Support

What is calibration?

Calibration is the process of comparing the readings of a measuring device against an instrument that has a known accuracy. For Tinytag data loggers, calibration involves comparing the readings of your data logger with a UKAS-calibrated instrument to determine the accuracy of the data logger.

The accuracy of a measuring instrument can change over time. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as contamination, damage or the natural drift of a sensor. Regular service calibration helps to ensure that Tinytag data loggers read correctly.

A Tinytag Plus 2 data logger is situated on a pedestal near to other specialist calibration equipment.

How does calibration work?

During calibration, the accuracy of a data logger is checked by comparing its readings against those of an instrument of known accuracy. By doing so, the margin of error in the data logger's readings can be calculated.

If a data logger is found to be out of calibration, remedial work can be performed, such as adjustment to the data logger itself or, if required, a repair or replacement.

The information gained from a calibration can be used by a customer to improve the accuracy of a data logger's readings. For example, the margin of error can be used to adjust recorded data so that it reflects a higher degree of accuracy.

Want to find our more about Tinytag calibrations? See our article on what is included in the Tinytag calibration service or Book your Tinytag Service Calibration now!

Understanding Calibration

The calibration certificate provides verification that the data logger has been checked and has been found to be reading within the specification quoted on the unit's data sheet.

Data loggers are compared to a reference meter that has been calibrated in a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) approved laboratory.

The certificate lists the value recorded by the reference meter (the temperature or humidity at which the data logger was tested), the value recorded by the data logger and the error between the two readings (the certificate will also show readings before and after any adjustment made to the unit where appropriate). In addition to the reading information, calibration certificates also list the test method and the details of the equipment used to provide traceability back to National Standards.

In the case of humidity data loggers we always adjust this channel to reduce any reading errors as far as possible. This adjustment is performed at 20, 50 and 80%RH to give good overall accuracy across a logger's reading range. Loggers are not adjusted at customer specified points as this can give poor performance at other humidity levels. As above, before and after adjustment readings are quoted on the calibration certificate. For humidity calibrations, the tolerance can be up to ±5.0%RH from the requested calibration point.

Calibration certificates do not have a period of validity, they are simply a statement of what the unit was reading when it was tested.

Our standard calibration points are:

  • Temperature: 0 and 30°C
  • Humidity: 20 and 80 % RH (at 25°C)

These points have been chosen to give good coverage for general purpose use, but should other points be required we can calibrate units within the following ranges:

  • Temperature: -30 to +135 °C
  • Humidity: 20 to 90 % RH (at 25°C)

For CO2 loggers, our calibration points are:

  • 0 to 2000ppm units: 500, 1000 and 1500ppm
  • 0 to 5000ppm units: 500, 2500 and 4000ppm

For Energy Loggers, our calibration points cover a range of currents from 10 to 1000A per-phase in both the single and three phase modes of operation. Voltage, power and power factor readings are also tested.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements for voltage and current loggers. Our standard points are:

  • 500mV and 2,000mV for 0 to 2.5V loggers
  • 5 and 20V for 0 to 25V loggers
  • 8 and 16mA for 0 to 20mA loggers

Please note: Your Tinytag data logger will require re-launching after calibration. See our 'How to use a data logger' support article if you need help launching the logger.

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