AEMC CA876 Infrared K Thermometer With Laser User Manual
- June 17, 2024
- AEMC
Table of Contents
AEMC CA876 Infrared K Thermometer With Laser
Owner’s Record
The serial number for the Model CA876 is located inside the battery compartment of the instrument. Please record this number and purchase date for your records.
INTRODUCTION
Warning
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Thermometers are not designed to touch live electrical samples.
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Do not use this instrument with Thermocouple K when voltages at the sample point exceed 24VDC or 24Vrms.
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Do not make temperature measurement in microwave ovens.
Leaking microwaves may result in burns and serious injuries. -
To prevent sensor damage, do not point the sensor lens directly at the sun or any other source of strong infrared light.
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Do not look directly into the laser beam, and do not aim the laser beam into eyes.
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Do not place the infrared thermometer directly on or close to objects at temperatures exceeding 158°F (70°C).
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To prevent measurement errors, do not expose the thermometer to strong electrical or electromagnetic fields.
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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.
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Do not touch the sensor when taking measurements as it may affect the readings.
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When the meter is exposed to sudden temperature changes (hot or cold), allow 20 minutes of stabilization before taking a reading.
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Be certain there is no condensation on the lens prior to taking measurements. Allow 10 minutes for condensation to dissipate as needed.
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The Model CA876 is not waterproof or dust-proof. Take necessary precautions to protect it in wet or dusty environments.
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Repeated sharp flexing can cause the thermocouple leads to break. To prolong sensor life, avoid sharp bends in the thermocouple, especially near the connector.
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, 67 0nm 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 CA876…………………………..Cat. #2121.34
Includes K-thermocouple, 9V Alkaline battery, rugged, shockproof, protective
safety holster and user manual.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Description
The AEMC® Model CA876 is a portable, easy-to-use, compact-sized digital
infrared and K-thermocouple input thermometer, designed for simple
one-hand operation. It uses an infrared sensor with a user adjustable
emissivity setting.
The thermometer is simply aimed at the target to be measured without any physical contact when in the IR mode (non-contact temperature measurement). An aiming laser enables the user to pinpoint the target. The K-type thermocouple input may also be used. The thermometer includes a programmable Alarm, which triggers on Hi or Lo, and a MIN or MAX Hold function. The thermometer is supplied with a protective holster, built-in sensor, and a K-type bead thermocouple. It also features a back-light LCD display, an automatic data HOLD function, and Auto-OFF.
- 3½ digit display
- Mode selector
- Back-light/Increase button
- Laser/Decrease 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 15 to 20 seconds before automatically shutting OFF.
Mode Button
Pressing this button makes the thermometer enter and advance though several functions including some programmable functions. The MODE button is used to select a specific function (e.g. MIN, MAX) or to adjust an Alarm or the emissivity.
To enter the mode program, press MODE once. SET is displayed in lower right hand corner.
When pressed consecutively, it will scroll through the following
settings:
ε → ε (Set) → ALM Hi (Set) → ALM Lo (Set) → MAX → MIN→ K→ ε SET is
displayed in the lower right hand corner of the display when a selected
function is programmable (ε, ALM Hi, ALM Lo).
ε : Emissivity may be adjusted with the and buttons to match a particular
target. We recommend leaving it at 0.95 for general use.
ALM Hi : The Hi alarm set point is adjusted using the and buttons. When
this set point is reached the beeper will sound and ALM HI will be displayed.
ALM Lo : The Lo alarm set point is adjusted using the and buttons.
When this set point is reached the beeper will sound and ALM Lo will be
displayed.
MAX: The Max value measured will be displayed during measurement. While
in the MAX mode and when measuring, the MODE button will toggle the
measurement between MAX – MIN – Present reading – MAX.
MIN: The Min value measured will be displayed during measurement. While
in the MIN mode and when measuring, the MODE button will toggle the
measurement between MIN – Present reading – MAX – MIN.
K : The lower display will indicate the reading from the K-type
thermocouple.
NOTE: If the thermometer is OFF, pressing the “MEAS” button for more than
4 seconds will set the thermometer in the MIN/MAX record mode when powered up.
Back-light and Button
Press the ****button to turn the Backlight ON. Press again to turn OFF.
In the settings ε, ALM Hi and ALM Lo, the button increases the numerical value displayed in the lower smaller display area. If held down, the value change will increase in speed.
Laser and 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.
In the settings ε, ALM Hi and ALM Lo, the button decreases the numerical value
displayed in the lower smaller display area. If held down, the
value change will decrease in speed.
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 15 to 20 seconds.
