Tag: NIST Handbook 44

NIST Handbook 44 2013 Edition now available for Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices

NIST HDBK 44, “Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices,” has just be revised and the new 2013 edition is now available from Document Center Inc. in either paper or pdf format.  The handbook is published annually to support the mission of NIST’s  Office of Weights and Measures – to promote uniformity in U.S. weights and measures laws, regulations, and standards.

Handbook 44 has been around in various formats since 1918, but was first published with it’s current number and title in 1949.  It is actually written by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM), an association of State and local weights and measures officials and representatives of business, consumer groups, and Federal agencies.

Changes from the 2012 Edition of NIST Handbook 44 are included in a 2 page table found in the foreward.  You’ll see that modifications have been made to sections 2.20, 2.21, 3.30, 3.36, 5.58, 5.59, and Appendix D.  And there are other editorial changes as well (which do not affect the technical content of the handbook).  They are found in sections 1.10, 2.20, 2.21, 3.33 and 3.34.

NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology) has been providing the support for our national Metrology program since it’s inception as the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) back in March of 1901.  It not only provides calibration services, but also provides a leadership role for the Federal support and development of Standards and emerging technologies.  That’s why you’ll see NIST as the co-ordinator for the U.S. cybersecurity standards that we discussed in our blog last week…

Order NIST publications and other Federal level U.S. government publications and standards on our website, www.document-center.com.  Or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  We’re here to assist you with all your standards requirements, including the documentation you need for your calibration needs.

New 2011 Edition of the NBS HDBK 44 on weighting and measuring devices is now available

NBS HDBK 44, Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices, is now available in the 2011 Edition.  The 479 page standard was adopted by the 95th National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) in 2010.

Handbook 44 was first published in 1949, having been preceded by similar handbooks of various designations and in several forms, beginning in 1918.  It is reviewed annually by the NCWM.

The handbook conforms to the concept of primary use of SI (metric) measurements recommended in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988.  In some cases, however, trade practice is currently restricted to the use of inch-pound units; therefore, some requirements continue to specify only inch-pound units until the NCWM achieves a broad consensus on the permitted SI units.

The purpose of Handbook 44 is to prevent the use of weights and measures and weighing and measuring devices that give readings that are false,  faulty (that is, that are not reasonably permanent in their adjustment or will not repeat their indications correctly), or that facilitate the perpetration of fraud.

It has been designed to be a working tool for federal, state, and local weights and measures officials, the equipment manufacturers, installers, and service agencies/agents.  Many organizations cite the Handbook in calibration or quality documentation.

This NBS Handbook, and other standards on calibration and measurement,  is available from Document Center Inc.’s website, www.document-center.com.  You can also order by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  If you have any questions about this standard, please get in touch.