If you own a thermometer it is important to know if they are giving accurate readings. One way to do that is to keep them calibrated and check them every once in a while to see any shortcomings or ambiguous behavior. Here we list some methods and points to keep in mind when calibrating one at home.

  1. Know your Thermometer

The type of thermometer you have dictates the method you will be applying. Analog thermometers and digital thermometer are the ones that are most commonly used and therefore we will tell you some ways to calibrate them.

  • It is easier these days with a digital thermometer that allows resetting with a simple reset button.
  • The old ones can be reset manually by remembering the offset that it gave you.
  • Use of factory-calibrated thermometer also means that they can lose some precision over time.

  1. Using the Freezing Point of Water

Fortunately enough we can use some of the physics or science that was taught at school. We know that the freezing point of water is zero degrees Celsius. So we will use this property to rest our thermometer now.

  • Get a glass full of ice; let it sit for some time to get cold water out of it.
  • Stir the ice cubes and let it sit for like 2 minutes, not more.
  • Stir it again and insert your thermometer into it.
  • The temperature should read 32°F or 0°C.
  • If there is any difference, read it and offset your thermometer appropriately.

  1. The Boiling Point of Water

Once we know the science we have been said that water freezes at zero and boils at 100. These two were universal truths on the surface of the earth (varies with altitude) and we can use this for our purpose here.

  • Boil a pot of distilled water if possible.
  • Once the water begins to boil, insert your thermometer, carefully and do not touch the bottom or sides.
  • Read the temperature on it and it should read 212°F or 100°C.
  • Once again if there is any difference, record it and remember to offset it when taking your readings.

  1. Calibrating Kitchen Thermometers

In case of a kitchen thermometer, the accuracy of the readings will not hurt you much. The accuracy is controlled mostly for medical diagnosis.

  • You can use any of the two methods given above to calibrate it.
  • The method is straightforward as mentioned above.

  1. Keep in Mind the Points Below

Digital and analog thermometers vary a lot. You must keep a check every six months or so.

  • The modern thermometers that used digital electronics might have their own functionality.
  • You may also have to replace their batteries if these are not working fine.
  • Analog can use a tape to mark the new reset.

TIPS

  • Always make sure that the thermometer only touches the ice cubed water surrounding and not the glass or the container it is in.

Remember about what I said about the surface of the earth. That is, with altitude that boiling point of ware will vary, so keep a chart with you depending on your geographical location.

How do I know if my meat thermometer is accurate?

Testing Your Thermometer
  1. Fill a tall glass with ice and add cold water.
  2. Place and hold the thermometer in the ice water for 30 seconds without touching the sides or bottom of the glass.
  3. If the thermometer reads 32°F, it is reading correctly and can be used.

What is the best way to calibrate a thermometer?

Put the thermometer stem or probe into the ice water. Make sure the sensing area is under water. Wait 30 seconds or until the reading stays steady. Adjust the thermometer so it reads 32˚F (0˚C).

What is the easiest and safest way to calibrate a thermometer?

The freezing point method, also known as the ice point method, might be the easiest way to calibrate your thermometer. If you often use your thermometer to take the temperature of cold foods, use this method. Start by filling a glass with ice water.

How do you calibrate a stem thermometer?

Put the thermometer probe into the ice water at least up to the dimple on the side of the probe. Don’t let the probe touch the bottom or sides of the cup. Hold it there for 30 seconds or until the temperature indicator stops moving. If it is accurate it will read 32° F.

Why do you calibrate a thermometer?

It is necessary to calibrate a thermometer to assure accurate readings, as the accuracy of a thermometer can drift over time. Exposure of the handle to the extreme temperature can cause the thermometer to drift. Exposure of the thermometer handle to extremely high temperatures can also cause the thermometer to drift.

Can all thermometers be calibrated?

In rare cases, thermometers can‘t be calibrated. Even if your thermometer can‘t be calibrated, you can—and should—use these methods to check its accuracy and insure that you’re getting a proper temperature read on your food.

How often do thermometers need to be calibrated?

Thermometer basics:

Thermometers used frequently must be calibrated frequently (weekly or monthly). Follow manufacturer’s instructions for taking temperatures. Always calibrate a new thermometer, one that has been dropped on a hard surface, or one with a temperature reading that is off by more than +/- 2°F (+/-0.5°C).

How do you calibrate pressure?

Do Pressure transducers need to be calibrated?

Calibration is critical to maintaining a pressure transducer’s accuracy and it is not a one-time process. All pressure transducers used in critical applications should be regularly calibrated to maintain high performance.

Can pressure gauge be calibrated?

A pressure gauge can be calibrated with a standard pneumatic calibrator, a deceased weight tester or any other suitable calibrator. There is no standard way to calibrate a pressure gauge. The way a gauge is calibrated depends on the way the gauge is used.

How often should a pressure gauge be calibrated?

Accuracy verification prior to installation is recommended as a gauge does not stay calibrated indefinitely. After installation, it is recommended to do the pressure gauge calibration at least once a year. This applies to all gauges in all industries, no matter the application.

Do multimeters need to be calibrated?

All multimeters (multi-range instruments used to measure voltage, current, and resistance) are to be verified in calibration no less than once per year.

What is calibration frequency?

It is a comparison of the reading found from the instrument or measuring device and the known value or reference standard. The difference between the measured value and standard value helps to determine the instrument performance.

How much does it cost to calibrate a multimeter?

FLUKE Calibration Price List
Model Calibration Type, Price
Details 177 Standard Calibration $80.00
Details 179 Standard Calibration $80.00
Details 187 Standard Calibration $60.00
Details 189 Standard Calibration $60.00

How do I know if my multimeter is calibrated?

Turn the dial or setting selector on the face of the multimeter to the lowest Ohm setting. This usually is around 100 Ohms. Touch the black ground point to the red lead point and examine the readout of the multimeter. A perfectly calibrated multimeter will read exactly 0 Ohms.

Do Fluke meters need to be calibrated?

As with any type of tooling or equipment, a Fluke Multimeter will eventually need to be calibrated. Whether you’re using it for a hobby or are in a highly regulated industry, in order to get consistent, accurate readings from the Fluke you need to calibrate regularly.

How often should you calibrate a Fluke Multimeter?

To ensure accuracy, an instrument must be tested regularly. The manufacturer recommends at least an annual Fluke 87 multimeter calibration interval. Testing may need to be more frequent depending on usage, damage, and past testing history.