TE-LP-003—Laboratory practice for the selection,

calibration and use of direct reading thermometers

ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/lm00574.html

Version: 7

Version Date Description

2 2008- Added "controlled copy" statement in the document header of the

05-14 original release (2006-06-06).

3 2008- Reworked procedure in sections 1.2 and 2.1, tables 3, 2.5,

09-23 2.8, 2.10, 3.2, 3.4 and 3.6.

4 2009- Added new ambient and in service temperature requirement under

07-08 2.2 and 3.3 (changed from (22 ± 5) °C to (23 ± 5) °C).

5 2015- Revised tolerance structure, new calibration tolerance and

10-28 specifications for stability and effect due to environmental
conditions.
Carried out a final review, combining content from the current
tolerances and field calibration requirements, made editorial
corrections and fixed equations.
Added option to include other sources of uncertainty in
uncertainty calculation (needed for MC primary and secondary
thermometers).
Changed recommended range for liquid heated product
applications up to 120 °C instead of 125 °C.

6 2016- Corrected the temperature symbols and updated the format

10-18

7 2017- Removed requirement to include uncertainty sources on certificates

07-18 in section 3.3.8.

Record of changes

Table of contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide recommended practice for the selection,
calibration and use of direct reading digital thermometers that will be used for calibration
and inspection work conducted by Measurement Canada (MC) staff or accredited or

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registered organizations. The document also serves as a framework and guideline for the
technical evaluation of organizations providing thermometer calibration data to MC.

1.2 Scope
This recommended practice applies to direct reading electronic digital thermometers used
for calibration and inspection work under the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations
and the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Regulations.

1.3 Applicable documents

1.4 Abbreviations and symbols

MC: Measurement Canada

2 Specifications and requirements

2.1 Accuracy and measurement uncertainty requirements

The criteria for thermometer certification are specified in the Weights and Measures
Regulations as an accuracy tolerance of ± 0.25 °C for temperatures up to 50 °C and ± 0.6
°C for temperatures above 50 °C.

To ensure the above tolerances are met, the following uncertainty components are
applied:

1. Maximum calibration uncertainty

The maximum allowed calibration expanded uncertainty (k = 2), for the purpose of
thermometer certification, is 0.15 °C. The thermometer calibration measurement
uncertainty is determined at the time of calibration by the laboratory performing the
calibration of the thermometer. The calculation of the calibration measurement
uncertainty is described in section 3.3.
2. Thermometer model performance specifications
Thermometer model performance specifications are detailed in section 2.3. This
section addresses the sources of measurement uncertainty that are not included in
the calibration uncertainty estimate. These include the thermometer stability and
susceptibility to ambient conditions. Only those thermometer models meeting these
criteria are eligible for certification.

2.2 Operating conditions and resolution

The thermometer's operating conditions class will be rated as per Table 1.

Class Application

Laboratory conditions 23 °C ± 5 °C (indoors)

Field conditions −20 °C to 40 °C (outdoors)

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 Table 1: Classification of digital thermometer
operating conditions

The recommended resolution and minimum measurement range of thermometers is

dependent on the intended application (see Table 2).

Minimum range and min.

Application resolution

General field inspection −30 °C to 50 °C × 0.01 °C

Liquid heated product inspection −30 °C to 120 °C × 0.01 °C

Calibration of thermometers used in a gas prover for 0 °C to 35 °C × 0.01 °C

temperature correction

Temperature correction in gas measuring apparatus 0 °C to 35 °C × 0.01 °C

Bell prover air temperature(s) 0 °C to 35 °C × 0.01 °C

Table 2: Recommended ranges and resolutions for thermometers

2.3 Performance specifications

2.3.1 Thermometer stability

The thermometer must be designed to be stable to within ± 0.1 °C for the duration of the
verification period.

2.3.2 Variation due to ambient conditions

The thermometer measurement variations due to ambient conditions, for the rated
temperature range, must be within ± 0.1 °C. This performance characteristic may be
derived from:

1. measurement and tests by MC

2. manufacturer's data and compliance statement
3. second party measurement and tests

2.3.3 Probe design and construction

The temperature sensor must be designed and constructed to operate without leakage or
deformation over the expected range of operating pressures, temperatures and
environmental conditions, including the immersion depth of the sensor in liquid when
required.

Where thermometers will be used to determine flowing temperature stability such as in

the testing of automatic temperature compensation (ATC), the time constant of the
thermometer in flowing liquid must be less than 15 seconds. The recommended probe

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diameter is 3 mm (or 1/8 inch) and the recommended lead wire length is approximately 6
feet.

2.3.4 Resistance to thermal shock

Thermometer probes intended for field applications must be able to withstand thermal
shocks of 50 °C without loss of accuracy.

2.3.5 Field thermometer packaging requirements

Thermometers intended for field use must be equipped with a carrying case which is
water resistant, dustproof and dimensionally stable over the range of environmental
conditions expected during the service life of the device.

