Handbook 44 – 2018 5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices

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Table of Contents

Section 5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices ........................................................ 5-81

A. Application .................................................................................................................................................. 5-81

A.1. General................................................................................................................................................5-81

A.2. Other Devices Designed to Make Multiple Measurement Automatically to Determine a Volume. ...5-81

A.3. Additional Code Requirements...........................................................................................................5-81

A.4. Exceptions...........................................................................................................................................5-81

A.5. Type Evaluation..................................................................................................................................5-81

S. Specifications............................................................................................................................................... 5-81

S.1. Design of Indicating and Recording Elements and of Recorded Representations. .............................5-81

S.1.1. Zero or Ready Indication. .....................................................................................................5-81

S.1.2. Digital Indications.................................................................................................................5-81

S.1.3. Negative Values....................................................................................................................5-82

S.1.4. Dimensions Indication. .........................................................................................................5-82

S.1.5. Value of Dimension/Volume Division Units........................................................................5-82

S.1.6. Customer Indications and Recorded Representations...........................................................5-82

S.1.7. Minimum Lengths.................................................................................................................5-83

S.1.8. Indications Below Minimum and Above Maximum.............................................................5-83

S.1.9. Operating Temperature. ........................................................................................................5-84

S.1.10. Adjustable Components. .......................................................................................................5-84

S.1.11. Provision for Sealing.............................................................................................................5-84

S.2. Design of Zero and Tare. ....................................................................................................................5-84

S.2.1. Zero or Ready Adjustment....................................................................................................5-84

S.2.2. Tare.......................................................................................................................................5-85

S.3. Systems with Two or More Measuring Elements. ..............................................................................5-86

S.4. Marking Requirements........................................................................................................................5-86

S.4.1. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices, Main Elements, and Components of Measuring 

Devices. ................................................................................................................................5-86

S.4.2. Location of Marking Information. ........................................................................................5-87

N. Notes............................................................................................................................................................. 5-87

N.1. Test Procedures...................................................................................................................................5-87

N.1.1. General..................................................................................................................................5-87

N.1.2. Position Test. ........................................................................................................................5-87

N.1.3. Disturbance Tests, Field Evaluation. ....................................................................................5-87

N.1.4. Test Object Size....................................................................................................................5-88

N.1.5. Digital Zero Stability. ...........................................................................................................5-88

T. Tolerances.................................................................................................................................................... 5-88

T.1. Design. ................................................................................................................................................5-88

T.2. Tolerance Application.........................................................................................................................5-88

T.2.1. Type Evaluation....................................................................................................................5-88

T.2.2. Subsequent Verification........................................................................................................5-88

T.2.3. Multi-interval (Variable Division-Value) Devices. ..............................................................5-88

T.2.4. Mixed-Interval Devices. .......................................................................................................5-88

T.3. Tolerance Values. ...............................................................................................................................5-88

T.4. Position Tests......................................................................................................................................5-88

T.5. Influence Factors.................................................................................................................................5-89

T.5.1. Temperature..........................................................................................................................5-89

T.5.2. Power Supply Voltage. .........................................................................................................5-89
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T.6. Disturbances, Field Evaluation. ..........................................................................................................5-89

UR. User Requirements ..................................................................................................................................... 5-89

UR.1. Selection Requirements. .....................................................................................................................5-89

UR.1.1. Value of the Indicated and Recorded Division. ....................................................................5-89

UR.2. Installation Requirements. ..................................................................................................................5-89

UR.2.1. Supports. ...............................................................................................................................5-89

UR.2.2. Foundation, Supports, and Clearance....................................................................................5-90

UR.2.3. Protection from Environmental Factors................................................................................5-90

UR.3. Use Requirements. ..............................................................................................................................5-90

UR.3.1. Minimum and Maximum Measuring Ranges. ......................................................................5-90

UR.3.2. Special Designs.....................................................................................................................5-90

UR.3.3. Object Placement. .................................................................................................................5-90

UR.4. Maintenance Requirements.................................................................................................................5-90

