FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions | Eurocaltech
Why do I need
to calibrate my equipment?
The base accuracy of your tester—a known value—may vary
over time. This could happen for a variety of reasons, such as an unexpected
spike in electricity or accidental knocks that harm the meter's internal
components. When this happens, the accuracy of the metre "drifts"
from its ideal state, making your device unreliable.
The process of ensuring that your instrument is performing at the proper level of accuracy is called calibration. A calibration specialist will correct any minor imbalances and return the meter to optimal operating condition. Likewise, calibration can assist in identifying and fixing problems if errors are a result of malfunctioning internal components.
In short, you need to calibrate your equipment as it could
be inaccurate, and this may lead to the incorrect installation of equipment or
an inability to identify faulty installations.
What if my instrument fails calibration?You need to include any leads, chargers, or accessories that come with your instrument when you send it in. We advise doing this because, for example, many instrument malfunctions can be traced back to leads. By calibrating your test equipment with your leads and accessories, we can identify issues that might otherwise go undetected.
Your meter most likely has a malfunction if it does not
pass the calibration test. We will get in touch with you to go over the options
if there is a problem. In the event that your instrument cannot be fixed by us,
it will be sent to the repair department, which will provide you with a repair
quote.
The inspection procedure can take up to one week, and there
is a fee associated with it that will be reimbursed if you decide to proceed
with the repairs. In most cases, we can find a replacement for your unit or
give you a discount on a new one if we are unable to fix it.
Without your consent, we promise never to take any action
that would result in additional expenses for you.
Please be aware that the 3-day or free price guarantee no
longer applies to testers that fail calibration.
How often
should I calibrate my instruments?
While there are some exceptions, most instruments need to
be calibrated once a year. Additionally, if you think that readings on test
instruments might be off or incorrect, they should be calibrated.
Even if the meter isn't used frequently, it still needs to
be calibrated annually because conditions like low temperatures and moisture
can interfere with its functionality. As a result, the test instrument needs to
be calibrated again if you plan to use it again and the certificate has
expired.
Do my certificates require due dates?
Many
factors influence the actual due date, and the calibration laboratory cannot
assess most of them. Drift, manufacturer's recommendations, calibration
history, and end usage all play a role in determining when an item should be
recalled for calibration. In these matters, the customer is the final
authority. If a due date appears on your certificates or stickers, it is only
for the user's convenience and is not indicative of when the instrument is due
for calibration.
"Except where agreed with the
client, a calibration certificate (or label) shall not contain any
recommendation on the calibration interval." Legal regulations may
supersede this requirement.
What is the three-day turnaround?
On certain instruments, our three-day turnaround service is
standard. It is timed exclusively in working days and begins when your items
are received and ends when they are dispatched.
The 3-day turnaround service is subject to certain terms
and conditions, such as the requirement that you send in a purchase order or
payment with the instrument.
Does
calibration affect the memory on a tester?
Nothing we do during the calibration process will have any kind of impact on the memory of your tester. Your device will continue to store all your results.
"I lost my certificate. How do I get a new one?
You can always contact us for a new certificate by mail for the information,
data and certificates, for each item that is calibrated by us.
My
certificate contains incorrect information. How do I get it revised?
Contact our Services We'll email the revised certificate or sticker to you.
Can I have my equipment
calibrated at my facility?
This is determined by the nature of the equipment. Please contact us to find
out if an on-site calibration is possible.
I need my
order right away. Can I call ahead of time to make a reservation?
We are here to accommodate your schedule;
if next-day service is required, we will do everything possible to accommodate
your needs.
What
is Laboratory Accreditation?
Accreditation
of a laboratory is defined as the formal recognition of an organization's
technical competency to perform specific tests, types of tests, or
calibrations.
ISO/IEC 17025 specifies the general
requirements for laboratory accreditation. This standard specifies the quality
system requirements as well as the technical requirements that laboratories
must meet. However, laboratory accreditation requirements go beyond ISO/IEC
17025.
What is the "Scope of
Accreditation"?
A Scope of Accreditation lists the specific tests, types of tests, or
calibrations for which a laboratory has been found competent. The scope's final
content must be approved by the assessor(s) and the accreditor's selected
members. The scope of calibration laboratories typically includes the
parameters, measurement ranges, best uncertainty associated with each range,
and techniques/equipment used to perform the calibrations.
What types of equipment do you calibrate and
service?
We calibrate and service all, but not limited to the
following equipment please see our calibration capabilities in our website.
When will I receive my certificates for on-site
calibrations?
