Tecalemit Garage Equipment Ltd

Testing times for smoke meters

22 August 2008

Tecalemit Garage Equipment Ltd, the UK's leader in MoT and vehicle servicing equipment is launching its new TD4800 smoke meter, an innovative solution which conforms to the next generation of VOSA smoke meter legislation.

The new TD4800 meter is more accurate than previous models and has clearly defined procedures for conducting all of the relevant tests. It is quicker and easier to use and has been stringently tested and calibrated to ensure that it provides accurate, consistent results.

So how does it work?

Like all smoke meters, the TD4800 works by passing a light through a sample of smoke and measures how much of the light is obscured. The difference between current smoke meters and the new range, is how they handle that measurement.
The new TD4800 applies a different formula to the smoke reading, based on the ISO standard for smoke meters, which gives a lower reading than the older style meters.

The Vehicle and Operators Service Agency (VOSA), now uses Tecalemit's new generation smoke meters in all of its Goods Vehicle Test Stations (GVTS). And as everyone must know by now using new specification diesel smoke meters (DSM's) such as the TD4800 will be mandatory for MOT Testing from January 2009.

"Once the new smoke meter legislation comes into force any tests carried out using old level equipment will be invalid, as the new meters are accredited to a higher standard," explains Philip Cledwyn, Sales and Marketing Manager of Tecalemit. "Consequently, garages carrying out any class of MOT test and still using old level equipment should be upgrading to the new meters as soon as possible in order to fulfil the necessary criteria."

Other key features include:

• Modern Bluetooth connectivity to smoke chamber
• Hand held control unit
• Compact design - can be wall mounted, or optional trolley
• Tecalemit's patented smoke chamber
• Fully approved for all classes of UK MOT and RPC testing
• Patented linearity test
• Integral engine speed detection
• Easy to use with simple guidance at every stage
• Supplied with emission diagnostic software
• Used by testing authorities throughout Europe
• Integral printer
• Approved by Vehicle Manufacturers
• 3 Year Warranty

Vehicle technology has moved along so fast that some vehicles on the road produce zero visible smoke. So, to ensure that the test is carried out accurately smoke meter manufacturers have included a second 'trigger' to ensure that the acceleration has been conducted. In most cases, this is temperature or pressure of the exhaust smoke and works in the background so the tester is not aware that it is happening.

Tecalemit has been at the forefront of the motor industry for well over 80 years and along with smoke meters it supplies a complete range of technologically advanced equipment for the modern vehicle workshop. A team of fully trained engineers provide a nationwide support service for all its equipment.