The Fluke Calibration 1502A is a high precision digital reference thermometer readout designed for accurate temperature measurements in professional calibration laboratories, industrial facilities and demanding field applications.
With a temperature measurement range from −200 °C to +962 °C, temperature resolution of 0.001 °C and measurement accuracy of ±0.006 °C at 0 °C, the Fluke Calibration 1502A provides excellent performance for precision temperature measurement and calibration.
The instrument is part of the Fluke Calibration Tweener thermometer series, originally developed by Hart Scientific.
It is designed for use with platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs), industrial resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) and standard platinum resistance thermometers (SPRTs).
The Fluke Calibration 1502A supports ITS-90, IPTS-68 and Callendar-Van Dusen temperature conversion equations, allowing individual thermometer calibration coefficients to be entered.
Its compact construction makes the instrument suitable for laboratory benches as well as mobile calibration applications.
An integrated RS232 communication interface enables connection to computers and automated calibration systems.
An optional IEEE-488 interface provides additional flexibility for laboratory automation.
europascal provides professional temperature calibration equipment, reference thermometers and technical support for demanding metrological applications.
For professional calibration services and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Your Benefits at a Glance
- Temperature measurement range from −200 °C to +962 °C
- High measurement accuracy of ±0.006 °C at 0 °C
- Temperature resolution of 0.001 °C
- Resistance measurement range from 0 Ω to 400 Ω
- Automatic resistance range selection
- Compatible with PRT, RTD and SPRT temperature sensors
- Support for 10 Ω, 25 Ω and 100 Ω platinum resistance thermometers
- ITS-90 temperature conversion
- IPTS-68 temperature conversion
- Callendar-Van Dusen coefficients
- Four-wire resistance measurement
- User-selectable excitation currents of 0.5 mA and 1 mA
- Integrated digital filtering
- Temperature display in °C, °F and K
- Resistance display in Ω
- RS232 communication interface
- Optional IEEE-488 communication
- Compatible with Fluke Calibration LogWare software
- Compatible with MET/TEMP II calibration software
- Compact construction with a weight of approximately 1 kg
- ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration provided by the manufacturer
Ideal for Demanding Calibration Applications
The Fluke Calibration 1502A is designed for applications requiring accurate and reproducible temperature measurements.
In professional temperature calibration, the quality of the reference thermometer readout is an important factor in the overall measurement uncertainty.
Even a highly accurate platinum resistance thermometer requires a suitable measuring instrument to convert its resistance into a reliable temperature value.
The Fluke Calibration 1502A provides precise resistance measurement and temperature conversion in one compact instrument.
It can be used with calibrated reference thermometers in liquid calibration baths, dry block calibrators, temperature furnaces and other controlled temperature environments.
Typical applications include calibration laboratories, pharmaceutical production, industrial quality assurance, research laboratories and temperature measurement systems.
The instrument is particularly suitable for users who require a compact reference thermometer readout without the complexity of a large multichannel measurement system.
Temperature Measurement Range from −200 °C to +962 °C
The Fluke Calibration 1502A supports temperature measurements from:
−200 °C to +962 °C
This wide measurement range makes the instrument suitable for low, medium and high temperature applications.
The actual usable temperature range depends on the connected temperature sensor and its calibration.
For example, a platinum resistance thermometer designed for temperatures up to 400 °C must not be used at 962 °C simply because the readout supports this temperature range.
The Fluke Calibration 1502A does not generate temperature.
Instead, it measures the electrical resistance of a connected temperature sensor and converts the measured resistance into a temperature value.
A separate temperature source is required for calibration applications.
High Temperature Measurement Accuracy
The Fluke Calibration 1502A provides excellent temperature measurement accuracy.
The manufacturer specifies the following values:
| Temperature | Readout Accuracy |
|---|---|
| −100 °C | ±0.004 °C |
| 0 °C | ±0.006 °C |
| +100 °C | ±0.009 °C |
| +200 °C | ±0.012 °C |
| +300 °C | ±0.015 °C |
| +400 °C | ±0.018 °C |
| +500 °C | ±0.021 °C |
| +600 °C | ±0.024 °C |
These values describe the accuracy of the thermometer readout.
They do not include the uncertainty of the connected temperature sensor or errors associated with its calibration coefficients.
The total measurement uncertainty depends on the complete measurement system.
For demanding applications, the uncertainty of the reference thermometer and the readout must therefore be evaluated together.
Temperature Resolution of 0.001 °C
The Fluke Calibration 1502A provides a temperature display resolution of:
0.001 °C
This corresponds to one millikelvin.
The fine resolution makes it possible to observe small temperature changes and evaluate temperature stability.
This is particularly useful when monitoring calibration baths, temperature furnaces and other precision temperature sources.
The temperature resolution remains available throughout the supported measurement range.
Display resolution must not be confused with temperature measurement accuracy or expanded measurement uncertainty.
Precision Resistance Measurement
The Fluke Calibration 1502A measures electrical resistance over a range of:
0 Ω to 400 Ω
The instrument automatically selects the appropriate measurement range.
