So I talked to Fluke calibration today about this and here is what I found.
I got a "Accredited report of calibration" certificate on my 8846A for FREE for 2 reasons:
1. I asked for it (at Tequipment.com) and specifically asked how old would the cert be on a meter bought from them. In my
case the meter was 2 weeks delivery direct from the factory with a fresh cert.
2. I bought it from a distributor who will supply the cert on request at no cost. (Tequipment.com)
Not all distributors do this, you have to ask if they do.
Not all Fluke DMM's have a detailed cert with actual readings available even if you ask.
Most will come with a "Statement of Calibration Practices" I think this is the one Dave was mentioning as worthless.
http://www.fluke.com/Fluke/usen/service/Traceable-Certificate-Of-Calibration.htmThis explains the types of cal available
http://support.fluke.com/find_it.asp?document=3029357An as found as left certification is $328.00
A full primary electrical lab certification (Accredited report of calibration) with as found and as calibrated data for the 8846A is $362.00 ( same cert as the one I posted above but with the as found values included. (
as found is important to establish the long term stability of the meter)
I did talk to other suppliers when buying my meter and many had them in stock without the full cert and just said it does not come with one.
Lesson learned? don't buy a meter without finding a distributor that will give a free cal cert (if available). in my case that was a $362.00 free bonus