Designation: E2877 − 12´1

Standard Guide for

Digital Contact Thermometers1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2877; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

ε1 NOTE—Changes were made editorially in February 2013.

1. Scope displaying degrees Fahrenheit are compliant with this guide as

1.1 This Guide describes general-purpose, digital contact long as all other guidance is followed.
thermometers (hereafter simply called “digital thermometers”) 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
that provide temperature readings in units of degrees Celsius or safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
degrees Fahrenheit, or both. The different types of temperature responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
sensors for these thermometers are described, and their relative priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
merits are discussed. Nine accuracy classes are introduced for bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Some specific
digital thermometerhes; these classes consider the accuracy of hazards statements are given in Section 7 on Hazards.
the sensor/measuring-instrument unit.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 The proposed accuracy classes for digital thermometers
pertain to the temperature interval of –200 °C to 500 °C, an 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
interval of special interest for many applications in thermom- E230 Specification and Temperature-Electromotive Force
etry. All of the temperature sensor types for the digital (EMF) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
thermometers discussed are able to measure temperature over E344 Terminology Relating to Thermometry and Hydrom-
at least some range within this interval. Some types are also etry
able to measure beyond this interval. To qualify for an accuracy E563 Practice for Preparation and Use of an Ice-Point Bath
class, the thermometer must measure correctly to within a as a Reference Temperature
specified value (in units of °C) over this interval or over the E608/E608M Specification for Mineral-Insulated, Metal-
subinterval in which they are capable of making measure- Sheathed Base Metal Thermocouples
ments. Those thermometers that can measure temperature in E644 Test Methods for Testing Industrial Resistance Ther-
ranges beyond this interval generally have larger measurement mometers
uncertainty in these ranges. E839 Test Methods for Sheathed Thermocouples and
Sheathed Thermocouple Cable
1.3 The digital thermometer sensors discussed are platinum E879 Specification for Thermistor Sensors for General Pur-
resistance sensors, thermistors, and thermocouples. The range pose and Laboratory Temperature Measurements
of use for these types of sensors is provided. The measurement E1137/E1137M Specification for Industrial Platinum Resis-
uncertainty of a sensor is determined by its tolerance class or tance Thermometers
grade and whether the sensor has been calibrated. E2181/E2181M Specification for Compacted Mineral-
1.4 This Guide provides a number of recommendations for Insulated, Metal-Sheathed, Noble Metal Thermocouples
the manufacture and selection of a digital thermometer. First, it and Thermocouple Cable
recommends that the thermometer’s sensor conform to appli- E2593 Guide for Accuracy Verification of Industrial Plati-
cable ASTM specifications. Also, it recommends minimum num Resistance Thermometers
standards for documentation on the thermometer and informa- E2846 Guide for Thermocouple Verification
tional markings on the probe and measuring instrument.
3. Terminology
1.5 The derived SI units (degrees Celsius) found in this
Guide are to be considered standard. However, thermometers 3.1 Definitions: The definitions given in Terminology E344
apply to terms used in this guide.
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E20 on Temperature
2
Measurement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E20.09 on Digital For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Contact Thermometers. contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2012. Published December 2012. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E2877–12 the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 E2877 − 12´1
3.2 Definitions: classified as “in tolerance” and it is assumed that measurements
3.2.1 accuracy class, n—class of an item that meets certain made with it will measure correctly to within this tolerance. An
metrological requirements intended to keep errors within instrument that is not classified as “in tolerance” is classified as
specified limits. “out of tolerance.”
3.2.1.1 Discussion—This document describes accuracy 4. Significance and Use
classes for digital thermometers.
4.1 Digital thermometers are used for measuring tempera-
3.2.2 calibration uncertainty, n—parameter, derived from
ture in many laboratories and industrial applications.
the analysis of a calibration of a measuring instrument, that
characterizes the range in which the true calibration result is 4.2 For many applications, digital thermometers using ex-
