Kestrel Calibration
Do you work in a job that requires certified accuracy for your measurement tools? Or, do you just want to be sure your Kestrel is working as it should be? We offer calibration services for all of our Kestrel meters and loggers, both NIST-traceable and factory. Where possible, calibration also includes correction of sensors to return performance to specification. Be sure to read the details on our calibration services below before selecting your desired services.
Kestrel Calibration Overview
Kestrel knows how important it is for their customers to be able to trust their instruments to provide them with reliable and accurate measurements. Many of our customers rely on their Kestrel’s readings to make decisions about how to do their jobs safely and effectively. Every Kestrel is factory tested and verified to be within specification before being shipped. A Certificate of Conformity documenting these tests is included with every Kestrel unit. All of our calibration standards are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring the highest level of reliability. Our wind/airflow standard is actually calibrated in the NIST laser doppler wind tunnel as this is the only lab in the country that can provide the calibration accuracy we require. We offer four types of calibration services to meet the accuracy validation needs of our customers:
NIST Calibration at Time of Purchase: At time of purchase, you may need full calibration detailing the comparison of your purchased unit to our NIST-traceable standard. For this purpose, you will select NIST calibration services for each sensor you require and add them to the cart at the time of purchase. There is no need to provide a serial number. We will perform the calibration services and include the NIST Calibration Report and Certificate with your delivery. NOTE: NIST Calibration at time of purchase will add 3-5 days lead time to the ship date for your product.
NIST Calibration after Purchase: At a recommended or industry-required time interval, you may need full calibration detailing the comparison of your Kestrel’s measurements to our NIST-traceable standard. For this purpose, you will want to add NIST calibration services for each sensor you require, provide us with the serial number of the unit to be calibrated and the name for the calibration certificate, and return the unit to us. We will perform the calibration services and prepare NIST Calibration Report and Certificate detailing as found and as left values, observed values from the traceable calibration standard, acceptable performance range, and deviation from standard. If required and available for the sensor in question, we will also restore your unit’s performance to specification by replacing the sensor or entering a calibration adjustment. See the table below for details.
Factory Calibration after Purchase: At any time after purchase, you may simply wish to have the Kestrel’s performance verified to be within specification, without requiring a detailed certificate. For this purpose, select Factory Calibration services for each sensor you require, provide us with the serial number of the unit, and return the unit to us. We will perform the same tests performed on your unit when it was manufactured and provide a renewed Certificate of Conformity confirming performance within specification, the serial number of the unit, and the signature of the testing agent. If needed and available for the sensor in question, we will also restore your unit’s performance to specification by replacing the sensor or entering a correction. See the table below for details.
Calibration Services in Detail:
Measurement | NIST Calibration Points | Factory Calibration Points | Models | Correction Included? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Speed / Air Flow | ~ 600 fpm ~ 1200 fpm |
~ 300 fpm ~ 1200 fpm |
All Kestrel Meters | Yes - Impeller will be replaced with a new calibrated impeller if required. |
Temperature | -10°C 50°C 1 hour equilibration |
50°C 1 hour equilibration |
2000 and above DROP | No - Temperature sensor reading is not correctable. However, it is rare for this sensor to drift out of specification. |
Black Globe Temperature | -10°C 50°C 1 hour equilibration |
50°C 1 hour equilibration |
4400 5400 |
No - Temperature sensor reading is not correctable. However, it is extremely rare for this sensor to drift out of specification. |
Humidity | ~ 33% Rh ~ 75% Rh |
~ 33% Rh ~ 75% Rh |
3000 & 3500 |
Yes - Sensor will be corrected to perform within specification. |
5 Series DROP D2, D3 |
For the DROPs the humidity sensor is not adjustable. However, it is rare for this sensor to drift out of specification. (Firmware revision may make sensor correction available in future.) | |||
Pressure | Ambient Pressure Lower Limit Pressure |
2500 & 3500 4000 Series 5 Series |
Yes - Sensor will be corrected. | |
NIST Calibration will include a detailed, dated, unit-serialized, NIST Calibration Report and Certificate showing as found and as left values, standard values, acceptable range, and deviation. Factory Calibration will include a dated, signed Certificate of Conformity for the measurement(s) tested. Turnaround for both NIST and Factory Calibration services is typically 7-10 days after receipt. |
Tune-Up Services: Tune-ups include Factory Calibrations of all sensors on your unit as well as a new impeller, new battery, functional checks, cleaning and leak testing. Tune-Ups are priced at a flat $75 per unit so offer a great value if you need more than one Factory Calibration or just want to ensure your Kestrel is fully up to speed.
Shipping Your Unit: After completing your purchase, please note your order number so you can add it to the outside of the box. Please pack your Kestrel securely and ship to:
Nielsen-Kellerman
21 Creek Circle
Boothwyn, PA 19061
Attn: ORDER####
(NOTE: For both warranty and non-warranty repairs, we'll take care of return ground shipping at no charge to the US and Canada, but you are responsible for cost of shipping to NK. Expedited and overseas shipping is available at additional charge.)
International Returns Note: When returning your unit for repair from outside the United States, please be sure that the shipping company has the following information on each line item of the customs invoice:
- Harmonized code: 9801.00.1012
- Description of goods: Return for Warranty Repair of US Manufactured goods
*Including all of this information will help you avoid incorrectly paying duties and taxes
You will also receive an email confirming these instructions. It is most important that we have your Order Number so we can promptly match your unit with your service request. You can also print your order confirmation and add it to the box.
Limited Warranty on Repairs and Tune-Ups All repairs and tune-ups are warrantied for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of service (1) that service was performed in a competent and workmanlike manner and (2) that all parts used to service your product were free from defects in materials and workmanship. The foregoing warranty is an express limited warranty and in the event of breach, NK will either (i) re-perform the service, (ii) repair or replace the part, or (iii) refund the cost of the service provided. Products will continue to be covered by their original limited warranty after repair or tune-up, or by this limited repair warranty, whichever is longer.
Questions or clarifications about our calibration services? Email Tech Support or call (610) 447-1555.
View a sample of the test report for NIST Calibrated units.
View a sample of a Cerificate of Conformity.
View our Tune-up product.
Overview of Tune-up & Calibration Services