How do Accredited and Traceable Calibration Differ?
Calibration ensures the accuracy of our measurements and thus underpins trust in the world around us. When you request a calibration service, you must choose between accredited calibration and traceable calibration. They both aim to provide reliable results, but they provide different levels of assurance.
Traceable Calibration: Linking Measurements to Standards
In traceable calibration, the equipment used to perform the calibration is calibrated against recognized national or international measurement standards. You can trace your tool’s measurement results through an uninterrupted and documented chain of calibrated equipment up to the highest international standard.
Think of it like a family tree for measurement equipment, connecting measurements to the ultimate source. You can request the calibration certificates of the standards used for the calibration of your equipment to check the traceability.
Accredited Calibration: Independent Verification of Competence
Accredited calibration takes traceability a step further by ensuring the calibration process along with the equipment. It signifies that a national accreditation body has independently assessed the calibration service provider and deemed it competent to perform specific calibrations within a defined scope.
Both types of calibration provide a calibration certificate, but accredited calibration demonstrates the service provider’s adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 standards and provides additional proof of the traceability of the standards.
Which is Right for You?
The choice between traceable and accredited calibration depends on your specific requirements, industry regulations, and risk tolerance. For many applications, traceable calibration provides sufficient assurance. However, industries with rigorous quality standards and regulatory requirements often mandate accredited calibration for enhanced reliability. When determining whether you need accredited calibration or traceable ask yourself:
- Is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration mandated by my industry or external auditors? If not, traceable calibration may suit your needs.
- How critical are my measurements? If the accuracy of your measurements is critical to safety, quality, or has legal implications, then accredited calibration is the way to go. You can select traceable calibration if you use instruments in less critical applications, or the potential impact of an inaccurate reading is low.
- Do my customers or industry partners require proof of calibration from an accredited laboratory? If yes, choose accredited calibration.
- What level of detail do I need regarding measurement uncertainty? The level of detail you need will determine if you choose an accredited calibration or traceable calibration service. The evaluation of measurement uncertainties is in accordance with international documents ILAC P14, EA-4/02, GUM and associated documents. Most of the time, you have better uncertainties for accredited calibrations than for traceable calibrations.
All calibrations should be traceable to national or international standards; accredited calibration offers an additional layer of assurance through independent third-party assessment of the laboratory’s competence and quality management system.
Our Laboratories Comply with ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001
99% of Trescal’s international network of in-house and on-site laboratories is accredited to ensure your confidence in your equipment and instruments. We have over 1,100+ accreditations, including ISO 17025, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001, in 28 different sectors. We also provide traceable services so that you can trace the precision of your equipment to international standards without an accredited calibration.
