The County's Weights and Measures staff routinely inspect and test all weighing and measuring devices used commercially in the County. Devices inspected include gasoline dispensers, propane dispensers, delivery truck meters, taxi meters, and commercially-used scales; including pharmacy, computing, and vehicle scales.
Weights and Measures staff also test utility meters such as electric, vapor, and water meters used at mobile home parks and apartment buildings. Staff also conducts random price verification audits of scanning devices used in the County. Additionally, all complaints alleging short measure or weight or overcharges are promptly investigated.
What You Can Do
Watch as the price of the item shows on the check-out register.
Ask the clerk to check the price if you think the scanned price is incorrect.
If the scanned price does not agree with the posted price, ask the store manager to correct it.
Save the cash register receipt in case you have questions or a problem later on.
If the problem is not resolved, contact your local weights and measures office for help.
Check the Price...
Many stores use electronic scanners to figure the price at the check-out counter. These scanners are linked to a computer that reads the price of the item. Some scanners are hand-held and the clerk runs the scanner over the price tag. Other scanners are on a counter and the items are passed over an electronic reading device. The scanner reads a code on the product or the tag and the computer computes the price.
Weights and measures officials inspect scanners to make sure you are charged the correct price. If the scanners are inaccurate, consumers and businesses can both lose money.
 | Electric meter test bench - used to test 120, 240 and 208 volt A-Base and socket type electric sub-meters from mobile home parks, apartments, and marinas. |
 | Water meter test bench - can test up to ten meters at a time for accuracy. The meters are from mobile home parks and apartments. |
 | Bell Prover in certified temperature-controlled laboratory - used to test gas/vapor meters from mobile home parks and apartments for accuracy and compliance. |
 | Orange County Weights and Measures works with law enforcement in testing and certifying scales used to check trucks for overload violations. |
