The Norwegian Metrology Service supervises that measurements taken when a customer fills fuel are accurate, ensuring that the customer pays for the correct amount and that the sales outlet does not lose revenue. We use knowledge of technology and potential error situations in measurements as the basis for risk assessments that determine the extent of supervision within the sector. For fuel dispensers, relatively few and minor errors are typically found during supervision, and therefore not all outlets are inspected each year. Knowledge about individual outlets may determine who is selected for inspection. In addition, random inspections are carried out.
For fuel dispensers, there are four categories of operators based on fuel sales volume. Those selling more pay higher annual fees than those selling less. This reflects the higher risk of errors and the fact that they are subject to more frequent supervision.
When there is confidence in the measurements taken at your service station, customers trust that they receive the amount of fuel they pay for. For you as a business operator, this also provides financial security by ensuring that the measurements underlying financial settlement are reliable.
Fuel dispensers are generally stable and deliver accurate results. Nevertheless, you should be aware that errors may occur. Remember that it is your responsibility as owner/operator of the dispensers to ensure that they are always in proper condition. It is therefore wise to look for, among other things:
If you detect such or other faults, or receive customer complaints that indicate something may be wrong, it is your responsibility to shut down the affected dispensers and ensure that a service company repairs the fault before the dispensers are put back into use.
It is important for both Justervesenet and the station that inspections can be carried out quickly and efficiently. During an inspection we often perform measurements to check the accuracy of the dispensers, but we may also only check seals, conduct a visual inspection, or verify that the dispensers have valid documentation (valid conformity assessment).
To ensure inspections proceed as quickly as possible for both the station and the inspector, we ask that you:
Ensure that any test cards are available and valid (check expiry date) and ensure that the following documentation for the measuring systems is available:
Fuel dispensers at service stations are generally stable. However, as owner/operator you should be aware that faults can occur. It is your responsibility to ensure that they are always in proper condition. We recommend that you periodically check that the dispensers measure correctly. For this you need a suitable reference container.
Some tips on suitable reference containers:
You do not necessarily need a calibrated reference container, but only with a calibrated container can you determine errors with certainty. A calibrated reference container is referred to as a volume standard or volume prover.
See also the brochure on self-check of fuel dispensers. (In Norwegian)
The Norwegian Metrology Service observes that measuring systems with automatic temperature compensation (ATC) are becoming more common in today’s market. We therefore wish to provide information on what you, as a manufacturer, supplier, or owner of such a system, must consider before selling or using one.
Any measuring system used for financial settlement that is placed on the market must undergo conformity assessment before being put into use. A conformity assessment consists of a type test resulting in a type test certificate (module B) and a final inspection with certificate (module D or F). Alternatively, the system may undergo unit verification (module G).1 2
The type test certificate (module B) for measuring systems with ATC must describe the system with the ATC function. It must state how the system is to be inspected with ATC, including sealing of components, software, and how testing is to be performed.
The final inspection must check the system including the ATC function. This can either be carried out by the manufacturer (if they hold a module D certificate) or by a notified body (module F). The final inspection is a metrological inspection where the system is checked against the type test certificate and the applicable regulations. Once both type test and final inspection are complete, the manufacturer must issue a declaration of conformity. Alternatively, a declaration can be issued based on unit verification (module G).
Modifying a system to include ATC is considered a substantial change to its characteristics. When significant changes to metrological properties are made, the system must undergo full or partial new conformity assessment, and the manufacturer must issue a new declaration of conformity. The system must have a type test certificate that describes the ATC modification. If the certificate does not mention the modification, a new type test under module B must be carried out so that a new certificate can be issued.
A new final inspection under module F or D must then be carried out to check the system’s properties after modification. If the type test certificate describes the ATC modification, only the final inspection under module F or D is necessary for a full conformity assessment.
As an alternative to a new type test and new final inspection, the entire measuring system can undergo unit verification (module G). When the conformity assessment is complete, the manufacturer must issue a new declaration of conformity. Only then does the system have a valid declaration and can be put into use.
The Norwegian Metrology Service offers on-request verification as one of our services. As a neutral third party, we can carry out verification and in-use inspections and issue documentation. We have the equipment and expertise to help your enterprise meet the requirements for measurements.
We check whether the dispenser delivers the correct volume in accordance with the meter, and whether the measuring instrument complies with the set requirements.
Phone:
64 84 84 84
E-mail:
postmottak@justervesenet.no
Contact form:
Fill in our contact form, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Go to contact form
