Erie County Technical School

CALIBRATION MANUAL
1. Purpose:

1.1. To establish and maintain a calibration system to control the accuracy of equipment that is used
for measuring student performance evaluation, particularly state or national credentials.
Including measuring equipment used for public health and safety purposes.

1.2. To prevent inaccuracy, detect deficiencies and provide for timely positive corrective action.

1.3. The instructor is responsible for overall control of the calibration system and designating
“master” tools and equipment that are subject to calibration. Instructional tools and equipment
may be checked against the “master” tools for accuracy, as the instructor deems necessary.

2. Procedure:

2.1. “Master” tools will be calibrated by means of certified standards or equipment that has been
calibrated using certified standards.

2.2. Master gauge blocks will be used to calibrate the optical comparator in the Tool and Die lab.

2.3. A list of controlled, calibrated “master tools and equipment” is maintained by the instructor.
Master tools are used to check instructional tools as the instructor deems is necessary.

2.4. Any gauge or tool is considered out of tolerance if it exceeds one reference mark or graduation,
or as evaluated by the instructor. The instructor shall be informed of any out-of-tolerance
condition found during use so that proper actions may be taken.

3. Calibration Frequency:

3.1. The Optical Comparator will be calibrated with the Master gauge blocks each year prior to the
start of testing.

3.2. Tool and Die Lab measuring tools will be calibrated in accordance with National Institute of
Metalworking Skills (NIMS) standards. Tools shall be calibrated at the beginning of any job
requiring NIMS standards, or when the instructor determines it should be calibrated due to
accuracy requirements for the specific job.

3.3. Culinary Arts food preparation equipment shall be calibrated for temperature accuracy every
other year. Records of calibration shall be maintained in the Facility Manager’s office.

3.4. National Occupational Competetency Testing Institute (NOCTI) tools are to be calibrated prior
to the test.

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 Erie County Technical School
CALIBRATION MANUAL

4. Calibration Standards:

4.1. Master gauge blocks used for calibration shall be kept in the Facility Manager’s office.
Certification attesting to the accuracy of the Master Gauge Blocks shall be kept on file in the
Facility Manager’s office.

5. Responsibility:

5.1. The instructors shall be responsible to identify and appropriately mark “master” measuring
equipment used to check the accuracy of instructional measuring equipment.

6. Records:

6.1. Facility Manager shall log the calibration of Optical Comparator on the Equipment Calibration
Log. The frequency of calibration and dates indicate the calibration was performed. The
Facility Manager will maintain logs for 3 years. This record is maintained in the Facility
Manager’s office and is available for review.

6.2. Instructors shall list the ID and description of equipment on the Equipment Calibration Logs.
The frequency of calibration and dates indicate the calibration was performed. The Facility
Manager will maintain logs for 3 years. This record is maintained in the Facility Manager’s
office and is available for review.

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 Erie County Technical School

PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING BI-METALLIC STEMMED THERMOMETERS

Before Calibrating Bi-metallic stemmed thermometers they must be checked for any signs of
outward damage:
1. Bent stem
2. Broken lens
3. Loose nut
If damaged remove from service.

Calibration

1. First prepare a beaker with a 50/50 ice/water slush.

2. Insert thermometer into mixture, making sure that the dimple is submerged.
Let the thermometer stabilize for three to five minutes.
Check temperature it should read 32°F.
5. If your reading is more than +/- 2°F you will need to recalibrate the thermometer.
6. To recalibrate you turn the calibration nut until indicator reads 32°F.
7. After calibration let the thermometer come to room temperature.
8. Then repeat steps 2 thru 7.
9. The thermometer will be considered out of tolerance if after 3 tries the thermometer
will not hold the temperature of 32°F +/- 2°F.

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 Erie County Technical School
PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING INCH-METRIC MICROMETERS

Before Calibrating micrometers they must be checked for any signs of outward damage:
1. Chipped measuring faces
2. Bent anvil
3. Loose or missing parts
If damaged remove from service.

