Calibration and testing of optical cable instruments typically ranges from £50 to £250 per device, depending on the type of instrument and service provider.

Overview of Calibration Services

Optical cable calibration and testing instruments, such as fibre optic testers, optical power meters, and light sources, require periodic calibration to ensure accuracy and reliability in network diagnostics and certification . Calibration services are offered by specialized laboratories, many of which are UKAS-accredited, ensuring traceability to national standards .

Typical Pricing

• Basic fibre optic testers and power meters: Calibration costs generally start around £50–£100 per instrument for standard laboratory calibration .
• Advanced or multifunction instruments: Devices with multiple functions, data logging, or trace analysis may cost £150–£250 per calibration .
• On-site calibration: Some providers offer on-site calibration, which can increase costs due to travel and setup, but may be convenient for large organizations or multiple instruments . Factors affecting price include the complexity of the instrument, whether repairs are needed, and the number of instruments submitted. Some providers offer discounts for bulk calibration or combined services .

Service Inclusions

Most calibration services include:

• Instrument inspection and cleaning
• Functional testing and adjustment
• Issuance of a calibration certificate
• Optional minor repairs or battery replacement
• Data logging and historical record access for audits

Recommended Providers

• OTC (Optical Test & Calibration Ltd): UKAS-accredited for fibre optic, photometric, and electronic calibration .
• Calibrate.co.uk: Offers drop-off and collection services with a detailed price list for various instruments .
• Custom-Cal: Provides both laboratory and on-site calibration, with options for cost-saving by combining multiple instruments .
• ServiceCal: UK-based, UKAS-accredited, offering nationwide collection, calibration, and minor repairs .

Conclusion

For most standard optical cable testing instruments, expect to pay £50–£250 per calibration, with exact pricing depending on the instrument type, service provider, and additional services required. It is advisable to request a quote from multiple accredited providers to ensure competitive pricing and service quality.