UR.4.1. Zero or Ready Condition. .....................................................................................................5-90

UR.4.2. Level Condition. ...................................................................................................................5-90

UR.4.3. Device Modification. ............................................................................................................5-90

UR.5. Customer Information Provided..........................................................................................................5-90
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Section 5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices

A. Application

A.1. General. – This code applies to dimension and volume measuring devices used for determining the dimensions 

and/or volume of objects for the purpose of calculating freight, storage, or postal charges based on the dimensions 

and/or volume occupied by the object. A multiple dimension measuring device:

(a) is generally used to measure hexahedron-shaped objects; and

(Added 2008)

(b) may be used to measure irregularly-shaped objects.

(Added 2008)

(Amended 2008)

A.2. Other Devices Designed to Make Multiple Measurement Automatically to Determine a Volume. – Insofar 

as they are clearly applicable, the provisions of this code apply also to devices designed to make multiple 

measurements automatically to determine a volume for other applications as defined by Section 1.10. General Code 

paragraph G-A.1. Commercial and Law-Enforcement Equipment.

A.3. Additional Code Requirements. – In addition to the requirements of this code, Multiple Dimension Measuring 

Devices shall meet the requirements of Section 1.10. General Code.

A.4. Exceptions. – This code does not apply to:

(a) devices designed to indicate automatically (with or without value-computing capabilities) the length of fabric 

passed through the measuring elements (also see Section 5.50. for Fabric-Measuring Devices);

(b) devices designed to indicate automatically the length of cordage, rope, wire, cable, or similar flexible material 

passed through the measuring elements (also see Section 5.51. for Wire- and Cordage-Measuring Devices); 

or

(c) any linear measure, measure of length, or devices used to measure individual dimensions for the purpose of 

assessing a charge per unit of measurement of the individual dimension (also see Section 5.52. for Linear 

Measures).

A.5. Type Evaluation. – The National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) will accept for type evaluation only those 

devices that comply with all requirements of this code.

S. Specifications

S.1. Design of Indicating and Recording Elements and of Recorded Representations.

S.1.1. Zero or Ready Indication.

(a) Provision shall be made to indicate or record either a zero or ready condition.

(b) A zero or ready condition may be indicated by other than a continuous digital zero indication, provided 

that an effective automatic means is provided to inhibit a measuring operation when the device is in an 

out-of-zero or non-ready condition.

S.1.2. Digital Indications. – Indicated and recorded values shall be presented digitally.
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S.1.3. Negative Values. – Except when in the tare mode, negative values shall not be indicated or recorded.

S.1.4. Dimensions Indication. – If in normal operation the device indicates or records only volume, a testing 

mode shall be provided to indicate dimensions for all objects measured.

S.1.5. Value of Dimension/Volume Division Units. – The value of a device division “d” expressed in a unit 

of dimension shall be presented in a decimal format. The value of “d” for each measurement axis shall be in the 

same unit of measure and expressed as:

(a) 1, 2, or 5; 

(b) a decimal multiple or submultiple of 1, 2, or 5; or

(c) a binary submultiple of a specific U.S. customary unit of measure.

Examples: device divisions may be 0.01, 0.02, 0.05; 0.1, 0.2, or 0.5; 1, 2, or 5; 10, 20, 50, or 100; 0.5, 0.25, 

0.125, 0.0625, etc.

(Amended 2016)

S.1.5.1. For Indirect Sales. – In addition to the values specified in S.1.5. Value of Dimension/Volume 

Division Units, the value of the division may be 0.3 inch and 0.4 inch.

S.1.5.2. Devices Capable of Measuring Irregularly-Shaped Objects. – For devices capable of 

measuring irregularly shaped objects, the value of the division size (d) shall be the same for the length axis (x) 

and the width axis (y) and may be different for the height axis (z), provided that electronic rotation of the 

object to determine the smallest hexahedron is calculated in only a two-dimension horizontal plane, retaining 

the stable side plane as the bottom of the hexahedron.

