Skip to main content

Category: Blog

What is a calibration lab for electrical equipment?

A calibration lab evaluates and adjusts the precision and accuracy of instruments used for measurement, ensuring they meet the industry’s internationally agreed standards. Calibration labs are typically split into three main areas, electrical, mechanical and thermal.

Electronic calibration definition

As it might be easy to guess, electrical calibration deals with the calibration of electric and electronic instruments.

Many tools are required to be calibrated by the industry regulators. For an electrician, if you have any of these of your tool bag, at some point or other they will have to be calibrated.

calibration lab

  • Oscilloscopes
  • Resistors
  • Multi-Meters
  • PAT Testers
  • Crimp Tools & Testing
  • Capacitance Meters
  • Ammeters – Amplifiers
  • Attenuators – Bridges

How electronic calibration is carried out in our Calmet calibration lab?

The electronic calibration lab measures the tools by stimulating an electrical signal or measuring the electrical signal of the instrument being calibrated. This will then be compared to a master (standard) reading generated from a master instrument.

Known reference standards are used for the calibration services to ensure traceability. International standards include Volts, Watts and Amperes (to name just a few).

Procedure of electronic calibration

Just because a piece of equipment is accurate today doesn’t mean it will remain that way. A myriad number of reasons can cause tools to fall out of range. Therefore, regular testing is needed to ensure the highest standards and accuracy. It is essential that the electrical equipment is calibrated prior to the calibration period expiring. The typical ranges are often 6 to 12 months for most instruments.

Calibration lab process

After each testing batch, the calibration lab will place labels onto the calibrated tools. The date will highlight when the next calibration is due.

The calibration lab will maintain internal records of dates the calibration was completed. At Calmet we have a process of reaching out to our clients to highlight when their tools are required to be recalibrated. In order to achieve this, the date of testing and the serial numbers of the tool is always recorded.

Test equipment

How do you guard the guards? How do we at Calmet ensure that our test equipment is to a standard to calibrate your equipment? This is where UKAS come into the story.  UKAS is the UK’s National Accreditation Body, responsible for determining the technical competence and integrity of organisations offering testing, calibration and certification services.

UKAS enforces very strict process which must be followed, in order to obtain, maintain and extend any accreditation.

calibration laboratory

What makes a reputable calibration laboratory stand out?

Calibration laboratory

Industry professionals demand certain standards; not only because regulations necessitate safety, but also leading manufacturers know that clients highly value the best quality work.

They fully understand that an inferior approach in their supply chain will diminish their output and impact their reputation, which is why high quality calibration services are critical.

Consequently, we appreciate that many of our clients compliment us on the standard of our calibration laboratory. We understand that calibration is not sexy, but we know it is essential and we take great pride in our own high standards within our calibration lab.

calibration laboratory

Our clients use our calibration laboratory for many reasons, including safety, efficiency and quality assurance. Industries and services requiring precise measurements, across a wide range of applications, demand accuracy. Standards are monitored by regulatory bodies and the penalties for failing these standards can be severe.

Three of the biggest reasons and benefits of using a calibration laboratory are listed below.

1. Avoiding Downtime

Proper planning and advanced notification will prevent the need to postpone production, due to a sudden need for a tool or equipment calibration. Scheduling these services during quiet or off-peak times will enable your business to operate at optimum efficiency.

2. Traceability and Historical Records

Laboratory and on-site UKAS and National Traceable certification provide a continuous record of documentation or a continuous chain of measurements and associated uncertainties of all tools and equipment; each of which has a unique life span that must be documented. Keeping properly documented records (historical information) is essential for meeting audit requirements, tracking status and evaluating future performance.

3. Transportation, fast turnaround and on-time delivery of equipment

The correct transportation of sensitive equipment is vital to ensure damage is not incurred in transit and it arrives on time in perfect working order. Many businesses fall foul of incorrect transportation methods, leading to extended downtime and the possibility of a substantial financial outlay.

Our calibration laboratory is separated into two main areas. The first is an electrical environment and on a daily basis, anything from Multi-meters to oscilloscopes can be found being tested. Click here for a full list of items in our electrical and temperature calibration/calibrate thermometer.

The second room is for dimensional and mechanical equipment. Here you will find instruments from torque wrenches to dial and length gauges. Click here for a full list of items in our dimensional, mechanical, physical calibration services/instrument calibration.

Calmet is a UKAS accredited calibration laboratory offering calibration services. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions

3 reasons why a calibration test is the unsung hero in helping your business to succeed

A calibration test may not be sexy, but it is essential

calibration test

The best football teams have always had that thankless player. He’s often in central midfield running around for 90 minutes, breaking up play, tracking the players on the counter-attack, and

picking up tactical bookings when the time is right. They serve the team by fitting into a system which allows other players (often in fancy colour boots and head and shoulders slick hairstyles!) to go play, express themselves, and grab the headlines.

A calibration test is like the ‘Kante’ in your football team. You might not notice the role of calibration on the end of year report, but you would certainly notice it if it wasn’t there.

 

Why does it matter?  Safety, Efficiency and Quality Assurance

calibration test

  1. Reputable and reliable calibration services ensure your equipment is safe, accurate and true. If your benchmark equipment is incorrect, it will have a knock-on effect on the products or services provided to your customers by reducing efficiency and quality of your work.
  2. Calibration solutions ensure you comply with relevant regulations, monitored by regulatory bodies. Out of date calibration equipment could be susceptible to a failed industry audit, resulting in severe penalties and loss of business, at the very least!
  3. By calibrating your equipment, your customers can be assured you are professional, maintain high standards, and are compliant to industry legislation.   Evidence of an efficiency culture within your organisation can be essential when trying to secure new business. People want to work with people who can be trusted. Having a coherent answer to your calibration protocol demonstrates an organised working environment.

Manufacturing pumps

Calmet works with a pump designers and manufacturers who provide the industry with pumps and have a reputation of maximum reliability and efficiency. Our main service with them is to calibrate their pressure gauges on site as they are built into large containers.

What difference does Calmet make?

Our calibration tests for them are vital to maintaining their productivity. Calmet will complete the calibration in a day and by working efficiently on-site, any disruption and downtime are kept to a minimum, enabling production can continue as normal.

Calmet Laboratory Services is a UKAS accredited calibration laboratory. We offer a full calibration service for anything from torque wrenches to manufacturing pumps. Established since 1991, we have grown to become one of the most highly regarded calibration laboratories in the UK.

Without calibration services, you may be putting your business at risk from a wide range of factors. Instead, a professional calibration test process is highly valued by you and your customers.

If you are interested in hearing about calibration from a highly valued calibration laboratory contact us now.

calibration microscope electronics laboratory

Why use expert Calibration Services?

Industry professionals use expert Calibration Services for many reasons, including safety, efficiency and quality assurance. Moreover, industries and services that require precise measurements across a wide range of applications demand accuracy and they are regularly monitored by various regulatory bodies. Naturally, the penalties for failing to adhere to these regulations can be severe.

Therefore, to protect you and your business, let’s look at the three major reasons why you should use expert Calibration Management Services like Calmet’s below.

1. Avoiding Downtime

As a business owner, you want to enable your operation to run at peak efficiency at all times. Nobody wants to postpone production in order to perform urgent tool and equipment calibration. To remedy this, expert calibration services can assist you with proper planning. This will involve arranging advanced notification of upcoming calibration for tools and equipment and scheduling these services for quiet or off-peak times. Consequently, you’ll avoid ill-timed interruptions to your production.

Continue reading