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Consumer Affairs Inspection of Timing Devices Devices that measure time during which services are being dispensed (e.g., vehicle parking, laundry drying, car washing) must be correct in order to avoid overcharges to consumers. Inspection and test procedures for timing devices are contained in Section 5.55 "Timing Devices" of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44 Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices (1999). Handbook 44 has been adopted for use in the city of Seattle by the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) at Section 7.04.140. Penalties for violations of the Weights and Measures Code are prescribed at SMC 7.04.690. Statement of Rates. The price in terms of money per unit of time for the service dispensed must be clearly and prominently displayed. [User Requirement UR.1] Time Representations. Correct Time. Any time representation must be within plus or minus two (2) minutes of the correct time. Time-Out Clock. The time indication of the "time-out" clock must be the same or less than the "time-in" clock. [User Requirement UR.2] Printed Tickets. If printed tickets are issued or stamped by a timing device, the time and day that service begins and ends or the time and day and interval purchased must be recorded. Self-service money-operated devices need only record the time of day. Time recorders may be calibrated by checking standard time signals that are broadcast continuously by NIST (e.g., WWV at Fort Collins, CO - frequencies: 2.5 Mhz, 5.0 Mhz, 10.0 Mhz, or 15.0 Mhz). The correct time is also available on the atomic web clock at the NIST web site [www.NIST.gov - click on "NIST Time"]. Alternatively, there is a NIST time-of-day message at (303) 499-7111. Rejected Devices. Time recorders that have incorrect time representations must be repaired immediately. Time recorders that cannot be repaired must be replaced. Repaired time recorders will be re-inspected by weights and measures inspectors to verify compliance with Handbook 44 requirements. Inspectors may issue a "stop use" order for rejected time recorders and may condemn time recorders that have been rejected but cannot be properly repaired. The Consumer Affairs Unit is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the requirements applicable to timing devices. |
Tank Truck Meter Testing Program |
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