Once processed, you should receive them within 5 business
days of your calibration.
When will I receive my certificates for
in-house calibrations?
In-house certificates are typically sent back with the
device, generally two to three business days from receipt.
The manufacturer is telling me my machine is
obsolete and parts are not available. What do I do?
When clients are forced to replace their machines too soon, our highly skilled calibration technicians will match up components to find solutions that will let them keep using their equipment.
My previous calibration company did not meet my satisfaction and was
unresponsive to my requests. Will you offer this type of service?
We consistently deliver excellent services, open lines of communication, and fast turnaround times to our clients.
Is it normal for a calibrator to leave my
equipment dirty and not service problems with my machine during their visit?
The quick response is no. During the calibration activity,
all service-related issues must be resolved by our Technicians. As part of a
preventative maintenance programme, the technician will clean your device to
help us identify any issues that need to be repaired during your calibration
visit. Before the technicians arrive, our office staff conducts a client survey
to ensure that they are aware of any equipment issues and have the necessary
parts on hand to service your device. To guarantee that client satisfaction is
upheld, our Lead Calibrator checks this activity both before and after each
visit. We actively seek out our clients' opinions.
How do I make arrangements for calibration
and/or repair services?
For comprehensive information on making a request for calibration and/or repair
services, visit the Calibration
and Repair Services page.
How can I get an operator’s manual for my
equipment?
Manuals for Calibration instruments are available for free download
Do you provide a general educational overview
of calibration?
Yes, visit our Blogs.
How often should you calibrate?
The question isn’t whether to calibrate, it’s how often to? There is no “one
size fits all” answer. However, see our recommendations in our blog post:How often
should you calibrate?
What is a Product warranty?
A warranty is a statement by a product seller or
manufacturer that it will work
as stated. It can be expressed or implied. Express warranties
use words to
describe the seller’s promise and are normally in writing.
Implied warranties
arise from the transaction itself, and depend on the
conduct of the seller and
the understanding of the buyer
How do I determine if a term is a Condition or
Warranty?
Warranties need to be distinguished from conditions to
determine the
remedies for a breach. A condition is key to the purpose of
the agreement
and, if it is not met, the purchaser may be allowed to
cancel the contract. On
the other hand, a breach of warranty gives rise to a claim
for damages but
does not give the injured party the right to reject the
goods and treat the
contract as void.
The courts have held that whether a term is a warranty or a
condition is a
substantive difference, meaning that the court, will
determine how to classify
the promise in a contract, not the parties. Therefore the
parties cannot
simply say, “It is a warranty.” The court will look at
purpose of the contract
and consider whether the term in question is central to
that purpose, or
secondary to it.
What is a Limited Warranty?
Express warranties are often limited by the wording of the
provisions. For
example, it is common for a warranty to be limited in time.
In general, the
quality or fitness for the purpose of a product is warranted
only for a specific
length of time after purchase. The warranty can also be
limited by other
factors, such as the use to which the product is put, by
whom and the
degree of quality warranted (i.e. materials only,
workmanship, etc.).
An express warranty can also be limited by certain
exclusions described in
the contract of sale. Generally, exclusions of liability in
contracts between
commercial parties will be enforceable (unless they are
unconscionable or
otherwise against public policy). These clauses are also
unenforceable if the
seller knew of the defect at the time of sale. In some
provinces, there are
statutory restrictions that govern the validity of
exclusion clauses.
However, in the absence of any statutory barriers, the
scope of an express
warranty can be considerably limited. If there is a
disagreement about the
meaning of an exclusionary clause, these clauses will be
strictly interpreted
against the manufacturer or seller. A properly drafted
exclusion clause (also
called an exemption clause) can, however, be extremely
effective in limiting
liability.
What is an Exclusionary Clause?
A warranty can contain terms that try to exclude or limit
the manufacturer or distributor’s liability for negligence, implied warranties
at common law or even the statutory implied conditions under Sale of Goods or
Consumer Protection legislation. These clauses may serve as a complete defence
to a claim in contract or in negligence. Accordingly, terms which claim to
limit liability are carefully
In addition, the party who is relying on the exclusion has
the responsibility to prove that the other party to the contract not only
understood but also agreed to the term before entering into the agreement.
Conclusion
Warranties provide effective limitations on a
manufacturer or seller’s liability. A manufacturer or seller will often warrant
that the product will work as intended for a specific period of time and agree
to fix or replace the product during that timeframe. However, the manufacturer
or seller will also want to exclude or limit its liability both during and
after that time period. It can do so successfully with a carefully drafted
warranty.