When you make a purchase at the food store, fill your tank with gasoline at the service station, or buy any merchandise by weight or by measure, you think the transaction is only between you and the vendor. It may be a surprise to know that every such transaction also includes a County Sealer, even though one is not present in person.
The County Sealer is the Weights and Measures official who checks all weighing, measuring, and timing devices used in sales made to the public. This person is always present in spirit, protecting both buyer and seller. Sealers are dedicated persons working quietly and tirelessly to save customers money, and to safeguard vendors’ businesses. Errors in either direction, over or under, will cause someone to suffer. The Weights and Measures official tests and seals all weighing and measuring devices used within Northampton County. To “seal” means to put a lock of sorts on the adjusting mechanism of a device after the item has been inspected and found accurate. “Sealing” prevents an unscrupulous vendor from changing the calibration of a device. An external two-inch round vinyl seal is also placed on each device to inform customers that an accuracy check was performed during a certain month and year.