TYPICAL CALIBRATION PROCEDURES FOR DIGITAL THERMOMETERS

[NOTE: Follow manufacturers instructions for calibration.]

1. A well-stirred constant-temperature bath with a capacity of at least 5 liters of distilled water should be used. Heat losses from the bath can be minimized by using insulation around the bath and top cover. The temperature of the bath should be verified by a reference thermometer calibrated within 0.03C on the International Temperature Scale traceable to a nationally approved standards laboratory. 2. Monitor the temperature of the bath for several minutes to make sure the bath is in thermal equilibrium. 3. Insert the digital thermometer to be tested as near as possible to the reference thermometer while making sure there is adequate space for water to flow between them. More than one thermometer can be tested at a time. Make sure that all devices are immersed to the proper depths according to manufacturers instructions. 4. Conducted the tests at three points within the practical temperature range of the device, such as at 36, 38, and 40C. Record measurements when the thermometer has reached thermal equilibrium with the water bath or for the time period specified by the manufacturer. 5. Compare the results with the two standards shown below to determine if the digital thermometer meets the required accuracy. 6. The tests can be conducted three times to test for repeatability.
European standard EN 12470-3:2000+A1:2009: Parameter Maximum permissible error over the specified temperature range Summary of the Specification 0.1C Measuring temperature range:35.5C 42.0C Ambient temperature range: 18C to 28C Outside the above measuring range or ambient temperature range Test Procedure Method in 7.3 of EN 12470-3:2000

0.2C

ASTM E1112-00 (reapproved 2006): Parameter Maximum permissible error over the specified temperature range Summary of the Specification 0.3C 0.2C 0.1C Measuring temperature range: <35.8C Ambient temperature range: See below Measuring temperature range: 35.8C to <37C Ambient temperature range: See below Measuring temperature range: 37C to 39C Ambient temperature range: See below Measuring temperature range: >39C to 41C Ambient temperature range: See below Measuring temperature range:>41C Ambient temperature range: See below Test Procedure Method in 5.4 of ASTM E1112-00

0.2C

0.3C