Extech Instruments IRC350 User manual

User Guide
Infrared Calibrator
Model IRC350

Model IRC350 Version 4.0 06/08
2
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech IRC350 Infrared Calibrator. This easy to
use portable calibrator can be used to accurately calibrate Infrared (IR) thermometer
devices. This instrument is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will
provide years of reliable and accurate calibration of temperature sensors and devices.
Features
2.3” (58mm) diameter target assembly and dry-well temperature system controlled
by microcomputer
Metal cone external reference thermometer with nominal heat-conducting ability
Oxide film, surface thermometer with an Emissivity of 0.95.
Class-A, platinum 100 ohm (PT100) RTD temperature sensor
Rapid heating and cooling (fan) functions
°C /°F selectable units
Calibration temperature range of 122°F to 662°F (50°C to 350°C).
0.1° temperature display and stability resolution
Warranty
EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION (A FLIR COMPANY) warrants this instrument
to be free of defects in parts and workmanship for one (1) year from date of shipment (a
six month limited warranty applies to sensors and cables). If it should become necessary to
return the instrument for service during or beyond the warranty period, contact the
Customer Service Department at [phone] ext. 210 for authorization or visit our
website www.extech.com for contact information. A Return Authorization (RA) number
must be issued before any product is returned to Extech. The sender is responsible for
shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to prevent damage in transit.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from action of the user such as misuse,
improper wiring, operation outside of specification, improper maintenance or repair, or
unauthorized modification. Extech specifically disclaims any implied warranties or
merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose and will not be liable for any direct, indirect,
incidental or consequential damages. Extech's total liability is limited to repair or
replacement of the product. The warranty set forth above is inclusive and no other
warranty, whether written or oral, is expressed or implied.

Model IRC350 Version 4.0 06/08
3
Safety
•BURN HAZARD – Use extreme caution when the unit is powered on. Do not touch the
IR target surface; the IR target surface temperature is the same temperature as that
shown on the display.The sheet metal at the top of the instrument may also exhibit
extreme temperatures for areas close to the IR target surface
•DO NOT turn off the instrument at temperatures higher than 212°F (100°C).
•DO NOT connect and operate this unit without a properly grounded, properly polarized
power cord
•HIGH VOLTAGE is used in the operation of this equipment. Severe injury or death
may result if personnel fail to observe safety precautions. Before working inside the
equipment, turn the power off and disconnect the power cord
•DO NOT place this instrument under a cabinet or other structure. Overhead clearance
is required
•DO NOT operate near flammable materials
•DO NOT leave this instrument unattended when in use
•This instrument is intended for indoor use only
•DO NOT use this instrument for any applications other than those described in this
User Guide
Cautions
•Components and heater lifetime can be shortened by continuous high temperature
operation
•DO NOT use liquids to clean the target surface
•DO NOT adjust the values of the calibration constants from the factory set values. The
correct setting of these parameters is important to the safety and proper operation of
the calibrator. Call the Customer Care department if inadvertent changes to the
programming have been made
•Operate the instrument between 5 and 35°C (41 to 95° F)
•Allow at least 6 inches of space between the instrument and nearby objects
•Avoid vibrations in the calibration environment
Environmental conditions
Although the instrument has been designed for optimum durability and trouble-free
operation, there are some precautions that should be taken. The instrument should not be
operated in an excessively dusty or dirty environment. Maintenance and cleaning
recommendations can be found in the Maintenance section of this User Guide.

Model IRC350 Version 4.0 06/08
4
Specifications
Range 122 to 662°F (50 to 350°C)
Accuracy 122 to 250°F (50 to 121°C) ±1.2°F/0.5°C
251 to 500°F (122 to 260°C) ±2.0°F/1.0°C
501 to 662°F (261 to 350°C) ±3.0°F/1.5°C
Stability 122 to 250°F (50 to 121°C) ±0.2°F/0.1°C
251 to 500°F (122 to 260°C) ±0.4°F/0.2°C
501 to 662°F (261 to 350°C) ±0.6°F/0.3°C
Target Emissivity 0.95 fixed
Resolution 0.1°
Heating Time 30 minutes to maximum temperature
Cooling Time 30 minutes from maximum to 212°F (100°C)
Aperture Diameter 2.3” (58mm)
Power 115VAC (±10%), 3A
Operating Ranges
Temperature 41 to 95° F (5 to 35°C)
Relative Humidity 15 to 80%
Altitude Less than 2,000 Meters
Aperture Diameter 2.3” (58mm)
Size 7.1 x 4.5 x 9.2” (180 x 114 x 233 mm)
Weight 6.6 lbs. (3 kg)
Temperature differences between the IR surface and the reference probe are calculated as
shown in the graph below:
IRC-350 Gradient between probe and IR surface
50 100 150 200 250 300 350
0
-0.1
-0.2
-0.3
-0.4
-0.5
-0.6
DTC
C (reference Probe)