The manufacturer specifies the following resistance measurement accuracy:
0 Ω to 20 Ω: ±0.0005 Ω
20 Ω to 400 Ω: ±25 ppm of reading
The corresponding resistance resolution is:
0 Ω to 20 Ω: 0.0001 Ω
20 Ω to 400 Ω: 0.001 Ω
These characteristics allow the instrument to measure the resistance of precision platinum resistance thermometers accurately.
The instrument can display resistance directly in ohms or convert it into temperature using the selected thermometer characterization.
Four-Wire Resistance Measurement
The Fluke Calibration 1502A uses four-wire resistance measurement technology.
In a four-wire configuration, separate conductors are used for current excitation and voltage measurement.
This reduces the influence of connecting lead resistance on the measured resistance value.
Four-wire measurement is particularly important when measuring precision platinum resistance thermometers.
Small resistance errors can cause significant temperature measurement errors.
The instrument uses a shielded five-pin DIN connector for connecting compatible temperature probes.
Suitable connectors and wiring are required to achieve the specified measurement performance.
User-Selectable Excitation Current
The Fluke Calibration 1502A provides two selectable excitation currents:
0.5 mA
1 mA
The appropriate excitation current depends on the resistance thermometer and the measurement application.
The measurement current produces electrical power in the sensing element.
This can cause self-heating and therefore a difference between the sensor temperature and the temperature of its surroundings.
Using a suitable excitation current helps control this effect.
For demanding precision measurements, the influence of self-heating should be considered in the measurement uncertainty budget.
ITS-90 Temperature Conversion
The Fluke Calibration 1502A supports the International Temperature Scale of 1990.
The instrument includes ITS-90 subranges:
4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11
Individual thermometer calibration coefficients can be entered into the instrument.
This allows the measured resistance to be converted into temperature using the characterization of the connected reference thermometer.
ITS-90 is particularly important for standard platinum resistance thermometers used in precision thermometry.
The ability to enter individual coefficients makes the Fluke Calibration 1502A suitable for demanding reference thermometer applications.
Callendar-Van Dusen Temperature Conversion
In addition to ITS-90, the Fluke Calibration 1502A supports Callendar-Van Dusen temperature conversion.
This method is widely used for platinum resistance thermometers.
The instrument supports the relevant characterization coefficients:
R0, a, d and b
This allows the instrument to work with individually characterized platinum resistance thermometers.
Standard industrial RTDs can also be measured using the appropriate standard characteristics.
The Fluke Calibration 1502A supports standard industrial IEC 751 platinum resistance thermometers with an alpha coefficient of 0.00385.
IPTS-68 Temperature Conversion
The Fluke Calibration 1502A also supports the earlier International Practical Temperature Scale of 1968.
Supported IPTS-68 coefficients include:
R0, a, d, a4 and c4
This capability is useful when working with older reference thermometers or calibration data based on IPTS-68.
The appropriate temperature scale should be selected according to the calibration coefficients provided for the connected thermometer.
Digital Filtering
The Fluke Calibration 1502A includes an adjustable digital filter.
The manufacturer specifies an exponential filter with a selectable time constant from:
0 to 60 seconds
Digital filtering can reduce fluctuations in the displayed temperature value.
This is particularly useful when monitoring stable temperature sources.
The filter setting should be selected according to the measurement application.
Longer filtering times can improve the readability of stable measurements but may slow the response to actual temperature changes.
Measurement Speed
The Fluke Calibration 1502A provides a measurement period of approximately:
1 second
This allows the instrument to display updated measurement values continuously.
The manufacturer also describes the Tweener series as capable of acquiring readings at rates of up to two per second in certain operating configurations.
For precision temperature calibration, measurement stability and uncertainty are generally more important than maximum acquisition speed.
Compact Design for Laboratory and Field Use
The Fluke Calibration 1502A features a compact and lightweight design.
The instrument measures approximately:
61 × 143 × 181 mm
Its weight is approximately:
1.0 kg
This makes it suitable for use on laboratory benches and in mobile calibration systems.
The instrument features an eight-digit LED display with clearly readable characters.
The display can show temperature in:
- Degrees Celsius
- Degrees Fahrenheit
- Kelvin
It can also display the measured resistance directly in ohms.
RS232 Communication Interface
The Fluke Calibration 1502A includes an RS232 serial communication interface as standard.
This allows the instrument to communicate with computers and automated calibration systems.
The interface can be used for transferring measurement values and integrating the readout into suitable calibration software.
For laboratories requiring additional communication capabilities, an optional IEEE-488 interface is available.
Software Compatibility
The Fluke Calibration 1502A can be used with compatible Fluke Calibration software.
Supported applications include:
9934 LogWare
LogWare provides functions for recording, displaying and analyzing temperature measurement data.
MET/TEMP II
MET/TEMP II supports automated temperature calibration applications.
The Fluke Calibration 1502A can be used as a reference thermometer readout in suitable automated calibration systems.
Software and communication accessories may need to be ordered separately.
