PCE Instruments UK Ltd.

Measuring Equipment and Test Equipment

Together with an array of measuring instruments we offer the specialised knowledge of our expert Engineers and Technical Staff. Here is a list of terms commonly used within the field of measuring equipment to hopefully clear up any issues you may have before making a purchase:

  

Accuracy: The defining variable of the device as to its accuracy and its maximum load.

Adjust: Allows professionals to fine tune the device to ensure that only the most accurate readings are taken, a particularly useful in items such as scales.

  

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

Calibration: Verification that the device is correctly calibrated within the limits of the device.

Calibration certificate: Documentation that states the device is correctly calibrated and operates in conjunction with national standards.

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 equipment.

              - Frequency of use.

              - Operating Conditions.

              - Stability of previous calibrations.

              - Accuracy required.

              - Quality control requirements.

The user needs to calibrate their equipment to maintain accuracy of the device over time so the margin of error does not become too large for the required reading.

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

Certificate of revision: Certification from the factory confirming that the product being delivered meets the product specifications (specified on the data sheet).

Connection port:  Connection port to a computer for outputting data or updating software (typically an RS-232C)

Conformity certificate: Certification that confirms the device conforms to stringent standards laid out by the notifying body that the device will be compatible with certain other devices detailed on the certificate.
  

  

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

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 equipment. 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.

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

  

ENAC: The "ENAC" calibration service is a union of technical measurement laboratories that are accredited to be within 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 equipment. ENAC certificates are valid in many countries around the world, including those of the European Union.

If you follow the link to ENAC you will be able to find out more about this.



  

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

  

Ingress protection (IP): The higher the numerical value of IP, the less likely the device is to be disrupted by dust and water penetrating the enclosure.

Interface: Another term to refer to a connection port, see connection port

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.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): This display contains liquid crystal which reacts to the anisotropic conductivity of liquid crystals when a current is passed across it. The displays are not self-lit in Measuring equipment and typically have either a back-light or need to be used in a light room.

LED (Light Emitting Diode) display: This display is formed from a matrix of diodes which emit light in a pattern to display what is expected on screen. The display is self-lighting.
 

  

Measurement of deviation: The deviation of the measured value displayed compared to the true value.

Measuring equipment: 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 and sometimes other devices.

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

   

OIML: "Organization International de Metrologies Legal". Regulates the relative interests in technical measurement in legal contractibility  for meteorology. For more information follow this link on  Meters in the OIML.

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.

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

  

Response time: Period of time from connecting the meter until the measurement result is shown on the display. This refers to the combination of  the time of the meter and sensor. As such, a lot of times, it is not related to the meter itself but to that of the sensor that it uses, as typically these are the weakest link.

Recalibration: Periodical devices need to be tested as to confirm their accuracy. If they are inaccurate they need to be recalibrated. Visit our webpage to see our Operating partners for calibrating measuring equipment.

Repeatability: This is the process that shows that the measurement shown on 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.

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

  

Standard deviation: A measure used to state the possible variances from the same variable being measured under the same circumstances.

  

Thermal influence: This is a physical influence on the measurement and can only be corrected via incorporated measurement compensation systems. Some measuring devices come with automatic temperature compensation available and others have these systems incorporated  mechanically, either by an adjustment wheel or by indicating the error occurred due to the thermal influence on the display.

  

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

International Fairs in 2013 for the industrial sector:

Final note:
The information presented here may not be complete or exact.  It is simply provided as a guide in relation to measuring equipment. The pages within the domain www.industrial-needs.com are property of PCE Instruments UK Ltd..