What Is A Calibration Certificate & Why Is It Important?

A calibration certificate is an important document that ensures the accuracy and reliability of a measuring device. This document is essential for any individual or company that relies on providing accurate measurements for their business offering. Be it in retail, health care, food production, pharmaceuticals etc.

Without a calibration certificate, it would be difficult to trust the accuracy of any measurements taken by a device. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what a calibration certificate is and why it is so important to any business.

What Is A Calibration Certificate? 

A calibration certificate is a document that verifies that a measuring instrument, such as a meter or gauge, has been calibrated to meet certain standards. The certificate generally includes the name and logo of the calibration company, the date of calibration, the type of equipment calibrated, the range of accuracy, and the uncertainty of measurement.

In some cases, the certificate may also include information about the traceability of the calibration to national or international standards. For example, a calibration certificate for a pressure gauge may indicate that it has been calibrated to within +/- 0.1% of the international standard for pressure.

Calibration certificates are important because they provide owners with assurance that the equipment they are using is accurate and meets specifications. They also provide evidence that the equipment has been properly maintained and is fit for its intended purpose. Manufacturers and sellers of precision equipment typically require customers to present a valid calibration certificate before they will warranty or service their products.

Do You Need A Calibration Certificate?

If you work in a regulated industry or with sensitive equipment, you may be required to have your instruments calibrated on a regular basis. Depending on your industry, there may be specific requirements for what information must be included on the certificate, but in general, it will include the name and model of the instrument, the date of calibration, the name of the laboratory that performed the calibration, and the parameters that were measured. 

If you are unsure whether or not you need a calibration certificate, you should consult with your supervisor or the regulatory body that governs your industry. Having a valid certificate can help to ensure that your equipment is accurate and up to standards, giving you peace of mind and helping to protect your business.

How Long Is A Calibration Certificate Valid For?

The certificate is valid for a specific period of time, after which the equipment must be re-calibrated to ensure accuracy. The length of time that a calibration certificate is valid depends on a number of factors, including the type of equipment being used and the purpose for which it will be used. 

For example, precision instruments that are used in critical applications may need to be re-calibrated more frequently than those that are used for less critical applications. In general, however, most calibration certificates are valid for one year. After the certificate expires, you will need to have your equipment re-calibrated in order to maintain its accuracy.

What Should A Calibration Certificate Contain?

A calibration certificate should always contain the name and contact information of the laboratory that performed the calibration, as well as the name and contact information of the person who requested the calibration. The certificate should also include the date of calibration, the equipment used, the reference standards used, the measurements taken, and the uncertainties associated with those measurements.

In addition, the certificate should indicate whether the equipment meets all applicable specifications. If not, the certificate should list any out-of-tolerance conditions that were found. By providing this information, a calibration certificate can help to ensure that equipment is properly maintained and operated within its specified tolerances.

Calibration Certificate Benefits

First, calibration certificates help to ensure equipment is working correctly and accurately. Second, it can provide a record of when the equipment was last calibrated, which can be important for maintaining warranty coverage or for meeting regulatory requirements. Finally, a calibration certificate can also be used as a marketing tool, demonstrating to potential customers that the equipment is well-maintained and reliable. As a result, calibration certificates offer a number of important benefits for businesses and individuals.

How To Get A Calibration Certificate

In order to obtain a calibration certificate, the first step is to find a calibration provider that is accredited by the relevant authority. Once you have found an accredited laboratory, you will need to send them your instrument or they can come to you for on-site calibration. The provider will then carry out the calibration procedure and provide you with a certificate, which you can use to show that your instrument is fit for purpose.

Conclusion

Calibration certificates are important because they ensure that devices used to measure or test products are accurate. This helps protect both consumers and producers from faulty measurements or product defects. Devices that require calibration certificates include scales, pressure gauges, thermometers, and voltage meters. 

If you want to find out more about calibration certificates and how GNW can help provide them for a range of devices and instruments, contact us here and our expert team will be happy to help.