Fluke Calibration Blog
Calibration Equipment & Standards and Calibration Software
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...
Mar 07, 2016
You might want to replace your pressure controller if:
It's obsolete and the manufacturer doesn't support it anymore.
It's broken or not working and you can't repair it, or it costs too much to repair.
The advanced capabilities of a new controller provides value to your business.
Before you set out to shop for a new pressure calibrator, here are some things you should consider.
Workload coverage
Look at the workload your old instrument is calibrating. Has your workload grown over the years...
Feb 18, 2016
A current clamp measures current via the non-contact method, making it safer and less troublesome to acquire a measurement. It usually has additional measurement functions such as voltage and continuity. A clamp meter typically requires an annual calibration to ensure that it continues to make measurements within the manufacturer’s specifications.
Here are 7 important things to consider when calibrating a clamp meter:
1. Clamp meters come in all shapes and sizes. Ergonomics and...
Feb 09, 2016
A temperature probe is typically ordered with a termination that matches the calibration equipment it will be used with. For example, a 5615 Secondary Standard PRT used with a 914X Field Metrology Well would be ordered with a type A termination (INFO-CON DIN 6-pin).
If you want to use this 5615 probe with a different readout like a 1524 Reference Thermometer that does not accept a type A termination, what do you do? Check out our Probe-to-Readout Adapter Guide » to see which adapter is needed....
Jan 21, 2016
Why calibrate?
A digital multimeter (DMM) is one of the most commonly used pieces of test and measurement instrumentation. Quality processes depend on its continual proper operation. However, time, environment, and physical use (or abuses) change a DMM’s characteristics. That’s why it’s important to periodically calibrate or verify the performance of a DMM.
We’ve published an application note, “Why calibrate test equipment?” that provides more detailed information about calibration and why it’s...
Jan 08, 2016
When an instrument is calibrated, the measurements should be traceable back to a common standard such as the international system of units (SI). By definition, one cannot have a traceable measurement without uncertainty, which means we have to estimate it and communicate it in each step of the traceability chain. If traceability is important to you, then you must be able to understand and quantify uncertainty.
Estimating measurement uncertainty is one of the most challenging tasks that...
Jan 05, 2016
If one of your resolutions for the New Year is to learn something new, you will find many opportunities at Fluke Calibration to do just that. Some offerings are completely free, while other are more in-depth and carry a price tag.
Here is an overview of opportunities for learning at Fluke Calibration:
Fluke Calibration web seminars
This free web seminar program offers a robust schedule of courses where you will learn principles and practical tips about electrical, flow, pressure, RF and...
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