Calibration
1. It is extremely important that all parts of the micrometer be kept clean during
calibration.
2. Wipe micrometer clean with a clean cloth and apply a drop of fine oil to
spindle.
3. First you will need to remove play/looseness from the threads due to wear in
the spindle.
4. To do this back off the thimble.
5. Insert the C-spanner into the slot or hole of the adjusting nut.
6. Turn the adjusting nut clockwise until play between the threads has been
eliminated.
7. Do not over tighten, the spindle should move freely when the ratchet stop or
friction thimble is being turned.
8. Next you will need to test the accuracy of the micrometer.
9. You will need a gage block from the Master Gage Blocks for the size
micrometer that you will be checking.
10. Open the micrometer so that the gage block will fit between the measuring
faces.
11. Check to make sure that the measuring faces are clean and there are no chips
in them.
12. Place the master gage block between the measuring faces.
13. Turn the thimble using the ratchet stop or friction thimble until the measuring
faces contact the master gage block.
14. The reading of the micrometer must be the same +/- .0005 as the master gage
block.
15. If the reading is more than +/- .0005 you will need to adjust the micrometer.
16. To adjust the micrometer close the measuring faces carefully until they
contact the master gage block.
17. Insert the C-spanner into the hole or slot provided in the sleeve.
18. Carefully turn the sleeve until the index line on the sleeve coincides with the
zero line on the thimble.
19. Recheck the accuracy of the micrometer by opening the micrometer and then
closing the measuring faces carefully until they contact the master gage block
again.
20. The micrometer will be considered out of tolerance if after 3 tries the
micrometer will not hold the reading of the master gage block +/- .0005.
21. The micrometer will be considered out of tolerance if after repeating steps 10
thru 14 and the micrometer will not hold +/- .0005” it will then be removed
from service.

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 Erie County Technical School

PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING VERNIER, DIAL OR DIGITAL CALIPERS

Before calibrating calipers they must 1st be checked for any signs of damage:
1. Chipped or damaged measuring faces and points
2. Dirty or damaged track or gear
3. Numbers worn off and unreadable
4. Loose face
5. Not repeating back to “0”
6. Sticking, skipping or binding during operation of full travel

If damaged remove from service and send for repair

Calibration
1. Place a rag on a demagnetizer and run calipers over to remove magnetism
2. Clean calipers with a clean cloth and check for dirt and metal chips in track
3. A light air blast may be needed to remove chips
4. Close calipers and adjust “0” on face if needed
5. Get 3 gauge block stacks from the master set: Example: If checking a 6”
caliper, use a 1-inch, a 3-inch and a 6-inch stack
6. Verify accuracy over the 3 stacks of gauge block
7. The caliper will be considered out or tolerance if after 3 tries over 3 stacks the caliper
will not repeat within +/- .002

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 Erie County Technical School

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE FOR A FRAMING SQUARE

Before calibrating a framing square it must be checked for any signs of outward damage such as:
1. Cracks
2. Bends
3. Twists
If damaged remove from service.

Calibration

1. To check calibration of a framing square you will need to obtain the Master
Framing Square from the instructor, so that you can compare the gradations and
square ness of the framing square to the Master Framing Square.
2. If it is more than 1/16” out of square or the gradations are off by more than 1/16”
you will need to recalibrate the framing square.
3. To recalibrate the framing square, if out of square you would either bend back to
square or replace.
4. If the gradations are off remove from service there is no way to recalibrate this
item.
5. The framing Square will be considered out of tolerance if after 3 tries it doesn’t
hold to 1/16” of square.
6. Remove it from service.

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 Erie County Technical School

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE FOR A LASER LEVEL

Before calibrating Laser Level it must be checked for any signs of outward damage such as:
1. Broken parts

If damaged remove from service.

Calibration

1. This tool is self-leveling.

2. If damaged remove from service there is no way to recalibrate this item.

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 Erie County Technical School

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE FOR A LEVEL

Before Calibrating a Level it must be checked for any signs of outward damage such as:
1. Cracked vials.
2. Excess air in the vials
3. Bends or twists in the frame

If damaged remove from service.

Calibration

1. The level is self-checking by holding to a surface and then turning the level around to
see if it read the same.
2. If your reading is more than 1/8” out of true you will need to recalibrate the Level.
3. To recalibrate you would adjust the vials until they read true on both sides when you
flip it from one to the other.
4. The Level will be considered out of tolerance if after 3 tries it doesn’t hold true.

