Calibration Guide

Based on EURAMET cg-15

Version 3.0 (02/2015)

GUIDELINES ON THE CALIBRATION OF

DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
Calibration Guide
Based on EURAMET cg-15
Version 3.0 (02/2015)

GUIDELINES ON THE CALIBRATION OF

DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
__________________________________________________________________

Contents
1. INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................1

2. TERMINOLOGY ................................................................................................................

3. PROCEDURE ....................................................................................................................
3.1 General Considerations................................................................................................
3.2 Preliminary Operations ................................................................................................
3.3 Sequence of Operations ..............................................................................................
3.4 Definition of Measurement Points and Operations..........................................................
3.5 Other Considerations………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4. CONTENTS OF CALIBRATION CERTIFICATE.........................................................................

5. LIST OF REFERENCES ........................................................................................................

APPENDIX A ..........................................................................................................................
Examples for the compilation of certificates for digital multimeters .................................
Calibration Guide
Based on EURAMET cg-15
Version 3.0 (02/2015)

GUIDELINES ON THE CALIBRATION OF

DIGITAL MULTIMETERS
_____________________________________________________________________________________

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The aim of this document is to provide guidelines on the calibration of the Digital Multimeters
(DMMs) as wells as provide traceability of the instrument’s accuracy regarding its functionality.
It is to determine the value of the measurand, the quantity to be measured, of DMMs of Air
Navigation Facilities. This will give a step by step procedure on the measurements of Digital
Multimeters based on a standard quantity. It will be accomplished through the comparison of the
instrument under test with the reference unit.

1.2 A device/generator is built to produce different source outputs essential for the measurement
of digital reading for the quantities: DC voltage, AC voltage (low frequency), DC current, AC current
(low frequency), resistance, diode and capacitance.

2. TERMINOLOGY
2.1 Calibration- determines the deviation of the value indicated by a measuring instrument
from the known value of the standard

-It does not necessarily mean adjustment

2.2 Metrological Traceability- property of a measurement result relating the result to a stated
metrological reference through an unbroken chain of calibrations of a measuring system or
comparisons, each contributing to the stated measurement uncertainty. (International
Standard-National Standard-Calibrator-DUT)

2.3 Uncertainty of measurement is the doubt that exists about the result of any measurements
 -measuring

-reading

-temperature of the environment

-parallax error

2.4 Error is the difference between the measured value and the true value of the thing being
measured

2.5 Traceability – is a property of a result of a measurement or value of a standard whereby it

can be related to stated references, usually national or international standards, through an
unbroken chain of calibrations all having the stated uncertainty. VIM 6.10

2.6 Resolution - Smallest difference between displayed indications that can be meaningfully
distinguished (VIM 4.15). For digital instruments, the resolution feature is often expressed by
the number of digits displayed by the instrument.

2.7 Full Scale - Absolute maximum indication of an instrument in a specified range.

2.8 Tolerance -
2.9 Accuracy –
2.10 Measurement – the process of associating numbers with physical quantities and
phenomena

3. PROCEDURE
3.1 General Considerations

3.1.1 To calibrate a basic Digital Multimeter, a generator produces a known amount of the
quantity (voltage, current, etc.) that is simultaneously measured by a standard DMM and DMM
under calibration (evaluation/comparison).
3.1.2 The DMM under calibration must come along with accessories.
3.1.3 Parameters to be determined are AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC current, resistance, frequency,
diode and capacitance
3.1.4 Reference equipment should be calibrated (Example: Multimeter with high resolution)
3.1.5 Performing the test should be done indoor considering the environmental conditions
specification of the DMM.
3.1.6 The test should be performed with safety precautions.
3.1.6.1 The safety reminders “Warning” and “Caution” statements identifies hazardous
conditions and actions that could damage the Meter, unit under test, permanent loss of data or
moreover cause bodily harm or death.
3.1.6.2 Check the test leads are in the correct terminals prior to measurement.
3.2 Preliminary Operations

3.2.1 Check the DMM’s manufacturer specification regarding its operating temperature,
relative humidity, etc.
3.2.2 Power up options: Give at least 10 minutes of time to warm up the units/equipment
after power on.
3.2.3 Physically check the unit under test and identify if the unit is good or needs repair.

3.3 Sequence of Operations