Which balance is more accurate - mechanical or electronic ?

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Electronic balances are easy to use as one reads the weight from the display directly. As seeing is believing, many frauds are possible by wrong calibration of the device. Depending on the accuracy, electronic balances are divided into Class I (Special accuracy), II (High accuracy), III (Medium accuracy), IIII (Ordinary accuracy) in descending order.

Mechanical balances are also accurate if handled properly. The accuracy also depends on the accuracy of the weights used. It is more durable, low maintenance cost, frauds are visible and easily detected. Depending on the sensitivity figure and greatest error, mechanical balances are divided into Class A, B, C, D in descending order of accuracy.

Sensitiveness is the least weight required to be added or removed to cause a visible displacement of the pointer from its position of equilibrium on the sector plate. The sensitivity figure is usually expressed as mg/division.

What type of balance to use

If one deals with cheap items (wood, rice etc), a 300 kg platform balance with 100 g sensitivity can be used. It means, in a weighment there can be + or _100 g difference.

In the case of gold trade, a more accurate balance has to be used. When a 300 g electronic balance with e=10 mg is used, in a weighment there can be + or _10 mg difference.

Tips to customers

Ensure Zero before weighment in electronic balance. Check the balance with a standard weight. Cross check the reading of one balance with another.

In mechanical pointer to be at Zero position or at the centre. Cross check the reading of one balance with another.

A certificate of verification is the government guarantee to the public that this weighing instrument is working properly. It is mandatory to display the certificate at the place of using the balance. Ask for the Certificate of Verification at the shop, if not displayed.

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What type of balance to be used for the transaction of gold and other precious commodities ?

The rule 9(3) of the Kerala Legal Metrology (Enforcement) Rules, 2012 ensures the use of Bullion weight / Carat weight, beam scale of class A or class B category or a non automatic weighing instrument of class II or class I, of e (verification scale interval) value 10 mg shall be used in any transaction or protection relating to precious metals, pearls, ornaments, or other articles made of gold or silver and costly goods, the cost of which exceeds ten thousand rupees per kg.

Penalty

The violation of rule 9(3) is punishable under rule 24 with a fine, which may extend to five thousand rupees.