Laboratory Calibration Procedure

Thermocouple

Laboratory Standard Procedure

Calibration Procedure

Type of Equipment: Thermocouple

Frequency to Check: 6 Monthly

Calibration Category: Level 2

Authorised by

Laboratory Quality Manager

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 Laboratory Calibration Procedure
Thermocouple

PPE Requirements
Gloves
Safety Glasses
Safety Boots (with midsole protection)

Reference Equipment Required

Thermometer
Thermocouple

Form Required: Thermocouple

Uncertainty budget calculator

1. Working thermocouples will be checked for accuracy every six months from the date of the
first use following the most recent calibration.

2. The working thermocouples shall be calibrated at five temperatures within their normal
working range and will also include an ice point check.

3. To start the calibration an ice point check should be performed. The ice must be grated /
broken / shaved into small pieces to produce a translucent test portion then placed in a clear
container to commence the calibration. The tolerance on the ice point check is 0.0 - 0.2°c; if
the check gives a reading outside of this range, then the thermocouple is unacceptable for
use.

4. The thermocouples shall be fixed so that they remain as close as possible to each other in
the temperature environment without touching. Usual environment for calibration is in a drying
oven or a water bath.

5. The minimum depth of immersion may be given on the reference equipment calibration
certificate this depth shall be used for the reference equipment. If not stated, then as much
depth as possible of the thermocouple will be immersed.

6. Before each calibration reading the thermocouples shall remain in the environment without
allowing undue temperature variation for 30 minutes.

7. The reference and working thermocouple indicated readings shall be recorded to 0.1°c after
30 minutes.

8. Indicated readings within 0.5°c of each other shall be deemed acceptable.

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 Laboratory Calibration Procedure
Thermocouple

9. Indicated readings between out with 0.5°c and 1.0°c shall be investigated and the working
thermocouple withdrawn from use if over 1.0°c.

10. Repeat steps 6-7 four more times for the temperatures required to fulfil the calibration.

11. Once the calibration is complete a repeatability check is required. At a set temperature take
readings every 5 minutes and record, continue until you have 10 readings.

12. A temperature source check is also required which involves placing the thermocouple into
the four corners and centre point of the calibration source device and recording the
temperatures indicated.

13. An overall uncertainty budget for each working thermocouple which takes into account the
calibration correction factor and the reference thermocouple uncertainty shall be calculated
and recorded on the calibration certificate.

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