Fluke Calibration Blog
Calibration Equipment & Standards and Calibration Software
Jul 24, 2018
Here’s how to do a simple comparison calibration of a probe-style RTD at one temperature point using temperature sensor calibration equipment, a dry-block calibrator in this case. Fully insert the probe RTD into one of the dry-block insert holes and connect the cable to an RTD temperature readout. Ramp the dry block to 100 ºC (212 ºF). When the dry-block display shows a stable 100 ºC, record the value of the RTD temperature readout. You now have one data point to compare...
Jul 24, 2018
Dry-block calibrators are stable temperature sources for calibrating sensors such as dial thermometers, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) and thermocouples.These sensors are used for process manufacturing in many industries.They need to be checked or calibrated periodically. Watch the How to Calibrate a Digital Thermometer with a Dry Block video for an example.
Since dry blocks are portable, fast, and clean (do not use fluids), they are popular for on-site sensor...
Mar 26, 2018
A multi-product electrical calibrator is designed to calibrate multifunction products like handheld digital multimeters, clamp meters, thermocouples and RTDs, and more. They may also offer options to calibrate additional workload items like oscilloscopes or power quality analyzers. Some can be automated with software to increase throughput and reduce errors.
To ensure that digital multimeters and other products continue to test and measure properly and within specification, regular...
Mar 20, 2018
If you’re in the market for an isothermal bath (temperature calibration bath), you may have already noticed that many suppliers provide technical specifications that are confusing or incomplete. You might only be able to find a performance spec for a single temperature point, not for the bath’s whole temperature range. Or they don’t say which bath fluid was used in testing.
An isothermal calibration bath is a significant investment so you need to get enough information – and the right...
Mar 31, 2017
Purpose
It is a well-established practice in calibration laboratories to use current coils for clamp meter calibrations. Many laboratories either build their own coil, or simply make several loops of a test lead for the purpose of increasing the current value sensed by the clamp meter. Fluke has designed and manufactured several current coils for the purpose of clamp meter calibration. Customers have requested calibration for Fluke coils and some accreditation bodies have established policies...
Nov 17, 2016
Most pumps used for calibration above 600 psi tend to be hydraulic. Since hydraulic pumps use fluids to generate pressure, liquid contamination of the system being calibrated is a definite risk. To avoid liquid contamination gas is used instead. The old-fashioned way to supply gas pressure above 600 psi is with a gas cylinder. However, working with a gas cylinder is both a burden and a safety risk. For field calibration the best solution is a pneumatic pump designed for pressures up to...
Nov 01, 2016
The question isn’t whether to calibrate, it’s how often to. There is no “one size fits all” answer. Consider these possible calibration frequencies to help you decide what works best for you:
Manufacturer-recommended calibration interval. Manufacturers’ specifications 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...
Oct 25, 2016
A deadweight tester is a proven method of pressure calibration that is usually chosen for bench applications when accuracy and reliability are the top requirements. Calibrations are performed at the bench for convenience and to maintain reference conditions. The bench is a convenient location to clean, inspect, calibrate and repair with all the necessary equipment available. Reference conditions are necessary to achieve the reference accuracy of the device under test and the calibration...
Jul 29, 2016
You might not think of a cable as an electrical instrument; however, leads and cabling are the foremost cause of measurement errors in the calibration lab. Here are three things to keep in mind so you can avoid unnecessary errors:
Cabling and leads must be suitable for the work you’re performing. Consider:
Safety and category (CAT) ratings
The accuracy required for your measurement
The type of measurement being performed
Whether the leads will be used in a controlled or non-controlled...
May 10, 2016
There are three common methods for calibrating temperature sensors:
Calibrating just the electronics with a simulator
Calibrating both the electronics and the sensor in a dry-well
Calibrating both the electronics and the sensor in a dry-well with a reference thermometer
Here is a quick look at these methods and the pros and cons of each.
Calibrating just the electronics with a simulator
To calibrate the electronics of a temperature measurement/control system, a temperature simulator takes an...
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