What Rad Elec does

Rad Elec Inc. is a privately held Frederick, Maryland-based manufacturer specializing in radiation detection equipment, principally radon measurement devices built around its proprietary Electret Ion Chamber (EIC) technology. The company develops and markets the E-PERM® System, the only commercially available system of its kind, which uses charged Teflon electrets paired with ionization chambers to passively measure radon through voltage reduction. The product portfolio spans the SPER-1E voltage reader, multiple chamber types (S, L, L-OO, H, Flux Monitor, Radon-Thoron variants), electrets in short-, mid-, and long-term sensitivities, the Recon® continuous radon monitor, and a software suite including Radon Report Manager, Online Report Creator, and Quick Calculator. Specialized EIC configurations (G-EIC, GFN-EIC, GTN-EIC) extend the technology to gamma, fast neutron, and thermal neutron measurement for nuclear and research applications.

The company sells directly to consumers and professionals through its e-commerce store, phone sales, and walk-in calibration services at its Frederick headquarters. Revenue streams are diversified across hardware sales (one-time purchases of readers, chambers, electrets, and monitors), recurring services (calibration and NRSB-accredited spiking services), consumables (electrets with trade-in recycling credits), one-time software licenses, residential test kits, and NRSB/NRPP-approved training courses. Customers include residential homeowners undertaking radon testing, professional radon measurement companies, government and research institutions, and environmental consulting firms. The E-PERM system is used in over 30 countries and is identified as the most-used radon measurement device in the United States, supported by nearly 100 academic and research publications.

The business model is anchored by an integrated ecosystem where customers purchase a reader device and then generate recurring revenue through consumable electrets, calibration services, and mandatory NRSB/NRPP spiking services. Professional customers face switching costs tied to NRSB/NRPP certification requirements, training, and established QA/QC workflows. The company has no external funding, no parent company, and operates as an independent founder- or management-owned entity with 11-50 employees.

Name

Rad Elec

Legal name

Rad Elec Inc.

Website

https://radelec.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Rad Elec Inc. manufactures the E-PERM System, the only commercially available Electret Ion Chamber technology for radon and ionizing radiation measurement, selling directly to homeowners, professional radon testers, government researchers, and environmental consultants via its online store and Frederick, Maryland headquarters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Radon and Ionizing Radiation Detection Equipment

NAICS

Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138)

SIC

Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Radon Detection & Monitoring Systems (HSAHAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Radon, Mold & Moisture Risk Assessment/Testing (EDAEAKAN), Radon Risk Screening & Testing (Real Estate Transactions) (EUAHAEAG)

Keywords

• Radon measurement equipment
• Electret ion chamber
• Ionizing radiation detection
• Continuous radon monitor
• Radon test kits

Headquarters

HQ city

Frederick

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Detection Equipment Sales: Sale of electret ion chamber components (chambers, electrets), voltage readers (SPER-1E), continuous radon monitors (Recon), and accessories. Products are sold individually with volume discounts available.
2. Calibration Services: Annual calibration services for SPER-1E readers ($135-$145), Radon Scout monitors, and Recon devices. Includes reference electret re-certification. Same-day turnaround typically available.
3. Spiking Service: NRSB-accredited radon chamber exposes customer E-PERMs for QA/QC validation. Detectors are spiked twice weekly (Mon/Wed) for 48 hours at $20 per detector ($25 for blind spiking). Required for NRSB/NRPP certification compliance.
4. Software Licenses: Radon Report Manager database software sold as a flash drive package ($200). Includes software, manual, and tutorial videos. Compatible with Windows XP through 10, with virtual machine support for macOS and Linux.
5. Residential Test Kits: Direct-to-consumer home radon test kits sold for $45, including two E-PERMs and free return shipping. Customers deploy for 2-14 days and receive personalized radon test reports.
6. Training Courses: NRSB and NRPP-approved continuing education courses: 'Becoming Proficient with E-PERMs' and 'Recon Device Training Course' - each offering 4 CE credits upon completion. Delivered digitally with optional physical shipments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Rad Elec develops, manufactures, and markets the E-PERM® System, the only commercially available system using Electret Ion Chamber (EIC) technology for radon and ionizing radiation measurement. The portfolio spans electret ion chambers (S, L, L-OO, H, Flux Monitor, and Radon-Thoron variants), the SPER-1E voltage reader, the Recon® continuous radon monitor, supporting software (Radon Report Manager, Online Report Creator, Quick Calculator), and recurring calibration and NRSB-accredited spiking services. The company sells consumer home radon test kits directly to homeowners and professional-grade equipment, training, and QA/QC services to certified radon measurement companies, government labs, and environmental consultants.