estimated to lie within a given confidence level. ternal probes are considered environmentally-safe alternatives
to mercury-in-glass thermometers. (1)3
3.2.3 digital contact thermometer, n—a device that mea-
sures temperature through direct contact with a sensor and 4.3 Some digital thermometers are also used as reference or
provides a digital output or display of the determined value, or working temperature standards in verification and calibration
both. of thermometers and also in determining the conditions nec-
essary for evaluating the performance of other measuring
3.2.3.1 Discussion—This device consists of a temperature instruments used in legal metrology and industry.
sensor connected to a measuring instrument; this instrument
measures the temperature-dependent quantity of the sensor, 5. Description of the Instruments
computes the temperature from the measured quantity, and 5.1 Basic Description of a Digital Thermometer
provides a digital output or display of the temperature, or both. 5.1.1 A digital thermometer consists of a temperature
The sensor is sometimes located inside the instrument. sensor, often mounted in a probe, connected to a measuring
3.2.4 measuring instrument, n—the instrument in a digital instrument. The instrument measures the temperature-
thermometer that is used to measure the temperature-dependent dependent quantity of the sensor, computes the temperature
quantity of the sensor. from that measured quantity, and provides a digital output or
3.2.5 probe, n—an assembly, including the transducer display of the computed temperature, or both.
(sensor), that is used to position the transducer in the specific 5.2 Types of Digital Thermometer Sensors
location at which the temperature is to be measured. 5.2.1 Platinum Resistance Thermometer (PRT). The electri-
3.2.6 reference-junction compensator, n—a device that mea- cal resistance of a PRT’s platinum element increases nearly
sures the temperature of a thermocouple’s reference junction linearly as its temperature increases, making it a temperature
and adds to or subtracts from the reference-junction emf a sensor. A PRT sensor consists of a platinum filament of fine
compensating voltage that simulates a reference junction wire or film supported by an insulating body. The sensor is
temperature of 0 °C. usually mounted in a protective glass coating with size 2 mm
to 4 mm or a sheathed probe (glass or stainless steel) with a
3.2.6.1 Discussion—The compensating voltage may be
typical outer diameter of 1.6 mm to 6.4 mm; this arrangement
added or subtracted electronically or digitally.
protects the sensor from physical damage and chemical con-
3.2.7 response time, n—the time required for a sensor to tamination but still allows thermal transfer between the sensor
change a specified percentage of the total difference between and its environment. This sensor package often determines the
its initial and final temperatures when the sensor is subjected to temperature capability and accuracy of the device. The sensor
a step function change in temperature. is connected to a measuring instrument by electrically conduct-
3.2.8 sensing point, n—the location on a temperature sensor ing leads. The number of leads can be 2, 3, or 4. The measuring
where the temperature is (or is assumed to be) measured. instrument determines the resistance of the PRT’s sensing
element by applying a known current through it and measuring
3.2.8.1 Discussion—A thermocouple’s sensing point is its
the voltage across it. Most measuring instruments for PRTs
measuring junction (although the signal in the thermocouple is
calculate the temperature of the sensor using the relevant
generated along the two thermocouple wires in regions where
resistance/temperature equations. The PRT calibration is de-
a temperature gradient exists). A platinum resistance thermom-
fined as either a nominal resistance-temperature relationship
eter contains a sensing element that may be large enough to
with an interchangeability tolerance (for example, Specifica-
experience spatial temperature variations; in this case the
tion E1137/E1137M) or a single sensor calibration with esti-
sensing point is the central point in the element where the
mated uncertainty. A nominal relationship allows the readout
temperature is assumed to be that measured by the platinum
device to be programmed with a single resistance-temperature
resistance thermometer.
relationship for a specified PRT family. Interchangeability
3.2.9 time constant, n—the 63.2 % response time of a sensor tolerances are usually greater than 0.1 °C and increase as
that exhibits a single-exponential response. temperatures deviate from the ice-point. Alternatively, a
3.2.10 tolerance, n—in a measurement instrument, the per- sensor-specific calibration is used when a nominal curve does
mitted variation of a measured value from the correct value.
3.2.10.1 Discussion—If a measurement instrument is stated 3
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
to measure correctly to within a tolerance, the instrument is this standard.

