AEMC CA872 Infrared Thermometer With Laser User Manual
- June 17, 2024
- AEMC
Table of Contents
AEMC CA872 Infrared Thermometer With Laser User Manual
Owner’s Record
The serial number for the Model CA872 is located inside the battery
compartment of the instrument. Please record this number and purchase date for
your records.
INFRARED THERMOMETER MODEL CA872
CATALOG #: 2121.31
SERIAL #:
PURCHASE DATE:
DISTRIBUTOR: _____
INTRODUCTION
Warning
- Thermometers are not designed to touch live electrical samples.
- To prevent sensor damage, do not point the sensor lens directly at the sun or any other source of strong infrared light.
- Do not look directly into the laser beam, and do not aim the laser beam into eyes.
- Do not place the infrared thermometer directly on or close to objects at temperatures exceeding 158°F (70°C)
- To prevent measurement errors, do not expose the thermometer to strong electrical or electromagnetic fields.
- To prevent sensor damage and erroneous readings, do not put the sensor lens into contact with any body or foreign/loose material when measuring. Keep the sensor perfectly clean.
- Do not touch the sensor when taking measurements as it may affect the readings.
- When the meter is exposed to sudden temperature changes (hot or cold), allow 20 minutes of stabilization before taking a reading.
- Be certain there is no condensation on the lens prior to taking measurements. Allow 10 minutes for condensation to dissipate as needed.
- The Model CA872 is not waterproof or dust-proof. Take necessary precautions to protect it in wet or dusty environments.
International Electrical Symbols
This symbol on an instrument indicates a WARNING and that the operator must refer to the user manual for instructions before operating the instrument. In a manual, the symbol preceding instructions indicates that if the instructions are not followed, bodily injury, installation/sample and product damage may result.
Laser Radiation – DO NOT look into the laser beam. Laser Output < 0.5mW, 670nm wavelength.
Receiving Your Shipment
Upon receiving your shipment, make sure that the contents are consistent with the packing list. Notify your distributor of any missing items. If the equipment appears to be damaged, file a claim immediately with the carrier and notify your distributor at once, giving a detailed description of any damage. Save the damaged packing container to substantiate your claim.
Ordering Information
Infrared Thermometer Model CA872…………………………..Cat. #2121.31
Includes 9V Alkaline battery, rugged, shockproof, protective holster and user
manual.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Description
The AEMC® Model CA872 is a portable, easy-to-use, compact-sized digital
infrared thermometer designed for simple one-hand operation. It uses an
infrared sensor with a fixed emmisivity of 0.95.
The thermometer is simply aimed at the target to be measured without any
physical contact (non-contact temperature measurement). An aiming laser
enables the user to pin-point the target.
The thermometer is supplied with a protective holster and built-in sensor.
The CA872 also features a back-light LCD display, an automatic data HOLD
function, and Auto-OFF.
- 3½ digit display
- Temperature selector
- Back-light button
- Laser ON/OFF button
- Power/measure button
Button Functions
Center (Yellow) Button – MEAS
Press this button to turn the thermometer ON and perform a measurement. When
the button is released, the meter will automatically HOLD (freeze) the
last reading on the display for approximately 20 seconds before automatically
shuting OFF.
°C/°F Button
Pressing this button makes the thermometer toggle between °F and °C. The
selected temperature type is displayed in the lower right hand corner of the
LCD. At power-up, the thermometer is in °C by default.
Back-light Button
Press the button to turn the Back-light ON. Press again to turn OFF.
Laser Button
Pressing the button turns the laser ON or OFF. The symbol is displayed in the
upper left hand corner when the laser is ON.
Remove the laser cover before use.
The laser is activated when the “MEAS” button is pressed during a measurement.
NOTE: There is no ON/OFF button. The meter turns ON when the center “MEAS” button is pressed, and will automatically shut OFF after approximately 20 seconds.
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical Specifications
Temperature Range: -4° to 500°F (-20° to 260°C)
Display Resolution: 1°F/°C
Accuracy: ±2% of reading or ±6°F (3°C), whichever is greater @ 64.4 to
82.4°F (18 to 28°C) ambient operating temperature.
Temperature Coefficient: Changes in accuracy operating temperature above
82.4°F (28°C) or below 64.4°F (18°C): ±0.2% of reading or ±0.36°F (0.2°C),
whichever is greater.
Response Time: 1 second
Laser: Red, <0.5mW (670nm), class II per IEC 60825 (1991)
Spectral Response: 6 to 14µm nominal
Emissivity: Preset @ 0.95
Detection Element: Thermopile
Optical Lens: Fresnel Lens
Field of View (FOV) ratio: 10:1 (Distance : Diameter)
The FOV is the ratio of the distance to the target to the target diameter.
