WHOLE BRAIN LEARNING SYSTEM

OUTCOME-BASED EDUCATION

Science, Technology and Engineering (STE) Program

ELECTRONICS GRADE
10

LEARNING QUARTER 2

MODULE WEEK 8

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Electronics (Grade 10) 0

 MODULE IN
ELECTRONICS
Science, Technology and
Engineering (STE) Program

QUARTER 2
WEEK 8

Procedure in Testing Newly

Assembled and Calibrated
Electronic Timer

Development Team

Writer: Richard F. Aison

Editor: Hamilton C. Remigio

Reviewer: Ponciano S. Raspado

Management Team: Vilma D. Eda, CESO V

Arnel S. Bandiola Lourdes B. Arucan

Juanito V. Labao Flenie A. Galicinao

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Electronics (Grade 10) 1

 What I Need to Know

This module in Electronics contains information and suggested learning activities

that provides you understanding on the knowledge, skills and desirable attitudes required in
assembling consumer electronic products and systems.

In order to benefit much from this module, you should learn the procedure in testing
newly assembled and calibrated electronic timer.

Most Essential Learning Competency:

Enumerates and describes the procedure in testing newly assembled and calibrated
electronic timer.

Learning Objective:

After going through the activities and discussions in this module, you are expected to
enumerate and describe the steps that will help you establish an instrument calibration
procedure, or tune up an existing one.

What I Know

Directions: Arrange the following steps that will help you establish an instrument calibration
procedure. Write the numbers 1-6 to arrange the steps according to their proper
order. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Steps that will help you establish an Instrument Calibration Procedure

_____ Verification
_____ Methodology
_____ Corrective Action
_____ Documentation and Record Keeping
_____ Identify the Measuring Devices/Instruments
_____ Determine Certification, Calibration, and Accuracy Check Requirements

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Electronics (Grade 10) 2

 What’s In

Activity 1
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Direction: Look for the words that are related to the steps that will help you establish an
instrument calibration procedure. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

M N B V C X Z A S D F G H J K L P O I
U Y T R E W Q Z C V B N M L K H U T R
L K J H G F D M E T H O D O L O G Y S
T Y U I O P L J R B N M V C A W Q E G
P O I U Y T R E T W Q A S D C F H J K
U J N B G T R F I V C D S A C W Q E R
F G H T Y U I O F P L H G D U E V B N
M K L P O I H B I V G Y T E R O N B H
Q W S F G H Y T C A L I B R A T I O N
G H B N J M K L A O P I Y T C R E W E
C F G Y N M B V T C X Z S F Y W O I U
S T A N D A R D I Z A T I O N L M P O
N M B V C X Z A O S D F G H J K L U Y
T R E W Q A D S N G B N M K I Y I R Q

What’s New
Introduction to Instrument Accuracy Checks and Calibration

Does your facility have an instrument calibration or accuracy check program with
procedures to verify that the devices are precise and accurate? If not, it’s time to implement
one.

Consider all the instruments and devices that measure something in your facility.
These measurements may include time, temperature, weight, pressure, humidity, pH, salinity,
and the list continues. Each device has a purpose, and the resulting measurements are
needed for monitoring and managing the equipment or product. But what happens when these
devices become inaccurate and fail to provide precise results? Does your facility have an

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Electronics (Grade 10) 3

instrument calibration or accuracy check program with procedures to verify that the devices
are precise and accurate? Management should be confident that their measuring devices are
reading correctly.

What is It

Lesson PROCEDURE IN TESTING NEWLY

ASSEMBLED AND CALIBRATED
1 ELECTRONIC TIMER

The following steps will help you establish an instrument calibration procedure, or tune
up your existing one:
Step 1: Identify the Measuring Devices/Instruments

Develop a comprehensive list of every device in your facility that is used to measure
something. This includes electronic timers, scales, thermometers, gauges, pH meters, and so
forth. Then determine if all the listed devices are still of benefit. Those devices that are no
longer of use should either be removed or marked as not being routinely checked for accuracy.
Before removing any device, check with the managers, supervisors, and employees in the
area to make sure it is not used. One suggestion is to place a sign on the instrument stating
that it will be removed unless management is notified that it is used.

If the instruments do not have a manufacturer identification number, clearly mark each
device with a unique number by attaching an asset number tag, etching the device, or using
another labeling method. Identification by location (i.e., table scale) may be appropriate if there
is only one of the devices; however, a numbering system is recommended, especially if any
of the following circumstances apply:

 The device is the standard used to calibrate other devices (such as a NIST-certified
thermometer).
 The device is used to monitor a critical control point (CCP).
 Your facility has more than one of the devices. For example, table scales can be moved
easily and the same one may not necessarily be returned to the same location.

