
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to your most common questions about our products, shipping, calibration, validation, and more. This FAQ page is your go-to resource for clear, accurate info to support your purchasing and compliance needs.
Product
No problem! If you don’t see the product you need, simply fill out our Request a Product form or contact our team directly. We have access to thousands of products not listed online and would be happy to help source exactly what you're looking for.
Yes! We offer a range of instrument rentals for short-term needs or project-based applications. Contact us for personalized recommendations and availability.
Our sales and customer service team are here to help! For expert technical support, reach out through our Contact Us page, use our live chat, email us at services@alphacontrols.com or give us a call at 1-800-567-8686. We’re always happy to assist.
- Shop online, add items to your cart and complete your purchase online.
- Call us to place your order by phone 1-800-567-8686.
- Email us with your order details sales@alphacontrols.com.
- Request a quote first, then submit it through your internal purchasing process
If you need help with an order (before, during, or after) our sales and customer support team is just a click or call away. Visit our Contact Us page, use our website chat, or email us directly.
Stock availability is usually displayed on the product’s configuration page. If something is out of stock or lead time is required, that information will be clearly shown.
Still unsure? Reach out and we’ll confirm availability for you.
Yes, but please act quickly! To cancel or modify an order, contact our sales team right away via phone, email, or chat. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request before your order ships.
Calibration
Yes, we offer limited in-house repair services. If your equipment needs specialized attention and is beyond our scope, we work closely with trusted third-party repair partners to ensure your instruments are fixed efficiently and correctly. Either way, we manage the process from start to finish.
Our full-service calibration laboratory is located in Markham, Ontario. We welcome both local and national clients across Canada and the US.
Accredited calibration is performed under strict ISO/IEC 17025 standards and includes a certificate with measurement uncertainties, ensuring traceability and compliance for regulated industries.
Standard calibration follows the same procedures but doesn’t include the full documentation or accreditation markings. It's ideal for internal checks or non-regulated applications.
Still unsure? We can help you determine which type best fits your requirements.
Scheduling calibration is easy. You can call us directly, email services@alphacontrols.com, or request a quote through our website. We’ll walk you through the process and timelines.
Yes, we do! For onsite calibration services, please call us at 905-477-2133 or email services@alphacontrols.com for scheduling and availability in your area.
To check the status of your calibration, please email your quote or RMA number to services@alphacontrols.com, and our team will be happy to assist.
Even new equipment can fall out of spec due to manufacturing tolerances or shipping conditions. Calibrating new instruments ensures they meet your specific accuracy requirements, establishes a baseline performance, and helps maintain quality and regulatory compliance from day one. It’s peace of mind you can trust.
Yes. Every instrument we calibrate is logged in our system, and automated calibration due reminders are sent to help you stay compliant and on schedule. No more missed deadlines.
Yes, regular calibration is essential to ensure your instruments provide accurate, consistent, and reliable measurements over time. Even high-quality equipment can drift or degrade due to environmental conditions, regular use, or age.
We’re deeply customer-focused, prioritizing responsiveness, flexibility, and clear communication. Our team goes above and beyond, exploring every possible option to find the right solutions for our customers. That dedication to service and problem-solving is at the core of everything we do.
Yes. All our calibration services are performed using standards that are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring accuracy and reliability.
For a full list of supported equipment, please refer here.
Yes, we are proud to be ISO/IEC 17025 accredited. To view the full details of our accredited scope, please click here: Touchstone: Accreditation & Assessment Management System - Customer Portal.
Yes, we provide pickup and delivery services through a trusted third-party courier. Pricing details are available upon request.
Yes, expedited calibration is available! We do our best to accommodate urgent requests. Please note that availability, turnaround times, and pricing may vary depending on your specific needs.
Our typical turnaround time for calibration is 1–2 weeks. We aim to deliver fast, reliable results without compromising quality.
Validation
Validation is the documented process of verifying that equipment, environments, and processes consistently perform according to preset specifications and regulatory standards. This includes IQ/OQ/PQ (Installation, Operational, Performance Qualification) protocols, test runs, and final reports—ensuring repeatable quality from start to finish.
Validation is essential because even minor variations in temperature, humidity, pressure, or CO₂ can impact product safety, quality, and compliance. It's especially critical in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, aerospace, and medical devices. A validated system helps companies stay audit-ready, avoid product recalls, and gain customer and regulatory trust.
Temperature, humidity, pressure, and CO₂ mapping for environments and equipment, such as warehouses, cold rooms, freezers, fridges, incubators, autoclaves, ovens, tanks, Nadcap regulation, stability chambers, lab equipment and industrial.
We not only perform the execution of the IQ/OQ/PQ, we also provide the full detailed written protocols necessary to meet the requirements for immediate start-up of your equipment, or area required for storage of TTSPP's or other.
Our validation technicians are highly trained and certified in relevant standards.
The duration varies. We'll work closely with your team—factoring in pre-validation planning, execution, analysis, and reporting—to establish a customized timeline that suits your operational needs depending on project complexity, equipment count, and scope.
Calibration ensures individual instruments (like thermometers or pressure gauges) produce accurate readings and are traceable to national standards (e.g., NIST).
Validation, on the other hand, verifies that complete systems (like cold storage units or autoclaves) perform under real-world conditions. It often includes calibration within the validation protocol, but extends to end-to-end system performance, documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and ongoing compliance verification.
Shipping
Shipping times vary by product. Please refer to your order confirmation for estimated ship dates, or contact our team if you need an update. We’re happy to help
Delivery times depend on the shipping method selected and your location. Once your order has shipped, transit time will vary based on the carrier and destination. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way
Yes! As soon as your order ships, you’ll receive a tracking number via email so you can monitor your delivery in real time
For details on destinations, shipping rates, and timelines, please contact us and our team will be happy to assist.
General
We accept major credit cards, or you can open a corporate account with approved credit terms. For large or recurring purchases, setting up an account makes the process even easier.
Yes. You can fill out our credit application here to open a billing account with Alpha Controls.
Returns vary depending on the product and manufacturer. Please contact usdirectly to discuss your specific return request. We’ll walk you through the process.
Yes! We offer a variety of instrument rentals and loaner options. Contact us for current availability and pricing.
Alpha Controls is proudly based in Markham, Ontario, serving customers across Canada and internationally.
We take your privacy seriously. You can view our full Privacy Policy here to learn how we collect, use, and protect your information.
Gift card processing details and eligibility are available on our Gift Card Information page. Be sure to check all terms and timelines.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm EST. You can find our current business hours on our Contact Us page.
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