How to Calibrate Gas Detectors
How to Calibrate Gas Detectors – Save Money & Stay Safe
If you're tired of paying $85–$120 every time for professional gas detector calibration, why not do it yourself? High costs often lead companies to skip daily bump tests or stretch calibrations too far — practices that compromise safety. At Ideal Calibrations we believe in helping you to calibrate more frequently and accurately. That's why we producing detailed video guides for popular portable gas detectors (like RKI GX-3R, MSA Altair 4XR, Honeywell BW series, and more).
Don't see your model? Contact us — we'll prioritize a video or walk you through it over the phone.
Why Calibrate & Bump Test Regularly? (2025–2026 Best Practices)
Calibration adjusts sensors to match known gas concentrations for accurate readings. Bump testing (functional check) confirms alarms work by exposing to detectable gas.
- Bump test: Daily or before each use (per OSHA, ISEA, manufacturer guidelines like Industrial Scientific & mPower).
- Full calibration: Monthly (or 1–6 months max) — after sensor replacement, exposure to contaminants, or per your manual.
- Key reasons: Sensors drift from age, poisons (e.g., silicones), humidity/temp changes; prevents false confidence in hazardous environments (mining, construction, wastewater, oil & gas).
Use NIST-traceable calibration gas from us — fresh, brand-matched blends (e.g., 4-gas for LEL/O2/H2S/CO) to ensure compliance.
General Step-by-Step: How to Calibrate a Portable Gas Detector
- Gather equipment: Calibration gas cylinder (correct mix/concentration, make sure it isn't expired), regulator (demand-flow for pumped, fixed flow for diffusion monitors), tubing/adapter/cap (model-specific), fresh air source (either clean background air or a cylinder of zero air).
- Prepare environment: Calibrate in conditions similar to your worksite (temp, humidity, pressure) for best accuracy. (WARNING: Not in an environment with background gas. Do not zero your gas detector next to your truck's exhaust pipe)
- Fresh Air/Zero Calibration: Turn on detector → enter calibration mode (usually hold specific buttons) → apply fresh air → confirm zero.
- Span Calibration: Attach regulator & tubing → flow calibration gas → wait for reading to stabilize → apply span adjustment (this may happen automatically) → confirm pass.
- Verify & document: Bump test post-cal, log date/results, check for errors.
- Safety note: Always follow manufacturer manual; never use expired gas.
Video Guides for Popular Models
Watch our step-by-step tutorials:
- Ideal Calibrations Youtube: Watch on YouTube
- Find your gas detector: Portable Gas Detector Calibration Guides
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
- Using wrong gas mix → this will completely screw up your readings. Always use the right gas concentrations, every manufacturer has a different mix!
- Not zeroing in clean air → Your detector will drift all over the place after you're done. Always zero in clean air or use a zero air cylinder.
- Ignoring environmental factors → don't calibrate below sea level and then drive up a mountain. Your monitor will drift if so.
Need calibration gas, regulators, or service? Shop our precision blends or send it to us for pro calibration.
Stay safe and compliant — calibrate regularly with Ideal Calibrations.