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 E2877 − 12´1
not exist or when the interchangeability tolerances do not the measuring junction. The other end is called the reference
support accuracy needs. PRT calibration uncertainties less than junction. When there is a temperature difference between the
0.01 °C are possible depending on temperature range, PRT measuring junction and reference junction, an electromotive
stability and test measurement capability. force (emf) is produced across each thermoelement, generated
Temperature range, vibration tolerability and stability in the region where temperature gradients exist. Because the
(against drift) are key characteristic to consider when selecting thermoelements are dissimilar, an electromotive force differ-
a PRT for a particular accuracy class. PRT designs vary widely ence (called a thermocouple emf) is produced across the
between manufacturers and can be tailored to meet the needs of reference junction. This thermocouple emf (a voltage) in-
specific applications. General guidelines are summarized in creases as the temperature difference increases, making the
Table 1. thermocouple a sensor for temperature differences. When the
5.2.2 Thermistor—The electrical resistance of a thermistor reference-junction temperature is known, the thermocouple
(a semiconductor of blended metal oxides) varies with its may be used as a temperature sensor that determines the
temperature, making it a temperature sensor. The resistance of temperature of the measuring junction. The reference junction
a thermistor can either increase as the temperature increases of the thermocouple is attached to terminals on the measuring
(positive temperature coefficient, or PTC) or decrease as the instrument, which determines the electromotive force (emf)
temperature increases (negative temperature coefficient, or across the reference junction. Thermocouple wires are often
NTC). Most thermistors that are used as temperature sensors covered with ceramic, fiberglass, or polymer insulations, and
are of the NTC type. Thermistor sensors are frequently used for the measuring junction is often mounted in a sheathed stainless
temperature measurements in the range −20 to 100 °C. They steel probe with a typical outer diameter of 0.2 mm to 6.4 mm
are sometimes used for special applications over the ranges for additional protection of the sensor.
−196 to −20 °C and 100 to 150 °C. Thermistors have the The emf across the reference junction is used along with the
advantages of high resolution, a fast response time, and low known emf/temperature relations to calculate the measuring
uncertainty over their specified range. They also have excellent junction temperature. However, these relations assume that the
stability and very good vibration tolerability. Many thermistors reference-junction temperature is 0 °C. This is never the case
are either encapsulated with epoxy or sealed with a protective with a digital thermometer, so a reference-junction compensa-
glass coating, resulting in a typical bead size of 0.5 mm to 3 tor inside the measuring instrument simulates this arrangement.
mm. Others are mounted in a stainless steel sheath with a It measures the actual temperature of the reference junction Trj
typical outer diameter of 0.9 mm to 6.4 mm. If the thermistor and adds to or subtracts from the reference-junction emf a
is external to the measuring instrument, it is connected to the compensating voltage that simulates a reference junction
instrument by electrical leads that are electrically insulated temperature of 0 °C. The compensating voltage may be added
from the environment and from each other. An external or subtracted either electronically (before the emf measure-
thermistor is often located inside a protective sheathed probe; ment) or digitally (after the emf measurement). This compen-
this arrangement protects the sensor from physical damage and sating voltage is equivalent to that which the thermocouple
chemical contamination but still allows thermal transfer be-
would produce if the measuring junction temperature were Trj
tween the sensor and its environment. Thermistors usually
and the reference junction temperature were 0 °C. The instru-
have two leads to measure the resistance across the thermistor
ment then calculates the temperature of the measuring junction
material. The measuring instrument determines the combined
using the emf/temperature equation provided in Note 2 of
resistance of the thermistor and leads by applying a known
Table 7 of Specification E230. This calculation requires use of
current through them and measuring the voltage across the
several coefficients, the values of which are stored in the
ends of the leads. The instrument calculates the temperature of
instrument. Nominal values of these coefficients may be
the thermistor using a specific resistance/temperature equation
relevant to the type of thermistor. The temperature calculation obtained from Table 7 of Specification E230. Use of the
requires the use of several coefficients, the values of which are nominal values calculates temperature to within an uncertainty
stored in the instrument. For thermistor types used in clinical determined by the stated tolerance of the thermocouple and the
laboratory temperature measurements, nominal values of these uncertainty of the reference junction compensation.
coefficients may be obtained from Table 1 of Specification Calibration-determined coefficient values may be entered into
E879. For other thermistor types, the nominal values are some instrument models; this enables an individual thermo-
generally obtained from the manufacturer. Use of the nominal couple sensor (or a group of thermocouple sensors made using
values calculates temperature to within the tolerance of the the same wire lot) to measure temperature with an uncertainty
thermistor type. Calibration-determined coefficient values may that is less than the stated tolerance of similar uncalibrated
be entered into some instrument models, enabling more accu- thermocouples.
rate temperature determination for an individual thermistor A thermocouple sensor has the advantages of a relatively
sensor. A summary of the characteristics of thermistors is listed large temperature range and being compact and mechanically
in Table 1. robust. There are several types of thermocouples that may be
5.2.3 Thermocouple—A thermocouple consists of two par- used, each with their own temperature ranges and tolerances.
allel dissimilar homogeneous metal wires, called thermoele- Some of the more commonly used thermocouples are types E,
ments. These thermoelements, which are usually of equal J, K, N, R, S, and T. The respective temperature ranges and
length, are joined physically and electrically at one end, called characteristics of these thermocouples are shown in Table 1.

