How to Keep a Digital Postage Scale Accurate

Calibrating weights are just one way to make sure your digital postage scale stays accurate

A digital postage scale can save time, energy and money for a business, but not if it's inaccurate. There are a number of reasons why a scale goes out of balance or becomes inaccurate. With a little simple maintenance and care, however, this can be prevented. Here's how to keep a digital postage scale accurate.

Things You'll Need

• Small level
• Scale calibrating weights
• Compressed air electronics cleaner

Instructions

1. Level your digital postage scale. A scale that is not sitting level or on an even surface will not be accurate. Begin by placing the scale on a smooth, flat surface where it will be used. Set a small level tool on top of the scale and use the bubble to determine whether or not the scale is sitting level. If the level shows that the top of the scale is not even, turn the scale over and twist out the small legs on the lowest side. Turn the scale back over, set it down and use the level tool again to see if the scale is now even. Repeat this process until the scale is level.
   Check the scale to see if it is level on a regular basis, such as once a month, or any time the scale is moved to a different location.

2. Calibrate the scale. Set a regular schedule for calibrating your digital postage scale to keep it accurate. Turn the scale on and place a small calibrating weight on top. If the scale accurately displays the weight, no further action is needed. If, however, the scale displays the wrong number for the calibrating weight, adjust the calibration to the correct weight. On most scales, the calibration setting is either a dial on the front or side, or a set of up and down arrow buttons you can push to set the calibration weight. For a scale that is used frequently, calibrate once a week. If the scale is used less frequently, once a month may be often enough.

3. Clean and care for your scale. One of the most important ways to keep your digital postal scale accurate is through proper care and cleaning. Wipe the scale down with a soft cloth regularly, spray out the electronic areas and underneath the weighing mechanism with compressed air, and clean up any spills on the scale immediately. Don't store anything, even light items, on top of the scale or the weighing mechanism could be damaged or the scale miscalibrated. Avoid bumping or jarring the scale and keep it in a temperature-controlled environment. A digital postage scale that is kept in overly hot or cold conditions can lose accuracy. Avoid moving the scale unless necessary, and unplug or turn off the scale each day to allow the electronics to reset.

Tips & Warnings

• Mark dates for leveling, calibrating and cleaning your scale on the calendar so that this small but important task is not overlooked.

• Never attempt to weigh objects on a digital postage scale that are over the scale's weighing limits. Placing overweight objects on a digital postage scale can cause damage and make the scale unreliable.