About Conductivity
Conductivity or electrical conductivity (EC) is the measure of the concentration of ions present within a sample. Electrical Conductivity is the ability of the substance to transmit an electrical current over a defined area. The measurement unit for electrical conductivity is called Siemens(S), and scientific instruments typically display measured units as MilliSiemens per centimetre mS/cm or Micro Siemens per cm μS/cm.
Why Calibrate Conductivity
Maintaining the regular calibration of your conductivity meter will guarantee precise and dependable readings. The frequency of calibration required will depend on how often you operate your device as well as the required accuracy of the device. For example, if you use your meter every day (say, in a professional setting), you should calibrate it daily. If you only use your meter a few times a week or for spot tests around the home, weekly calibration is adequate. The calibration of most conductivity meters is straightforward and performed in a matter of minutes.
Conductivity Solutions
The best way to ensure accurate calibration of conductivity on your meter is to use a commercially produced standard solution. For conductivity, the most common conductivity calibration standard solution is 1413µS/cm. However, check your manual as some meters will only calibrate to specific points, or perhaps multiple points, especially when testing various ranges of conductivity.
All conductivity calibration standard solutions come pre-prepared and ready to be dispensed into clean containers for calibration. Instrument Choice has several solutions of varying concentrations available. The two most popular calibration solutions are;
1. Conductivity Calibration Solution (1413uS-cm) 500 ml
Product Code: 1413-500
1413uS/cm Calibration Solution is the most popular concentration of calibration solution. The 1413uS/cm solution is also available in 250mL bottles.
2. Conductivity Calibration Solution (2760uS-cm) 500 ml
Product Code: 2760-500
For users with meters requiring multi-point calibration, the 2760uS/cm calibration solution is a popular choice.
Other available conductivity calibration standards are;
3.84 uS/cm KCl Calibration Solution Product Code: EC-CON-84BT
4.100 uS/cm KCl Calibration Solution Product Code: EC-CON-100BT
5.500 uS/cm KCl Calibration Solution Product Code: EC-CON-500BT
6.2764 uS/cm KCl Calibration Solution Product Code: EC-CON-2764BT
7.5.0 mS/cm KCl Calibration Solution Product Code: EC-CON-5000BT
8.12.88 mS/cm KCl Calibration Solution Product Code: EC-CON-1288BT
9.111.8 mS/cm KCl Calibration Solution Product Code: EC-CON-1118BT
Conclusion
For accurate and reliable measurements of conductivity, it is essential to calibrate your meter using appropriate conductivity calibration standards.
Don't see the conductivity calibration standard you are after here? Or want more information on any of the products mentioned above? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist! We're here to help! Call 1300 737 871 or email customer-service@instrumentchoice.com.au.
Video: How to Calibrate the Horiba Laquatwin Conductivity Meter EC-22