Product overview

Rad Elec is a developer and manufacturer of the E-PERM® System, the only commercially available system utilizing Electret Ion Chamber (EIC) technology for radon measurement. The product portfolio consists of a unified ecosystem centered on the E-PERM® technology: the core SPER-1E Voltage Reader reads electrets (charged Teflon disks) paired with various ionization chambers (S, L, L-OO, H, Flux Monitor, Radon-Thoron variants) to measure radon through voltage reduction. Supporting software includes Radon Report Manager (desktop database software), Online Report Creator (web-based PDF generation), and Quick Calculator (online calculator). The Recon® is a separate continuous radon monitor using solid-state photodiodes for hourly tracking. Accessories include chambers, electrets (Short-Term, Mid-Term, Long-Term, Reference), test kits (Radon in Water, E-PERM Test Kit, Starter Kit), deployment accessories (sleeves, bags, tamper boxes), monitoring tools (Tamper Monitor), and the E-RPISU Radon Progeny Monitor. Calibration and spiking services ensure QA/QC compliance with NRSB and NRPP standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• E-PERM®: The E-PERM® System is a brand name for Rad Elec's Electret Ion Chamber technology used for radon measurement. It is the only commercially available system utilizing EIC technology.
• Recon®
• Radon Report Manager
• SPER-1E

