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Unit 11

This unit describes how to calibrate various instruments used in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. It explains how to calibrate thermometers, pressure gauges, electrical test instruments like ohmmeters and voltmeters, and refrigerant leak detectors. Regular calibration is important to ensure accurate readings and the safe and proper operation and troubleshooting of HVACR systems.

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Al Jeric Nolasco
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194 views17 pages

Unit 11

This unit describes how to calibrate various instruments used in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. It explains how to calibrate thermometers, pressure gauges, electrical test instruments like ohmmeters and voltmeters, and refrigerant leak detectors. Regular calibration is important to ensure accurate readings and the safe and proper operation and troubleshooting of HVACR systems.

Uploaded by

Al Jeric Nolasco
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Section 2: Safety, Tools and

Equipment, and Shop Practices

Unit 11: Calibrating Instruments


Objectives
After studying this unit, you should be
able to:
Describe instruments used in heating, air
conditioning, and refrigeration
Test and calibrate a basic thermometer at
the low- and high-temperature ranges
Check an ohmmeter for accuracy
Objectives (contd.)
Describe the comparison test for an
ammeter and a voltmeter
Describe procedures for checking pressure
instruments above and below atmospheric
pressure
Check flue-gas analysis instruments
The Need for Calibration
Instruments must be reliable
Technicians rely on instrument readings to
troubleshoot and evaluate systems
Improper conclusions can be drawn if
readings are inaccurate
Taking care of tools requires calibration
Voltage-measuring instruments must
function properly for safetys sake
Calibration
To change the instruments output to
correspond to a standard reading
New electronic instruments with digital
readout features stay calibrated longer
Analog meters use a needle on the meter
face to indicate value readings
Follow manufacturers instructions for the
calibration of individual meters
Temperature-Measuring
Instruments
Examples:
Glass stem thermometers
Easy to use when measuring a fluid
Electronic thermometers
Simple to use, economical, and accurate
The thermometer must be in good
contact with the medium being
measured
Temperature-Measuring
Instruments (contd.)

Figure 11-3 A digital-type electronic Figure 11-5 A pocket digital stem


thermometer Photo by Eugene Silberstein thermometer Photo by Eugene Silberstein
Figure 116 Three reference points that a service technician may use
Pressure Test Instruments
To check the calibration of a gauge
manifold
Use a fresh cylinder of refrigerant standing
at room temperature for a period of time
Determine cylinder pressure from known
cylinder temperature (P/T chart)
Use a gauge manifold to check the pressure
Gauge dials have calibration screws
Figure 11-14 Refrigeration gauge manifold Photo by Eugene Silberstein
Electrical Test Instruments
Compare the instrument readings against
known values
Use high-quality resistors to check
ohmmeters
The voltage scale of a voltmeter can be
compared against other voltmeters
Clamp-on ammeters can be compared
against another ammeter reading
Calibration screw on meter (zero adjust)
Refrigerant Leak-Detection
Devices
Halide torch
Cannot be calibrated
The tube should be kept clean and clear
Electronic leak detector
More sensitive than the Halide torch
Some have adjustments to alter sensitivity
Refrigerant Leak-Detection
Devices (contd.)

Figure 1127 (A) This electronic leak


detector is not sensing refrigerant
Figure 1125 A rushing sound may escaping from the small pinhole in the
be heard at the end of the tubing. This is because the refrigerant is
sampling tube if the halide torch is spraying past the detectors sensor
pulling in air and working properly (B) In this position, the sensor will detect
the leaking refrigerant.
Flue-Gas Analysis
Instruments
The chemicals in the flue gas analysis
kit must be handled properly
The valves should be checked
periodically for leaks
These devices cannot be calibrated
General Maintenance
Buy the best batteries available
Inexpensive batteries can cause problems
Good quality batteries will not leak acid
Test equipment must be properly
maintained and kept clean
Technicians must have faith in their test
instruments
Summary
Proper calibration helps ensure
accurate readings
Technicians safety can be
compromised if test instruments are not
calibrated properly
Temperature-sensing instruments
should be calibrated to known
temperatures
Summary (contd.)
Pressure gauges can be calibrated by
comparing a known refrigerant tank
pressure to the gauge reading
The accuracy of electrical test
instruments can be checked by
comparing readings to known values

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