Measuring Instruments and Test Equipment

Together with the array of measuring instruments we offer and the specialised knowledge of our engineers and technical staff, here is a list of terms commonly used in the field of measuring instruments to help you before making a purchase:

 

Adjust: allows professionals to fine tune the device to ensure the most accurate readings, particularly a function in devices such as scales.

  

Calibration: Official verification that the measuring instrument responds acceptably to predetermined error limits.

Calibrate: To determine the systematic deviation of of the meter's display with respect to the true value of the unit being measured.

Calibration certificate: Documenting the relative characteristics in relation to a technical measurement of a measuring device and how it operates in conjunction with national standards.

DIN EN ISO 9001 certification:this certification signifies that a company has demonstrated that they have adapted their entire management system to meet the DIN EN ISO 9001 standard of quality. After inspection by the relevant authorities, the company is awarded a DIN EN ISO 9001 certificate of quality according to the management system they have in place.
This certificate is completely different from that of the ENAC calibration certificate which relates to the relative characteristics of the technical measurements made by measuring instruments. Certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001 is also not identical to an accreditation for as yet there is no accords here as to the effects of international recognition.

Factory calibration certificate: Factory calibration certificates are issued with standards that are that are a result of subjecting the measuring device to rigorous quality control measures. Quality is assured as the instruments used for quality control are regularly maintained to ensure the highest level of accuracy.  The measuring instruments are then adjusted using a quality control device and calibrated within the factory.

Calibration interval: To ensure that correct measurements are being taken, the device should be calibrated periodically. This period of time is known as the calibration interval. It's impossible to accurately determine when a device will require calibration, however, it always helps to have a guide, and here are a few key things to consider as an indication:

• Measurement value and the permitted range of tolerance.
• Performance of the measuring instruments.
• Frequency of use.
• Operating conditions.
• Stability of previous calibrations.
• Accuracy required for the measuring instruments.
• Quality control requirements of the company.

This means that the same user should have responsibility during a calibration interval. Measurement margin of error: Margin of error of readings with respect to real measurement value. Factory calibration certificate: These certificates are issued by accredited manufacturers that can ensure the devices meet the stringent requirements for accuracy and reliability.

Conformity certificate: Compatibility between two devices and official documented approval during calibration by the notifying body issuing the conformity certificate.

Certificate of revision: Certified with the factory confirming that the product being delivered meets the product specifications. (data sheet).
  

 

Declaration of conformity: The document for declaring conformity that a device meets CE requirements (electronic devices always come with the distinctive CE certification mark).

Measurement of deviation: Deviation on the display of the measurement in relation to the real measurement value.

  

ENAC: The "ENAC" calibration service is a union of technical measurement laboratories that are accredited to a determined parameters. They are highly competent in the field of technical measurement. An ENAC accredited laboratory has the right to issue internationally established calibration certificates for these parameters and measuring instruments. ENAC certificates are valid in many countries around the world, including those within the European Union.
In the paragraph Meters - ENAC you will find more information.



 

Operating temperature: The temperature range that the instrument can be used reliably. If the device are used outside of this range, errors can be produced in measurements. If temperatures are extreme the internal electronics of the measuring instrument can be destroyed.

 

Margin of error: Indicates the range of error possible for any given value displayed by the device.

Overload /overcharge indicator: Symbol or character displayed by the device to indicate an "overload" which is typically shown as "OL". An overload has the potential to damage the measuring instrument beyond repair.

Thermal influence: This is physically conditioned and can only be corrected via incorporated measurement compensations. Some measuring instruments come with automatic temperature compensation available and others have it mechanically. Mechanical compensation is given to represent the actual temperature, such as an adjustment wheel or by indicating it on the display.

Measuring instruments: These are devices that give visual representation of data and allow for certain parameters to be measured or calculated and displayed in specific unit types.  They can be electronic or mechanical devices and can be used in conjunction with a computer.

Interface: Also known as a connection port which allows for the measuring instrument to be connected to a computer for data transfer and analysis.

ISO 9000: System of quality management by way of DIN Standards to identify a companies level of quality control.  It's full denomination is DIN EN ISO 9000.

 

Legibility: The smallest numerical value legible on the device's display.