When the target diameter is small, it is important to bring the thermometer
closer to the target to ensure that only the target is measured, excluding the
surroundings. Remember that the measurement size is one-tenth the distance to
the target. For example, if the thermometer is at 10″, then the size measured
is 1″.
General Specifications
Display: 3½ digit liquid crystal display (LCD) with maximum reading of
1999
Low Battery Indication: is displayed when battery voltage drops below
required level
Sample Rate: 2.5 times per second, nominal
Operating Temperature: 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C) at < 80% RH
Storage Temperature: -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C), 0 to 80% RH with
battery removed Auto Power Off: 15 seconds approx
Altitude: 2000m max
Input Protection: 24VDC or 24rms maximum input voltage on any combination
of inputs
Battery: Standard 9V battery (NEDA 1604, 6LR61 or equivalent)
Battery Life: 100 hours (continuity) typical with carbon zinc battery
(backlight not illuminated)
Dimensions: 6.81 x 2.38 x 1.5″ (173 x 60.5 x 38mm)
Weight: Approx 6.5 oz (183g) including battery
Safety Specifications
EN 61010-1 (1995-A2), Protection Class III Overvoltage Category (CAT III, 24V), Pollution Degree 2 Indoor Use
*All specifications are subject to change without notice
OPERATION
Measurement Considerations
MEASUREMENT THEORY: Every object emits infrared (IR) energy proportional to its temperature. By measuring the amount of this radiant energy, it is possible to determine the temperature of the emitting object. Infrared radiation is invisible light (electromagnetic radiation), which easily travels through air and is easily absorbed by solid matter. An IR thermometer, which operates by detecting infrared radiation, can accurately measure an object surface temperature without touching it and independently of the air temperature or the measurement distance.
Infrared radiation, which is emitted from the object, is focused into an infrared radiation sensor through an optical system. This system includes an optical lens, which is transparent to infrared radiation, and a 5.3μm cut off filter. The output signal from the infrared radiation sensor is input to an electronic circuit, along with the output signal from a standard temperature sensor, to calculate the temperature and display it on the meter display
Recommendations before Operating
- If the measured surface target diameter is less than 2″/50mm Ø, then place the sensor as close as possible to the target surface (<20″/50cm away). See Field of View (FOV) information under Specifications.
- If the target surface is covered with frost or any matter, clean it before taking a measurement.
- If the target surface is highly reflective put some matte tape, or matte paint, over it before measuring.
- If the thermometer is erratic, or seems not to be measuring properly, make sure that the sensor is clean and not covered by condensat
Operating Instructions
- Aim the thermometer towards the target.
- If using the aiming laser, remove the laser cover and press the Button to turn the laser ON. DO NOT LOOK INTO LASER BEAM.
- Press the yellow measurement button (MEAS).
- Select °F or °C, by pressing the °F/°C button. The selected degree type is displayed in the lower right hand corner of the LCD.
- Infrared thermometer sensors need a certain time to stabilize to ambient temperature. Remember to let the IR meter reach ambient temperature if brought in from a different temperature environment.
- Press the button to turn the back-light ON, if needed.
- The thermometer will continue measuring as long as the “MEAS” button is pressed. When the button is released the measurement will be held in the display for approximately 20 seconds.
- The IR thermometer will shut OFF automatically after approximately 20 seconds.
EMISSIVITY
All objects emit invisible infrared energy. The amount of IR energy emitted is
proportional to the object’s temperature and its natural ability to emit IR
energy. This ability, called emissivity, is based upon the object material
type and its surface finish.
Emissivity values range from 0.10 for a very reflective object to 1.00 for a
black body.
Factory set emissivity value of 0.95 will cover 90-95% of typical
applications.
If frost or other material/substance covers the measured surface, clean it to expose the surface. If the surface to be measured is highly reflective, apply dull masking tape or matte black paint over the surface. If the thermometer seems to be giving incorrect readings, check the front sensor. There may be condensation or debris obstructing the sensor. Only clean per instructions.
