BRITISH STANDARD BS EN ISO

4788:2005

Laboratory
glassware — Graduated
measuring cylinders

The European Standard EN ISO 4788:2005 has the status of a

British Standard

ICS 17.060

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BS EN ISO 4788:2005

National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version of
EN ISO 4788:2005. It is identical with ISO 4788:2005. It supersedes
BS 604:1982 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee
LBI/36, Laboratory glassware and related apparatus, to Subcommittee
LBI/36/1, General & volumetric, glass and plastics apparatus, which has the
responsibility to:

— aid enquirers to understand the text;

— present to the responsible international/European committee any

enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep UK
interests informed;
— monitor related international and European developments and
promulgate them in the UK.

A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be obtained on

request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international publications referred to
in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue under the section entitled
“International Standards Correspondence Index”, or by using the “Search”
facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of British Standards Online.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
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Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
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Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN ISO title
page, the EN ISO foreword page, the ISO title page, pages ii to iv, pages 1 to 6,
an inside back cover and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

Amendments issued since publication

This British Standard was
published under the authority Amd. No. Date Comments
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee
on 13 June 2005

© BSI 13 June 2005

ISBN 0 580 46045 2

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN ISO 4788
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM May 2005

ICS 17.060

English version

Laboratory glassware - Graduated measuring cylinders (ISO

4788:2005)

Verrerie de laboratoire - Eprouvettes graduées cylindriques Laborgeräte aus Glas - Messzylinder und Mischzylinder
(ISO 4788:2005) (ISO 4788:2005)

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 29 April 2005.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,

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Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2005 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 4788:2005: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
EN ISO 4788:2005

Foreword

This document (EN ISO 4788:2005) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 48
"Laboratory glassware and related apparatus" in collaboration with Technical Committee
CEN/TC 332 "Laboratory equipment", the secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of
an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by November 2005, and conflicting national
standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by November 2005.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of

the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Endorsement notice

The text of ISO 4788:2005 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 4788:2005 without any
modifications.

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 EN ISO 4788:2005

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 4788

Second edition
2005-05-01

Laboratory glassware — Graduated

measuring cylinders
Verrerie de laboratoire — Éprouvettes graduées cylindriques

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Reference number
ISO 4788:2005(E)
EN ISO 4788:2005

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ii
 EN ISO 4788:2005

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.

International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

ISO 4788 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 48, Laboratory glassware and related apparatus,
Subcommittee SC 6, Laboratory and volumetric ware.

This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 4788:1980), which has been technically revised
to incorporate the following changes:

a)

b)
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three types of graduated measuring cylinders have been specified;

two classes of accuracy have been introduced;

c) cylinders of squat form have been added;

d) marking of cylinders has been changed;

e) capacity at lowest graduation line for 5 ml and 10 ml cylinders has been increased.

iii
EN ISO 4788:2005

Introduction
The first edition of this International Standard (ISO 4788:1980) was originally written when the use of
measuring cylinders was largely limited to the approximate dispensing of reagents in wet chemical analytical
procedures; only one grade of accuracy was specified.

More recently, with the increasing demand for accreditation and changing uses to which measuring cylinders
are put, a significant demand has emerged worldwide for a more accurate class to complement the originally
specified range.

Also, with more work being carried out in laminar-flow cabinets, glove boxes and fume extraction hoods, in
which working heights are restricted, a need for short (squat) measuring cylinders has emerged.

This International Standard addresses these two needs, and has been prepared to meet the requirements of
ISO 384. This International Standard includes

a) spouted measuring cylinders of traditional (tall) form, accuracy classes A and B,

b) stoppered measuring cylinders of traditional (tall) form, accuracy classes A and B, and

c) spouted measuring cylinders of squat form, accuracy class B.

Class A has been considered for the third type (squat cylinders) but discounted because ISO 384

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requirements would only be met by cylinders having manufacturing specifications which would be virtually
impossible to satisfy.

iv
 EN ISO 4788:2005

Laboratory glassware — Graduated measuring cylinders

1 Scope
This International Standard specifies dimensions, material and constructional and metrological requirements
of graduated measuring cylinders of tall form (Type 1a and Type 1b) and of squat form (Type 2). All types are
suitable for general laboratory use.

