive the latest updates to firmware and software.We carry out any warranty repairs and improvements free of charge, and you extend your instrument warranty by another year.

Why does my noise meter need to be accurate and compliant?

You need to be able to trust the noise measurements you take. This means making sure that the microphone is measuring noise properly and the software inside the meter is recording the measurements accurately. This is especially important if at any point you think you might have to prove their accuracy in a court of law, for example if an employee wants to claim for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss as a result of noise at work, or in other cases, for instance, contesting boundary, construction or environmental noise complaints, you will have to show traceability of your noise measurements.

How do I know if my noise meter is still accurate?

There are several reasons why you should ask yourself this question.

1. You may not have used your noise meter in a while and you are due to start taking measurements.  
2. Your predecessor may have left and you have inherited his noise measurement device.
3. You cannot afford to risk unreliable noise measurements.
4. When was the last time your sound level meter was checked or seen by our test department? Have a look at the paperwork with it.

Why should I choose Pulsar Instruments to recalibrate my noise meter?

There are many advantages in returning your Pulsar noise measurement device to us, the original manufacturer, as opposed to outsourcing the work to a third party.

• We know your instrument inside out and have the right technology and know-how to inspect and maintain your investment. We also work alongside R&D engineers, some of them responsible for the early designs of your instruments.
• We will check that your noise measurement device is still accurate to help you avoid any errors, especially if noise measurements taken in your workplace need to stand up in a Court of Law.
• We will attend to any minor repairs.
• We will ensure that any software updates are installed and any upgraded components or consumables are replaced if required.
• We will ensure that your noise measurement device complies with the requirements of the current noise legislation.
• We abide by strict quality standards such as ISO 9001, which is an assurance to any customer, of the quality of work undertaken and traceability of the service that is provided.
• All recalibration tests for Pulsar noise measurement devices are performed in house in the UK by dedicated and experienced test engineers.
• Upon completion, each instrument is released with a Certificate of Calibration for audit trail which is valid for one year. In addition, the warranty of each Pulsar noise measurement device is extended for a further 12 months.
• Your calibration certificate will bear the name of the standard against which your instrument has been tested, for example, IEC 61672:2002 for a sound level meter.

How often should you return your Pulsar noise measurement device for servicing?

We recommend that you have your noise measurement device recalibrated and serviced every year, this also extends your 1-year warranty up to a maximum of 7 years.

We suggest making it an annual habit; by leaving it any longer than a year you may be risking the validity of measurements taken during that time. Or, as often seems to happen, recalibration is overlooked until a noise meter is required to be used and the user discovers their Certificate of Calibration has expired, it then becomes an urgent matter with an express turnaround which can cost you more money.

Summary – benefits of Pulsar calibration and servicing:

• Full quotation for the cost of the work provided prior to the work being undertaken
• Firmware updates (internal software) are installed free of charge when available
• Non-consumable internal batteries are replaced free of charge if needed
• Free fitting of upgraded components
• Free replacement of consumables such as microphone grills, battery covers, keypads etc if needed. Please note this does not include microphone capsules or display screens.
• Full calibration certificates
• All noise measurement devices are returned to the customer by overnight transporter.
• A collection service from your premises is also available.

To order or book your next service and recalibration, you can fill in an enquiry form with your details, instrument type and serial number and we will contact you or ring us on 01723 518011 to discuss further.

Please contact us if you have any questions about recalibration or you are not sure about any of the points covered in this blog.