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 Erie County Technical School

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE FOR GRAY SCALE

Before Calibrating Gray Scale it must be checked for any signs of outward damage such as:
1. Faded
2. Damaged
3. Stained with darkroom chemistry

If damaged remove from service.

Calibration

1. To check calibration of gray scale you will need to obtain the Master Gray Scale from
the instructor, so that you can compare gradations of the gray scale to the Master
Gray Scale.
2. Your reading must be identical to the gradations on the Master Scale.

3. There is no calibration possible you will need to discard the scale if out of calibration.

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 Erie County Technical School

PROCEDURE FOR CHECKING THE CALIBRATION OF LADLES, MEASURING

SPOONS AND MEASURING CUPS

The only Calibrating of LADLES, MEASURING SPOONS AND MEASURING CUPS is to

check for any signs of outward damage such as:
1. BENT BOWLS
2. DENTS
3. TWISTING OF METAL
4. CRACKS

If damaged remove from service.

Calibration

There is no recalibration possible for ladles, measuring spoons and measuring cups you will
need to discard them if damaged.

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 Erie County Technical School

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE FOR A TAPE MEASURE

Before calibrating a tape measure it must be checked for any signs of outward damage such as:
1. Missing blades
2. Cut blades
3. Bent end clips

If damaged remove from service.

Calibration

1. To check the calibration of a tape measure you will need to obtain the Master Steel
Rule from the instructor, so that you can compare gradations of the tape measure to
the Master Steel Rule.
2. Stretch the blade along the Master Steel Rule.
3. If your reading is more than +/- 1/32” you will need to recalibrate the tape measure
4. To recalibrate you stretch the blade along Master Steel Rule then you gently bend the
tab on the end of the tape till the gradations of the tape measure are the same as the
Master Steel Rule.
5. The tape measure will be considered out of tolerance if after repeating steps 1 thru 3
and if the tape measure will not hold +/- 1/32” it will then be removed from service.

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 Erie County Technical School

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE FOR LINE GAUGE-TYPE GAUGE

Before Calibrating Line Gauge it must be checked for any signs of outward damage such as:
1. Bent
2. Chipped
3. Scored

If damaged remove from service.

Calibration

1. To check calibration of line gauge you will need to print out from Pagemaker 7.0
measurement gradations of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 picas on a piece of paper.
2. Compare line gauge to measurements on the paper.
3. If your reading is more than 2 points at 30 picas you will need to discard the line
gauge because there is no way to recalibrate.

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 Erie County Technical School
CALIBRATION PROCEDURES FOR DRAFTING AND DESIGN TOOLS
(Tools With No Moving Parts)

The following tools will be checked for accuracy visually against a set of “masters”, so marked,
and kept safely in the teacher’s personal cabinet.

Example: Architect Scale; Metric Scale; T-Square; Protractor; Irregular Curve.

Tools found to be broken or otherwise altered from their original condition will be discarded.

Since applying stickers to the instruments would affect the ability to accurately utilize them, the
student’s drawing drawers will be marked with a sticker signifying that all the tools contained
therein have been inspected and have passed.

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 Erie County Technical School

PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING DIGITAL OSCILLOSCOPES

Before calibrating the digital oscilloscope it must be checked for any signs of outward damage
such as:
4. Broken leads/probes
2. Insulation damage
4. Cracked case or screen
4. Missing/Broken buttons/knobs

***If damaged remove from service***

Calibration * The prime standard of calibration is a factory calibrated Fluke model 111
These oscilloscopes will be calibrated once every two-school years. .

For proper calibration please consult the attachment instructions, or refer to

TDS 200-series digital oscilloscope programmer manual on page 2-16.
Calibration checks will be performed annually or as necessary.

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 Erie County Technical School

PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING DIGITAL MULTIMETERS

Before Calibrating the digital multimeter it must be checked for any signs of outward damage
such as:
5. Broken leads
2. Insulation damage
5. Cracked case
5. Missing/Broken buttons
6. Broken/Missing selector switch

***If damaged remove from service***

Calibration * The prime standard of calibration is a factory calibrated Fluke model 111
This meter will be factory calibrated once every two school years. .

1. For proper calibration please consult the attachment instructions (Specifically

Pg.13-14) Calibration checks will be performed annually.

