Metrology

1. What calibration services are available?

The laboratory scope of recognition is listed below.

2022 Certificate of Traceability

2. How do I schedule a calibration?

All Calibration services are available by appointment only to any business, industry, or government agency requiring NIST traceability for a fee. To schedule a calibration appointment, please call (803) 253-4052. Please note the lab will schedule on average several months in advance and equipment submitted without an appointment may suffer delays in service. The Metrology Lab requires the completion of the Calibration Request Form and a copy included with shipment before the equipment will be calibrated.  If submitting a volume measure, a Certification of Prover Cleaning must also be completed and included with each shipment. Failure to complete either form will delay the processing of the equipment until the form is completed and submitted.

After completing the form, select “Submit and Print” and your request will be automatically sent to the Metrology Laboratory. To help identify your weights while in the lab, please include a copy of the completed form with each shipment.

3. What are the calibration costs?

Calibrations for in-state public sector customers are done at no charge. This includes City, County and State governments. You are responsible for the transportation charges.

Calibration fees for private sector customers are based on the size and class of each item and are listed in the Fee Schedule.
The minimum invoice amount is $45.

Credit card payments are available on-line. Instructions for making credit card payments will be listed at the bottom of the invoice or make a payment here.

Note:  Calibration Certificates will not be sent until account/invoice is paid in full.

4. What do I need to do before sending weights for calibration?

a. Call (803) 253-4052 for an appointment.
b. Include a printed copy of the Calibration Request Form with the shipment.
c. Ensure the weights are securely packaged. That is, weights are packed tightly and cannot move inside of box during shipping. Weight kit lids are securely closed and cannot open during shipping. Place small weight set in a plastic bag is recommended.
d. For painted (cast iron) weights ensure the weights are clean and rust free (including bottom of weights).  If rust is present, cleaning and repainting will be necessary. Use aluminum color for pound weights and gold color for metric weights. 

5. How often do I need to have my standards calibrated?

For standards that are used to test commercial scales or pumps, South Carolina required that they be calibrated by a NIST recognized State Metrology Laboratory before being placed into service and then once every two years. For standards that are not used commercially, South Carolina does not specify a calibration interval. The calibration interval should be determined by company policy, Quality Assurance requirements or regulating body directive.

6. What do I need to do before sending provers for calibration?

a. Call (803) 253-4052 for an appointment.
b. Include a printed copy of the Calibration Request Form with the shipment or on delivery.
c. Provers and 5 gallon test measures must be free of petroleum residue on inside and outside surfaces. Inside of provers must be thoroughly rinsed after cleaning to remove soap residue.

Note: Provers and test measures that are not clean will be returned (not calibrated) for cleaning at customer’s expense.

7. Where do I send my items for calibration?

The laboratory shipping address is:
SC Department of Agriculture
129 Ballard Court
West Columbia, SC 29172
803-253-4052

Small packages will be returned prepaid and charges added to the invoice unless your shipping account number is provided on the Calibration Request Form.

8. What is NIST?

NIST maintains the national standard for mass in the form of the prototype kilogram and provides services to support the national measurement system. State legal metrology laboratories are custodians at the State level of measurement standards.  The Office of Weights and Measures promotes uniformity in U.S. weights and measures laws, regulations, and standards.