Calibration Considerations

What is the calibration interval for instruments?

The answer depends upon a few factors. First to consider is the governing body for your industry or process. Food processing, for example, sets very specific frequencies with traceable dates. Check for requirements with the governing administration that oversees your line of work. Second is what your customers may demand in product temperature traceability. Lastly, it’s up to you as an organization to decide how often you calibrate your instruments. This is generally determined by the organization’s Quality program. The level of accuracy needed should factor in your calibration cycle that you set for your instruments. Typically the tighter the instrument tolerance is in your process, the more frequently you will want to schedule your calibrations.

Some applications will require a daily thermometer calibration, while others may only require a yearly check. When it comes to recalibration, pay attention to your last calibration certificate. The expiration date should be clearly stated on the certification for your instrument. The date may be the last day of the month or a specific date.

What happens if you don’t calibrate your instruments?

If instruments are not checked and calibrated regularly, the risk of inaccurate measurements increases. Many times during the calibration process, no adjustment is needed--- just verification that it’s still within tolerance. The amount of inaccuracy typically depends on the length between calibrations, frequency of use, and the environment in which the instrument is being used. While the expense of paying for your frequent calibrations will increase, it will likely be offset by better yield in the finished product and reduction in risk of product recall.

Tel-Tru thermometers are factory calibrated prior to shipment. We recommend calibrating all Tel-Tru instruments once a year under normal use, as well as whenever it has been dropped or shows signs of being damaged, such as a bent stem or dented case.

If you have any questions about calibrating your instruments, feel free to call our experts at 800-232-5335 or visit www.teltru.com.
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