Retail Price Computing Scales Information » conformance

Why should I Purchase a Scale That Is Legal-for-Trade?

admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:41:20 +0000

To begin with, defining a commercial weighing application isn’t normally straightforward. Weighing scales move around and get employed for things beyond our control. Legally, a NTEP approved device is required whenever money changes hands based on a scale’s reading. Freight scales, for instance, should be NTEP approved and selling apples by the pound using the RS130 scale would be a legal for trade situation. Of these situations government mandates that a scale must pass tests put forth by the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP). These regulations should protect us, the consumer. But here’s something to consider. The majority of us buckle our seat belts right? We all do so because it’s smart, not just because it’s what the law states. The same goes for scales.

When you get down to business, we make use of a scale because we want to know a precise weight and trust the information we receive. When selecting a scale to weigh your bananas, or packages, or dose of medicine, can you select one that’s been tested as accurate, or one that’s never been tested at all? There may be a market for all kinds of equipment. But think about why a scale hasn’t passed the test. It probably costs less, and just how long will the load cell last? How will you know for sure it is accurate? And if you have to change it sooner than expected, just how much have you really saved when it is all said and done?

Selling fruits and vegetables by weight in Tennessee?

admin — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:02:32 +0000

The article linked below gives you a general idea of what many states expect you to do regarding using certified legal for trade class III scales when it comes to selling produce at a farmers market or produce stand. Generally, in most states anyone selling fruits and vegetables by weight to customers must use a state inspected legal for trade certified scale which has a certificate of conformance number. Complying with the rules takes two steps. First, the seller needs to purchase a NTEP approved legal for trade scale (our site can help you with that). Then the legal for trade scale must be inspected and approved by your individual state. See more info below.

Scales must conform to National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) standards. Scales that comply with NTEP guidelines typically will be marked with the NTEP logo and the associated accuracy class which is normally “III” with produce scales. Scales marked “not legal for trade” are not acceptable for retail use in Tennessee. Scales must also comply with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44 (H44) which mandates tolerances, specifications and other technical requirements for all weighing and measuring devices. Both NTEP and H44 requirements are national standards utilized by the vast majority of all states. See article

What is NTEP?

admin — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:46:55 +0000

NTEP is for both Manufacturers and Consumers. NTEP, National Type Evaluation Program, is a cooperative effort between the National Conference on Weights and Measures, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, individual states in the US, and the private sector. It was created for the following purpose. Through twelve participating laboratories, NTEP evaluates the performance, operating characteristics, features and options of weighing and measuring devices against applicable standards. Essentially, it provides a one-stop evaluation process that satisfies the initial requirements for introduction of weighing and measuring devices in the U.S. Ultimately, the savings that result from the efficiency of this process are passed along to consumers, making early type evaluation an integral link in the U.S. production chain.

An official NTEP Certificate of Conformance number is issued by NCWM following successful completion of the evaluation and testing of a device. This Certificate indicates that the device meets applicable requirements for commercial weighing and measuring equipment in the U.S. Normally this certificate will also list the number of divisions the scale is approved to display. Example, 3000 divisions. This means the scale could have a capacity of 30 pounds. Readability would be 0.01 pounds. To calculate, just take 30 and divide by 0.01. Equals 3000. Both United States and Canada operate type evaluation or approval programs for weighing and measuring instruments intended to be used in commercial applications. Manufacturers who wish to market their products in either country must, under the present legislation and rules, have them evaluated and approved in each country separately.