Calibration Service
What is Calibration?
All alcohol breath testers require calibration at recommended, regular intervals to ensure accuracy. Calibration is the process of checking and adjusting the internal settings of a breathalyzer by comparing and adjusting its test results to a known alcohol standard. Without exception, all professional users of alcohol testers, including Law Enforcement personnel, clinicians, and Corrections personnel, have rigorous policy and procedures in place to calibrate, verify and document their breath testing equipment.
There are two methods of calibrating a precision fuel cell breathalyzer, the Wet Bath and the Dry Gas method. Each method requires specialized equipment and factory trained technicians capable of calibrating a breath alcohol tester to the highest standards. It is not a procedure that can be conducted by untrained users or without the proper equipment.
- The Dry Gas Method utilizes a portable calibration standard which is a precise mixture of alcohol and inert nitrogen available in a pressurized canister. Initial equipment costs are less than alternative methods and the steps required are fewer. The equipment is also portable allowing calibrations to be done when and where required.
- The Wet Bath Method utilizes an alcohol/water standard in a precise specialized alcohol concentration, contained and delivered in specialized simulator equipment. Wet bath apparatus has a higher initial cost and is not intended to be portable. The standard must be fresh and replaced regularly.
LifeGuard Calibration Service
The LifeGuard comes calibrated from the factory. It is recommended that the LifeGuard be calibrated once every 12 months.
It is important to keep the LifeGuard calibrated to maintain the accuracy of the unit. Full calibration services are provided at Lifeloc's factory service center located in Colorado.
What is the Cost of the Calibration Service?
The cost of a calibration service is $29.00 per calibration. Included with calibration, your LifeGuard is also run through a series of diagnostic and performance tests to ensure it is in peak operating condition. The calibration fee also includes the return cost of ground shipping within the continental United States. Details are included in the LifeGuard Operating Manual included with your purchase.
How Do I Get My LifeGuard Calibrated?
1. Print and complete the Calibration Order Form or enter the required information through the on-line shopping cart.
2. Ship the unit (postage prepaid) to the following address:
LifeGuard Calibration Department
Lifeloc Technologies, Inc.
12441 West 49th Avenue, Suite 4
Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033
To ensure delivery and tracking of your unit, we recommend that you request a delivery confirmation with your shipment.
3. Enclose payment along with the calibration order form (payable to Lifeloc Technologies, Inc.) and the unit to be recalibrated. Include your return shipping address.
4. Upon receipt at the factory, your LifeGuard will be recalibrated, tested and shipped back to within 10 business days.
5. For your records, you will receive a "certificate of calibration" with your unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens to my unit if I don’t get it calibrated every 12 months?
A. As with any alcohol testing device, if the LifeGuard is out of calibration it may not provide accurate breath alcohol content readings. The BAC reading may be either higher or lower and you will not know which.
Q. How do I know when my LifeGuard requires calibration?
A. We recommend you have the unit recalibrated once every 12 months.
Q. Can I recalibrate the LifeGuard myself?
A. No. You need the use of advanced breath alcohol simulators and factory trained technicians to correctly perform a calibration.
Q. Do you recalibrate other personal breath alcohol testers besides LifeGuard?
A. No.
Q. My older semiconductor based breathalyzer needs calibration much more frequently than you do for LifeGuard, especially under heavy use. Why?
A. LifeGuard is a precision fuel cell breath tester. Unlike inexpensive semiconductor based breathalyzers which are prone to fail after heavy use or after infrequent use, the LifeGuard is engineered around a proven and reliable technology – the Lifeloc Platinum Fuel Cell
Q. If I did not purchase LifeGuard directly from your website, can I have you recalibrate my device?
A. Yes. Simply follow the procedures described above.
Q. Is calibration included in the one-year warranty?
A. No. The warranty is limited to any defects with the unit, and does not include routine maintenance such as calibration.
Q. Can I get a calibration reminder from you?
A. If you would like us to send you an email reminder to have it your LifeGuard breathalyzer calibrated follow the link to set a calibration reminder.