2.3.6 Construction

The construction must be mechanically and electrically sound. The materials, finish, etc.,
must be of a quality to provide assurance of long life and sustained accuracy.

2.3.7 Battery power

When power is supplied by a battery, the thermometer must be equipped with a low
power indication.

2.3.8 Markings

The following information must be indelibly marked on, or be capable of being displayed
by, the instrument:

1. manufacturer's name
2. model number
3. serial number

In the case of thermometers with multiple sensors, each sensor must be marked by a
unique identifier.

2.3.9 Provisions for sealing

The thermometer design must prevent inadvertent adjustment of the thermometer.

3 Calibration
Calibration includes the following operations:

1. visual inspection of the thermometer

2. adjustment and calibration
3. obtaining As Found and As Left results
4. calculating the calibration measurement uncertainty
5. producing the calibration certificate

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3.1 General requirements for the reference thermometer and calibration
equipment

3.1.1 Reference thermometer

Traceability
When used for the calibration and certification of thermometers as a local standard, the
calibrator's reference thermometer must be traceable to a reference standard listed in the
Weights and Measures Act and Regulations.

When used for the calibration and certification of thermometers as measuring apparatus
under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Regulations, the calibrator's reference
thermometer must be traceable to a national reference standard maintained by National
Research Council of Canada.

Measuring range
The reference thermometer must not be used outside its certified measuring range.

Monitoring
The reference thermometer must be monitored for stability with an ice bath, water triple
point cell or other suitable methods with similar accuracy and stability. Monitoring must
be conducted on a monthly basis as a minimum.

3.1.2 Calibration bath

A calibration bath of suitable operating range with demonstrated stability and

homogeneity of ± 0.02 °C or better throughout this range must be used.

3.2 Calibration conditions and method

The documented calibration process will ensure the following.

Confirm that the thermometer model meets the specification outlined in section 2.

The thermometer is inspected and the inspection results as well as the seal condition are
recorded.

Before beginning the calibration procedure, the thermometer under calibration and the
measurement standard is preconditioned at ambient conditions for at least 12 hours.
Ambient temperatures in the calibration laboratory are maintained within 23 °C ± 5 °C.

The thermometer sensors are sufficiently immersed in the temperature bath to address
immersion errors. If this cannot be achieved, immersion error is considered in the
estimate of the uncertainty.

Temperature of the temperature bath is allowed to reach the set point and stabilized
before readings are taken.

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As Found results, at a minimum of two temperature points, are obtained prior to
adjustments. It is recommended that the ice point be included.

The thermometer is adjusted as per the manufacturer's instructions or other suitable

method which will minimize the thermometer measurement error.

In the case of thermometers that cannot display measured resistance and are adjusted
based on measurement errors, a suitable deviation function is selected for the
thermometer. The deviation function is the equation used to model the expected
thermometer corrections over the calibration range. Often a linear correction deviation
function will be suitable when the thermometer error can be characterized by a slope and
offset. Second and third order equations can also be used for the deviation function where
the thermometer error is not expected to be linear.

Each transducer associated with the thermometer is calibrated at a minimum of six (6)
evenly distributed test points across its measuring range or, as a minimum, the range
given in Table 2. Where a nonlinear deviation function or calibration equation is used to
model the thermometer response, a minimum of three (3) test points per equation
variable is used.

The coefficients of the deviation function or calibration equation, for each sensor, are
determined by the least squares fit.

In the case of thermometers that are to be certified for use with corrections, the deviation
function is used to generate the correction table for the sensor.

If the thermometer is adjusted, an "As Left" ice point test is conducted.

3.3 Calibration measurement uncertainty calculations

Uncertainty calculations must be based on the recommendations of the Guide to the

Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM). Uncertainty values will be reported at
95 % confidence interval or with a value of k = 2.

The measurement uncertainty of the thermometer calibration results must include the
sources of uncertainty described in sections 3.3.1 to 3.3.5.

3.3.1 Uncertainty of the measurements by the reference thermometer

The sources of uncertainty for the reference thermometer will include the uncertainty due
to:

1. the reference thermometer calibration (ureference)

2. stability of the reference thermometer (ustability)
3. any other sources that will contribute to the uncertainty of the temperature
measurement by the reference thermometer such as:
immersion error of the reference thermometer (uimmersion)
hysteresis of the reference thermometer (uhysteresis)
self-heating of the reference thermometer (uself heating)

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3.3.2 Uncertainty due to the stability and uniformity of the temperature bath

This uncertainty component is obtained by measurement of the temperature bath's

stability and uniformity or from the manufacturer's specifications.

3.3.3 Uncertainty due to the linearity and repeatability of the thermometer under
calibration

This uncertainty component is estimated by calculating the standard deviation of

residuals for the determined deviation function or the calibration equation.

3.3.4 Uncertainty due to thermometer resolution

The standard uncertainty due to thermometer resolution is:

3.3.5 Thermometer bias error

This section applies to thermometers that have a resolution ≤ 0.01 °C and are to be used
without a correction table. The maximum bias error, Errorbias, is taken as the maximum
measured error over the measuring range. The maximum bias error must be less than
±0.05 °C.

