Temperature Instrument Ranges

The stated accuracy of any temperature measurement device is for the "Recommended Temperature Range" only. The narrow section of the temperature bar represents the widest range the instrument can be used in. Accuracy in this range is not guaranteed. Probe damage may occur at the extreme ends of the temperature range. Temperatures listed below are approximate.

Widest Recommended possible Instrument temperature temperature range range Bimetal and -50 to 100F dial Digital indicators Glass Infrared Labels and crayons -100 to 450F -100 to 500F -328 to 932F -50 to 5430F 26 to 1922F

Typical Accuracies

0.5% of full-scale 1% of reading 1% of range; 1.0F (0.5C) for NIST-traceable models 1 to 3% of reading 2F

Platinum RTD Probes -297 to 932F Meters Thermistor 400 series probes 500 series probes 700 series probes Meters Thermocouple Type J probes 32 to 1336F -40 to 302F 32 to 158F -40 to 302F

0.2 to 0.35% of reading 0.1% of reading and 1F (1C) 0.36F (0.2C) from 32 to 167F (0 to 75C) 0.2F (0.1C) 0.27F ( 0.15C) 0.2 to 0.4F (0.1 to 0.2C) 1.8 to 7.9F or 0.4% of reading above 32F, whichever

-310 to 1832F

Type K probes

32 to 2300F

-418 to 2507F

is greater

0.9 to 3.6F or 0.4% of Type T probes -299 to 700F -418 to752F reading above 32F, whichever is greater Type E probes 32 to 1600F Type R probes Type S probes Meters 1.8 to 7.9F or 0.4% of 32 to 1650F reading above 32F, whichever is greater 32 to 3210F 2.5F or 0.25% of reading, whichever is greater 0.1 to 1% of reading and 1.8F (1C)

32 to 2700F

Temperature Conversion Equations F = (1.8 x C) +32 C = (F-32) x 0.555 Kelvin = C + 273.2 Rankin = F + 459.67

Temperature Compatibility Guidelines for Centrifuge Tubes and Bottles

Material Nonrefrigerated Refrigerated Not recommended; becomes brittle and may craze or crack at high speeds Autoclavable*

Strong and rigid; holds shape and Polypropylene (PP) performs well, even at high speeds

Yes

Polypropylene copolymer (PPCO) Polycarbonate (PC) and polysulfone (PSF) PTFE

Less rigid; closures Rigid but not are brittle; required at high optimal for high speeds speeds Retains rigidity and mechanical strength, even at high speeds Flexible; can be used at low speeds; Retains rigidity and mechanical strength, even at high speeds Excellent for high speeds; tubes must be run

Yes

Yes

Yes

refrigeration preferred at high speeds Lacks rigidity; closures required for added support at high speeds Flexible; use at low to medium speeds Use at low speeds only

full and tightly capped Excellent for high speeds; closures required for added support More rigid; excellent for high speeds Use at low speeds only

Tefzel ETFE

Yes

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) High-density polyethylene (HDPE) Polymethylpentene (PMP) Polystyrene (PS)

No

No

Somewhat brittle; Somewhat brittle; use at use at low speeds only low speeds only Use at low speeds only Use at low speeds only

Yes No

*Note: Before autoclaving, set closure on top of tube without engaging threads.

How to Determine Thermocouple System Accuracy

To determine your system accuracy when you have a separate meter and probe, add the tolerance of the meter to the tolerance of the probe. The diagram at right shows the accuracy versus temperature for a typical thermocouple meter and probe. For example, using the diagram, the meter error at 250C is 0.5C and the probe error at 250C is 1.0C, thus the system accuracy would be 1.5C or better. The result is often conservativethe actual system accuracy is usually better. Glass thermometers, labels, paints, bimetal thermometers, hand-held infrared thermometers, and digital indicators include a general system accuracy statement. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) documentation gives you the actual system accuracy. Knowing the actual system accuracy gives you the ability to

compensate or calibrate your instruments measurements for greater accuracy. View our complete listing of our NIST temperature calibration services

Specialists in Instrument Calibration and Repair Trust InnoCalA2LA, and with over a decade of service, we've helped thousands of customers meet ISO, FDA, EPA, GLPs/cGMPs and other quality standards. InnoCal services are easy to use. If you are purchasing an instrument from Cole-Parmer, simply have InnoCal calibrate and certify the item before it is shipped. Or arrange regularly scheduled maintenance and calibration with one phone call to 866-InnoCal (866-4666225). When your instrument reaches our lab, it is cleaned, calibrated, and returned quickly to keep your business running smoothly.

Calibration Traceable to NIST

Our commitment to quality and to the science of metrology is demonstrated by our utilization of highly trained, experienced metrologists using some of the most advanced methods and standards available. We provide you with the documentation you need to meet your most stringent quality requirements for the control of inspection, measuring, and test equipment. We will certify your new or existing instrument traceable to NIST standards.
Calibration Report with test data, including:

Description and identification of the item Condition of the item as received Identification of calibration procedure Calibration date As found/as left test data Electronic signature of technician Statement of estimated uncertainty Test uncertainties (TURs) List of standards used to perform calibration (including their calibration dates)

With today's high quality standards such as ISO 9000, instrument calibration is becoming increasingly important. Traceability is not a timeless condition. It must be verified and maintained over the life of the calibration to ensure the highest accuracy possible. When you have your instrument calibration done by InnoCal, we will send you an automatic reminder when it is time to recalibrate your instrument.

When Results Matter, Choose InnoCal

Conformity* ANSI/ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited NIST Handbook 150, 2000 Edition ANSI/NCSL Z540-2-1997 NIST Technical Note 1297 ISO 9000:2000 *Please check our scope of accreditation for any limitations

Excellent Value Get quality at a fair price. Accurate instrument calibration service price comparison amongst providers is difficult. Be sure you get the data required to ensure you pass your next audit. InnoCal surpasses the competition by providing the most complete calibration reports as required by NIST. All of our instrument calibration reports include measured data and point-by-point measurement uncertainty, and by request, we'll provide test accurate and test uncertainty ratios at no extra cost. Our InnoCal NIST-traceable reports offer extensive test data on a broad range of measurement parameters without breaking the bank! Reliable Support Trust in our free diagnostic support and troubleshooting advice. Our factory-trained metrologists and technicians are armed with years of experience and extensive technical data. Convenient Reminders It's so easy to keep your instruments functioning properly. Based on your requirements, InnoCal will send you a reminder when it's time to re-certify or service your instrument. Repair Service Keep your valuable equipment, including your instrument calibration products, up and running with scheduled preventive maintenance and repair. Our experienced service technicians are factory trained on instrumentation theory and operation, and stay up to date on the latest product modifications. We provide factory authorized service for both laboratory and industrial process instruments. Get the best performance out of your instrument calibration equipment by keeping it properly maintained and repaired.