Faulty Equipment and ISO 17025

fahimk

Involved In Discussions
Dear Standardization and Calibration folks:

Our lab intends to obtain ISO 17025 and the documentation is near completion. We use 5520A High Performance Multi-Product Calibrators (5520A High Performance Multi-Product Calibrators) for the current, voltage and resistance.
The calibrator works fine but in case of current, it measures only up to 10 Ameperes and after that it does not produce correct results. For measurements beyond 10 Amperes we use other instruments available in the Lab and so proceed ahead with furnishing calibration certificates.

Here, it is the requirement of ISO 17025 that the instrument (in our case 5520A) must work fine.

So, can we still apply for ISO 17025? What options can we use to convince them about the correctness of our procedures?

Thanks and looking forward.
 

dwperron

Trusted Information Resource
Dear Standardization and Calibration folks:

Our lab intends to obtain ISO 17025 and the documentation is near completion. We use 5520A High Performance Multi-Product Calibrators (5520A High Performance Multi-Product Calibrators) for the current, voltage and resistance.
The calibrator works fine but in case of current, it measures only up to 10 Ameperes and after that it does not produce correct results. For measurements beyond 10 Amperes we use other instruments available in the Lab and so proceed ahead with furnishing calibration certificates.

Here, it is the requirement of ISO 17025 that the instrument (in our case 5520A) must work fine.

So, can we still apply for ISO 17025? What options can we use to convince them about the correctness of our procedures?

Thanks and looking forward.

Limited calibrations, such as the one you are currently using on your 5520A, are acceptable. You will need to have a way to show the calibration limit, the intent is to keep a technician from using it in the limited range. Most labs use a Limited Calibration label of some sort.

As long as your Scope of Accreditation does not show you using your 5520A beyond 10 amps you are fine. List whatever equipment that you use for higher current sourcing. Your procedures will also require you to document how you are sourcing above 10 amps (for instruments that require the higher current).
 
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