A&D SK-5000WP NTEP & NSF Guide for Foodservice Trade Weighing
- pete8781
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Need more details or help choosing the correct item? Call MNM Scales at (832) 290-3120 or email mnmscales@yahoo.com.
The A&D SK-5000WP is definitively NTEP-certified for Class III commercial weighing. The current National Type Evaluation Program Certificate of Conformance is 98-086A3, and it lists SK-5000WP at 5000 g × 2 g, 11 lb × 0.005 lb and 176 oz × 0.1 oz, with nmax 2500. A&D also positions the SK-WP family for NSF foodservice use and IP65 protection. Those labels are complementary but not interchangeable: NTEP addresses legal metrology, NSF addresses sanitary food-equipment design, and IP65 addresses environmental ingress protection.
Current NTEP certificate: 98-086A3
The current certificate revision is 98-086A3. It identifies the SK Series as Class III and specifically lists SK-5000WP with 5000 g × 2 g, 11 lb × 0.005 lb and 176 oz × 0.1 oz. The maximum number of verification scale divisions is 2500. For a buyer searching whether this exact model is legal-for-trade capable, the answer is yes: SK-5000WP is named on the current NTEP certificate.
Why MNM still shows CoC 98-086A2
MNM's current product listing still references the older 98-086A2 certificate. That does not mean the product lost approval. Revision A3 superseded A2. The A3 change added the ounce unit to SK-5000WP and clarified the sealing mechanism. When documentation is needed for an inspector, purchasing file or compliance review, use the current A3 revision rather than relying only on the older certificate number printed on a dealer page.
What Class III means in this application
Class III covers many commercial weighing applications such as retail commodity sales and other general commercial scales. SK-5000WP's approved 5000 g × 2 g / 11 lb × 0.005 lb configuration is suitable for the kinds of foodservice transactions this compact washdown model targets. Class III does not mean the scale can be installed anywhere without further action; the device still has to be correctly marked, configured, sealed and placed into service under the applicable state/local requirements.
Legal-for-trade use: what the owner still has to do
Buying an NTEP-certified model satisfies the type-evaluation requirement, but commercial use is governed by local weights-and-measures rules. Depending on jurisdiction, the scale may need registration, service documentation, sealing and/or inspection before or after being placed into service. Keep the model/serial identification legible. Do not alter protected calibration parameters casually. Train staff to zero/tare correctly and verify the scale with known test weights rather than treating the NTEP label as a lifetime guarantee that no performance check is needed.
Sealing and calibration access
The A3 certificate clarifies the sealing mechanism used to prevent undetected access to metrologically significant calibration settings. For a scale in commercial service, the physical/electronic seal is part of maintaining the approved condition. Routine operators can check zero and known weights without disturbing the seal. If calibration adjustment is required, use qualified service and follow the local process so the scale can be resealed or documented as necessary.
Calibration versus verification on a trade scale
MNM lists 5000 g as the calibration mass for SK-5000WP. Calibration changes the instrument's span relationship; verification checks performance without changing it. A business can perform routine zero and known-weight verification according to its SOP while preserving the seal. If verification fails, first inspect placement, leveling, pan contact, debris, temperature and the test weight. Do not immediately break protected access or recalibrate a commercial device without following the service requirements.
NSF compliance: sanitation, not metrology
A&D identifies SK-WP as NSF compliant for foodservice environments. NSF addresses aspects such as materials, surfaces and cleanability relevant to sanitary equipment. It does not determine whether the scale may legally establish a customer's price. SK-5000WP happens to address both needs because it combines NSF-oriented food-equipment construction with a separate NTEP Class III certificate.
IP65: environmental protection, not an approval for immersion
IP65 means dust-tight protection and resistance to water jets under the applicable test. It does not mean submersible. The AC power transformer is not waterproof, so wet-area users should protect/disconnect it during cleaning and favor battery operation when the rated enclosure protection is important. NTEP approval remains valid only when the device is maintained in its proper configuration; environmental damage can still make an approved scale fail performance tests.
Typical commercial food uses
Examples include seafood counters, meat and deli departments, produce or herb sales, specialty markets, farmers markets, prepared-food counters and other operations selling commodities by weight within the 11 lb capacity. The larger pan and washdown-oriented design make it more suitable for these jobs than a small laboratory balance. If containers or product can exceed 11 lb, select a higher-capacity NTEP model rather than operating at or above the limit.
Common compliance mistakes to avoid
Do not confuse NSF with NTEP. Do not use an older certificate revision when a current one is available. Do not break a seal simply to chase a small displayed difference. Do not assume legal-for-trade status removes the need for local inspection/placement-in-service. Do not use the optional AC power setup as if it were waterproof. Do not let a tray touch the counter and then blame calibration. And do not use a household object as the only evidence that a commercial scale is accurate.
Frequently asked questions
Is SK-5000WP NTEP? Yes, Class III. What is the current certificate? 98-086A3. What are the certified capacities/divisions? 5000 g × 2 g, 11 lb × 0.005 lb and 176 oz × 0.1 oz. Why does the MNM page show 98-086A2? A3 superseded A2, added ounce mode and clarified sealing. Does NTEP mean no local inspection is required? No; local rules still apply. Is SK-5000WP NSF compliant? A&D identifies SK-WP as NSF compliant. Does NSF make it legal for trade? No; NTEP is the separate metrology approval. Is IP65 the same as waterproof/submersible? No. Can an employee recalibrate a sealed trade scale whenever desired? Protected calibration should follow the applicable qualified-service and weights-and-measures procedure.
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