2. The functions to be checked for calibration are: AC & DC volts, AC & DC

amps, resistance, capacitance, diode check and frequency.

3. To check calibration, connect the meter leads to a known source in tandem

with the factory calibrated Fluke 111 DMM. All functions of the meter being checked
must be compared to the factory calibrated multimeter and be within the + or - 3%
tolerance range.

4. If the meter is found to be in tolerance for all checked functions, an updated

calibration sticker will be applied.

5. The digital multimeter will be considered out of tolerance if after 3 tries the
digital multimeter will not hold a + or – 3% value when compared to the factory calibrated
meter. If the reading of the meter being checked is more than + or – 3% of the reading on the
factory calibrated meter, the meter being checked will be taken out of service and sent to the
Fluke Corp. for factory calibration.

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 Erie County Technical School

Calibration Procedure For A Builders Level/Transit

Before calibrating the Builders Level/Transit it must first be checked for any signs of damage
such as:
1. Broken parts

If damaged remove from service.

Calibration

1. Set the level vials as if you were going to use the transit for your particular job. Then
spin the head 180 degrees around to check if the reading is the same. If not adjust the individual
vial ½ the difference and recheck. Continue to adjust ½ the difference until no longer needed.

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 Erie County Technical School

PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING VERNIER, DIAL OR DIGITAL HEIGHT

GAUGES

Before calibrating height gauges they must first be checked for any signs of damage:
1. Chipped or damaged faces and points
2. Dirty or damaged track or gear
3. Numbers worn off and unreadable
4. Loose face
5. Not repeating back to “0”
6. Sticking, skipping or binding during operation of full travel
7. Loose or sloppy holding arm

If damaged remove from service and send for repair

Calibration
1. Clean height gauge with a clean cloth and check for dirt and metal chips in track
2. A light air blast may be needed to remove chips
3. Place height gauge on a clean surface plate and slide pointer down to contact surface
plate
4. Adjust “0” on face or readout if needed
5. Repeat this process 3 times to verify that “0” reading is repeating
6. Get 3 gauge block stacks from the master set: Example: If checking a 8”
height gauge, use a 1-inch, a 4-inch and a 8-inch stack
7. Verify accuracy over the 3 stacks of gauge block by bringing the pointer down on
the gauge blocks with light pressure

The height gauge will be considered out or tolerance if after 3 tries over 3 stacks the gauge will
not repeat within +/- .002

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 Erie County Technical School

PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING DEPTH MICROMETERS

Before calibrating depth micrometers they must first be checked for any signs of damage:
1. Chipped or damaged measuring face
2. Bent shaft
3. Numbers worn off and unreadable
4. Loose jam nut on shaft and spindle
5. Sticking, skipping or binding during operation of full travel

If damaged remove from service and send for repair

Calibration
1. Place a rag on a demagnetizer and run depth micrometers over to remove magnetism
2. Clean face with a clean cloth and check for dirt and metal chips under jam nut
3. Insert the size shaft you wish to check
5. Get gauge block from the master set for the size shaft you are checking
6. Verify accuracy over the gauge block
6. The reading on the depth micrometer will be considered out or tolerance if it is not
within +/- .0005 of the gauge block
7. If more than +- .0005 the tool will need to be adjusted
8. To adjust the tool, remove the locking nut on top of the spindle
9. Using the open end wrench supplied with the tool, adjust the small locking nut on top
of the shaft
10. Re assemble and check over gauge block again
11. If not within +- .0005 repeat process until within tolerance
12. Repeat entire procedure for each shaft supplied with the depth micrometer set

The depth micrometer will be considered out of tolerance if after 3 tries the depth micrometer
will not hold the reading of the master gauge block +- .0005

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 Erie County Technical School

PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING PARALLELS

Before calibrating parallels they must first be checked for any signs of damage:
1. Chipped or damaged surfaces
2. Bent or bowed
3. Burrs and dirt

If damaged remove from service and replace or send for repair

Calibration
1. Clean all surfaces with a clean cloth and check for dirt and metal chips
2. Place a rag on a demagnetizer and run parallels over to remove magnetism
3. Using a blast from an air hose, blow any remaining dirt from parallel set
4. Lay the match set of parallels on a clean surface plate
5. Using a .0001 indicator and surface gauge, slide the surface gauge across the surface
plate while the indicator point is in contact with ground parallel surface
6. Flip the parallel over and repeat the process
7. Repeat the entire process on the second parallel (from the set) while leaving the
indicator set at the same height
8. The parallels will be considered out of tolerance if the readings are more than .0003
total indicator reading over both surfaces

The parallel set will be considered out of tolerance if the sizes vary more than .0003 total
indicator reading from one to the other.