SPECIFICATIONS
Environmental Specifications
INFRARED
Temperature Scale:
Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F) user-selectable
Temperature Range:
-4°F to 1022°F (-20°C to 550°C)
Display Resolution:
1°F / 1°C
Accuracy:
< 212°F (100°C) ± 10°F (5°C)
212°F (100°C) ± 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, 2 – 50 ft range
Spectral Response:
6 to 14μm nominal
Emissivity:
Pre-set @ 0.95, user-selectable from 0.10 to 1.00
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″.
K TYPE
Temperature Scale: Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F) – User-selectable
Measurement Range: -40° to 2000°F or -40° to 1350°C
Resolution: 0.1°F/°C or 1°F/°C
Accuracy: -328°F to 1999°F: ± 0.1% of Reading ± 2°F plus T.C.
-199°C to 1370°C: ± 0.1% of Reading ± 1°C plus T.C.
(Accuracy is specified for operating temperatures over the range of 64° to
82°F (18° to 28°C), for 1 year, excluding the sensor)
Temperature Coefficient :
0.1 times the applicable accuracy specification per °C from 0° to 18°C and 28°
to 50°C
Input Protection:
24VDC or 24Vrms maximum input voltage on any combination of inputs Sample
Rate: 2.5 times per second
Input Connector:
Standard miniature thermocouple connectors (flat blades spaced 7.9mm, center-
to-center)
Temperature Response:
Temperature indication follows Reference Temperature/Voltage Tables
N.I.S.T. Monograph 175 Revised to ITS-90 for K-type thermocouples
General Specifications
Display: 2000-count, 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 9 oz (255g) 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
Infrared 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.
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 | Emissivity |
---|---|
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 |
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 condensation.
Infrared Operation
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Press and hold the yellow measurement button – MEAS.
The thermometer will display SET briefly on the main display while it auto- checks. -
Aim the Thermometer towards the target.
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If using the aiming laser, remove the laser cover, and press the Button to turn the laser ON and OFF. The laser is activated when MEAS is pressed.
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Infrared thermometer sensors need a certain time to stabilize to ambient temperature. Remember to let the IR meter reach ambient if brought in from different temperature environment.
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Press the ****button to turn ON the back-light.
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If the measured temperature is outside the measurement range, will be displayed.
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The thermometer will continue measuring as long as the MEAS button is pressed. When the button is released the measurement will be held in
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the display for 15-20 seconds. HOLD is displayed in the lower left hand corner of the display.
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The IR thermometer will shut OFF automatically after 15-20 seconds.
K-Thermocouple Operation
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Connect the K-thermocouple to the instrument input.
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Press MEAS to turn the thermometer ON.
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Press the MODE button (six times) to enter the thermocouple mode. K will be displayed in lower right hand corner of the display.
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Put the thermocouple near or on the sample tested.
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Press MEAS button to measure. Thermocouples need a certain time to respond. Take the reading when the measurement has stabilized.
The reading is displayed in the smaller lower display in front of the K symbol. The main larger display is the IR temperature reading. -
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 15-20 seconds.
-
When finished, remove the thermocouple from the sample, and unplug the thermocouple from the meter. The thermometer will shut OFF automatically after 15-20 seconds.
Note: IR measurements are active at the same time as the K t/c measurements.
Setting the Temperature Scale: °C or °F
The temperature scale is displayed on the upper part of the display.
To select the temperature scale:
- °C: When the thermometer is OFF, hold down the button, then press the MEAS button. °C will be displayed.
- °F: When the thermometer is OFF, hold down the ****button, then press the MEAS button. °F will be displayed.
The selected temperature scale will remain until changed by the user.
Continuous Measurement
The user may want to leave the thermometer ON to measure over an extended time period without having to keep pressing the MEAS button.
To enter the continuous mode:
- Turn the thermometer OFF. Hold down the MODE button, then press the MEAS button. This will set the thermometer in the continuous mode. HOLD will not be displayed in the continuous mode and the laser sighting will not run.
- When finished, press MEAS once. HOLD will be displayed and the thermometer will shut down in 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, press MEAS again to re-enter the continuous mode.
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 alkaline 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, fax or e-mail our technical support team:
Contact: Chauvin Arnoux®
, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC®
Instruments
Phone: 800-945-2362 (Ext. 351)
603-749-6434 (Ext. 351)
Fax: 603-742-2346
E-mail: techsupport@aemc.com
Limited Warranty
The Model 876 is warranted to the owner for a period of 2 years 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 warranty 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.com
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.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
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
03/18
99-MAN 100246 v6
References
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