(Added 2008)

S.1.6. Customer Indications and Recorded Representations. – Multiple dimension measuring devices or 

systems must provide information as specified in Table S.1.6. Required Information to be Provided by Multiple 

Dimension Measuring Systems. As a minimum, all devices or systems must be able to meet either column I or 

column II in Table S.1.6. Required Information to be Provided by Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems.

(Amended 2004)
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Table S.1.6. 

Required Information to be Provided by Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems

Information

Column I1 Column II1 Column III

Provided by 

device

Provided by invoice or 

other means

Provided by 

invoice or other 

means as 

specified in 

contractual 

agreement 

Customer

present

Customer 

not present

1. Device identification2 D or P P P P or A

2. Error message (when applicable) D or P P N/A N/A

3. Hexahedron dimensions3 D or P P P P or A

4. Hexahedron volume (if used)3 D or P P P P or A

5. Actual weight (if used)3 D or P P P P or A

6. Tare (if used)3 D or P N/A N/A N/A

7. Hexahedron measurement statement4 D or P or M P P P or G

A = AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST BY CUSTOMER5

D = DISPLAYED

G = PUBLISHED GUIDELINES OR CONTRACTS

M = MARKED

N/A = NOT APPLICABLE

P = PRINTED or RECORDED IN A MEMORY DEVICE and AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST BY CUSTOMER5

Notes:

1 As a minimum all devices or systems must be able to meet either column I or column II.

2 This is only required in systems where more than one device or measuring element is being used.

3 Some devices or systems may not utilize all of these values; however, as a minimum either hexahedron dimensions 

or hexahedron volume must be displayed or printed.

4 This is an explanation that the dimensions and/or volume shown are those of the smallest hexahedron in which the 

object that was measured may be enclosed rather than those of the object itself.

5 The information “available upon request by customer” shall be retained by the party having issued the invoice for 

at least 30 calendar days after the date of invoicing.

(Amended 2004)

S.1.7. Minimum Measurement. – Except for entries of tare, the minimum measurement by a device is 12 d. 

The manufacturer may specify a longer minimum measurement. For multi-interval devices, this applies only to 

the first measuring range (or segment) of each measurement axis (length, width, and height).

(Amended 2017)

S.1.8. Indications Below Minimum and Above Maximum. – When objects are smaller than the minimum 

dimensions identified in paragraph S.1.7. Minimum Measurement or larger than any of the maximum dimensions 

plus 9 d, and/or maximum volume marked on the device plus 9 d, or when a combination of dimensions, including 
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tare, for the object being measured exceeds the measurement capability of the device, the indicating or recording 

element shall either:

(a) not indicate or record any usable values; or

(b) identify the indicated or recorded representation with an error indication.

(Amended 2004 and 2017)

S.1.9. Operating Temperature. – An indicating or recording element shall not indicate nor record any usable 

values until the operating temperature necessary for accurate measuring and a stable zero reference or ready 

condition has been attained.

S.1.10. Adjustable Components. – Adjustable components shall be held securely in adjustment and, except for 

a zeroing mechanism (when applicable), shall be located within the housing of the element.

S.1.11. Provision for Sealing.

(a) A device shall be designed with provision(s) for applying a security seal that must be broken, or for 

using other approved means of providing security (e.g., data change audit trail available at the time of 

inspection), before any change that detrimentally affects the metrological integrity of the device can be 

made to any measuring element.

(b) Audit trails shall use the format set forth in Table S.1.11. Categories of Devices and Methods of Sealing 

for Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems.

Table S.1.11.

Categories of Devices and Methods of Sealing for Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems

Categories of Devices Methods of Sealing

Category 1: No remote configuration. Seal by physical seal or two event counters: one for

calibration parameters and one for configuration 

parameters.

Category 2: Remote configuration capability, but 

access is controlled by physical hardware.

Device shall clearly indicate that it is in the remote 

configuration mode and record such message if 

capable of printing in this mode.

