News and Articles

 

There is no doubt that calibrating your instruments is a must-do. It’s already a given fact and something that is known to be a necessity. After all, the question isn’t whether to calibrate — the question is when to calibrate; and we think that is also important. There is no “one size fits all” answer so consider these calibration frequencies:

 

  • Manufacturer-recommended calibration interval. Manufacturers’ specifications will indicate how often to calibrate their tools, but critical measurements may require different intervals
  • Before a major critical measuring project. Suppose you are taking a plant down for testing that requires highly accurate measurements. Decide which instruments you will use for that testing. Send them out for calibration, then “lock them down” in storage so they are unused before that test.
  • After a major critical measuring project. If you reserved calibrated test instruments for a particular testing operation, send that same equipment for calibration after the testing. When the calibration results come back, you will know whether you can consider that testing is complete and reliable.
  • After an event. If your instrument took a hit — something knocked out the internal overload or the unit absorbed a particularly sharp impact — send it out for calibration and have the safety integrity checked, as well.
  • Per requirements. Some measurement jobs require calibrated, certified test equipment — regardless of the project size. Note that this requirement may not be explicitly stated but simply expected — review the specs before the test.
  • Monthly, quarterly, or semiannually. If you do mostly critical measurements and do them often, a shorter time span between calibrations means less chance of questionable test results.
  • Annually. If you do a mix of critical and non-critical measurements, annual calibration tends to strike the right balance between prudence and cost.
  • Biannually. If you seldom do critical measurements and don’t expose your meter to an event, calibration at long frequencies can be cost-effective.
  • Never. If your work requires just gross voltage checks (e.g., “Yep, that’s 480V”), calibration seems like overkill. But what if your instrument is exposed to an event? Calibration allows you to use the instrument with confidence.

 

Ensure that your measuring instruments are its finest by considering calibration when needed. This will not just keep your work cost-efficient but you can also enjoy best quality and accurate results.

For the best quality and expert-approved Fluke Calibration products, turn to Chomar Uni-Trade! We are an authorized distributor of Fluke Calibration products in the Philippines. For more information about our products, you may contact us HERE or call us at  +632 7949 2618 or email us at sales@chromarunitrade.com

Source: Why Calibrate Test Equipment?