Calibration and Repair of Test Instruments
Calibration of Digital Pressure Gauges
All digital pressure gauges manufactured by TEC should be recalibrated once per year in order to maintain the instrument's accuracy specifications. Calibration is performed at our facility in Minneapolis, MN (see address below). The cost to calibrate a digital pressure gauge is $50. This price includes return ground shipping within the continental 48 states and Canada (expedited or air shipments will cost more). Turn around time at our facility for calibration is typically 3-4 days following receipt of the instrument (assuming no repairs are necessary).
In lieu of this annual recalibration, customers may choose to perform the field calibration check procedure contained in the following document (see Digital Gauge Field Calibration Check document). This document describes a procedure to field check the calibration of digital gauges against a recently calibrated DG-700 gauge that is being used as an in-house reference standard. We recommend that a field calibration check be performed annually, or whenever a gauge has been dropped or damage is suspected. Results of field calibration checks should be recorded and documented and sample log sheets are provided at the end of the calibration check document for this purpose. Please note that there may be cases when instruments need to be sent to TEC for firmware upgrades or other adjustments.
Calibration of Blower Door and Duct Blaster Fans
TEC Model 3 Blower Door and Series B Duct Blaster fans maintain their calibration unless physical damage occurs. Conditions which can degrade calibration of the fan are easily detected and should be tested for on a regular basis using the procedures contained in the following document (see Fan Field Check document). This document describes a procedure to check for damaged flow sensors, leaks in the flow sensor or tubing running from the flow sensor to the fan pressure tap, or improper positioning fo the flow sensor relative to the fan housing. We recommend that a field check of the fan be performed at least annually, or whenever a fan has been dropped or damage is suspected. Results of field checks should be recorded and documented and sample log sheets are provided at the end of the field check document for this purpose.
Blower Door and Duct Blaster fans can be custom calibrated at the TEC facility for $200. Custom fan calibration parameters can be easily entered into our TECTITE and TECBLAST software. Note: Custom fan calibration is not necessary for most testing applications.
Field Calibration Plate for Duct Blaster System with DG-700 Gauge
The Field Calibration Plate allows you to quickly check the calibration of the entire Duct Blaster System with DG-700 gauge. The calibration plate, which contains a 5 inch diameter hole, is simply mounted on the square transition piece that is connected to the end of the flex duct. The Duct Blaster fan is turned on to pull air through the calibration plate and simulate a duct leakage test. Results from the simulated test are compared to the known leakage rate to determine if the entire system is within a +/- 3% accuracy range. This calibration check covers the entire system, including the Duct Blaster fan, the DG-700 gauge and the flex duct.
A Duct Blaster Field Calibration Plate can be purchased for $35. Instructions for using the Field Calibration Plate are contained in the following document (see Duct Blaster Field Calibration Plate document).
Calibration of APT Data Acquisition Boxes
TEC recommends that APT Data Acquisition Boxes be recalibrated once per year at our facility in Minneapolis, MN (see address below). The cost to calibrate an APT Data Acquisition Box is $75. This price includes return ground shipping within the continental 48 states and Canada (expedited or air shipments will cost more). Turn around time at our facility for calibration is typically 3-4 days following receipt of the instrument (assuming no repairs are necessary).
Calibration of Magnehelic Gauges
Calibration support for Magnehelic gauges was discontinued as of January 1, 2006. Magnehelic gauges which are under a TEC warranty (2 years from date of purchase) will be serviced as usual. Although calibration support is not available after the warranty period, Magnehelic gauges can be sent to TEC to be checked for accuracy for a fee of $15 per gauge. The accuracy of the gauges will be tested and recorded, however calibration adjustments will not be performed. All gauges will be returned with a copy of the "as-found" test results. For enhanced testing accuracy, TEC recommends that Magnehelic gauges be replaced with digital pressure gauges.
Equipment Repairs
If you ever have an equipment problem, we always stock a complete line of replacement parts, and can respond quickly to any service problem. All equipment needing repairs (or calibration) should be sent to our facility at:
The Energy Conservatory2801 21st Ave. South
Suite 160
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Attn: Equipment Repair/Calibration
Please include a letter with all shipped equipment which specifies contact information and a return shipping address. Also specify services requested and any information which might help us diagnose equipment problems.