The hardware enabling access for remote 

communication must be at the device and sealed using 

a physical seal or two event counters: one for

calibration parameters and one for configuration 

parameters.

Category 3: Remote configuration capability 

access may be unlimited or controlled through a 

software switch (e.g., password).

An event logger is required in the device; it must 

include an event counter (000 to 999), the parameter 

ID, the date and time of the change, and the new value 

of the parameter. A printed copy of the information 

must be available through the device or through another 

on-site device. The event logger shall have a capacity 

to retain records equal to 10 times the number of 

sealable parameters in the device, but not more than 

1000 records are required. (Note: Does not require 

1000 changes to be stored for each parameter.)

S.2. Design of Zero and Tare.

S.2.1. Zero or Ready Adjustment. – A device shall be equipped with means by which the zero reference or 

ready condition can be adjusted, or the zero reference or ready condition shall be automatically maintained. The 
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zero reference or ready control circuits shall be interlocked so that their use is prohibited during measurement 

operations.

S.2.2. Tare. – The tare function shall operate only in a backward direction (that is, in a direction of underregistration) with respect to the zero reference or ready condition of the device. The value of the tare division or 

increment shall be equal to the division of its respective axis on the device. There shall be a clear indication that 

tare has been taken.

S.2.2.1. Maximum Value of Tare for Multi-Interval (Variable Division-Value Devices). – A multiinterval device shall not accept any tare value greater than the maximum capacity of the lowest range of the 

axis for which the tare is being entered.

(Added 2016)

S.2.2.2. Net Values, Mathematical Agreement. – All net values resulting from a device subtracting a 

tare entry from a gross value indication shall be indicated and recorded, if so equipped, to the nearest division 

of the measuring range in which the net value occurs. In instances where the tare value entered on a multiinterval device is in a lower partial measuring range (or segment) than the gross indication, the system shall 

either alter the tare entered or round the net result after subtraction of the tare in order to achieve correct 

mathematical agreement. 

Consider a multi-interval device having two partial measuring ranges for the “x” axis:

• Partial measuring range 1: 0 to 100 inches in 0.2 inch increments

• Partial measuring range 2: 100 to 300 inches in 0.5 inch increments

The following examples clarify the two acceptable methods this device can use to achieve mathematical 

agreement when tare has been entered in a lower partial measuring range than the gross indication.

(Added 2016)

Acceptable Example 1.

Altering of a Tare Entry to Achieve Accurate Net Indication

Gross Indication of Item 

Being Measured Tare Entered Value of Tare after Being Altered by the Device

Acceptable Net 

Indication

154.5 in 41.2 in 41.0 in 113.5 in

154.5 in 41.4 in 41.5 in 113.0 in

(Added 2016)

Acceptable Example 2.

Rounding of the Net Result (Following the Subtraction of Tare) to Achieve Accurate Net Indication

Gross Indication of Item 

Being Measured Tare Entered

Net Result Before 

Rounding

(Gross Indication 

minus Tare Entered)

Acceptable Net 

Indication Rounded to 

Nearest 0.5 Inch

154.5 in 41.2 in 113.3 in 113.5 in

154.5 in 41.4 in 113.1 in 113.0 in

(Added 2016)
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S.3. Systems with Two or More Measuring Elements. – A multiple dimension measuring system with a single 

indicating or recording element, or a combination indicating-recording element, that is coupled to two or more 

measuring elements with independent measuring systems, shall be provided with means to prohibit the activation of 

any measuring element (or elements) not in use, and shall be provided with automatic means to indicate clearly and 

definitely which measuring element is in use.

Note: This requirement does not apply to individual devices that use multiple emitters/sensors within a device in combination to 

measure objects in the same measurement field.

(Amended 2004)

S.4. Marking Requirements. – (Also see G-S.1. Identification, G-S.4. Interchange or Reversal of Parts, 

G-S.5.2.5. Permanence, G-S.6. Marking Operational Controls, Indications, and Features, G-S.7. Lettering, 

G-UR.2.1.1. Visibility of Identification, and G-UR.3.1. Method of Operation.)