Model IRC350 Version 4.0 06/08
5
Instrument Description
Front Panel
5
AT OUT
UPDOWN
SET
1. The top display (red LED digits) shows the actual temperature
2. The bottom display (green LED digits) shows the desired (set-point)
temperature value
3. Status LEDs:
•AT – This is a factory-only diagnostic function and will not switch on during
normal operation
•OUT – Illuminates when the instrument is actively heating
•ALM1 - Overload Alarm No. 1 illuminates when the target assembly
temperature exceeds the set point temperature by the programmed value
(default = 9ºF / 4.5ºC). The fan will increase to maximum velocity when the
alarm limit is reached
•ALM2 – Unused
•°C - Unit of measure temperature indicator (Celsius)
•°F - Unit of measure temperature indicator (Fahrenheit)
4. Controller Keypad – For setting the desired temperature (set-point)
and for selecting the unit of measure
•SET – Used to enter into the programming mode, enter the
temperature set points or to store the ºF or ºC selection.
•- Used to scroll through the programming selections.
•DOWN –Used to decreases the set-point value and also to select
the desired unit of measure (ºF or ºC)
•UP – Used to increases the set-point temperature and also to
select the desired unit of measure (ºF or ºC)
5. Target assembly
6. Test aperture for placing a temperature sensor.

Model IRC350 Version 4.0 06/08
6
Back Panel
OFF
ON
FUSE FUSE
1. Fan
2. Fuse for heater
3. Fuse for temperature control system
4. Power input
5. Power switch
Note: The fan inside the calibrator has two speeds and runs continuously when the
unit is being operated to provide cooling for the instrument. The fan runs slow for
heating and maintaining operation and runs fast for rapid cooling. Slots are provided for
airflow. The area around the calibrator must be kept clear to allow adequate ventilation.
The airflow is directed out the front and can be extremely hot.

Model IRC350 Version 4.0 06/08
7
Operation
Setup
1. Place the calibrator on a flat surface with at least 8 inches of free space around the
instrument.
2. Plug the power cord into a grounded 115V outlet.
3. Turn on the power to the calibrator by toggling the power switch on. The fan will begin
quietly blowing air through the instrument and the instrument will display a brief self-
test. If the unit fails to operate please check the power connection.
4. The heater will begin operating to bring the temperature of the calibrator to the set-
point temperature.
Changing Display Units
NOTE: When changing the display units or when adjusting the set-point value, do not
adjust factory-only programming parameters. If a factory menu is inadvertently
accessed, press the ‘SET’ button to return to the main display screen.
The IRC-350 can display temperature in degrees Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F). To change
the display units:
1. Unlock the unit by pressing and holding the "SET" and “ ” buttons at the same time.
2. When the display changes, release both buttons. The top display line (red LED digits)
will display " ", and the bottom display line (green LED digits) will display "(ºF
or ºC)”.
3. Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to select the desired temperature units. The
temperature unit letter will flash at a fast rate while programming.
4. Press the “SET” button to store the change. The green LED display will stop flashing.
5. Press “SET” again if both temperature displays are not present.

Model IRC350 Version 4.0 06/08
8

Support line [phone]
Technical support: Extension 200; E-mail: [email protected]m
Repair & Returns: Extension 210; E-mail: [email protected]
Product specifications subject to change without notice
For the latest version of this User’s Guide, Software updates, and other
up-to-the-minute product information, visit our website: www.extech.com
Extech Instruments Corporation, 285 Bear Hill Rd., Waltham, MA 02451
Setting the Temperature
The temperature set-point can be set to any value within the instrument’s specified range.
Do not, for any reason, exceed the specified temperature range.
1. Use the up and down arrow buttons to change the set-point value (shown on the
bottom, green LED digit display). The display will flash at a fast rate when the set-point
is changed.
2. Press "SET" and the digits will stop flashing. The calibrator will automatically adjust the
target assembly’s temperature to match the set-point temperature. The red LED
display will indicate the temperature of the target assembly.
3. When the set-point temperature is changed the controller switches the well heater on
or off to raise or lower the temperature. The displayed well temperature gradually
changes until it reaches the set-point temperature. The well may require 5 to 10
minutes to reach the set-point. Another 5 to 10 minutes is required to stabilize within
the stated limits of the set-point. Ultimate stability may take an additional 15 to 20
minutes.
4. Reduce the temperature to a value below 212°F (100°C) before turning the instrument
off.
Warning: Turning off the power at higher temperatures can damage the instrument.
Maintenance
With proper care the instrument should require very little maintenance.
If the outside of the instrument becomes soiled, it may be wiped clean with a damp cloth
and mild detergent. Do not use harsh chemicals or compounds.
Do not clean the surface of the well with liquids. Simply wipe with a dry cloth.
The calibrator should be handled with care. Avoid dropping or bumping the calibrator.
Calibration and Repair Services
Extech offers repair and calibration services for the products we sell. Extech also
provides NIST certification for most products. Call the Customer Care Department for
information on calibration services available for this product. Extech recommends that
annual calibrations be performed to verify meter performance and accuracy.
Copyright ©2008 Extech Instruments Corporation (a FLIR company)
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.