How to Calibrate and Maintain Industrial Scales

Guide To Calibrating A Multimeter

13 December 2016

Raymond Baker

It's important to calibrate a multimeter from time to time, whether you just use it as part of a hobby or work in a highly regulated industry. If you don't have your multimeter calibrated regularly, the readings may not be consistently accurate. Here's how to check your multimeter to see if it needs a full calibration.

When to calibrate your multimeter

When you actually check your multimeter to see if it needs calibrating will depend on a number of factors. For example, the multimeter may need calibrating if it has been exposed to very harsh or cold weather conditions, if it has been dropped, or if it is in heavy, regular use.

To check your multimeter to see if it needs calibrating you will need an electronic calibrator. You will also need your operator's manual for reference purposes.

How to do it

1. First of all, hold down the min/max button while simultaneously turning the rotary knob around to the position marked 'VAC'.
2. When the word 'CAL' appears on the screen display, release the min/max button. This places the multimeter in calibration mode.
3. Now press the Auto/Hold button. This will provide a display on the screen that tells you how many times you have previously calibrated the multimeter.
4. Next, press the Auto/Hold button again. This will produce a line of question marks on the display. Enter your password, and then press the Auto/Hold button again. Hold it down until C-01 appears on the multimeter screen.
5. Now attach the outputs from the multimeter to the inputs on your electric calibrator. Rotate the dial on the calibrator to the position that corresponds with the C-01 position on the multimeter. (Check your multimeter operator's guide for this.) Complete the process by pressing the Auto/Hold button again.
6. Wait until C-02 appears in the display on the multimeter. Turn the calibrator dial to the corresponding position as indicated in your multimeter operator's guide. Complete the process by pressing the Auto/Hold button again.
7. You will now need to keep repeating this process until you reach C-31 on the multimeter display.
8. Upon completion of the whole process, 'END' will appear on the multimeter display screen. Complete the whole process by pressing the Auto/Hold button.
9. When you've completed the checking process, you will be able to see if a full calibration is required. If this is the case, contact a professional calibration technician to carry out the procedure for you.

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