Calibration vs. Adjustment vs. Repair: What’s the Difference? .
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Calibration vs. Adjustment vs. Repair: What’s the Difference?
Calibration, adjustment, and repair are often discussed together, but they don’t mean the same thing. Understanding the difference can make it easier to know what your test equipment actually needs and what to expect when you send an instrument in for service.
What Is Calibration?
Calibration determines how accurately an instrument is measuring.
During calibration, the instrument’s readings are compared against a known reference standard. The results show whether the instrument is performing within its specified tolerance.
Importantly, calibration identifies measurement accuracy but does not necessarily involve changing the instrument.
What Is Adjustment?
If calibration shows that an instrument is measuring outside its acceptable specifications, an adjustment may be needed.
Adjustment involves making changes to the instrument to bring its measurements back within the required limits. Once adjusted, the equipment can be calibrated again to verify its performance.
In simple terms: calibration checks accuracy; adjustment corrects it.
When Is Repair Necessary?
Repair addresses a problem with the instrument itself rather than measurement accuracy alone.
An instrument may require repair if it has damaged components, isn’t functioning correctly, won’t power on, or cannot be brought within specification through adjustment.
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