Calibrating your measuring instruments directly at the manufacturer
Factory calibrations of testing, measuring and safety testing instruments guarantee quality and safety for use in industry, trade and service.
The development and production of the world-famous DUSPOL® and DUTEST® testing devices began as early as 1948. Over the years, we broadened the product range to form a comprehensive family of testing and measuring devices that are valued by experts all over the world as reliable quality products. It now includes voltage, continuity and rotary field direction testers, digital multimeters and current clamps as well as safety test devices.
BENNING products are internationally renowned for their innovative developments and consistent manufacturing quality. We base their design and execution on the requirements of professional users.
We at BENNING use only the highest-quality components in the manufacture of our testing, measuring and safety testing devices. This leads to minimal manufacturing tolerances and slows down the natural ageing process of the devices. However, not all devices are the same and none are completely drift-free in the long run.
Calibration offers you safety
Of course, BENNING, as the manufacturer, guarantees compliance with the technical specifications and accuracy of information listed in the operating instructions for the first year after the delivery date. However, the user is responsible for all subsequent recalibrations during the product’s service life.
Factory calibration is performed to check the functionality of measuring devices. It is required as soon as evaluative measurements become necessary. For instance, this is the case on test benches or in test areas of production companies.
If, due to incorrect measurements, intermediate or final products delivered are outside the specified tolerances, this can have far-reaching, economic consequences for the manufacturer.
As a result, expensive product recalls will usually be unavoidable. Therefore, within the framework of quality management (e.g. ISO 9001, section 7.6), regular calibration of the measuring equipment is provided for. The focus is on quality.
A comprehensive certificate documents that all manufacturer specifications and all measured values were checked.
Other, important reasons result from safety aspects. Let us consider, for example, installation testers or VDE test devices that test service providers use to check the electrical safety of their customers’ equipment. These measurements serve to ensure occupational safety. The aim is to prevent personal injury, e.g. due to electric shock. For this, regular calibration is essential.
These devices include the installation testers BENNING IT 101 / IT 115 / IT 130 / IT 200, which are used for the safety testing of electrical installations according to the standard DIN VDE 0100 and the international standard DIN IEC 60364, and the device testers BENNING ST 755 / ST 760, which can be used for the safe and time-saving testing of equipment according to DGUV regulation 3 according to DIN VDE 0701-0702 as well as electrical medical devices according to VDE 0751-1.
Aim of the calibration
Those who measure a lot, will measure a lot of rubbish. – This common saying makes us think. When we measure, we want to be able to trust the results. Does a measurement make any sense at all otherwise? This is where the calibration comes in. The goal is to identify and document any deviation in a meter’s reading from the true reading, the established “normal”. The proper condition of the measuring instrument to be calibrated can be documented if the tested measured values are within the limit values specified in the decision rules. In contrast to verification, calibration takes place without changing the measuring device.
BENNING carries out the factory calibration in our calibration laboratory in Bocholt, Germany. The change in calibration regulations and standards has led to increased demand in recent years. The generous expansion of our laboratory’s capacity in 2021 takes this into account and ensures that calibrations can be carried out within a short lead time. Along with their shipped device, customers receive a comprehensive certificate documenting the verification of all manufacturer specifications and all values measured during calibration.
Short processing times
“Our customers have taken good note of the fast response times, especially as they often don’t have second or third units available.” says Christian Schmeing (After Sales Service, BENNING).
He adds: “Should it become apparent during calibration that the functionality of the device is impaired and that measurements can no longer be guaranteed in conformity with the standards, we as the manufacturer can immediately offer to repair or replace the device.
There will be no need to search for another contact person or supplier for a replacement unit, which significantly minimises customer downtime.”
Bottom line
In summary, depending on the requirements for the planned measurements, there are various reasons to calibrate or regularly recalibrate testing, measuring, and safety testing equipment. These include:
- Compliance with regulations and standards
- Consistent product quality in manufacturing processes
- Safety aspects
For users and service providers who need to have their measuring instruments calibrated, commissioning factory calibration directly from the manufacturer offers many advantages, such as:
- Simple, uncomplicated processing
- A calibration laboratory with integrated quality management and sophisticated equipment
- Competent contact persons for repair and replacement
- Precise performance, including detailed documentation of the calibration result
- Short-notice returns
Book calibrations online conveniently and easily
The BENNING calibration portal offers our customers in Germany a simple and convenient way to book calibration processing online at any time.
We will expand and further optimise these processes in the future, in order to reduce processing times for our customers. This is another building block within the proactive BENNING 360° Service concept.
“Our customers have taken good note of the fast response times, especially as they often don’t have second or third units available.”
Christian Schmeing,
After Sales Service, BENNING
Further informationen
author/contact: Christian Schmeing
telephone: +49 2871 93 422
e-mail: c.schmeing@benning.de
POWER news, edition Q1/2023, customer magazine (english) 
