Adjustment, calibration and zero adjustment
Changing an instrument response differs from determining its calibration.
Key knowledge
Adjustment comprises operations that make a measuring system provide prescribed indications for given values of the measured quantity. Zero adjustment is the adjustment producing a null indication for a zero value. Calibration is a prerequisite for adjustment and is usually required again afterwards; adjustment must not be called calibration. Setting zero alone does not establish correct gain, response across the interval or zero uncertainty.
Conditions and scope
- The assigned zero value and reference conditions must be meaningful for the procedure.
- The “usually recalibrate” wording follows the VIM note, not a universal claim that every adjustment requires the same operational sequence.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
- International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM3)Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM)Reference guideVIM3, entry 3.11VIM3, entry 3.12
Evidence and review
Read VIM3.11 definition and notes distinguishing adjustment from calibration plus3.12 null-indication definition. The gain/uncertainty limitation is a scoped consequence of changing only the zero response.
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- foundation-measurement-adjustment-zero
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