The AMETEK RTC-187 is a professional reference temperature calibrator designed for highly accurate temperature sensor calibration in laboratories, industrial production facilities and field service applications.
With a temperature range from −45 °C to +180 °C, excellent temperature stability of ±0.005 °C and accuracy of ±0.04 °C when using the specified external reference sensor, the AMETEK RTC-187 provides outstanding performance for demanding temperature calibration applications.
The instrument combines advanced temperature control technology with an active dual-zone calibration block to ensure excellent temperature homogeneity and reliable calibration conditions.
An important feature is the optional Dynamic Load Compensation (DLC) system, which compensates for temperature differences caused by the insertion of temperature sensors into the calibration block.
This technology is particularly beneficial when calibrating several temperature sensors simultaneously or when working with sensors of different diameters.
The AMETEK RTC-187 is suitable for calibrating resistance temperature detectors, Pt100 sensors, Pt1000 sensors, thermocouples, temperature transmitters and temperature switches.
Its compact construction, interchangeable calibration inserts, color display and USB communication interface make it suitable for laboratory and field calibration.
Depending on the selected configuration, the instrument also supports external reference thermometer measurement, sensor-under-test measurement and automated calibration procedures.
europascal supports customers with professional temperature calibration equipment, technical advice and calibration services.
For professional calibration services and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Your Benefits at a Glance
The AMETEK RTC-187 combines high temperature accuracy with excellent stability and advanced temperature control.
Its main advantages include:
- Temperature range from −45 °C to +180 °C at 23 °C ambient temperature
- Internal reference accuracy of ±0.12 °C
- Accuracy of ±0.04 °C with the specified external STS-200 reference sensor
- Excellent temperature stability of ±0.005 °C
- Radial temperature homogeneity of 0.01 °C
- Active dual-zone temperature control
- Optional Dynamic Load Compensation
- Fast heating and cooling performance
- Temperature resolution down to 0.001 °C
- Interchangeable calibration inserts
- Immersion depth of 160 mm
- Intelligent external reference sensors
- USB communication interface
- Automatic temperature stepping
- Optional sensor-under-test measurement
- Optional temperature switch testing
- Compatible with JofraCal calibration software
- Three configurations: RTC-187A, RTC-187B and RTC-187C
- Portable construction weighing approximately 10.5 kg
Ideal for Demanding Calibration Applications
The AMETEK RTC-187 is designed for professional temperature calibration applications requiring excellent accuracy, stability and repeatability.
Typical applications include the calibration of industrial resistance thermometers, thermocouples and temperature transmitters.
The wide temperature range allows users to perform calibrations below and above ambient temperature with a single instrument.
This makes the calibrator particularly useful for industrial maintenance, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, environmental monitoring and laboratory temperature measurement.
The instrument can also be used for comparison calibration with an external reference thermometer.
In this configuration, the reference thermometer measures the actual temperature inside the calibration insert.
The temperature indicated by the device under test is compared with the reference value.
This method is particularly suitable for applications requiring low measurement uncertainty.
Temperature Range from −45 °C to +180 °C
The AMETEK RTC-187 provides a temperature calibration range of:
−45 °C to +180 °C
This range applies at an ambient temperature of 23 °C.
The minimum achievable temperature depends on the ambient conditions.
| Ambient Temperature | Calibration Range |
|---|---|
| 0 °C | −57 °C to +180 °C |
| 23 °C | −45 °C to +180 °C |
| 40 °C | −31 °C to +180 °C |
The ability to generate temperatures below ambient temperature makes the AMETEK RTC-187 suitable for refrigeration, environmental testing and temperature-controlled industrial processes.
At the same time, the maximum temperature of 180 °C allows calibration of sensors used in heating and thermal processing applications.
Typical calibration temperatures include −40 °C, −20 °C, 0 °C, 25 °C, 50 °C, 100 °C, 150 °C and 180 °C.
High Temperature Accuracy
The AMETEK RTC-187 provides different accuracy specifications depending on the reference thermometer configuration.
Accuracy with Internal Reference
The manufacturer specifies an internal reference accuracy of:
±0.12 °C
This value describes the accuracy of the internal temperature reference under the manufacturer’s defined conditions.
Accuracy with External Reference
When using the specified STS-200 external reference sensor, the manufacturer specifies:
±0.04 °C
This specification applies to the RTC-187B and RTC-187C configurations.
The external reference sensor measures the temperature within the calibration insert.
