All measuring instruments used for financial settlement in trade and industry – for example, scales, fuel dispensers, and water meters – are subject to supervision.
The Norwegian Metrology Service supervises all types of scales of all capacities used for financial settlement, ranging from analytical balances in laboratories to high-capacity scales in industry and production.
Scales used as the basis for financial settlement and for other purposes specified in Section 3-5 of the Regulation on Units of Measurement and Measurement must be subject to supervision by the Norwegian Metrology Service. It is a prerequisite that the scales used have a valid conformity assessment. It is permitted to break the seal in order to repair the scale, but the user (the owner of the scale) is then responsible for ensuring that the scale is resealed and that notification is sent to the Norwegian Metrology Service before the scale is put back into use. The Service may then carry out a new inspection.
Scales come in different accuracy classes. The accuracy class for scales used for financial settlement is class III. Exceptionally, class II and IV may be used when weighing very valuable goods or for weighing of very little economic significance. Tolerance is most often expressed in full ‘divisions’, i.e. relative to the resolution of the scale’s display. Example: a scale that increments in steps of 2 g has a resolution/division of 2 grams. If the tolerance is +/- 1 d, this means that an error of maximum +/- 2 g is accepted.
Furthermore, the tolerance depends on the load placed on the scale. A scale with a resolution of 2 g that is loaded with 1.2 kg will have a load of n=600 times the resolution (division). See the table below for tolerance (expressed in divisions) relative to a load (expressed in number of divisions).
Scales that were type-approved before 1993 may be approved under Norwegian provisions and do not require conformity assessment under European directives.
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.
When visiting producers, we check whether the net content matches what is stated on the package, and whether packaging lines comply with requirements for control and documentation.
We supervise that the supplier’s internal control system for heat meters meets the metrological requirements of the regulation.
We supervise that municipalities’ internal control systems for water meters meet the metrological requirements of the regulation.
Yes. Instruments used in periodic vehicle inspections to measure exhaust emissions must be approved in accordance with the Measuring Instruments Directive when placed on the market.
The Norwegian Metrology Service supervises that requirements for calibration and use of measuring tanks and level gauges are upheld in Norway. The following forms of supervision may apply:
1) The Norwegian Metrology Service requests documentation of calibration, etc.
2) On-site inspection of the tank.
3) Supervision of the internal control system. This applies only to enterprises required by the Norwegian Metrology Service to have internal control.
Yes. Requirements are set for weighing instruments used to determine mass in medical practice for weighing patients for the purposes of monitoring, diagnosis and medical treatment. The requirements are given in the Regulation on Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments. In the health sector, weighing instruments are used in several contexts, including:
• Health stations and school health services
• Doctors’ offices and medical practices
• Hospitals
• Pharmacies
• The pharmaceutical industry
Electricity meters installed in households must undergo conformity assessment in accordance with the Electricity Metering Regulation. The metrological requirements for the meters are set out in the Regulation on Requirements for Electricity Meters (elmålerforskriften). It is the grid company (not the electricity supplier) that is responsible for ensuring that the meter complies with the regulation. The Norwegian Metrology Service supervises that grid companies have adequate routines for conducting random checks of the different types of electricity meters in use.
These are scales where the operator must influence the weighing process manually. They are subject to requirements when used in trade and healthcare.
These are often used for financial settlement in bulk trade and must therefore comply with accuracy requirements.
Yes. The Norwegian Metrology Service recommends that all retailers periodically perform self-checks to ensure accuracy. See the “Retail Scales” page under Supervision for an informational video on self-checks. This does not replace supervision by the Norwegian Metrology Service but is a measure to ensure correct measurements.
We verify that the measurement corresponds with the actual flow and that the meter is approved for its intended use.
To ensure correct settlement between the fisher and the buyer, in line with regulations and requirements from the fisheries authorities.
We check whether the dispenser delivers the correct volume in accordance with the meter, and whether the measuring instrument complies with the set requirements.
We check, among other things, that the taximeter has undergone conformity assessment and that an approved installation inspection has been carried out. We also check that there has been no seal breakage, among other points.
Retail scales are subject to supervision by the Norwegian Metrology Service and should also be regularly checked by the enterprise itself. Shops are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their scales, and as a consumer you should be able to trust them. If you experience errors, you can contact the shop or us.
Consumer inquiries can provide useful information for our risk assessments of different enterprises and sectors and are followed up when necessary. During supervision, we require enterprises to correct errors and may impose fees if the requirements are not met.
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E-mail:
postmottak@justervesenet.no
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