S.4.1. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices, Main Elements, and Components of Measuring 

Devices. – Multiple dimension measuring devices, main elements of multiple dimension measuring devices when 

not contained in a single enclosure for the entire dimension/volume measuring device, and other components shall 

be marked as specified in Table S.4.1.a. and explained in the accompanying notes, Table S.4.1.b. Multiple 

Dimension Measuring Systems Notes for Table S.4.1.a.

Table S.4.1.a.

Marking Requirements for Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems

To Be Marked With ⇓

Multiple Dimension Measuring Equipment

Multiple 

Dimension 

Measuring 

Device and 

Indicating 

Element in Same 

Housing

Indicating 

Element 

not Permanently 

Attached to 

Multiple 

Dimension 

Measuring 

Element

Multiple 

Dimension 

Measuring 

Element not 

Permanently 

Attached to the 

Indicating 

Element

Other 

Equipment

(1)

Manufacturer’s ID x x x x

Model Designation x x x x

Serial Number and Prefix x x x x (2)

Certificate of Conformance Number (8) x x x x (8)

Minimum and Maximum Dimensions 

for Each Axis for Each Range in Each 

Axis (3)(9)

x x x

Value of Measuring Division, d

(for each axis and range) (9) x x x

Temperature Limits (4)(9) x x x

Minimum and Maximum speed (5)(9) x x x

Special Application (6)(9) x x x

Limitation of Use (7)(9) x x x

(Amended 2016)
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Table S.4.1.b.

Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems Notes for Table S.4.1.a.

1. Necessary to the dimension and/or volume measuring system, but having no effect on the measuring value, e.g., 

auxiliary remote display, keyboard, etc.

2. Modules without “intelligence” on a modular system (e.g., printer, keyboard module, etc.) are not required to 

have serial numbers.

3. The minimum and maximum dimensions (using upper or lower case type) shall be marked. For example:

 Length: min _______ max _______

 Width: min _______ max _______

 Height: min _______ max _______

4. Required if the range is other than − 10 °C to 40 °C (14 °F to 104 °F).

5. Multiple dimension measuring devices, which require that the object or device be moved relative to one another, 

shall be marked with the minimum and maximum speeds at which the device is capable of making measurements 

that are within the applicable tolerances.

6. A device designed for a special application rather than general use shall be conspicuously marked with suitable 

words visible to the operator and the customer restricting its use to that application.

7. Materials, shapes, structures, combination of object dimensions, speed, spacing, minimum protrusion size, or 

object orientations that are inappropriate for the device or those that are appropriate.

8. Required only if a Certificate of Conformance has been issued for the equipment.

9. This marking information may be readily accessible via the display. Instructions for displaying the information 

shall be described in the NTEP CC. 

(Amended 2004, 2008, and 2016)

S.4.2. Location of Marking Information. – The required marking information shall be so located that it is 

readily observable without the necessity of the disassembly of a part requiring the use of any means separate from 

the device.

N. Notes

N.1.Test Procedures.

N.1.1. General. – The device shall be tested using test standards and objects of known and stable dimensions.

N.1.2. Position Test. – Measurements are made using different positions of the test object and consistent with 

the manufacturer’s specified use for the device.

N.1.2.1. Irregularly-Shaped Test Object Placement. – Irregularly-shaped test objects must be measured 

while placed on a stable side. The rotation of the object to determine the smallest hexahedron should be 

calculated in a two-dimensional plane, retaining the stable side plane as the bottom of the hexahedron.

(Added 2008)

N.1.3. Disturbance Tests, Field Evaluation. – A disturbance test shall be conducted at a given installation 

when the presence of disturbances specified in T.6. has been verified and characterized if those conditions are 

considered “usual and customary.”
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N.1.4. Test Object Size. – Test objects may vary in size from the smallest dimension to the largest dimension 

marked on the device, and for field verification examinations, shall be an integer multiple of “d.”

