checkpoint
A state-approved test center is authorized to calibrate measuring devices that are used in business transactions (see calibration ). The test centers are subject to the supervision of the calibration authority. Only measuring devices from the utility industry, such as water meters , electricity meters , gas meters or heat meters , are calibrated in test centers . In addition, the state-approved test centers carry out diagnostic tests on request in order to assess the measurement accuracy of measuring devices. Further activity: Implementation of random sampling procedures to extend the calibration period .
Since the new regulation in the Measurement and Verification Act, the test centers in Germany have been identified by three letters and a number. The first letter denotes the type of measuring device (W = water, E = electricity, G = gas, K = heat), the second and third letters denote the federal state (BW = Baden-Württemberg, NW = North Rhine-Westphalia etc.). In 2003 there were 372 test centers with around 2300 employees in Germany. A large proportion of the test centers belong to public utility companies, and many measuring device manufacturers or repair shops have their own test centers.
From a legal point of view, the test centers are “companies entrusted with sovereign tasks” that perform certain public administration tasks. You have the power to issue administrative acts, such as B. to carry out the calibration of measuring devices. The test centers are subject to control by the calibration authority. Recognition, appointment of the manager and the deputy, operating permit and monitoring are regulated by the calibration authority. It must be ensured that the test centers, as an organizationally independent unit, are equipped with suitable test rooms and test equipment and that competent and independent personnel are available. Operation is regulated in Sections 42 to 55 of the Measurement and Verification Ordinance (MessEV).
In Switzerland, calibration tasks are carried out by the Federal Metrology Office METAS (national metrology institute) and the cantonal calibration offices . METAS can designate verification bodies for certain tasks.
Within the framework of the European Measuring Instruments Directive (MID), it is expected that calibration will increasingly be replaced by a declaration of conformity from the measuring instrument manufacturer. A new calibration (earlier recalibration) of the measuring devices to extend the certification is still possible by the test centers.
See also
Web links
- agme.de / ... - Legal metrology-general regulations (PDF file; 381 kB)