The specifications in this International Standard are in conformity with the principles of design and
construction of volumetric glassware given in ISO 384.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

ISO 384:1978, Laboratory glassware — Principles of design and construction of volumetric glassware

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ISO 719, Glass — Hydrolytic resistance of glass grains at 98 °C — Method of test and classification

ISO 4787, Laboratory glassware — Volumetric glassware — Methods for use and testing of capacity

3 Basis of adjustment

3.1 Unit of volume

The unit of volume shall be the millilitre (ml), which is equivalent to the cubic centimetre (cm3).

3.2 Reference temperature

The standard reference temperature, i.e. the temperature at which the cylinder is intended to contain its
nominal capacity, shall be 20 °C.

When the cylinder is required for use in a country which has adopted a standard reference temperature of
27 °C; however, this value shall be substituted for 20 °C.

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EN ISO 4788:2005

4 Types and classes of accuracy

4.1 Types
The following three types of graduated measuring cylinders are specified (see Figure 1):
a) tall form with spouted neck — Type 1a;
b) tall form with stoppered neck — Type 1b;
c) squat form with spouted neck – Type 2.

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a) Type 1a, Class B b) Type 1b, Class B c) Type 2

Key
h1 overall height
h2 internal height to highest graduation line
1 hexagonal or circular base

Figure 1 — General forms of graduated measuring cylinders

4.2 Classes of accuracy

Two classes of accuracy are specified:
a) Class A for the higher grade (Type 1a and Type 1b only);
b) Class B for the lower grade.

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 EN ISO 4788:2005

5 Series of capacities and dimensions

The three types of cylinder shall have a series of nominal capacities as shown in Table 1 and Table 2. If
cylinders of capacities other than those listed below are required, it is recommended that they conform, as far
as possible, to the essential requirements of this International Standard.

Table 1 — Dimensions, subdivisions and limits of error for Type 1 (a and b) cylinders
Capacity
Distance from top Internal height
Nominal Overall Sub- at lowest
of scale to top of to highest Max. permissible error
capacity height divisions graduation
cylinder graduation line
line
h1 h2 r ml
ml mm mm mm ml ml
Class A Class B
max. min. min. max.
5 115 20 55 0,1 1,0 0,05 0,1
10 140 20 65 0,2 1,4 0,1 0,2
25 170 25 85 0,5 2,5 0,25 0,5
50 200 30 110 1 5 0,5 1
100 260 35 145 1 10 0,5 1
250 335 40 200 2 26 1 2
500 390 45 250 5 50 2,5 5
1000 470 50 310 10 100 5 10
2000 570 50 380 20 200 10 20

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Table 2 — Dimensions, subdivisions and limits of error for Type 2 cylinders
Capacity
Distance from top Internal height
Nominal Overall Sub- at lowest
of scale to top of to highest Max. permissible error a
capacity height divisions graduation
cylinder graduation line
line
h1 h2
ml mm mm mm ml ml r ml
max. min. min. max.
5 80 25 30 0,5 1 0,2
10 100 30 40 1 2 0,3
25 125 30 65 1 5 0,5
50 150 30 90 1 or 2 10 1
100 170 35 90 2 12 1
250 220 35 125 5 30 2
500 255 50 160 10 60 5
1000 295 50 190 20 100 10
2000 345 50 240 50 200 20
a These maximum permissible errors correspond to accuracy Class B in accordance with ISO 384.

6 Definition of capacity
The capacity of a graduated measuring cylinder is defined as the volume of water at 20 °C, expressed in
millilitres, contained by the cylinder when filled to the highest graduation line. Where, exceptionally, the
reference temperature is 27 °C, this value shall be substituted for 20 °C.

Setting the meniscus shall be performed according to ISO 4787.

The meniscus is set so that the plane of the top edge of the graduation line is horizontally tangential to the
lowest point of the meniscus, the line of sight being in the same plane.

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EN ISO 4788:2005

7 Maximum permissible error

Maximum permissible errors in capacity shall not exceed the values specified in Table 1 for Type 1 cylinders,
and in Table 2 for Type 2 cylinders.