Technical Highlights
| Specification | Fluke Calibration 1502A |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Fluke Calibration |
| Model | 1502A |
| Product type | Reference Thermometer Readout |
| Temperature measurement range | −200 °C to +962 °C |
| Temperature accuracy at −100 °C | ±0.004 °C |
| Temperature accuracy at 0 °C | ±0.006 °C |
| Temperature accuracy at 100 °C | ±0.009 °C |
| Temperature accuracy at 200 °C | ±0.012 °C |
| Temperature accuracy at 300 °C | ±0.015 °C |
| Temperature accuracy at 400 °C | ±0.018 °C |
| Temperature accuracy at 500 °C | ±0.021 °C |
| Temperature accuracy at 600 °C | ±0.024 °C |
| Temperature resolution | 0.001 °C |
| Resistance measurement range | 0 Ω to 400 Ω |
| Resistance accuracy, 0 Ω to 20 Ω | ±0.0005 Ω |
| Resistance accuracy, 20 Ω to 400 Ω | ±25 ppm of reading |
| Resistance resolution, 0 Ω to 20 Ω | 0.0001 Ω |
| Resistance resolution, 20 Ω to 400 Ω | 0.001 Ω |
| Compatible sensors | RTD, PRT, SPRT |
| Nominal reference probe resistance | 10 Ω to 100 Ω |
| Measurement configuration | Four-wire |
| Probe connector | Shielded 5-pin DIN |
| Excitation current | 0.5 mA or 1 mA |
| Measurement period | 1 second |
| Digital filter | 0 to 60 seconds |
| Temperature scales | ITS-90, IPTS-68, CVD |
| Temperature units | °C, °F, K |
| Resistance display | Ω |
| Communication | RS232 |
| Optional communication | IEEE-488 |
| Display | 8-digit LED |
| Operating temperature | 16 °C to 30 °C |
| Dimensions | 61 × 143 × 181 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 1.0 kg |
| Power supply | 115 V or 230 V AC |
| Calibration | ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration provided |
Fluke Calibration 1502A or Fluke Calibration 1504?
The Fluke Calibration 1502A and Fluke Calibration 1504 belong to the same family of precision thermometer readouts.
However, they are designed for different temperature sensor technologies.
The Fluke Calibration 1502A is designed for platinum resistance thermometers, including PRTs, RTDs and SPRTs.
It provides a temperature measurement range from −200 °C to +962 °C.
The Fluke Calibration 1504 is designed for thermistor measurements.
It provides a resistance measurement range up to 1 MΩ and temperature resolution of 0.0001 °C.
The Fluke Calibration 1504 offers excellent accuracy for thermistor applications within their usable temperature ranges.
The appropriate instrument should therefore be selected according to the type of temperature sensor and the required measurement uncertainty.
Calibration Service by europascal
Regular calibration is essential for maintaining reliable temperature measurements.
europascal provides professional calibration services for temperature measuring instruments and calibration equipment.
When calibrating a reference thermometer readout, the electrical resistance measurement accuracy and the temperature conversion characteristics must be considered.
For complete reference thermometer systems, the calibration uncertainty of the connected sensor must also be included.
Additional uncertainty contributions may arise from sensor self-heating, connection effects, thermometer drift and thermal conditions.
For professional calibration services and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
europascal also supports customers in selecting suitable reference thermometers and complete temperature calibration systems.
Why Choose the Fluke Calibration 1502A?
The Fluke Calibration 1502A combines high measurement accuracy with compact construction and flexible thermometer characterization.
Its temperature measurement range from −200 °C to +962 °C covers a wide range of professional temperature measurement applications.
Temperature resolution of 0.001 °C allows small temperature changes to be observed.
The instrument supports ITS-90, IPTS-68 and Callendar-Van Dusen temperature conversion methods.
Four-wire resistance measurement helps minimize the influence of connecting lead resistance.
Selectable excitation currents provide flexibility for different platinum resistance thermometers.
The integrated RS232 interface and optional IEEE-488 communication support automated calibration applications.
Compatibility with LogWare and MET/TEMP II software allows the instrument to be integrated into professional temperature measurement and calibration workflows.
For calibration laboratories and industrial users requiring an accurate reference thermometer readout, the Fluke Calibration 1502A provides an excellent combination of precision, flexibility and ease of use.
europascal supports customers with professional temperature calibration equipment, technical advice and calibration services.
Typical Calibration Applications with the Fluke Calibration 1502A
The Fluke Calibration 1502A is suitable for numerous professional temperature measurement applications.
Typical applications include:
- Platinum resistance thermometer measurements
- Pt100 reference thermometer measurements
- Precision PRT calibration
- SPRT measurements
- Industrial RTD calibration
- Temperature calibration bath monitoring
- Dry block calibrator reference measurements
- Temperature furnace monitoring
- Temperature stability investigations
- Laboratory temperature measurements
- Industrial quality assurance
- Automated temperature calibration
- Research and development
- Temperature metrology laboratories
The combination of high measurement accuracy, flexible thermometer characterization and compact construction makes the Fluke Calibration 1502A a reliable solution for professional temperature metrology.
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