Mobile calibration for lux meters in the field

Calibrating lux meters in a laboratory setting delivers the highest precision, but in many operational environments, sending instruments away for days or even weeks is simply not practical. Whether due to site access constraints, continuous usage requirement or the volume of equipment involved, on-site calibration often becomes the most viable route to maintaining measurement integrity.

Mobile calibration for lux meters offers a reliable solution for environments where ultra-fine accuracy isn’t essential, but compliance and trust in data still are. The key is knowing where field-based calibration makes sense and which factors to consider when opting for on-site services.

The realities of field-based light measurement

Laboratory conditions provide a clean, temperature-controlled and stable environment ideal for achieving high-precision photometric calibration. But most lux meters aren’t used in labs. They’re installed under LED panels, used in tunnels, greenhouses, corridors or even outdoors, each bringing unique lighting and environmental challenges.

Research-grade accuracy is definitely the gold standard, but many day-to-day applications simply don’t require it. What matters more is that readings are consistent, traceable and within acceptable tolerances for their intended use. This is where mobile calibration becomes strategically beneficial.

When mobile calibration makes sense

There are countless situations where field-based calibration delivers exactly what’s needed, enough precision to stay compliant and enough flexibility to avoid downtime.There are a number of applications where mobile calibration ensures that instruments remain reliable and legally defensible without being taken out of action for days at a time.

• Health and safety assessments, where lighting must meet legal thresholds in working environments.
• Facilities management, for maintaining consistent lighting across large campuses or estates.
• Agriculture and horticulture, where illumination is critical but difficult to standardise.
• Construction and infrastructure, where lux meters help validate lighting installations on the fly.

What mobile/field calibration can (and can’t) deliver

It’s important to be realistic about what mobile calibration offers. It doesn’t replicate a laboratory’s tight environmental control or sub-lux-level measurement fidelity. But when performed by the right partner, it does provide a range of useful benefits. For routine audits or quality assurance tasks outside of R&D, this level of calibration is more than fit for purpose. 

• Verification that instruments are performing within accepted tolerances.
• Calibration against portable reference light sources, aligned with national standards.
• Checks for spectral and cosine response issues in real-world lighting scenarios.
• Documentation and traceability compliant with ISO 17025 principles.

The value of UKAS accreditation in the field

It’s normal to assume field calibration is “second-best”, but it doesn’t have to be. When delivered by a UKAS-accredited provider, mobile calibration carries the same compliance weight and procedural rigour as a lab-based service. Technicians follow validated methods. Equipment is traceable to national standards. And the calibration certificate in your hand holds up under audit regardless of internal QA or a regulatory body inspection.

Field-ready, standards-aligned with DM mobile calibration

Mobile calibration is a strategic solution rather than a compromise. It brings traceable accuracy to where lux meters actually operate, saving time, reducing disruption and keeping you compliant.

At DM Systems & Test, we specialise in UKAS-accredited mobile calibration tailored for field environments. Whether you're managing a lighting portfolio, maintaining compliance across multiple sites, or supporting a fast-paced project schedule, our team brings the lab to you with no drop in quality, rigour, or trust.

Reach out today to keep your lux meters accurate, operational, and audit-ready wherever the job takes you. To find out more information about our accredited services, download our guide below.