As appropriate, identify the location of the instrument, such as: Receiving Office,
Laboratory, and so forth.

Identify the range of use by specifying the actual time, temperatures, weights, etc. that
will be measured by the device. For example, if a floor scale is used to weigh 500 pounds, test

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Electronics (Grade 10) 4

the accuracy at 500 pounds rather than at 20 pounds. Also identify the required or accepted
range from the certified device (such as +/- 2 pounds, +/-0.50C, etc.)

Assign a procedure number for the method of certification, calibration, and accuracy
checks used for each device. Documented procedures should include:

 How to conduct the check.

 Acceptable deviations/deviation range.
 Corrective action if the results are not within the accepted deviation range.
 Documentation requirements.

The instrument check/calibration procedure should include frequency of the checks for
each device, such as daily, weekly, monthly, annually.

Also, specify the department or position responsible for checking the devices or for
arrangements if an outside agency will be used. Finally, make sure the location of the affiliated
results and corrective actions is identified in the procedure.

Step 2: Determine Certification, Calibration, and Accuracy Check Requirements

Certification of Accuracy. The use of a recognized standard, such as calibration

against the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). The use of a NIST-
certified device or certified-reference standards is typical for most measuring devices, based
on the critical nature of the measuring device accuracy, good laboratory practices, and other
standards of the industry.

At a minimum, the traceable reference standard should be recertified annually. Obtain

and maintain the documentation provided by the certification company. Note: for digital
thermometers with interchangeable probes, both the digital device and affiliated probe are to
be recertified.

If an outside company is used to calibrate the devices, the resulting documentation

should include the NIST-certified standard’s identifying number.
Standardization. Historically, NIST-certified thermometers were glass and mercury,
thus, not routinely removed from the lab or brought into production areas. In this situation, a
second thermometer was often calibrated against the NIST-certified thermometer. The
resulting standardized thermometer was then used for accuracy checks. With today’s digital
thermometers, most locations are using NIST-certified digital thermometers as their standard
for all calibration and accuracy checks.

Some segments of the industry (such as low-acid canned foods) are still required by
regulation to use certified, mercury-in-glass thermometers.

Weights used for in-house checks are commonly overlooked. They can fluctuate in
weight based on their condition. Chipped or broken weights may weigh less, while rusting
weights can weigh more. If an outside contractor is used to calibrate scales, include your
weights in the contract for an accuracy check.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Electronics (Grade 10) 5

 Calibration. Ensure the instrument is capable of handling the calibration standards.

Accuracy Checks. Accuracy checks determine if the instrument is reading a true or

correct value at a single point.

Frequency Determination. The frequency of conducting each type of accuracy check

depends on multiple factors, including:

 Regulatory requirements.
 Manufacturer’s recommendations.
 Industry standards/Good Laboratory Practices.
 Level of risk to product safety if the device is inaccurate.
 Inherent reliability. (For example, the least reliable types of thermometers are dial and
bi-metal probe thermometers, whereas most digital thermometers are fairly reliable.)
 Environment of use. Is the measuring device moved (e.g., table-top scale moved
during daily sanitation)?
 Historic information about accuracy/past performance.

Step 3: Methodology

Each method of determining the accuracy of a measuring device is to have clearly

outlined procedures that an individual can follow with training. A key resource for accuracy
checks or calibration procedures is the equipment manufacturer.

Step 4: Corrective Action

Clearly defined corrective action is needed when a device is identified as being out of
the accepted range. The obvious first step is to immediately correct the device. If that is not
possible, determine if it should be used. If you decide to continue using it, make sure to include
a documented explanation of any resulting monitoring record as to the deviation.

A second and often overlooked corrective action is to determine if product safety (such
as measurement of a critical control point) or quality has been compromised. This may require
holding all products back to the last acceptable, documented check/calibration of the device
while conducting the investigation. The investigation itself would then involve a review of all
affiliated records to determine if the product is safe or if the product quality is acceptable for
distribution.

Step 5: Verification

Verification encompasses at least four activities, including:

 A scheduled, periodic review of the associated records should be conducted by

identified management.
 Ensure the individual(s) doing the check/calibration are following the procedures and
are questioned about what they would do if the device was inaccurate.
 Ensure the procedures and acceptable deviation range remains valid.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Electronics (Grade 10) 6

  At a minimum, ensure the list of devices to be calibrated remains accurate. This list
should be reviewed annually and updated whenever a new measuring device is added
or removed or the use is changed for a particular purpose.