Products and services

• E-PERM® System The E-PERM® System is the core product line utilizing Electret Ion Chamber (EIC) technology for radon measurement. It is a patented passive, true integrating radon monitor used in over 30 countries. The system consists of electrets (charged Teflon disks) paired with ionization chambers to measure radon concentration through voltage reduction over an exposure period, and measures radon, thoron, and radon decay products across alpha, beta, gamma, and neutrons.
• SPER-1E Electret Voltage Reader The SPER-1E Electret Voltage Reader is the central component of the E-PERM system, used to read the voltage on any electret's surface, enabling radon analysis without third-party laboratory services. It comes with a carrying case, reference electrets, and a zeroing electret. Priced at $2,300 standard, $1,250 with trade-in of an older SPER-1A.
• Rad Elec Recon® Continuous Radon Monitor The Recon is a precise and durable continuous radon monitor using solid-state photodiodes, providing hourly tracking of radon measurements at a lower detection limit of 0.6 pCi/L. Sold at $1,100 (26.67% off regular $1,500). Bundled with standalone software, printed manual, AC adapter, and micro-USB cable.
• Radon Report Manager Software Radon Report Manager is a comprehensive database software solution that creates customized reports for various detector types, maintains invoice records and customer databases, and tracks QA/QC obligations for states including Pennsylvania, Illinois, Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio. Packaged on a flash drive with manual and tutorials.
• E-PERM® Residential Test Kit Test kit containing two S-chambers, two short-term electrets, and either a deployment sleeve or tamper-resistant twin box. Customers deploy for 2-14 days and receive personalized radon test reports via the Quick Calculator or Online Report Creator.
• E-PERM® Radon Starter Kit Complete starter kit for radon testing businesses. Standard version includes SPER-1E Reader with case, 6 S-chambers, 6 Short-Term Electrets, 3 deployment sleeves/twin boxes, Radon Report Manager software, training course, manual, QA plan, lock ties, tamper tape, and marketing materials.
• Radon in Water Test Kit Includes 2 measurement jars (3.72 L) with sealing collars, 10 sample bottles (68 mL or 136 mL), spreadsheet template, and manual. S Chamber and electrets sold separately.
• Spiking Service (NRSB-accredited) NRSB-approved spiking service using an accredited radon chamber for QA/QC of electret ion chambers. Free repeat tests are offered if results exceed ±25% control limit within 30 days.
• SPER-1E Reader Calibration Service Annual calibration service for SPER-1/E voltage readers including calibration certificate and reference electret re-certification. Reader is typically calibrated and returned same day.
• Radon Scout Calibration Calibration service for the Radon Scout continuous radon monitor, involving placement in a tertiary radon chamber for three days with a calibration certificate issued upon completion.
• NRSB/NRPP-Approved Continuing Education Training Courses NRSB and NRPP-approved continuing education courses 'Becoming Proficient with E-PERMs' and 'Recon Device Training Course,' each offering 4 continuing-education credits. Delivered digitally with optional physical shipments, also offered through CERTI.
• E-RPISU® Radon Progeny Monitor The E-RPISU (Electret Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Unit) characterizes radon progeny/decay products, calculating environmental Working Levels (WL) and Equilibrium Ratios (ER). Collects radon progeny on filter paper powered by a low-flow air sampling pump.
• S Chamber The S Chamber is Rad Elec's most popular 210 mL dome-shaped chamber with a plunger mechanism. Used for both short- and long-term radon tests. Made of special conductive plastic with a plunger that prevents radon from discharging the electret when closed.
• L Chamber The L Chamber has a volume of approximately 58 mL, designed for longer deployments or areas with known high radon concentration. Compact and lightweight, pairs with an electret for radon measurement.
• L-OO Chamber The L-OO Chamber has a volume of 53 mL with a slide mechanism that allows the chamber to be easily turned on or off to begin and conclude radon tests at exact times, designed for longer deployments or high radon concentrations.
• H Chamber The H Chamber has a very large volume for excellent sensitivity during short-term deployments and specialized testing. Extremely durable and rugged, the electret loads into the top with four filter holes for quick equilibrium.
• Flux Monitor Flux Monitors are rugged, large-volume chambers for measuring radon flux (the rate at which radon emanates from surfaces such as soil or granite). Available with or without stainless steel collar for outdoor or flat surface deployment.
• Radon-Thoron S Chamber Measures both thoron and radon concentrations when deployed. Features a 210 mL dome shape with plunger mechanism and increased 30 cm² filtered diffusion area. Should be deployed alongside a standard radon detector to calculate proportional concentrations.
• Radon-Thoron L Chamber Measures both thoron and radon concentrations. Has a volume of approximately 58 mL for longer deployments. Should be paired with a standard chamber to differentiate individual concentrations.
• Short-Term (ST) Electret Short-Term Electrets are the most sensitive electret type offered, suitable for short-term radon tests lasting less than three months. Shipped with 700+ volts for numerous deployments. Contains a charged disk that serves as both ion collection source and integrating ion sensor.
• Long-Term (LT) Electret Long-Term Electrets are intended for long-term radon measurements lasting from three months to over a year. Shipped with 700+ volts to ensure numerous deployments.
• Mid-Term (MT) Electret Mid-Term Electrets are approximately four times less sensitive than short-term electrets, making them ideal for typical deployments lasting between three to four months, and three times more sensitive than long-term electrets.
• Reference Electrets (2) Reference electrets are highly stable electrets intended to be stored alongside the voltage reader and read weekly to ensure instrument operation. Each pair comes with a certificate and must be calibrated to the reader.
• Tamper Monitor The Tamper Monitor provides detailed hourly readings on temperature, humidity, pressure, and movement. When deployed alongside E-PERM detectors, it helps determine whether radon tests have been exposed to tampering. Interfaces with Radon Report Manager for detailed graphs.
• Electret Barcode Scanner Handheld bi-directional barcode scanner for quickly reading electret serial numbers. Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems via USB connection, reducing transcription errors.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average cost of less than $2 per radon test using electret ion chamber methodology
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1993Conducted cooperative research under CRADA (Cooperative Research and Development Agreement) on 'Utilization of Electret Ion Chambers for Characterization of Gross Alpha Emission from Indoor Surfaces.' Work published in 1993 U.S. DOE Methods Compendium Protocol.
• AARST (American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists)minorOthersIndustry association for radon professionals. Rad Elec references AARST-NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program) as a key certification body for radon testers. Listed as a useful link for customers seeking professional radon measurement services.
• NRSB (National Radon Safety Board)coreOthersNRSB provides accreditation for radon chambers and certifications for radon measurement professionals. Rad Elec's radon chamber is NRSB-accredited (#TRC6002). NRSB requires listed companies to perform spiking measurements through accredited radon chambers. Rad Elec offers NRSB-approved training courses and blind spiking services for NRSB renewals.
• CERTIminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCERTI offers radon education and training courses approved by NRSB and NRPP. Rad Elec's 'Becoming Proficient with E-PERMs' course is offered through CERTI, which has been offering radon education since 1986.
• Bowser-MornerminorOthersRadon reference laboratory listed as a useful link for customers. Provides reference laboratory services for radon measurement calibration and validation.
• CANMET (Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCANMET Elliot Lake Laboratory / Mining Research Laboratory in Canada provided the thoron test facility for calibrating Radon-Thoron (RT) E-PERMs. Also provided well-characterized radon flux beds for calibrating flux monitors (7.7±1.1 pCi/m²/sec).

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCRzrgPwLANWE6ddLqjxoefA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rad-elec-inc.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rad Elec