June 1, 2005
Service Registration Advisory
Blending Type Gasoline Dispensers 
Proper  "Placing in Service"

In accordance with the Michigan Weights and Measures Act, P.A. 283 and pursuant to the requirements of the "Service Registration Program", all commercial weighing and measuring devices must be sufficiently tested following installation and or repair, for that device to be "properly placed into service". The test results and a properly completed "place in service" report are to be submitted to the Department for review within five days.

In reviewing test reports submitted, it has been revealed that "registered service persons" installing and or repairing "Retail Motor Fuel Dispensers" (specifically those designed to blend intermediate octane grades such as 89 Octane, etc.) are not conducting a proper accuracy test (5-gallon draft) for the "blended product". Improper or incomplete testing of these devices may result in the operator’s non-compliance regarding accuracy and or incorrect product blending.

Registered Service Persons and the Agencies they represent are subject to penalties under the law when violations result from "improper testing" and or "placing into service" a commercial device.

Example: To properly place into service a three-product blend dispenser (87, 89, 93 octane) a minimum of (three) 5-gallon test drafts are required. One for each grade dispensed. It is critical that the registered technician confirms the accuracy of such blended products. Technicians may wish to review the "Examination Procedures Outline" for such devices as cited in NIST Handbook-112.

Registered service technicians and agencies should take the necessary precautions to ensure proper tests are conducted, recorded and submitted to this office for review.