§ 19.277 - Measuring devices and proofing instruments.

(a) General. Proprietors shall provide for their own use accurate hydrometers, thermometers, and other necessary equipment to determine proof or volume.

(b) Instruments. Hydrometers and thermometers used by proprietors to gauge spirits shall show subdivisions or graduations of proof and temperature which are at least as delimitated as those prescribed in 27 CFR part 30. Proprietors shall make frequent tests of their hydrometers and thermometers, and, if they appear to be in error in excess of one subdivision, the instruments shall not be used until they are further tested and certified as accurate by the manufacturer or another qualified person.

(c) Meters. The appropriate TTB officer may approve applications to measure spirits by meter for purposes other than tax determination. Applications shall include sufficient technical data, such as the make, model and accuracy tolerance, to enable the appropriate TTB officer to evaluate the suitability of the meter for its intended use. Corrections for temperature of the spirits being measured shall be made in conjunction with the volumetric measurement of spirits by meter. If a meter does not have a temperature compensating feature, temperature correction shall be ascertained and made from a representative sample taken from the spirits being measured.