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 TABLE 1 Summary of Thermometer Sensors and Their Typical Characteristics
NOTE 1—See text for a more complete description. The descriptions provided here are general and may not pertain to individual sensor models. The accuracy of a sensor is dependent on many
factors (calibration, temperature, environmental history), making a quantitative description of it nontrivial. It is described here qualitatively for the purpose of comparison. ASTM tolerance values
for platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs), thermocouples, and some thermistors are found inStandard Specifications E1137/E1137M, E230, and E879, respectively.
Temperature Temperature- Nominal Available Sensor Size Stability Vibration Accuracy
Sensor Dependent Temperature Protection (Diameter) (against drift) Tolerability
Quantity Range
PRT: wire Resistance of −200 to 650 °C Glass coating, 2 to 4 mm Good to Excellent Limited to 2 leads: Fair
platinum wire (−328 to 1202 °F) glass or stainless glass coated, depending on Very Good 3 leads: Very
steel sheath 1.6 to 6.4 mm temperature range depending Good
PRT: thin film Resistance of a −70 to 300 °C dia. sheath and design on design 4 leads: Excellent
platinum film (−94 to 572 °F)

Thermistor Resistance of a −50 to 100 °C Epoxy or glass 0.5 to 3 mm bead, Excellent Very good Excellent
semiconductor (−58 to 212 °F), bead, stainless 0.9 to 6.4 mm
typical steel sheath dia. sheath

E2877 − 12´1
Thermocouple −200 to 870 °C
4

Types E (−328 °F to 1600 °F)

Thermocouple 0 to 760 °C
Types J (32 to 1400 °F)

Thermocouple Emf difference −200 to 1260 °C 2–bore ceramic 0.06 to 2 mm Good, increases Excellent Good, increases
Types K between two (−328 to 2300 °F) tubing, fiberglass, measuring as as
dissimilar wires or polymer junction, temperature temperature
Thermocouple −200 to 370 °C insulation, 0.2 to 6.4 mm decreases approaches 0 °C
Types T (−328 to 698 °F) stainless steel dia. sheath
sheath

Thermocouple 0 to 1260 °C
Types N (32 to 2300 °F)