Data Logger / Data Registers: Many devices have an internal memory for measurement values.  This memory can becan be used in situ to store readings or programmed to work in conjunction with a computer to recover data for further analysis. As such, devices equipped with a data logger, can function independently without someone monitoring it.

   

OIML: "Organization International de Metrologies Legal". Regulates the relative interests in technical measurement in legal contractibility (meteorology). Link to Meters in the OIML.

 

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): The display contains liquid crystal which reacts to the anisotropic conductivity of liquid crystals. The displays are not self-lit in measuring instruments.

LED display (Light Emitting Diode): Functioning element of the digital display. It utilizes its own light source from luminous and luminescent diodes. The display is self-lighting.

Accuracy: The physical form of the meters is quite varied. Independently of this, they can be characterized according to their construction and function and for the object they are being employed to measure. More concretely, they are differentiated by characteristics such as their accuracy and maximum load.

CEM: This is the federal authority is competent in legal meteorology in Spain (CEM).

Connection port: Primarily an RS-232C to connect to a computer.

 

Response time: Period of time from connecting the meter until the measurement result is shown on the display. This refers to the combination of meter, sensor, probe or electrode according to the parameter that is going to be measured. As such, a lot of times, it is not related to the meter itself but to that of the sensor that it uses.

Recalibration: Periodical measurement control of measuring instruments to test their accuracy. Visit our webpage to see our Operating partners for calibrating measuring instruments.

Repeatability: This is the process that indicates that the measurement shown by the device can be comparable to one or more measurements according to the national standard for the parameter being measured. Thanks to the existing agreement with "CEM" and to the DIN EN 45001 quality standard there is no need to independently demonstrate the devices repeatability.

Standard deviation: Measurement of the coincidences in the repetition of measurements taken under the same circumstances.

Resolution: Minimum width of the character presented on the display of a measuring instrument, also referred to as a digit.

Response time: Duration of time required for the device to show the measurement value on its display after being connected.

 

Ingress protection (IP): The higher the numerical value of IP, the less dust and water that is possible to penetrate the enclosure of the measuring instrument.

Margin of error: Each device display has a tolerance to physical conditions.  This tolerance defines the maximum deviation permitted by the display and is indicated in "plus" or "minus".

 

Validation: Documented test that a process or procedure meets appropriate safety levels required to perform a specific task.

Below is a video of our company, where you will be able to observe that the development, innovation and technical assessment are our most important services that we can offer our clients. If you find that none of our devices seem to meet your requirements, call our offices our offices: +44 ( 0 ) 191 377 3398 and our team of engineers will assess your needs and help you choose the device best suited to your requirements.

PCE Group has tested its measuring instruments in the Antarctic. With the intention of checking if our equipment has the capacity to resist extreme temperatures, and to see if small changes occur in the joints of the thermal insulation that might creates a micro-climate within the interior of the device. Teams conduct astronomical, geological, ornithological and environmental experiments with great success, thanks to equipment such as measuring instruments for ozono, for pH, ultraviolet light, airflow meters, dosimeters, etc.

The Antarctic is a natural laboratory that contains certain properties that are closely related to the origins of the Earth and the Solar System. It's obvious the role the antarctic ice plays, thanks to the microscopic pockets of air that remain trapped in layers of ice, in the estimation of different climatic changes (glaciations) that have occurred upon the Earth's surface over time. Contributing factors of climatic change are the greenhouse effect, as a result of CO2 emissions, and the depletion of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, permitting UVB radiation to reach the planet's surface. This has been caused, in part, by increased human industrialization in the last decades. As a result, the Earth naturally makes adjustments to effect climate change, these cyclical movements, precession and notation, that are made to the Earth's position in relation to the sun, as well as its own cycles and evolution which are evidenced by changes in the Earth's atmosphere, marine currents, and external forces such as asteroids. The history of the Earth's climate allows scientists to determine which geographical area has been affected by climate changes. It's a mistake to believe that a particular geographical region has always been under the same climatic conditions through its history. What's certain is that an atmospheric change on the planet will result in vast changes for people today and this is the reason why so many people are afraid of climate change.

International Fairs in 2008 for the industrial sector:

Final note:
The information presented here may not be complete or exact.  It is provided simply as a guide in realtion to measuring instruments. The pages within the domain www.industrial-needs.com are property of PCE Group oHG (©), Germany.

Below you will find an overview of the different product groups of scales and balances