This enables more accurate comparison measurements than relying exclusively on the internal temperature indication.
The specified accuracy applies over a 12-month period under defined conditions.
It must not be confused with the expanded measurement uncertainty stated on an individual calibration certificate.
Excellent Temperature Stability of ±0.005 °C
The AMETEK RTC-187 provides exceptionally high temperature stability.
The manufacturer specifies:
±0.005 °C
This corresponds to a stability band of only 5 mK.
Temperature stability describes the variation of the calibration block temperature over time under defined operating conditions.
According to the manufacturer, the stability measurement is performed after the stability indicator has been active for 15 minutes, followed by a measurement period of 30 minutes.
Excellent temperature stability is essential for accurate comparison calibration.
It helps reduce measurement variations and improves the reliability of calibration results.
Active Dual-Zone Temperature Control
The AMETEK RTC-187 features active dual-zone temperature control.
The calibration block contains two independently controlled temperature zones.
The lower zone controls the temperature in the calibration area.
The upper zone compensates for heat losses caused by the open top of the calibration block and the inserted temperature sensors.
This technology helps minimize axial temperature gradients.
It is particularly useful when calibrating sensors with different dimensions and sensing element positions.
The active dual-zone system provides stable and homogeneous temperature conditions throughout the calibration process.
Dynamic Load Compensation
One of the most important features of the AMETEK RTC-187 is the optional Dynamic Load Compensation system.
Dynamic Load Compensation (DLC) is available for the RTC-187B and RTC-187C configurations.
When temperature sensors are inserted into a dry block calibrator, they can influence the temperature distribution.
Large sensors and multiple sensors may cause additional heat losses.
The DLC system measures temperature differences within the calibration insert and compensates for these effects.
This improves temperature homogeneity under different loading conditions.
The technology is particularly useful when calibrating multiple sensors simultaneously.
The DLC function requires the appropriate sensor and calibration insert.
It is not included as a standard feature in every configuration.
Excellent Radial Temperature Homogeneity
The AMETEK RTC-187 provides excellent radial temperature homogeneity.
The manufacturer specifies a temperature difference between calibration holes of:
0.01 °C
This characteristic is particularly important when calibrating several temperature sensors simultaneously.
Good radial homogeneity helps minimize temperature differences between the reference thermometer and the devices under test.
For demanding applications, the actual temperature distribution must be considered when evaluating the measurement uncertainty.
Fast Heating Performance
The AMETEK RTC-187 provides efficient heating performance.
Typical heating times include:
| Temperature Change | Heating Time |
|---|---|
| −45 °C to +23 °C | 7 minutes |
| +23 °C to +100 °C | 8 minutes |
| +100 °C to +180 °C | 9 minutes |
Fast heating reduces waiting times between calibration points.
This is particularly useful when performing multi-point calibration procedures.
Actual heating times depend on ambient conditions, sensor loading and the selected calibration insert.
Efficient Cooling Performance
The AMETEK RTC-187 also provides controlled cooling performance.
Typical cooling times include:
| Temperature Change | Cooling Time |
|---|---|
| +180 °C to +100 °C | 8 minutes |
| +100 °C to +23 °C | 11 minutes |
| +23 °C to −30 °C | 17 minutes |
| −30 °C to −45 °C | 25 minutes |
The integrated cooling system allows the instrument to generate temperatures below ambient temperature without requiring a separate cooling bath.
This simplifies calibration procedures and reduces equipment requirements.
Interchangeable Calibration Inserts
The AMETEK RTC-187 uses interchangeable calibration inserts.
These allow different temperature sensors to be accommodated within the calibration block.
The manufacturer specifies the following insert dimensions:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Insert outer diameter | 29.7 mm |
| Insert length | 150 mm |
| Maximum immersion depth | 160 mm |
| Weight of undrilled insert | Approximately 290 g |
Metric and imperial calibration inserts are available.
Metric inserts accommodate sensor diameters from 3 mm to 16 mm.
Imperial inserts accommodate common sensor diameters from 1/8 inch to 5/8 inch.
The appropriate insert should be selected according to the dimensions of the sensors being calibrated.
Good thermal contact between the sensor and insert helps minimize measurement errors.
The RTC-187 is also compatible with inserts used in the RTC-156 and RTC-157 series.
Intelligent External Reference Sensors
The RTC-187B and RTC-187C support intelligent external reference temperature sensors.
The specified STS-200 reference sensor contains individual calibration coefficients stored in its intelligent connector.
