Pressure Canner Gauge Testing Guidelines

Posted Nov., 2005 | Updated May, 2008 | Verified July, 2009

There are risks that must be understood and managed related to the testing of pressure canner gauges. The choice of whether canner testing is conducted in a county should be made after thoughtful consideration of the needs in the county, the time availability of trained Extension employees to conduct the testing, and the willingness of the FCS Educator to provide the monitoring necessary. Presto provides free testing for the cost of shipping for many canner brands.

When testing is conducted, educational programming related to food safety or food preservation should also occur. The actual testing can be viewed as a service for the private good (in many instances) and cost recovery guidelines would suggest charging for the service to offset the time/associated costs of providing the service. Keeping a copy of the testing record is a risk management strategy which needs to be observed.

If you choose to test canner pressure gauges, these guidelines will be observed.

GUIDELINES

1. Canner testing in counties is optional. It is not a required activity for a county. Testing of dial gauge pressure canners, and safety checks of canners, does offer an educational opportunity. FNP and EFNEP grant guidelines do not allow FNP/EFNEP professionals to conduct gauge testing on grant-funded time.
2. Training. Extension Educators and Program Assistants who wish to conduct dial gauge testing should complete training before they begin testing gauges. Contact a member of the Food Preservation Team for upcoming opprtunities. Training should be done on an as-needed basis. A good source for current research-based recommendations for most methods of home food preservation can be found at the National Center for Home Food Preservation. This site was established with funding from the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (CSREES- USDA) to address food safety concerns for those who practice and teach home food preservation and processing methods.
3. Master Gauges must be checked each year to ensure accuracy. Replace the gauge or unit at the first sign of inaccuracy. Retain a copy of the test report in your office file. Educators can send Master Gauges (preferably the whole Presto unit) to National Presto for calibration. Package and protect the gauge extremely well for shipping. The only cost is shipping to Presto; Presto does not charge for the service or return of shipping. You may find that your current unit is obsolete and will require replacement.
4. Educating Consumers. It is important to utilize the one-on-one time with the client during testing for education. Asking questions such as, "What food do you preserve?" "Have you ever had any problems with food you have preserved?" "Do you have any questions?" and "Would you like any information or fact sheets about preserving food?" are simple ways to provide education in an informal setting. Current fact sheets should be available.
5. Record Keeping. Ohio State University Extension uses forms from The University of Georgia: Pressure Canner Inspection and Dial Gauge Inspection forms. They both must be completed fully, signed by the person conducting the testing, copies given to the client, and also kept in an office file. If there is any question of reading ability, read the results to the client. The forms not only record the gauge testing results, but also prompt the tester to conduct a safety and sanitation check of the entire canner lid/unit. Keeping copies of the inspection forms is one form of protection for you if questions should be asked related to your advice, the date of the testing or the results. Although the form does not request it, writing the name of the person who requested the testing is highly recommended.
6. Gauge replacement. USDA recommends replacing the gauge when it reads more than 1 pound above or below the master gauge. Gauges should be replaced if they read high by more than 1 pound at 5, 10, or 15 pounds. Replacement gauges and other parts for canners are often available at stores offering canning equipment or from canner manufacturers.
7. Cost recovery. Charging for this service is recommended. From one to five dollars appear to be reasonable fees. Educators have the option to vary the cost or seek sponsors. This fee can be used to cover the cost of a new tester unit, postage for mailing the testing unit, employee's time/travel or to have needed forms and fact sheets printed. All monies collected remain in the county.
8. Contact information for Presto (current 07/09)

   PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FOR YOUR PRESTO® PRODUCT Any maintenance required for your Presto® appliance, other than normal household care and cleaning, should be performed by our Factory Service Department or any Presto Authorized Service Station. These Service Stations are equipped to service all Presto appliances and supply genuine Presto parts. Check your yellow pages for Service Stations near you. If there are none, you may send appliances for repair to:

   PRESTO FACTORY SERVICE DEPARTMENT
   Canton Sales and Storage Company
   555 Matthews Drive
   Canton, MS 39046-0529

   For parts or other questions regarding your Presto® appliance, you should write, call or email to:

   CONSUMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT
   National Presto Industries, Inc.
   3925 North Hastings Way
   Eau Claire, WI 54703-2209
   Voice Phone: 1-800-877-0441
   Fax Phone: 1-715-839-2242
   Email: contact@GoPresto.com