N.1.4.1. Test Objects. – Verification of devices may be conducted using appropriate test objects of various 

sizes and of stable dimensions. Test object dimensions must be known to an expanded uncertainty (coverage 

factor k = 2) of not more than one-third of the applicable device tolerance. The dimensions shall also be 

checked to the same uncertainty when used at the extreme values of the influence factors.

The dimension of all test objects shall be verified using a reference standard that is traceable to NIST (or 

equivalent national laboratory) and meet the tolerances expressed in NIST Handbook 44 Fundamental 

Considerations, paragraph 3.2. (i.e., one-third of the smallest tolerance applied to the device).

(Added 2004)

N.1.4.2. Irregularly-Shaped Test Objects. – For irregularly-shaped test objects, at least one angle shall 

be obtuse and the smallest dimension for an axis shall be equal to or greater than the minimum dimension for 

that axis.

(Added 2008)

(Amended 2008 and 2012)

N.1.5. Digital Zero Stability. – A zero indication change test shall be conducted on all devices which show a 

digital zero. After the removal of any test object, the zero indication shall not change. (Also see 

G-UR.4.2. Abnormal Performance.)

T. Tolerances

T.1. Design. – The tolerance for a multiple dimension measuring device is a performance requirement independent 

of the design principle used.

T.2. Tolerance Application.

T.2.1. Type Evaluation. – For type evaluations, the tolerance values apply to tests within the influence factor 

limits of temperature and power supply voltage specified in T.5.1. Temperature and T.5.2. Power Supply Voltage.

T.2.2. Subsequent Verification. – For subsequent verifications, the tolerance values apply regardless of the 

influence factors in effect at the time of the verification. (Also see G-N.2. Testing with Nonassociated 

Equipment.)

T.2.3. Multi-interval (Variable Division-Value) Devices. – When there exist two or more partial measuring 

ranges (or segments) specified for any of the “dimensioning” axes (length (x), width (y), or height (z)) and the 

division values corresponding to those partial measuring ranges (or segments) within the same “dimensioning” 

axis differ, the tolerance values shall be based on the value of the division of the range in use.

(Amended 2016)

T.2.4. Mixed-Interval Devices. – For devices that measure to a different division value in at least one 

dimensioning axes and all axes are single range, the tolerance values shall be based on the value of the division 

of the axis in use.

(Added 2016)

T.3. Tolerance Values. – The maintenance and acceptance tolerance values shall be ± 1 division.

(Amended 2004)

T.4. Position Tests. – For a test standard measured several times in different positions by the device all indications 

shall be within applicable tolerances.
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T.5. Influence Factors. – The following factors are applicable to tests conducted under controlled conditions only.

T.5.1. Temperature. – Devices shall satisfy the tolerance requirements under the following temperature 

conditions.

T.5.1.1. Temperature Limits. – If not marked on the device, the temperature limits shall be − 10 °C to 

40 °C (14 °F to 104 °F).

T.5.1.2. Minimum Temperature Range. – If temperature limits are specified for the device, the range 

shall be at least 30 °C or 54 °F.

T.5.1.3. Temperature Effect on Zero Indication. – The zero indication shall not vary by more than one 

division per 5 °C (9 °F) change in temperature.

T.5.2. Power Supply Voltage.

T.5.2.1. Alternating Current Power Supply. – Devices that operate using alternating current must 

perform within the conditions defined in paragraphs T.3. through T.6., inclusive, from − 15 % to + 10 % of 

the marked nominal line voltage(s) at 60 Hz, or the voltage range marked by the manufacturer, at 60 Hz.

(Added 2004)

T.5.2.2. Direct Current Power Supply. – Devices that operate using direct current shall operate and 

perform within the applicable tolerance at any voltage level at which the device is capable of displaying 

metrological registrations.

