How to Calibrate, Verify & Maintain the A&D EK-6000i NTEP Balance
- pete8781
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Need more details or help choosing the correct item? Call MNM Scales at (832) 290-3120 or email mnmscales@yahoo.com.
A&D EK-6000i calibration, verification and maintenance must distinguish routine performance checks from protected legal-for-trade adjustment. The balance is an NTEP Class III 6,000 g × 1 g model with external calibration. MNM lists a 6,000 g default calibration mass. An internal process unit can be calibrated under the owner’s quality procedure, but once a device is placed into commercial legal-for-trade service, routine users should preserve the approved configuration and use known-weight verification without casually altering protected metrological settings.
Installation before calibration
Level the balance on a rigid surface and make sure the stainless pan is seated correctly. A six-kilogram load can expose table flex, rocking feet or container contact that may not be obvious with a small test weight. Keep the station away from vibration, drafts and large temperature changes. Before deciding the scale needs calibration, confirm that the load is fully supported only by the pan.
External calibration with 6000 g
For a non-sealed/internal-use unit, use a suitable known 6,000 g reference and follow the EK-i external calibration sequence. Center the weight and let the reading stabilize. The reference weight’s uncertainty should be appropriate to the process. After adjustment, remove it and confirm zero before moving to independent verification. If the unit is already sealed or controlled as a trade device, follow qualified-service and local weights-and-measures procedures before protected calibration changes.
Routine commercial verification
At opening or at the business-defined interval, confirm level and zero, then apply known test weights representing normal transactions. Verification checks performance without changing settings. If a check fails, repeat it after confirming the reference weight, pan contact and environmental stability. Do not use a single suspicious result as a reason to break a required seal or change calibration; document the issue and involve qualified service when adjustment is justified.
Corner and eccentric-load checks
Move the same known load between the center and representative positions on the 133 × 170 mm pan. Significant position-dependent differences can indicate pan seating, leveling, damage or surrounding contact. A center calibration cannot correct a mechanical eccentric-loading fault. If commercial verification differs by load position, remove the device from transaction use until the cause is corrected.
Zero drift and repeatability
MNM lists 1 g repeatability and ±1 g linearity. If zero moves or repeated values vary unexpectedly, inspect debris, vibration, unstable containers, temperature and batteries before calibrating. A trade balance’s 1 g displayed division should be judged with the applicable legal/service tolerances and test procedure rather than a laboratory expectation that every repeat must be identical to the last digit.
RS-232 and battery troubleshooting
If local weight is correct but a printer or computer receives bad data, diagnose serial parameters and cable wiring separately from metrology. The optional battery can also create symptoms when depleted; current A&D family information advertises approximately 250 hours under stated conditions. Verify power stability before assuming the load cell or calibration changed.
When to remove a commercial EK-6000i from service
Stop using the balance for transactions after repeated failed known-weight checks, visible mechanical damage, a severe overload/drop, evidence of prohibited calibration access or any condition that makes the approved performance doubtful. Mark the station to prevent accidental use, arrange qualified service and complete any local reinspection or resealing required before returning it to commercial operation.
Frequently asked questions
What default calibration mass does MNM list? 6,000 g. Can a trade operator verify the scale without changing calibration? Yes. Should a sealed trade unit be casually recalibrated? No; use qualified service/local procedures. What if corner readings differ? Investigate mechanical setup. What if RS-232 data is wrong but the display is right? Troubleshoot communications separately. What are listed repeatability and linearity? About 1 g and ±1 g. When should the unit be removed from trade service? After repeated failed verification, serious damage or compromised metrological controls.
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