Thermocouple 0 to 1480 °C Very good, in- Very good, in-

Types R, S (32 to 2700 °F) creases creases
as temperature as temperature
decreases decreases
 E2877 − 12´1
Thermocouples can be very stable if used only at tempera- described in Section 9 of Test Method E644 and Section 10.7
tures near ambient. Their stability decreases at higher tempera- of Test Method E839.
tures due to oxidation-related drift. Therefore, thermocouple 5.4.2 Measuring Instrument—At minimum, the instrument’s
uncertainties can be reduced considerably if the calibration/ response time is determined by the time period between sample
usage temperature range is smaller and near ambient, where measurements. This time (or its inverse, the sampling rate) may
oxidation is small or nonexistent. sometimes be programmed into the instrument by the user. The
default value is usually mentioned in the product specifications
5.3 Immersion—When measuring the temperature of a by the manufacturer. The response time may also be increased
medium, the end of a sensor probe must be immersed in it by if there is filtering of the measured signal. When filtering is
a minimum depth. Immersing the probe by at least this used, the displayed result includes measurements taken over a
‘minimum immersion length” ensures that the sensing point is longer period of time than the sampling period; these measure-
immersed to a depth where any heat flux occurring in the probe ments are averaged to obtain the displayed result. This aver-
stem will not result in a measurement error. When properly aging produces a more stable reading, but increases the
immersed, the sensor can measure the correct temperature of response time. Measuring instruments generally do not filter
the medium to within its tolerance or calibration uncertainty. when they are used in their default configuration. If filtering is
The minimum immersion length generally includes a small used, the user should consult the product manual for informa-
segment of the stem; this segment is almost always part of the tion on the response time of the instrument.
probe. The value of the minimum immersion length varies
5.5 Susceptibility to Environmental Disturbances—The in-
considerably and depends on the type of sensor, the design of
dicated temperature displayed on a particular digital thermom-
the probe, and the environment in which the probe is im-
eter may be susceptible to certain environmental disturbances,
mersed. Design parameters affecting the minimum immersion
such as strong electric or magnetic fields, or both. It may also
length include the sheath diameter (if applicable) and the
be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), also
diameter of the leads (PRT or thermistor) or the diameter of the
known as radio-frequency interference (RFI). Prospective us-
thermoelements (thermocouple). Manufacturers sometimes
ers of digital thermometers should determine what kinds of
provide an estimated minimum immersion length in their
environmental disturbances exist in the areas where the ther-
product specifications. This length may be determined experi-
mometer is to be used, and inquire whether these disturbances
mentally by slowly immersing the probe into a medium of
would significantly compromise the integrity of the tempera-
uniform temperature (for example, an ice bath, as constructed
ture measurements made by the thermometer.
by Standard Practice E563) until the indicated temperature no
longer changes significantly. For a PRT probe, the test de- 6. Digital Thermometer Accuracy Classes Within the
scribed in Section 7 of Test Method E644 should be used. Interval -200 to 500 °C
5.4 Response Time—When temperature of a medium 6.1 Table 2 introduces accuracy classes for complete digital
changes, the indicated temperature of a sensor probe immersed thermometer units based on the tolerance of both the sensor
in the medium does not follow the change immediately, but and the measuring instrument. These accuracy classes pertain
lags by a characteristic amount. This amount may be related to only to measurements within the interval −200 to 500 °C. The
the response time tr of the probe and or the configuration of the tolerance is expected to be larger than that of the sensor alone.
instrument. For a PRT-based thermometer and a thermistor-based
5.4.1 Sensor—A sensor’s response time is related to its time thermometer, the tolerance/uncertainty of the measuring instru-
constant. The time constant τ is defined in terms of the probe’s ment includes that for resistance measurement and for sensor
response to an instantaneous temperature change ∆T = Tf−Ti, self-heating. For a thermocouple-based thermometer, the tol-
where Ti is the initial temperature and Tf is the final tempera- erance of the measuring instrument includes that for voltage
ture. The time constant is defined as the time required for the measurement and for reference-junction compensation. Many
indicated temperature to change from Ti to Tf by an amount α digital thermometers feature measuring instruments that may
∆T, where α = 1−e−1 = 0.632. The value of τ depends on the be disconnected from their sensor and connected to another
type of sensor and the particular design of the sensor, as well sensor. Therefore, it must be emphasized that a digital ther-
as the thermal properties of the medium into which the sensor mometer accuracy class refers to a particular sensor/
is immersed. Design parameters affecting τ include the sheath
diameter (if applicable) and electrically-insulating materials. A
TABLE 2 Accuracy Classes and Their Respective Tolerances
typical value of τ for a sheathed sensor is several seconds, but
for Digital Thermometers
considerable variation exists. Manufacturers sometimes pro-
Class Tolerance
vide the maximum time constant of their sensors in their A # 0.01 °C
product specifications. The response time is defined as the time B # 0.02 °C
required for the indicated temperature to change from Ti to Tf C # 0.05 °C
D # 0.1 °C
by an acceptable proportion β (chosen by the user) of the actual E # 0.2 °C
change, where 0 ≤ β ≤ 1. The response time is then given by Tr F # 0.5 °C
= −ln(1 − β) τ. As examples, for β = 0.90, Tr = 2.30τ; for β = G # 1.0 °C
H # 2.0 °C
0.95, Tr = 3.00τ; for β = 0.99, Tr = 4.61τ. This response time I # 5.0 °C
may be determined experimentally using the test methods