(Added 2004)

(Amended 2004)

T.6. Disturbances, Field Evaluation. – The following requirements apply to devices when subjected to 

disturbances which may normally exist in the surrounding environment. These disturbances include radio frequency 

interference (RFI), electromagnetic interference (EMI), acoustic changes, ambient light emissions, etc. The difference 

between the measurement indication with the disturbance and the measurement indication without the disturbance 

shall not exceed one division “d” or the equipment shall:

(a) blank the indication; 

(b) provide an error message; or

(c) the indication shall be so completely unstable that it could not be interpreted, or transmitted into memory or 

to a recording element, as a correct measurement value.

UR. User Requirements

UR.1. Selection Requirements. – Equipment shall be suitable for the service in which it is used with respect to 

elements of its design, including but not limited to, its maximum capacity, value of the division, minimum capacity, 

and computing capability.

UR.1.1. Value of the Indicated and Recorded Division. – The value of the division recorded shall be the 

same as the division value indicated.

UR.2. Installation Requirements.

UR.2.1. Supports. – A device that is portable and is being used on a counter, table, or the floor shall be so 

positioned that it is firmly and securely supported.
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UR.2.2. Foundation, Supports, and Clearance. – The foundations and support of a device installed in a fixed 

location shall be such as to provide strength, rigidity, and permanence of all components, and clearance shall be 

provided around all live parts to the extent that no contacts may result when the measuring element is empty, nor 

throughout the performance range of the device such that the operation or performance of the device is adversely 

affected.

UR.2.3. Protection from Environmental Factors. – The indicating and measuring elements of a device shall 

be adequately protected from environmental factors such as wind, weather, and RFI that may adversely affect the 

operation or performance of the device.

UR.3. Use Requirements.

UR.3.1. Minimum and Maximum Measuring Ranges. – A device shall not be used to measure objects 

smaller than the minimum or larger than the maximum dimensions marked on the device.

UR.3.2. Special Designs. – A multiple dimension measuring device designed and marked for a special 

application shall not be used for other than its intended purpose.

UR.3.3. Object Placement. – If the object being measured must be transported (e.g., shipped) on a stable side, 

that irregularly-shaped object must be measured while placed on that stable side. The electronic rotation of the 

object to determine the smallest hexahedron shall be calculated in a two-dimensional horizontal plane, retaining 

the stable side plane as the bottom of the hexahedron.

(Added 2008)

(Amended 2008)

UR.4. Maintenance Requirements.

UR.4.1. Zero or Ready Condition. – The zero-setting adjustment of a multiple dimension measuring device 

shall be maintained so that, with no object in or on the measuring element, the device shall indicate or record a 

zero or ready condition.

UR.4.2. Level Condition. – If a multiple dimension measuring device is equipped with a level-condition 

indicator, the device shall be maintained in a level condition.

UR.4.3. Device Modification. – The measuring capabilities of a device shall not be changed from the 

manufacturer’s design unless the modification has been approved by the manufacturer and the weights and 

measures authority having jurisdiction over the device.

UR.5. Customer Information Provided. – The user of a multiple dimension measuring device or system shall 

provide transaction information to the customer as specified in Table UR.5. Customer Information Provided.

(Added 2004)
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Table UR.5. 

Customer Information Provided

Information

No Contractual Agreement

Contractual 

Customer Agreement

Present

Customer not Present

1. Object identification N/A P P or A

2. Billing method (scale or dimensional weight if 

used)

D or P P P or A

3. Billing rate or rate chart D or P or A P or G or A P or A

4. Dimensional weight (if used) P P P or A

5. Conversion factor (if dimensional weight is used) D or P or A P P or G

6. Dimensional weight statement1 (if dimensional 

weight is used)

D or P P P or G

7. Total price P P P or A

A = Available upon Request by Customer2

D = Displayed

G = Published Guidelines or Contracts

M = Marked

N/A = Not Applicable

P = Printed

Notes:

1 This is an explanation that the dimensional weight is not a true weight but is a calculated value obtained by applying 

a conversion factor to the hexahedron dimensions or volume of the object.

2 The information “available upon request by customer” shall be retained by the party having issued the invoice for at 

least 30 calendar days after the date of invoicing.

(Added 2004)
5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices Handbook 44 – 2018

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