When the sensor is connected, the calibrator can recognize the stored calibration information.
This simplifies reference thermometer setup and reduces the risk of entering incorrect calibration coefficients.
The reference thermometer input uses four-wire resistance measurement technology.
The manufacturer specifies a resistance measurement accuracy of:
±(0.0012% of reading + 0.0005% of full scale)
The reference input has a full-scale range of 400 Ω.
This provides accurate measurement conditions for compatible platinum resistance reference thermometers.
Three Available Configurations
The AMETEK RTC-187 is available in three configurations.
AMETEK RTC-187A
The RTC-187A is the basic reference temperature calibrator.
It provides precise temperature generation and control using the internal temperature reference.
This configuration is suitable for applications where external measurement instruments are already available.
AMETEK RTC-187B
The RTC-187B provides the most comprehensive measurement functionality.
In addition to temperature generation, it includes inputs for:
- External reference thermometer
- Dynamic Load Compensation sensor
- Resistance temperature detectors
- Thermocouples
- Temperature transmitters
- Electrical process signals
- Temperature switches
The RTC-187B is particularly suitable for automated calibration procedures.
AMETEK RTC-187C
The RTC-187C includes inputs for an external reference thermometer and a Dynamic Load Compensation sensor.
It is designed for applications requiring accurate comparison calibration.
Unlike the RTC-187B, the RTC-187C does not provide the complete sensor-under-test measurement functionality.
Calibration of Pt100 and RTD Sensors
The AMETEK RTC-187 is suitable for calibrating resistance temperature detectors.
Typical applications include Pt100, Pt500 and Pt1000 calibration.
The temperature sensor is inserted into a suitable calibration insert.
The calibration block generates a stable temperature.
The temperature indicated by the device under test is compared with the reference temperature.
For demanding applications, an external reference thermometer is recommended.
The RTC-187B additionally provides integrated sensor-under-test measurement functionality.
Calibration of Thermocouples
The AMETEK RTC-187 can also be used for thermocouple calibration.
Thermocouples are widely used in industrial temperature measurement.
The calibrator provides a stable temperature environment for checking thermocouple measurement systems.
The thermocouple is inserted into the calibration block and allowed to stabilize.
Its indicated temperature can then be compared with the reference temperature.
For accurate thermocouple calibration, reference junction compensation and the measurement uncertainty of the readout must be considered.
Temperature Transmitter Calibration
The AMETEK RTC-187 is suitable for calibrating temperature transmitters.
Temperature transmitters convert temperature sensor signals into standardized electrical output signals.
A common industrial output range is 4–20 mA.
The RTC-187B can measure compatible transmitter output signals using its integrated measurement functionality.
The manufacturer specifies a current measurement range of:
0 to 24 mA
The RTC-187B also provides a 24 V DC supply for compatible temperature transmitters.
This allows the complete temperature measurement chain to be evaluated.
Temperature Switch Testing
The RTC-187B supports temperature switch testing.
The calibrator can determine switching points and hysteresis.
This function is useful for checking thermostats and temperature switches used in industrial control systems.
The temperature is increased or decreased while the electrical switch contact is monitored.
The resulting switching temperatures can be documented and evaluated.
This integrated functionality is specific to the RTC-187B configuration.
Automatic Temperature Stepping
The AMETEK RTC-187 supports automatic temperature stepping.
Up to 20 temperature steps can be programmed.
Users can define temperature setpoints and holding times.
This allows the instrument to perform predefined temperature sequences automatically.
Automatic stepping reduces manual intervention and helps improve calibration efficiency.
USB Communication and Calibration Software
The AMETEK RTC-187 includes a USB 2.0 communication interface.
This interface allows communication with compatible calibration software.
The instrument supports JofraCal calibration software.
The software can be used to assist with calibration procedures, documentation and data management.
Depending on the selected instrument configuration, calibration results can be transferred to a computer for further evaluation.
Computer-assisted calibration helps improve efficiency and consistency.
Portable Design
The AMETEK RTC-187 combines professional calibration performance with portable construction.
The instrument weighs approximately:
10.5 kg
Its dimensions are:
362 × 171 × 363 mm
This makes the calibrator suitable for transportation between laboratories and industrial measurement locations.
A protective carrying case is available as an accessory.
The case provides storage space for the calibrator, inserts, reference sensors and additional accessories.
Technical Highlights
The AMETEK RTC-187 combines precision temperature generation with advanced calibration functionality.
