ASTM E77-14 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E77-14 (Reapproved 2021) — Standard Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Thermometers. This test method specifies visual and dimensional inspection and procedures for verifying scale accuracy of liquid-in-glass thermometers (and may be applied to similar liquid-in-glass types) to ensure they meet the tolerances and usability requirements referenced in ASTM Specifications E1 and E2251.

Abstract

Provides methods for checking construction, scale graduation, dimensional limits, and scale accuracy of liquid-in-glass thermometers used as primary or secondary standards or for routine verification. Includes requirements for visual/dimensional inspection, comparator use, and cautions on mercury-containing instruments. Intended to support reliable temperature measurement and compatibility with ASTM apparatus.

General information

• Status: Active / Published (reapproved).
• Publication date: Approved in 2014 originally; reapproved/confirmed in 2021 (current edition notation E77‑14(2021)).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 17.200.20 - Temperature‑measuring instruments; Committee E20 (Temperature Measurement), Subcommittee E20.05.
• Edition / version: Designation E77‑14 (Reapproved 2021) — also referenced as E0077-14R21 / E0077-14.
• Number of pages: 13 pages (typical published document length).

These bibliographic details and the document DOI/designation information are recorded in ASTM’s document catalog and third‑party standards aggregators.

Scope

The standard covers visual and dimensional inspection and tests for scale accuracy to be used in verifying liquid‑in‑glass thermometers as specified in ASTM Specifications E1 and E2251. It describes apparatus and procedures (micrometers, ring gauges, comparators, reference/secondary standards), recommended reference material (for example NIST SP250‑23), and includes safety cautions regarding mercury‑containing instruments. The procedures may be applied to other liquid‑in‑glass thermometers where appropriate.

Key topics and requirements

• Visual and dimensional inspection of stems, bulbs, graduations and straightness (use of graduated metal scales, templates, micrometers, ring gauges).
• Verification of scale accuracy using comparators and calibrated reference thermometers (primary and secondary standards; use of platinum resistance thermometers in primary ranges).
• Procedures for testing total‑immersion and partial‑immersion thermometers and addressing separations or column joining.
• Requirements for periodic recalibration and verification intervals for secondary standards.
• Safety and regulatory cautions for mercury‑filled thermometers and note on legal/safety considerations.

These topics reflect the normative content of the E77 test method and related annexes or appendices describing apparatus and handling.

Typical use and users

Used by calibration laboratories, manufacturers and quality/control departments that inspect, accept, sell, or recalibrate liquid‑in‑glass thermometers. Also referenced by test laboratories and standards bodies when an ASTM method requires thermometer verification (for example where E1 or E2251 thermometers are specified). Technical staff responsible for thermometer maintenance, instrument procurement, and laboratory accreditation will commonly apply this standard.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and guidance include ASTM E1 (Specification for ASTM Liquid‑in‑Glass Thermometers), ASTM E2251, and NIST Special Publications such as NIST SP250‑23 for calibration guidance. The E77 method is published within ASTM Book of Standards, Volume 14.03 and was developed by Subcommittee E20.05.

Keywords

thermometer verification, liquid‑in‑glass thermometer, scale accuracy, inspection, calibration, comparator, thermometer inspection, mercury thermometer, ASTM E77, temperature measurement.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E77‑14 (Reapproved 2021) is a test method that specifies visual/dimensional inspection and scale‑accuracy verification procedures for liquid‑in‑glass thermometers used in ASTM test methods and specifications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the apparatus and procedures for examining construction and graduations, measuring critical dimensions (using scales, micrometers, ring gauges), checking color/pigment permanency where applicable, and verifying scale accuracy with comparators and reference thermometers; it also includes safety cautions related to mercury.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Calibration and testing laboratories, thermometer manufacturers, quality assurance personnel, procurement specialists who need to confirm thermometer conformance to ASTM specifications, and any laboratory performing temperature measurements where ASTM methods reference liquid‑in‑glass thermometers.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2014 designation (E77‑14) was reapproved/reaffirmed in 2021 (commonly shown as E77‑14(2021) or E0077‑14R21). The ASTM webstore lists the reapproved 2021 status and the document as active at the time of record. Users should check ASTM’s catalog for any later revisions beyond the 2021 reapproval.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — E77 is part of ASTM’s temperature‑measurement suite of documents developed by Committee E20 and Subcommittee E20.05; it is associated with specification documents such as E1 and procedural references in the Book of Standards (Volume 14.03).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Thermometer inspection, verification, liquid‑in‑glass, calibration, scale accuracy, comparator, ASTM E77, mercury safety.