§ 501.26 - Inspection of meters in use.

(a) The manufacturer must have all its meters in service with licensees inspected according to the following schedule. A high-volume mailer is defined as one who has annual metered postage in excess of $12,000.

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(b) Manufacturer inspections must be sufficiently thorough to determine that each meter is clean, in proper operating condition, and recording its operations correctly and accurately. The manufacturers must:

(1) Compare the meter serial number on the meter with the serial number on the source document (manufacturer's records).

(2) Record the ascending and descending register readings and calculate the total readings. Record the locking-seal identification number.

(3) Obtain the licensee's PS Form 3602-A, Record of Meter Register Readings, or equivalent, and a copy of the most recent PS Form 3603, Receipt for Postage Meter Setting, and verify the control total after the last setting with the control total calculated during the proof-of-register procedure.

(4) Verify the accuracy of postage selection, denomination indicator wheels or electronic display, and denomination printing wheels following the proof of registers by printing a .00 meter stamp and then comparing the register readings with the recorded register readings.

(5) Check to determine that the post office locking seal is in place and properly sealed and that the seal wire is properly wound and tightly gripped by the seal-locking mechanism, and tightly pulled up to the lock cover or post. Ensure that the locking-seal identification number matches the seal number recorded at the time of the last meter resetting.

(6) Check to determine that the lock cover properly protects the lock and has not been loosened, bent, or tampered with.

(7) Complete the following, as applicable to the specific meter model:

(i) Check to ensure that the meter fits properly on the meter base.

(ii) Check all breakoff screws to determine that no screw is missing or loose or shows signs of removal.

(iii) Operate the dater and meter ad selector dials to test the dater, postmark die, and meter ad plate.

(iv) Check the alignment and condition of engraving on the denomination printing wheels, when visible.

(v) Check the descending register door for damage, pry marks, or scarring. Make certain that the door cannot be opened without unlocking it.

(vi) Examine the meter drum for damage, pry marks, or scarring.

(vii) Examine the meter cover for pry marks or scarring near the post office lock or breakoff screws, any drilled holes, or any signs of attempted entry into the internal mechanism of the meter.

(viii) Examine the meter stamp die for excessive wear, damage, breakage, or scars from prying, and the postage die retaining screws for signs of wear to ensure that none is missing or shows signs of removal.

(ix) Check the register, counter, and display windows for breakage or cloudiness.

(x) Obtain the signature of the licensee to show that a meter inspection has taken place.

(8) Report immediately to the licensee's licensing postmaster any irregularity in the operation of the meter or sign of improper use, and take steps to replace or remove the meter.