What to look for when buying a Trade Legal Scale.

 

The price of gold has achieved an all time high.  Are you buying gold with the correct Legal for Trade Scale (LFT)? If not, you could receive a visit from the Weights and Measurements Department-and you don’t want that!

 

So first, lets talk about the National Type Evaluation Program or better known as the NTEP.  According to their website, the NTEP is “an evaluation program administered by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM).  Type evaluation is the process whereby weighing and measuring devices are examined to determine if the performance, operating characteristics, features, and options of a particular device complies with the applicable requirements of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44”.

 

Forty-four of the fifty states are NTEP states. The other six have adapted their own standards.  Scales that are used in trade or commercial applications are subject to type evaluations.

If the device fails to meet the requirements of the NTEP evaluations, the applicant will go through several series of evaluations, and submissions to the lab to correct the device. If corrective actions are deemed to be insufficient or if the device fails to meet all requirements, after the fourth evaluation, the project will be closed.  To avoid being hassled and questioned, just call us-the Stuller Tech Line- and we will be glad to help you choose the LFT scale that is right for you. 

A big mistake the most LFT digital scale buyers make when shopping for a scale is, simply not knowing which features they need for their LFT application.

We have made a check list of what you should be looking for in a LFT scale:

  • Size of Unit-Where are you storing the unit? Will you be traveling with the unit?
  • Capacity x Resolution- What is the maximum you will be weighing? What are the minimum increments?
  • AC/DC Battery and 110V-Most LFT digital scares are 110V powered, but only few offer an AC/DC battery feature for travel.
  • Weighing Units- In order for a scale to be Trade Legal, it must be certified by weights and measurements.
  • Removable Platform
  • Certificate of Conformance Number (NTEP approval number)
  • Price-The price of the scale you choose will directly relate to the features and quality of the product.
  • Warranty- You should have at least one year manufacturer's warranty.

 

Be careful and have faith in the person selling you the scale. Happy Weighing!

 

Andy “The Tool Guy” Kroungold