Step 6: Documentation and Record Keeping

Remember the adage, “If it is not documented, it was not done.” A number of
documents have been identified, including the procedures for conducting the accuracy
check/calibration, the National Institute for Standards and Technology certification, the
accuracy check/calibration findings and potential corrective action, and record verification. The
record retention schedule for these documents should match any federal, state, local, or
company requirements for the documents that can recreate the history of the product.

What’s More

Outsourcing electronic calibration should be your first option, not your last resort. By
trusting a company that specializes in this field, you will spend less money, get the expertise
required, save your employees time and ensure that your equipment adheres to strict
regulatory standards.

Proper calibration requires some investment, but if you do not have a company that
does the job correctly the first time, you will waste money. Consider calibrating your electronics
to be a portion of your equipment maintenance costs.

Additionally, you can purchase lower-cost equipment and calibrate it to measure more
accurately than the manufacturer designed it to. A professional calibrator can overcome the
broad tolerance of some manufactured products and make adjustments to ensure they return
more accurate results than initially built for. This option allows you to save money over time
by reducing your equipment purchase costs.

Regardless of the quality or purchase price of your equipment, you will still need
regular calibrating to ensure it works as intended, so why not save a little money on the initial
cost of the device?

What I Have Learned

Correctly calibrating electronic equipment requires extensive knowledge of how the

device operates, what the standards require of it and how to make it more accurate. Now take

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Electronics (Grade 10) 7

all that knowledge and multiply it by the variety of electronics you have, and you will begin to
appreciate the vast expertise required by professional calibrating technicians.

The technician you trust to calibrate your equipment must have the following traits to
ensure they complete the job correctly:

 attention to detail
 honesty
 exceptional documentation abilities
 knowledge of a variety of testing processes and which to use for a situation
 understanding of national and international regulations

If you do not have personnel on staff who are qualified to calibrate your equipment,
you might consider training some of your employees to do so. However, this is an extremely
time-intensive task, and it often makes more sense for companies to hire outside calibration
professionals. Even if you already have employees who can do this job, outsourcing your
calibrations frees them up for other projects central to your business’s operations.

What I Can Do

Electronic Timer Control

Directions: Create a cycle out of the steps that will help you establish an instrument
calibration procedure, or tune up your existing one then put your own conclusion
below. Write your answers on a long bond paper.

Assessment

Directions: Arrange the following steps that will help you establish an instrument calibration
procedure. Write the numbers 1-6 to arrange the steps according to their proper
order. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Steps that will help you establish an Instrument Calibration Procedure

_____ Verification
_____ Methodology
_____ Corrective Action
_____ Documentation and Record Keeping
_____ Identify the Measuring Devices/Instruments
_____ Determine Certification, Calibration, and Accuracy Check Requirements

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Electronics (Grade 10) 8

9 Electronics (Grade 10) Self-Learning Module MELC-Aligned WBLS-OBE
https://www.qualityassurancemag.com/article/aib0612-instrument-calibration-program/
https://www.micronpa.com/blog/process-of-electronic-calibration/
References
What’s In
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
M N B V C X Z A S D F G H J K L P O I
U Y T R E W Q Z C V B N M L K H U T R
L K J H G F D M E T H O D O L O G Y S
T Y U I O P L J R B N M V C A W Q E G
P O I U Y T R E T W Q A S D C F H J K
U J N B G T R F I V C D S A C W Q E R
F G H T Y U I O F P L H G D U E V B N
M K L P O I H B I V G Y T E R O N B H
Q W S F G H Y T C A L I B R A T I O N
G H B N J M K L A O P I Y T C R E W E
C F G Y N M B V T C X Z S F Y W O I U
S T A N D A R D I Z A T I O N L M P O
N M B V C X Z A O S D F G H J K L U Y
T R E W Q A D S N G B N M K I Y I R Q
Assessment What I Know
1. 4 1. 6
2. 6 2. 5
3. 5 3. 4
4. 3 4. 1
5. 1 5. 2
6. 2 6. 3
Answer Key
 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of Laoag City

Curriculum Implementation Division
Brgy. 23 San Matias, Laoag City, 2900
Contact Number: (077)-771-3678
Email Address: [email protected]

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Electronics (Grade 10) 10