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 Erie County Technical School

PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING PROTRACTORS

Before calibrating protractors they must first be checked for any signs of damage:
1. Chipped or damaged surfaces
2. Bent arm or body
3. Numbers worn off and unreadable
4. Stripped threads on jam nut
5. Play between jam nut shaft and arm

If damaged remove from service and replace or send for repair

Calibration
1. Clean face and arm with a clean cloth and check for dirt and metal chips under jam
nut
2. Lay the protractor on a clean surface plate so the arm and body are parallel
3. Tighten jam nut and verify the pointer is on “0”
4. Using a 45° angle blade from the master set, repeat the procedure at a 45° angle
5. Using a master square from the master set, repeat the process at a 90° angle

The protractor will be considered out of tolerance if after 3 tries the readings are not within +-
1° on the three angles specified.

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 Erie County Technical School

PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING STEEL RULES

Before calibrating steel rules they must first be checked for any signs of damage:
1. Ends not square, worn or damaged
2. Bent
3. Numbers worn off and unreadable
If damaged remove from service

Calibration
1. Verify squareness of ends with solid square
2. Use new master scale and place both against a flat part and compare readings
3. Place scale on optical comparator and “zero” out the end
4. Move to graduations on comparator and verify correct readings

Accuracy must be within +- .010

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 Erie County Technical School

PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING THREAD MICROMETERS

Before calibrating depth micrometers they must first be checked for any signs of damage:
1. Chipped or damaged measuring faces
2. Bent anvil
3. Loose or missing parts
4. Sticking, skipping or binding during operation of full travel

If damaged remove from service and send for repair

Calibration
1. Clean face with a clean cloth and apply a drop of fine oil to spindle
2. Remove the play from the threads due to wear in the spindle
3. To do this first remove the spindle
4. Insert the C-spanner wrench into the slot or hole of the adjusting nut
5. Turn the adjuster nut clockwise until all the play between the threads has been
eliminated
6. To verify the accuracy of the micrometer, close the measuring faces until they
come in contact with each other
7. The reading of the micrometer should be at “0”
8. If the reading is not “0” adjust the micrometer
9. Using the C-spanner wrench, adjust the sleeve until it lines up with the zero line on
the thimble
10. Recheck the accuracy by repeating the process

The micrometer will be considered out of tolerance if after 3 tries it does not repeat within +-
.0005 remove from service.

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 Erie County Technical School

PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING DIGITAL BRAKE

DRUM GAGE

Before calibrating digital brake drum gage it must first be checked for any signs of damage.

1. To calibrate the gage start the display so it reads in inches and showing “SET” mode,
slide the moving arm to the left so that it engages the positive Stop on the fixed arm.
2. Dress the zero (button).
3. Open the arms and set the pointed anvils onto the gauger service of the calibration
gage.
4. The display should now read 7.000” +/- .0005”.
5. If it does not you will need to adjust the mechanical calibration.
6. Place the pointed anvils onto the gauger surface of the calibration gage
7. Depress the zero (button).
8. Slide the moving arm to the left until it engages the Positive Stop on the fixed arm.
9. The reading on the display will now be a negative value, which is approximately –7.
10. Using the hex wrench provided, loosen the setscrew on the Positive Stop.
11. Turn the Positive stop in or out as required until the display reads precisely –7.000”
(+/- .0005).
12. Press the zero (button) to zero the display.
13. Open the arms inset the anvils back into the calibration gage.
14. The reading should now be 7.000” +/- .0005.
15. When reading is correct set lock screw in the calibration set screw to lock the
calibration setting.

The digital brake drum gage will be considered out of tolerance if after 3 tries it does not repeat
the reading within +- .0005 remove from service.

Created 4/18/2002 Revised 5/19/04