Free Shipping
on orders over $500

Lifetime Support
from the experts

Money Back Guarantee
Not happy? Send it back!

Temperature Loggers: Accuracy versus Resolution

Resolution

The resolution is an indication of how specific the answer is. It is measured in degrees. The smaller the value, the better the device. For example, a resolution of 0.5° means that a reading of 3.5° could be between 3.25° and 3.75°. A resolution of 0.1° means that a reading of 3.5° could be between 3.45° and 3.55°.

The maximum permissible resolution depends upon the application. For example, when monitoring body temperature it is critical to have at least 0.1° resolution. For food this degree of resolution is often not necessary. The change in temperature that has to be recorded is a couple of degrees and a resolution of 0.5° is often acceptable.

Accuracy

The accuracy indicates how close to the actual temperature a reading is. The smaller the number, the better the device. The current HACCP requirement in the food industry for accuracy is typically 1°C.

Accuracy versus resolution

The difference between accuracy and resolution can be seen in this simple analogy.

Two people have a watch. One watch shows the hours, minutes and seconds. It has a resolution of 1 second. The other watch only has hours and minutes. It has a resolution of 1 minute.

The first person sets their watch once a month and it can be up to 5 minutes fast or slow. It has an accuracy of +/- 5 minutes. The second person sets their watch daily and it has an accuracy of 1 minute.

In this example, the first person could state the time as “1:34 PM and 23 seconds” but could be up to 5 minutes out. Their answer is specific (good resolution) but inaccurate. The second person can only say the time is “1:36 PM” but will be within one minute of the time. Their answer has a lower resolution but is more accurate.

There are many thermometers on the market that will display the temperature to one or two decimal places but have an accuracy of greater than 1°. Do not mistake decimal places for accuracy. If the accuracy is not stated on the product then assume it is greater than 1°.

Tagged

Any Questions? Call us for a chat.

Products

Pages

Recent Articles

OnSolution Pty Ltd

ABN 36 093 811 271

Phone: 1300 30 33 34

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

Clever Logger and LogTag loggers contain small batteries. Swallowing can lead to chemical burns, perforation of soft tissue, and death. Severe burns can occur within 2 hours of ingestion. Seek medical attention immediately.

© Copyright 2025 OnSolution Pty Ltd

What is covered with our shipping insurance?

Our normal terms and conditions (like most businesses) is that you take possession the moment an order ships. If the order is lost or damaged in transit then, in theory, it’s your problem. In reality we will have a conversation and try to work out a good way to resolve the issue where we are both happy (or not too upset).

Shipping insurance is there to remove the drama. If an order is lost or damaged in transit, we will simply send out a replacement, and we will then deal with the courier directly to resolve the original problem.

Our shipping insurance also means that if an order is delayed beyond what is normal and reasonable then we will send you another shipment (stock levels permitting). Then you should receive one of them sooner, and when the second one arrives you simply Return To Sender.

How much is shipping insurance?

Shipping insurance is 5% of the cost of the goods.

Is it worth it? Practically we have had far less than 5% of shipments have problems. It is, however, what Australia Post and other couriers charge. Ultimately insurance is about peace of mind and less hassle when something does go wrong.

Shipping insurance as an option

Shipping insurance is offered as an option on all our web sites. You can select it at the checkout.

For large orders our staff may also ask if you would like shipping insurance.

If you would like shipping insurance on an order you are placing with us, just ask.

Mandatory shipping insurance

Unfortunately we have had a couple of large orders not make it and then the customer refused to pay. A friend suggested that the easy way to avoid the dispute is to insure any shipments where we have a significant risk.

If you would like an immediate line of credit (30 days to pay) and have the goods ship immediately (no credit check delays) and are purchasing over $500 then we will add shipping insurance to your order.

The shipping insurance can be waived if the order is between $500 and $2,000 and you provide us with a formal confirmation that you accept responsibility of the goods once they ship.

Alternatively you can prepay by direct deposit or credit card.

What is not covered?

If there is a clear proof of delivery to the shipping address provided then we class that as delivered. Unfortunately there are cases where it is lost somewhere between the loading dock or receptionist and ending up in your hands. But we also know that a photo of the bag against a generic grey background is not proof of delivery, it is just proof of existence! It needs to be a reasonable proof of delivery.

It also doesn’t cover the expectation of overnight delivery. For example, if we were to ship to Melbourne (we are in Sydney) then we would expect it to be delivered within about 3 days. Most of the time it is overnight, but there are enough floods and other issues that regularly cause minor delays. Sending a second order the next day tends to not fix the problem. If it is super urgent, talk to us about how we can minimise the risk.

For damage claims we ask that you contact us immediately and we will probably ask for photos or some proof. The shipping insurance doesn’t cover claims weeks later. We do have warranty covering our items, but it excludes physical damage (e.g. being dropped). If the goods are damaged in transit then please let us know ASAP so we can cover it under the shipping insurance.