Weighing scale calibration: Are my weighing scales calibrated?

ESE Direct provides a large selection on industrial and heavy-duty weighing scales for businesses. Our range covers almost any common industrial weighing need - with high accuracy, high capacity and scales with long guarantees for peace of mind.

The question we get asked most, though, is related to weighing scale calibration: "will the weighing scale be calibrated when it arrives?"

The simple answer is: yes. By and large, weighing scales you buy off-the-shelf, like those in our range from Adam Equipment, are already calibrated and ready to use when they arrive with you.

However! There's a little bit more to weighing scale calibration, and we're going to go into that in this blog post.

Why do I need calibrated weighing scales?

A properly-calibrated weighing scale will provide you with more accurate results. If the scale has not been calibrated, you're likely to get incorrect readings - no good for any business, whatever it is you're weighing.

Inaccurate scales can lead to headaches such as downtime that you hadn't planned (whilst the scale is repaired, replaced or recalibrated), customers not getting what they have paid for, or audit issues.

A calibration check will determine if a scale is properly calibrated, or if it needs an adjustment in order to weigh accurately.

How is a calibration check performed on a weighing scale?

Calibration checks are performed using a known weight - such as calibration weights, or test weights.

The calibration weights are placed on the scale - for example, a 20g test weight may be used, to see if the scale shows 20g on the display. Calibration weights may be used to test the scale up to capacity, to check that it is weighing accurately throughout its range.

Actual adjustments to the scale should be carried out by trained service technicians. However, you can perform your own calibration checks on any scale as long as you have suitable test weights to do so.

How often should weighing scale calibration be checked?

Depending on how frequently a weighing scale is used, and what it is used for, we'd recommend a calibration check every 12 months.

Larger, heavy duty weighing scales - as an example Adam AELP pallet scales - may need slightly more frequent checks, since they could be subject to very heavy loads, may be frequently moved around, and are also likely to take knocks and bumps due to the environment they’re being used in.

Where can I buy calibration weights?

If you want to perform weighing scale calibration checks yourself, speak to us. We can supply you with the tests weights you need to check your industrial scale's accuracy. Contact the team at ESE Direct today on 0808 258 2733.