View all text of Subpart C [§ 30.21 - § 30.25]

§ 30.22 - Hydrometers and thermometers.

The hydrometers used are graduated to read the proof of aqueous alcoholic solutions at 60 degrees Fahrenheit; thus, they read, 0 for water, 100 for proof spirits, and 200 for absolute alcohol. Because of temperature-density relationships and the selection of 60 degrees Fahrenheit for reporting proof, the hydrometer readings will be less than the true percent of proof at temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and greater than the true percent of proof at temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence, corrections are necessary for hydrometer readings at temperatures other than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Precision hydrometers shall be used for gauging spirits. Hydrometers and thermometers shall be used and the true percent of proof shall be determined in accordance with § 30.31. Hydrometers are designated by letter according to range of proof and are provided in ranges and subdivisions of stems as follows:

Precision Range Subdivision F0 to 200.2° G20 to 400.2° H40 to 600.2° I60 to 800.2° K75 to 950.2° L90 to 1100.2° M105 to 1250.2° N125 to 1450.2° P145 to 1650.2° Q165 to 1850.2° R185 to 2060.2°

Thermometers are designated by type according to range of degrees Fahrenheit and are provided in ranges and subdivisions of degrees as follows:

Type Range Subdivision Pencil type10° to 100°V-back10° to 100°Glass shell (earlier model)40° to 100°1/2° Glass shell (later model)40° to 100°1/4°
(Sec. 201, Pub. L. 85-859, 72 Stat. 1358, as amended (26 U.S.C. 5204)) [T.D. ATF-198, 50 FR 8535, Mar. 1, 1985, as amended by T.D. ATF-381, 61 FR 37003, July 16, 1996]