Calibration Terms
Out of Tolerance Conditions:
If the results are outside of
the instrument's performance specifications it is considered an OOT (Out of Tolerance) condition and will
result in the need to adjust the instrument back into specification.
Optimization:
Adjusting a measuring
instrument to make it more accurate is NOT part of a “Typical” calibration and is frequently referred to as
“Optimizing” or “Nominalizing” an instrument. (this is a common misconception) Only reputable and experienced
calibration providers should be trusted to make adjustments on critical test
equipment.
As Found
Data:
The reading of the instrument
before it is adjusted.
As Left
Data:
The reading of the instrument
after adjustment or “Same As Found” if no adjustment was made.
Without
Data:
Most calibration labs charge
more to provide the certificate with data and will offer a “No-Data” option. In any case, at a minimum the
magnitude and the direction of the error must be provided for any OOT condition.
Limited
Calibration:
Sometimes certain functions
of an instrument may not be needed by the user. It may be more cost effective to have a limited calibration
performed (This can even include a reduced accuracy calibration).
TUR - Test Uncertainty
Ratio:
The ratio of the accuracy of
the instrument under test compared to the accuracy of the reference standard.
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