What are Class 3 Trade Approved Scales?

When it comes to weighing goods for commercial purposes, it is important to use a scale that has been approved by the government. 

Class 3 approved scales are those that have been deemed accurate and reliable for commercial use. 

In this blog post, we will discuss what class 3 approved scales are and why they are important.

Class III Trade Approved Scales

In the United Kingdom, all commercial scales must be approved by the Weights and Measures Act of 1963 before they can be used. The reason for this is to ensure that all goods are weighed accurately, and that businesses are not overcharging or undercharging their customers. 

Class III scales are those that have been specifically approved for use in commercial settings. Class III scales are used for a number of tasks, including: animal weighing, food portions, postal requirements, laundry tariffs and even on-board weight measurements for vehicles.

There are a few different things that make a class III scale different from other scales. For one, they are required to be accurate to within +/- 1 division (least count). They must also be constructed from materials that are durable and resistant to wear and tear. They have 500 ~10,000 numbers of scale divisions.

Class III scales must be tested and calibrated on a regular basis to ensure that they remain accurate. 

What are Other Classes of Scales?

There are four different classes of scales in the UK, with Class III being the highest class. 

Class I scales are those that are used in domestic settings and do not need to be as accurate as Class III scales. They have > 50,000 numbers of scale divisions.

Class II scales are used in settings such as retail stores and are required to be accurate to within +/- 2 divisions (least count). They have 5,000 ~1,00,000 numbers of scale divisions. The common uses for this type of scale are in laboratories, to weigh precious metals and gems, as well as grain test scales.

Class IV scales are the most accurate type of scale and are used in settings such as laboratories and medical environments. They have 50 ~ 1000 numbers of scale divisions.

Why are Class III Scales Important?

Trade Approved scales are important because they ensure that businesses weigh goods accurately. This, in turn, protects consumers from being overcharged or undercharged for the products they purchase. Class III scales also help to ensure that businesses are complying with the law.

If you are planning on using a scale for commercial purposes, it is important to make sure that it is a Class III approved scale. These scales are more accurate and reliable than other types of scales, and they will help to ensure that you are weighing goods accurately.

Why Use Class III Approved Scales?

There are a few different reasons why you might choose to use class III approved scales in your business. 

1. Accuracy

First, it is important to use accurate scales so that you can be sure that you are charging your customers the correct amount for their purchases. Class III scales are accurate to within +/- 1 division (least count), which means that you can be confident that you are weighing goods correctly. 

2. Compliance

Another reason to use Class III approved scales is to ensure that you are compliant with the law. In the UK, all commercial scales must be approved by the Weights and Measures Act of 1963. If you use a scale that is not approved, you could face penalties or fines. 

3. Durability

Finally, Class III scales are built to last. They are constructed from durable materials that can withstand heavy use. Class III scales must also be tested and calibrated on a regular basis to ensure that they remain accurate.

How to Know if a Scale is Class 3 Approved?

There are two ways to tell if your weighing scale is trade approved: 

1. Check Company Details/Order Details

The most apparent method to discern your weighing scale’s capacity is to check the website, packaging or order details. Please keep in mind that your scale might not say “Class III approved” on it, but it may be called a trade approved scale, legal for trade scale, verified, EC stamped or stamped scale. 

2. Markings and Barcode

Another way to tell if your scale is class 3 approved is by checking the data plate or markings on the underside of your instrument. In the UK, you will mostly find a CE (European Conformity) or an M/Class II/Class III mark to signify that your scale is trade approved. The M symbol on the weight scale is now black, though it was previously green. Some of the older scales may also have a crown stamp. 

If you are looking for a reliable and accurate scale for your business, then a Class III approved scale is the best option. These scales are built to last and will help to ensure that you are charging your customers the correct amount for their purchases. 

MWS sells a variety of Class III approved scales that are perfect for use in commercial settings. To learn more about our products, visit our website or contact us today.