Suppose you operate a vehicle inspection or servicing shop in New Zealand. In that case, you may have heard that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is requiring all workshops to upgrade from manual brake testing equipment to electronic brake meters by June 1st, 2024. This upgrade aims to improve road safety by ensuring the consistent and accurate testing of vehicle brakes across the country.
What is an electronic brake meter?
An electronic brake meter is a device that measures the effectiveness of a vehicle’s brakes when they are applied. It works by calculating the vehicle’s rate of deceleration when the brakes are engaged. The meter displays this reading, allowing mechanics to easily assess if the brakes are functioning properly.
Electronic brake meters provide more reliable and consistent brake testing than manual methods. They eliminate human error and subjectivity from brake inspections. NZTA believes upgrading to these devices will help ensure all vehicles on New Zealand roads have brakes that meet safety standards.
Key Benefits of Electronic Brake Meters
There are a few reasons why NZTA is requiring the switch to electronic brake meter units:
Accuracy – Electronic brake meters use advanced load cell technology and digital displays for precise, objective measurements. This improves the reliability of brake testing.
Data recording – Many electronic meters record and store brake test measurements, allowing workshops to keep digital records.
Consistency – Electronic meters eliminate inspector subjectivity and human error that can occur with mechanical gauge readings.
Tamper resistance – Digital units reduce the risk of failed vehicles passing inspections through meter tampering or external force application.
What models are approved by NZTA?
NZTA has approved a range of electronic brake meters for use in New Zealand workshops. One brand that meets all the required specifications is Circuitlink.
Circuitlink offers three models – the Basic EBM, Pro EBM, and Elite EBM. All three models meet NZTA’s accuracy and functional requirements.
The main difference between the models is the connectivity and data recording capabilities. The Basic EBM provides electronic brake testing with no connectivity. The Pro and Elite models can connect to WiFi or Ethernet networks to enable central storage of brake test records. This allows workshops to easily manage vehicle histories and demonstrate NZTA compliance.
Where can I purchase a Circuitlink brake meter?
Circuitlink has made it easy to purchase one of their approved electronic brake meters through their website. Their webshop includes all three meter models, plus additional parts and accessories like printers and wifi dongles.
Alternatively, workshops can purchase the meters from one of Circuitlink’s nation-wide distributors. Regardless of where you buy from, Circuitlink’s team will handle the installation, calibration, and certification of your new brake meter. This gives you peace of mind that your system will meet all of NZTA’s requirements.
Circuitlink also offers helpful customer service, technical support, and training on their electronic brake meters. Their team can guide you through every step of the upgrade process leading up to the June 1st deadline.
The countdown is on for workshops to upgrade their brake testing equipment. An approved electronic brake meter like those made by Circuitlink will make compliance simple. Visit brakemetercert.nz to purchase an electronic brake meter for your workshop or vehicle inspection site today.