These errors represent the maximum permissible error at any point on the scale, and also the maximum
permissible difference between the errors at any two points.

8 Material
The cylinders shall be manufactured from glass of hydrolytic class not lower than HGB3 in accordance with
ISO 719. The glass shall be as free as possible from visible defects, and steps shall be taken in manufacture
to ensure that it is reasonably free from internal stress.

9 Construction and form

9.1 Wall thickness

The cylinders shall be sufficiently robust in construction to withstand usual laboratory usage, and the wall
thickness shall show no gross departure from uniformity.

9.2 Stability

The cylinders shall stand vertically without rocking or spinning when placed on a level surface. They shall not

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topple when placed empty (without stopper, if provided) on a surface inclined at an angle of 15° to the
horizontal.

9.3 Base

The base may be integral, of glass, or it may be detachable, of a suitable plastics or other material, and may
be either hexagonal or of other form provided the cylinder satisfies the requirements of 9.2.

9.4 Rim and spout

9.4.1 The rim of the cylinder shall be fire-polished and shall lie in a plane at right angles to the axis of the
cylinder.

9.4.2 The spout of a Type 1a spouted cylinder shall be so formed as to enable the contents of the cylinder
to be poured out in a narrow stream without spilling or running down the outside of the cylinder.

9.5 Neck and stopper

On a Type 1b stoppered cylinder, the neck shall be ground to a suitable socket size, preferably selected from
ISO 383.

A well-fitting stopper of glass or suitable inert plastics material shall be supplied. If individually ground
stoppers are supplied, each stopper, and the cylinder it fits, shall be marked with an identification number.

9.6 Dimensions

Type 1 (a and b) cylinders shall comply with the dimensional requirements given in Table 1. In the case of a
stoppered cylinder, the “overall height” shall be considered to be the height to the base of the ground neck
(see Figure 1, Type 1b).

Type 2 cylinders shall comply with the dimensional requirements given in Table 2.

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 EN ISO 4788:2005

10 Graduation and figuring

10.1 Graduation

The graduation of all cylinders within this specification shall be in accordance with ISO 384:1978, Clause 9,
Graduation pattern II in the case of Class A cylinders and Graduation pattern III in the cases of Class B and
Type 2 measuring cylinders.

10.2 Figuring

Figuring shall be in accordance with ISO 384:1978, 10.4.

11 Accuracy testing
Testing of capacity and accuracy shall be performed in accordance with ISO 4787.

12 Marking
12.1 The following shall be permanently marked on each cylinder:

a) number indicating the nominal capacity;

b) the symbol “ml” or “cm3” to indicate the unit of volume;

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The 1 000 ml and 2 000 ml cylinders may, if desired, be inscribed in terms of the litre in place of the
millilitre.

c) the inscription “20 °C” to indicate the standard reference temperature (but see 3.2 for a reference
temperature of 27 °C);

d) the abbreviation “In” to indicate that the cylinder has been adjusted to contain its indicated capacity;

e) for Type 1a and Type 1b cylinders, the letter “A” or “B” to indicate the class of accuracy and the tolerance
in accordance with Table 1;

f) the maker's or vendor's name or mark;

g) in the case of a cylinder with an interchangeable stopper (Type 1b), the size number of the joint shall be
marked;

h) the type of glass material, in accordance with Clause 8.

The permanence of marking may be assessed by the test methods specified in ISO 4794.

12.2 An individual identification number shall be permanently marked on each Class A cylinder intended for
official verification or certification, or on the stopper and cylinder in all cases where stoppers are individually
ground to fit only one cylinder.

13 Visibility of graduation lines, figures and marking

13.1 All figures and marking shall be of such size and form as to be clearly legible under usual conditions of
use.

13.2 The graduation lines, the figures and the marking shall be clearly visible and permanent, under usual
conditions of use.

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EN ISO 4788:2005

Bibliography

[1] ISO 383, Laboratory glassware — Interchangeable conical ground joints

[2] ISO 4794, Laboratory glassware — Methods for assessing the chemical resistance of enamels used
for colour coding and colour marking

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BS EN ISO
4788:2005
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