Calibration
Calibration is the documented comparison of a measuring instrument against a known reference to determine its accuracy and confirm whether it remains suitable for use.
What this term means in maintenance
Calibration is the documented comparison of a measuring instrument against a known reference to determine its accuracy and confirm whether it remains suitable for use.
Why calibration matters
Measurements may influence product quality, process control, safety, energy use, environmental compliance, and customer acceptance. Calibration provides evidence that instruments are checked against traceable references.
Typical calibration information
A calibration record may contain:
- Instrument identification
- Location and service
- Calibration procedure
- Reference standard
- Reference-standard traceability
- As-found results
- Adjustments made
- As-left results
- Acceptance tolerance
- Calibration date
- Next due date
- Technician or laboratory
- Certificate or evidence
Practical example
A temperature transmitter used in a food process is compared against a traceable reference at several points. The as-found error exceeds tolerance, the instrument is adjusted, and the as-left readings pass acceptance criteria.
Out-of-tolerance results
When an instrument is found outside tolerance, the organization may need to assess whether previous measurements affected product, process, safety, or compliance decisions.
Calibration versus verification
Calibration determines measurement error by comparison with a reference. Verification confirms that the instrument meets specified requirements. Organizations should use the terms consistently.
Common mistake
Recording only the next due date is not enough. The organization should retain results, tolerances, reference details, and the decision made when an instrument fails acceptance.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Maintenance Audit
A maintenance audit is a structured review of maintenance controls, records, execution, asset condition, and evidence to determine whether requirements are defined and consistently followed.
Audit Trail
An audit trail is a chronological record showing what information or status changed, when it changed, and which authorized user performed the action.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is planned work performed at defined time, usage, or meter intervals to reduce the likelihood of equipment failure or deterioration.
Glossary FAQs
- What is the difference between calibration and verification?
Calibration determines measurement error by comparison with a reference. Verification confirms that the instrument meets specified requirements.
- What should a calibration record contain?
It should identify the instrument, reference standard, results, tolerances, adjustments, status, dates, and responsible person or laboratory.
- What happens when an instrument is out of tolerance?
The organization should correct or remove the instrument from use and assess whether earlier measurements affected product, process, safety, or compliance decisions.