Is your dynamometer accurate and calibrated?

This seems like an easy question to answer. Look at the calibration sticker or look at the calibration cert and see if either indicates you’re within the calibration time frame. Most industries and standards require calibrations every year. Some standards may require more frequent intervals, while others may allow for longer intervals. But don’t forget that just because the Dyno is calibrated, it does not necessarily mean your unit is accurate. Dynos that are damaged, overloaded or subjected to high cycle usage may be inaccurate while still “in calibration.” If you suspect your Dyno is not accurate, check it against another Dyno under the same load or send your Dyno to a qualified calibration lab like Muncy Industries. Some of the best labs calibrate to a standard and are accredited, such as calibrating to the ASME 4 standard and accredited to the ISO 17025.

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Common mistakes in using your dynamometer

Now your’e ready to measure your load. One major mistake that creates inaccurate measurements of loads is as simple as not “zeroing” or “taring” the Dyno before starting your load. If your Dyno starts at 212 pounds with no load and you increase the load, your measurement could be inaccurate by 212 pounds for all or part of the load. For lower loads like 400 pounds, being inaccurate by 212 pounds could be over a 50% inaccuracy. Other common mistakes include not understanding the units of measure, human error in reading a dial or indicator, not setting the indicator to record the peak load (as applicable), to name a few. It is good practice for dynos with electronics, like Dillon ED Junior dynamometers, to apply a load slow and steady: shock loads or loads applied very quickly can be hard to see or record the load and peak load.

Note: this article is for informational purposes only. The reader should not rely on anything written herein and the author makes no warranties whatsoever.