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 E2877 − 12´1
measuring-instrument combination, and that changing this storage and transportation environment required for the mea-
combination may change the accuracy class. suring instrument in order that the thermometer meet this
6.2 Calibrated Digital Thermometers—A digital thermom- accuracy should be provided (see 7.3.3).
eter may be calibrated before or after being provided to a 7.3.3 Environmental Description—Environmental descrip-
customer. Calibration laboratories provide measurement uncer- tions should include the ranges of all relevant environmental
tainties rather than tolerances to accompany their calibration parameters, for example, the temperature of the measuring
results. Therefore, in order to determine its accuracy class, a instrument, the relative humidity, and the ambient pressure.
thermometer’s measurement uncertainty will need to be con- 7.3.4 Labeling—The instruction manual should include a
verted to a tolerance. Such a conversion is nontrivial because statement that informs the user if the performance of the device
tolerance and measurement uncertainty are differently defined may be degraded should one or more of the following occur:
quantities with no defined relation. However, a reasonable 7.3.4.1 Operation outside the manufacturer’s stated tem-
conversion may be based on the tolerance verification methods perature and humidity range.
described in ANSI/NCSLI Z540.3-2006 (2). Using this basis, a 7.3.4.2 Storage outside the manufacturer’s stated tempera-
tolerance may be considered roughly equivalent to an uncer- ture and humidity range.
tainty with a coverage factor of k=3 (confidence interval of 98 7.3.4.3 Mechanical shock (for example, drop test).
%). Likewise, a tolerance may be considered roughly equiva-
7.4 Digital Display:
lent to an uncertainty with a coverage factor of k=2 (confidence
interval of 95 %) multiplied by a factor of 3/2. 7.4.1 Resolution—The digital display should have incre-
Example: A calibrated digital thermometer is declared to mental steps not larger than 1 °C or 1 °F, and steps not less than
have a measurement uncertainty (k = 2) of 0.1 °C. The 10 % of the tolerance of the sensor/measuring-instrument
corresponding tolerance is then obtained by multiplying the combination.
calibration uncertainty by 3/2, providing a value of 0.15 °C. 7.4.2 Readability—At the outside surface of the instrument,
This thermometer would then belong in Accuracy Class E. the numerals should appear to be at least 2.5 mm (0.1 in.) high
and 1.5 mm (0.059 in.) wide and appear to be separated from
6.3 Accuracy Verification—It is important to periodically one another by a space of at least 0.7 mm (0.027 in.).
verify the accuracy of digital thermometers. This accuracy can 7.4.3 Display Units—The digital display should clearly
be verified by comparing the thermometer with reference include the temperature unit of the displayed numerical value.
standards, tests at thermometric fixed points and periodic
recalibration. (3) For example, the temperature of an ice bath (0 7.5 Battery Condition—Battery-operated instruments
°C) prepared using Practice E563 is stable and reproducible to should include an automatic indication of unreliable condition
within 0.002 °C, and so periodic immersion of the digital that is shown once the battery power is sufficiently low that the
thermometer in an ice bath is a convenient and useful test for instrument accuracy is affected; this indication should be
thermometer drift. Verification tests for PRT and thermocouple displayed until the battery condition is corrected. When an
sensors are described in Guide E2593 and Guide E2846, instrument uses a rechargeable battery, the indication should
respectively. show when the battery is charging.
7.6 Case Material—The case material of the measuring
7. Recommendations for Manufacturing and Selection instrument, sensor, and connecting cable should withstand
The following recommendations are made for the manufac- physical cleaning without performance degradation. It should
turing and selection of digital thermometers: also withstand dropping without presenting an electrical safety
7.1 Units—The temperature values displayed by a digital hazard.
thermometer should be in units of degrees Celsius (°C) or 7.7 Marking—All markings for purposes of identification or
degrees Fahrenheit (°F), or both. instruction should be clear and legible. Deterioration should
7.2 Traceability—The temperature values displayed by a not occur when subjected to cleaning.
digital thermometer should be on the International Temperature 7.7.1 Instrument Marking—The instrument should be
Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) and traceable to national and interna- marked with the manufacturer’s or distributor’s name, model
tional standards. (4) Traceability is accomplished if the ther- designation, serial number and/or lot number.
mometer’s calibration or tolerance test can be related to the 7.7.2 Probe Marking—Detachable reusable probes should
temperature standard of a national measurement institute be marked with at least the sensor type, manufacturer’s or
through a series of intermediate reference-thermometer cali- distributor’s name or identification, and serial or lot number. If
brations with known uncertainty. possible, the minimum immersion length of the probe should
7.3 Environment: be marked as well.
7.3.1 Operating Environment—In all documentation where 7.7.3 Operating Instructions—Operating instructions
the digital thermometer accuracy is described, a description of should be provided on the instrument if possible. When space
the operating environment required for the measuring instru- requirements dictate, the operating instructions on the instru-
ment in order that the thermometer meet this accuracy should ment may be brief if detailed operating instructions are also
be provided (see 7.3.3). provided.
7.3.2 Storage Environment—In all documentation where the 7.7.4 Care and Use Instructions—Instructions for the care,
digital thermometer accuracy is described, a description of the use, and cleaning of the instrument should be provided.

