Calibration

All devices are always delivered with a factory calibration.

How often should I calibrate?

How often calibration should be performed depends on what the SPIRIT sensor is used for. If it is used to produce reports that will be submitted to authorities, it should be calibrated every year. Otherwise, it is recommended to send it in for calibration if it deviates by more than 20% from a control measurement.

Control measurement

A control measurement of a radon sensor is recommended at least every three years, or if you suspect that the unit is not showing correct data — for example if the average radon level has gradually increased or decreased over a longer period in a way that cannot be linked to seasonal or other natural variations.

How is a control measurement performed?

You already have, or order, a calibrated loaner SPIRIT from Radonova.

Place the calibrated SPIRIT unit next to the SPIRIT radon sensor and run the measurement for at least 48 hours. If the SPIRIT sensor deviates by more than 20% from the control unit, it is recommended to send the SPIRIT sensor in for calibration.

Does calibration need to be done more often if the sensor is continuously exposed to high radon levels?

Over time, the sensitivity of the radon detector can change due to factors such as aging of the sensor components, environmental conditions, and exposure to high radon levels. Regular calibration helps to correct for these changes and ensures that the device continues to provide accurate measurements.

When the sensor is used for a longer period of time, the background radiation from the device itself can change. This is due to the accumulation of long-lived decay products from radon, such as lead-210 and polonium-210, which can build up on the detector's surfaces. These decay products emit alpha particles that can be detected by the sensor, leading to an increase in the measured radon levels over time.