3.3.6 Combined calibration measurement uncertainty

The combined calibration measurement uncertainty of the thermometer under calibration

is calculated as follows:

Where:

Ureference = Uncertainty of the

measurements by the reference
thermometer
Ubath = Uncertainty due to the stability and uniformity of the temperature bath
Ufit = Uncertainty due to the linearity and repeatability of the thermometer under
calibration
Uresolution = Uncertainty due to thermometer resolution

3.3.7 Expanded calibration measurement uncertainty

Uncertainty values will be reported with an expansion factor of k = 2, which correspond to

a 95 % confidence interval as follows:

In the case of thermometers where the reading will be used without

the application of a correction, the thermometer expanded
measurement uncertainty will be estimated as follows:

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3.3.8 Expanded thermometer measurement uncertainty

The estimated thermometer measurement uncertainty may be reported in the calibration

certificate instead of the calibration measurement uncertainty when the relevant sources
of measurement uncertainty estimates are known. This approach is recommended for MC
calibration laboratory primary and secondary thermometers.

The thermometer measurement uncertainty is obtained by the root sum square of the
calibration measurement uncertainty; see section 3.3.6, and the uncertainty contributions
of the relevant uncertainty sources such as the thermometer stability and susceptibility to
environmental conditions.

The expanded thermometer measurement uncertainty values will be reported with an

expansion factor of k equal to 2, which corresponds to a 95% confidence interval.

3.4 Calibration pass/fail

The thermometer must not be certified if the expanded (k = 2) calibration measurement
uncertainty is greater than 0.15 °C.

The thermometer must not be certified if the thermometer indication error, at one or
more calibration points, exceeds ± 0.75 °C.

3.5 Certification period

Unless otherwise authorized, thermometers must be calibrated at least once every two
years.

3.6 Sealing

Thermometers that have physical access to any means of adjustment must be protected by
a seal to indicate any adjustments that can affect the thermometer calibration.

The values of the programmable parameters that can affect measurement accuracy of the
thermometers must be included on the calibration certificate.

3.7 Calibration status indicator

The thermometer must be labelled to indicate the status of calibration by the application
of a verification mark or tag indicating:

1. the expiry date of the calibration certificate, and

2. unique identifier of the laboratory which performed the calibration.

3.8 Certificate of calibration

The following information must be contained in the certificate of calibration for the
instrument:

1. name of the instrument's manufacturer

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 2. name and address of the owner of the instrument
3. a description and unambiguous identification of the instrument
4. date of the calibration
5. range of the calibration
6. estimate of calibration measurement uncertainty
7. traceability of the thermometer standard
8. correction table (as applicable)
9. name and address of the laboratory which performed the calibration
10. any special limitations for the use of the instrument
11. the expiry date of the verification certificate
12. title: calibration certificate
13. certificate number
14. page identifier
15. identification of the calibration method used
16. the signatory's name and signature
17. the value of programmable parameters that can affect measurement accuracy of the
thermometers, such as Callendar-Van Dusen coefficients or other
18. when the thermometer is received with a broken seal, a note to this effect

3.9 Request for the designation of a local standard by accredited

laboratories

A request for the designation of a local standard by an accredited laboratory must be

made with the form provided in the Appendix.

4 Application and use for inspection duty

The thermometer must not be used outside its calibrated temperature range.

The thermometer must not be used outside the rated ambient temperature for which it is
certified.

The owner is responsible to ensure the thermometer is suitably rated for the hazardous
location classification as required.

Unless otherwise specified in this document, the thermometer must be used as per the
manufacturer's recommendations.

The thermometer must be monitored by performing ice-point verification on a monthly

basis. The ice point verification compares the thermometer ice point reading to that of the
"As Left" ice point value recorded on the certificate of calibration. If this differs by more
than ± 0.1 °C, the thermometer cannot be used for inspection purposes and must be re-
certified.

Temperature measurement errors due to non-ideal location of the probe and dynamic
effects will be taken into consideration when reviewing the suitability of a thermometer
for a measurement application.

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Appendix: Designation of local standard request
Thermometer model

Thermometer serial number

Conditions of seals when received

Calibration report/certificate #

This is to request that the above thermometer be

designated as a local standard. The thermometer has been
calibrated and meets the following criteria:

1. The calibration is traceable to a reference standard listed in the Weights and

Measures Act and Regulations.
2. The suitability of the thermometer model is verified by Measurement Canada's
thermometry laboratory or the thermometer has been previously calibrated by
Measurement Canada.
3. The calibration measurement uncertainty is less than or equal to 0.15 °C.
4. Accesses to the thermometer adjustments have been sealed and the values of
programmable parameters that can affect measurement accuracy of the
thermometer are recorded on the calibration certificate.
5. The "As Left" ice point is recorded on the calibration certificate.
6. The "As Left" thermometer error before application of correction is within ± 0.75 °C.

Signed by

Accredited laboratory

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