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 E2877 − 12´1
7.7.5 Identification—In order that purchasers may identify mental disturbances, or a description of the effect of environ-
products conforming to some or all of the criteria in this Guide, mental disturbances (for example, strong magnetic or electric
producers and distributors may include a statement of confor- fields, or electromagnetic noise) on the thermometer, along
mance in conjunction with their name and address on product with recommendations on how to minimize this effect.
labels, invoices, sales literature, and the like. 7.8.5 Recalibration—The manufacturer should recommend
a periodic recalibration cycle to ensure continuous perfor-
7.8 Documentation:
mance consistent with the accuracy class of the thermometer.
7.8.1 Detailed Instructions—Detailed instructions for use
The manufacturer should provide specific instructions for the
should be provided. These instructions should contain suffi-
adjustment of the instrument if user adjustment is permitted by
cient detail to provide a means for training in the operation,
the manufacturer. Test equipment or fixtures required for
application, care, and cleaning of the instrument and accesso-
adjustment should either be described in sufficient detail to
ries.
permit fabrication or purchase, or the manufacturer’s equip-
7.8.2 Service and Repair Manual—A service manual should ment or fixtures should be made available to users.
be made available if user repair is permitted by the manufac- 7.8.6 Detailed Specifications—The manufacturer should
turer. The service manual should provide theory of operation, provide specifications of the digital thermometer’s temperature
maintenance information, test procedures, test equipment range, accuracy, and minimum immersion length for all probes
requirements, detailed diagrams, parts list, and specifications. that may be used with the measurement instrument. It should
7.8.3 Accuracy Determination—The manufacturer should also specify the environmental limits for the measuring instru-
make available specific instructions for tests to determine the ment (see 7.3).
accuracy of the thermometer, including the temperature sensor.
7.8.4 Influence from Environmental Disturbances—The 8. Keywords
manufacturer’s documentation should provide a statement of 8.1 digital; electronic; liquid-in-glass; mercury-in-glass;
compliance to all pertinent standards for immunity to environ- thermometer

REFERENCES

(1) Ripple, D.; Cross, D.; Miller, W.; and Strouse, G.; “Selecting Verification Methods to Alternatives to Mercury-Filled
Alternatives to Mercury-Filled Thermometers,” EPA document WA Thermometers, Including Research on Ice and Steam Points,” EPA
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(3) Ripple, D.; Cross, D.; Miller, W.; and Strouse, G.; “Overview of

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