| Material | Emmisivity |
|---|---|
| Asphalt | 0.90 to 0.98 |
| Concrete | 0.94 |
| Cement | 0.96 |
| Sand | 0.90 |
| Earth | 0.92 to 0.96 |
| Water | 0.92 to 0.96 |
| Ice | 0.96 to 0.98 |
| Snow | 0.83 |
| Glass | 0.90 to 0.95 |
| Ceramic | 0.90 to 0.94 |
| Marble | 0.94 |
| Plaster | 0.80 to 0.90 |
| Mortar | 0.89 to 0.91 |
| Brick (red) | 0.93 to 0.96 |
| Cloth (black) | 0.98 |
| Human skin | 0.98 |
| Lather (Soap) | 0.75 to 0.80 |
| Charcoal (powder) | 0.96 |
| Lacquer | 0.80 to 0.95 |
| Lacquer (matte) | 0.97 |
| Rubber (black) | 0.94 |
| Plastic | 0.85 to 0.95 |
| Timber | 0.90 |
| Paper | 0.70 to 0.94 |
| Chromium oxide | 0.81 |
| Copper oxide | 0.78 |
| Iron oxide | 0.78 to 0.82 |
| Textiles | 0.90 |
MAINTENANCE
Use only factory specified replacement parts. AEMC® will not be held responsible for any accident, incident, or malfunction following a repair done other than by its service center or by an approved repair center.
Replacing the Battery
The symbol appears on the LCD display when replacement is needed.
Replace with a standard 9-volt battery (NEDA 1604, 6LR61).
To replace the battery:
- Turn the meter OFF.
- Remove the rubber holster.
- Remove the screw from the back of the meter and lift off the battery cover.
- Replace the battery, then put the rear cover and holster back on.
Cleaning
- Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with soapy water.
- Rinse with a damp cloth and then dry with a dry cloth.
- Do not use any abrasives or solvents.
- Do not let any liquid enter the case or sensor area.
Repair and Calibration
To ensure that your instrument meets factory specifications, we recommend that it be scheduled back to our factory Service Center at one-year intervals for recalibration, or as required by other standards or internal procedures.
For instrument repair and calibration:
You must contact our Service Center for a Customer Service Authorization
Number (CSA#). This will ensure that when your instrument arrives, it will be
tracked and processed promptly. Please write the CSA# on the outside of the
shipping container. If the instrument is returned for calibration, we need to
know if you want a standard calibration, or a calibration traceable to
N.I.S.T. (Includes calibration certificate plus recorded calibration data).
Ship To: Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments 15 Faraday Drive
Dover, NH 03820 USA
Phone: 800-945-2362 (Ext. 360)
603-749-6434 (Ext. 360)
Fax: 603-742-2346 or
603-749-6309
E-mail: repair@aemc.com
(Or contact your authorized distributor)
Costs for repair, standard calibration, and calibration traceable to N.I.S.T.
are available.
NOTE: You must obtain a CSA# before returning any instrument.
Technical and Sales Assistance
If you are experiencing any technical problems, or require any assistance with
the proper operation or application of your instrument, please call, mail, fax
or e-mail our technical support team:
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments
200 Foxborough Boulevard Foxborough, MA 02035 USA
Phone: 800-343-1391
508-698-2115
Fax: 508-698-2118
E-mail: techsupport@aemc.com
www.aemc.com
NOTE: Do not ship Instruments to our Foxborough, MA address.
Limited Warranty
The Model CA872 is warranted to the owner for a period of one year from the date of original purchase against defects in manufacture. This limited warranty is given by AEMC® Instruments, not by the distributor from whom it was purchased. This warranty is void if the unit has been tampered with, abused or if the defect is related to service not performed by AEMC® Instruments.
For full and detailed warranty coverage, please read the Warranty Coverage Information, which is attached to the Warranty Registration Card (if enclosed) or is available at www.aemc.com. Please keep the Warranty Coverage Information with your records.
What AEMC® Instruments will do:
If a malfunction occurs within the one-year period, you may return the
instrument to us for repair, provided we have your warranty registration
information on file or a proof of purchase. AEMC® Instruments will, at its
option, repair or replace the faulty material.
REGISTER ONLINE AT: www.aemc.com
Warranty Repairs
What you must do to return an Instrument for Warranty Repair:
First, request a Customer Service Authorization Number (CSA#) by phone or by fax from our Service Department (see address below), then return the instrument along with the signed CSA Form. Please write the CSA# on the outside of the shipping container. Return the instrument, postage or shipment pre-paid to:
Ship To: Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments
15 Faraday Drive • Dover, NH 03820 USA
Phone: 800-945-2362 (Ext. 360)
603-749-6434 (Ext. 360)
Fax: 603-742-2346 or
603-749-6309
E-mail: repair@aemc.co
Caution: To protect yourself against in-transit loss, we recommend you
insure your returned material.
NOTE: You must obtain a CSA# before returning any instrument.
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments
15 Faraday Drive • Dover, NH 03820 USA • Phone:
603-749-6434 • Fax:
603-742-2346
www.aemc.com
