What are your electrical test equipment calibration requirements?

When calibrating electrical test equipment, there are a series of requirements that need to be met in order to ensure the accuracy and safety of devices. These requirements vary between industries and regions, but each seeks to maintain the high standard of quality that is expected by manufacturers, retailers, industry bodies, governments and customers.

But what exactly are the requirements for electrical test equipment calibration, and how do they impact the safety, quality and performance of electrical equipment?

What is electrical test equipment calibration?

The accuracy of electrical test equipment is vital for ensuring the safety, performance and efficiency of products and services in a range of industries. Precise engineering and manufacturing requires electrical test equipment that is accurate and reliable, as the smallest of mistakes can jeopardise entire production processes. As a result, defects in testing equipment damages profitability and can cause potential health and safety risks for employees or end users.

Electrical calibration is the process of testing a piece of equipment against a precise reference device that is compliant with local and international standards. The unit under test (UUT) is then calibrated to match the readings of the reference device to ensure it is accurate, safe and within compliance range. This provides manufacturers and engineers with the precision and reliability to complete delicate and precise projects with electrical equipment.

What are the specific requirements for electrical test equipment calibration?

In order to establish correct readings and ensure safety, electrical test equipment must meet a series of requirements and standards during calibration. These requirements have been established as guidelines to ensure quality, safety and reliability.

Quality (ISO)

ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) is the international body responsible for setting standards for a wide range of industries, equipment and services. ISO accreditation is the seal of approval for businesses to ensure their operations comply with an internationally agreed level of quality.

ISO 9001 sets standards for businesses around the world, and has big implications for the calibration of electrical test equipment. An organisation needs to be ISO 9001 compliant to prove it:

• Has clear visibility over how recently a piece of electrical equipment has been calibrated and when it will next be calibrated. 
• Is protecting electrical test equipment from environments and situations where it can lose accuracy or become damaged.
• Documents when an inaccuracy occurs during a calibration, the extent and affected components/processes, and the action required to solve issues within ISO guidelines.

Safety (HSE)

Test equipment that is not properly calibrated can result in device malfunctions or miscalculations, putting manufacturing staff and end users at risk. Various health and safety standards are required globally for electrical calibration to remove this risk and ensure safety.

HSE (Health and Safety Executive) is the UK’s regulator for workplace health and safety. They require all electrical equipment to follow standards and approved codes of practice to minimise potential hazards. In terms of electrical calibration, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be made prior to the calibration. This involves measuring the level of voltage, charge or current, as well as the nature of the calibration environment to ensure it is safe.

Calibration credibility (UKAS & ISO 17027) 

Businesses that specialise in calibrating electronic test equipment often seek accreditation from relevant bodies. This accreditation is not legally required for the calibration of electronic test equipment, but demonstrates reliability and a commitment to the highest standards. ISO 17025 2017 defines the recommended technical and management factors for calibration laboratories across every industry.

UKAS accreditation is given to UK electrical calibration laboratories that show technical and management competence in line with ISO 17025. UK businesses that have achieved and maintained UKAS accreditation can be trusted by manufacturers to properly calibrate electronic test equipment for safety, efficiency and performance.

DM’s electronic test equipment calibration services

At DM Systems & Test, we are UKAS accredited - guaranteeing the highest standard of equipment calibration. We have a highly trained team of experts and provide a wide range electrical calibration services to an extremely high standard.

We can calibrate most items of electrical test equipment within 5 working days, with expedited or same-day, on-site calibration also available. For fast, reliable calibration that your business can rely on, contact a member of our team today.