Important technical characteristics include its wide temperature range, excellent temperature stability and optional Dynamic Load Compensation.
The instrument is particularly suitable for demanding comparison calibration applications.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | AMETEK RTC-187 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AMETEK |
| Model | RTC-187 |
| Product type | Reference Temperature Calibrator |
| Temperature range at 23 °C ambient | −45 °C to +180 °C |
| Temperature range at 0 °C ambient | −57 °C to +180 °C |
| Temperature range at 40 °C ambient | −31 °C to +180 °C |
| Internal reference accuracy | ±0.12 °C |
| Accuracy with external STS-200 | ±0.04 °C |
| Temperature stability | ±0.005 °C |
| Radial homogeneity | 0.01 °C |
| Temperature resolution | 1 / 0.1 / 0.01 / 0.001 °C |
| Temperature control | Active dual-zone |
| Dynamic Load Compensation | Optional, models B and C |
| Heating time, −45 °C to +23 °C | 7 minutes |
| Heating time, +23 °C to +100 °C | 8 minutes |
| Heating time, +100 °C to +180 °C | 9 minutes |
| Cooling time, +180 °C to +100 °C | 8 minutes |
| Cooling time, +100 °C to +23 °C | 11 minutes |
| Cooling time, +23 °C to −30 °C | 17 minutes |
| Cooling time, −30 °C to −45 °C | 25 minutes |
| Typical stabilization time | 10 minutes |
| Maximum immersion depth | 160 mm |
| Insert outer diameter | 29.7 mm |
| Insert length | 150 mm |
| Communication interface | USB 2.0 |
| Reference sensor input | Models B and C |
| Sensor-under-test input | Model B |
| Temperature switch testing | Model B |
| Software | JofraCal |
| Operating temperature | 0 °C to +40 °C |
| Storage temperature | −20 °C to +50 °C |
| Relative humidity | 0–90% RH |
| Power supply | 115 V or 230 V AC version |
| Maximum power consumption | 590 VA |
| Protection rating | IP10 |
| Dimensions | 362 × 171 × 363 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 10.5 kg |
Calibration Service by europascal
Regular calibration is essential for maintaining reliable and traceable temperature measurements.
europascal provides professional calibration services for temperature measuring instruments and calibration equipment.
When the AMETEK RTC-187 is used for temperature sensor calibration, the measurement uncertainty must be evaluated according to the complete calibration procedure.
Relevant uncertainty contributions include the calibration of the reference thermometer, temperature stability, axial and radial temperature distribution, loading effects, immersion depth, thermal contact and measurement repeatability.
The individual uncertainty contributions should be evaluated according to the applicable calibration procedure.
For professional calibration services and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Why Choose the AMETEK RTC-187?
The AMETEK RTC-187 combines outstanding temperature stability with excellent accuracy and advanced temperature control.
Its temperature range from −45 °C to +180 °C covers numerous industrial and laboratory applications.
The temperature stability of ±0.005 °C provides reliable conditions for precision temperature calibration.
When used with the specified external STS-200 reference sensor, the instrument provides an accuracy of ±0.04 °C.
The optional Dynamic Load Compensation system helps minimize temperature differences caused by sensor loading.
Interchangeable calibration inserts accommodate temperature sensors with different diameters.
The RTC-187B configuration provides additional measurement and documentation functions for automated calibration procedures.
For calibration laboratories and industrial users requiring a professional reference temperature calibrator, the AMETEK RTC-187 provides an excellent combination of accuracy, flexibility and efficiency.
europascal supports customers with professional temperature calibration equipment, technical advice and calibration services.
Typical Applications for the AMETEK RTC-187
The AMETEK RTC-187 is suitable for numerous professional temperature calibration applications.
Typical applications include:
- Pt100 calibration
- Pt500 calibration
- Pt1000 calibration
- RTD calibration
- Thermocouple calibration
- Precision temperature measurement
- Temperature transmitter calibration
- Temperature switch testing
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Food processing
- Refrigeration systems
- Environmental monitoring
- Industrial process instrumentation
- Preventive maintenance
- Commissioning
- Calibration laboratories
- Industrial quality assurance
- Temperature metrology
- Field calibration
The combination of excellent temperature stability, high accuracy, active dual-zone control and optional Dynamic Load Compensation makes the AMETEK RTC-187 a professional solution for demanding temperature calibration applications.
Find more temperature calibration equipment at europascal.
Manufacturer information for the AMETEK RTC-187 can be found on the official AMETEK website.
