Fieldpiece SOX3 User manual

01 03 0602 0504
07 09 1208 1110
Quick Start
1. PressON/OFFtopoweron theSOX3.
2. A 30 second warm up ensues.
3. Press FUEL to cycle through fuel
types.
4. Insert the barrel of the SOX3 into
ue.
5. PressMEASURE/HOLDto begintak-
ing measurements.
6. Use the up arrow button to toggle
theupper display between%O2and
%CO2.
7. Use the down arrow button to
toggle the lower (right) display
between %EA and % (Eciency).
8. Make sure all holes in the ue are
sealed after testing is nished.
Description
The SOX3 is a portable hand
held automated combustion check
designed for the HVAC technician.
The SOX3 provides all the essential
measurements for checking and
tuning combustion equipment.
Measure ue temperature and %O2
directly to view the calculated %CO2,
%Excess Air (%EA) and %Efficiency
(%).
The ergonomic handle and 8ft hose
make for easy ue gas measurements.
Use the magnetic strap and the barrel
lock to go entirely hands free.
With three common fuel types as
well as a custom fuel input the SOX3
allows you to check %O2, %CO2, %EA
and % (eciency) on any combustion
equipment you may encounter.
Keep your SOX3 up and running
longer with the field calibratable
thermocouple and replaceable
oxygen sensor.
Display
Controls
Press for 1 Sec to Exit
PRESS FOR
1 SECOND
FUEL
ON/OFF
MAX/MIN
AUTO-OFF
°F
°C
MEASURE/HOLD
°C
°F
HOLD
APO
%
MAX MIN
%
CO
2
EA
MAX
SET
Hold for one second to toggle power.
Press for 1 Sec to Exit
PRESS FOR
1 SECOND
FUEL
ON/OFF
MAX/MIN
AUTO-OFF
°F
°C
MEASURE/HOLD
°C
°F
HOLD
APO
%
MAX MIN
%
CO
2
EA
MAX
SET
Toggle backlight on display.
(Hold while powering on the SOX3 to
disable the meter's APO.)
Press for 1 Sec to Exit
PRESS FOR
1 SECOND
FUEL
ON/OFF
MAX/MIN
AUTO-OFF
°F
°C
MEASURE/HOLD
°C
°F
HOLD
APO
%
MAX MIN
%
CO
2
EA
MAX
SET
Toggle between MEASURE
mode (pump on, live readings)
and HOLD mode (pump o,
frozen readings).
Fieldpiece
Combustion Check
with AutoPump
OPERATOR'S
MANUAL
Model
SOX3
Press for 1 Sec to Exit
PRESS FOR
1 SECOND
FUEL
ON/OFF
MAX/MIN
AUTO-OFF
°F
°C
MEASURE/HOLD
°C
°F
HOLD
APO
%
MAX MIN
%
CO
2
EA
MAX
SET
Cycle through fuel types. Fuel indication
arrow moves along lower display. (Hold
for one second to enter Custom Fuel
setup.)
Press for 1 Sec to Exit
PRESS FOR
1 SECOND
FUEL
ON/OFF
MAX/MIN
AUTO-OFF
°F
°C
MEASURE/HOLD
°C
°F
HOLD
APO
%
MAX MIN
%
CO
2
EA
MAX
SET
(UP)Toggle between %O2and %CO2.
(Down) Toggle between %EA and %.
Use during Custom Fuel setup to adjust
max %CO2. (Hold respective arrow button
while powering on to change
temperature units to °F or °C.)
Press for 1 Sec to Exit
PRESS FOR
1 SECOND
FUEL
ON/OFF
MAX/MIN
AUTO-OFF
°F
°C
MEASURE/HOLD
°C
°F
HOLD
APO
%
MAX MIN
%
CO
2
EA
MAX
SET
Press to cycle through maximum,
minimum, and real-time measurements.
(Hold for one second to clear saved values
and continue measuring.)
Certifications
C-Tick (N22675)
CE
WEEE
RoHS Compliant
WARNING
!
Combustion equipment is
extremely hot. Never touch the SOX3
without knowing it is cool to the
touch.
Exhaust may be hot. Do not put
your skin directly in front of exhaust
port.
How to Use
Pre-Testing
1. Power on the SOX3 and allow the
unit to warm up for 30 seconds.
2. Calibratetemperatureifneeded(see
Field Temp Calibration).
3. Check that SOX3 water and particle
lters are dry and properly sealed.
4. Thoroughly inspect combustion
equipment for damage.
5. Identify the fuel being combusted
and use the FUEL button on the
SOX3 to select that fuel. For fuel
other than Natural Gas, Oil #2, or
Propane see Custom Fuel setup.
6. Identify the ue and locate service
port for taking ue measurements
or, if necessary, drill a hole using a
1/2" bit (12.7mm) within 18" of the
breech.
7. Once your combustion equipment
has passed all of your preliminary
and visual inspections, turn on the
equipment to be tested.
Testing
1. Identify manufacturer's specica-
tionsfor% eciency,%EA(% Excess
Air), %CO2 , or %O2in the ue. If
manufacturer’s specs are not avail-
able see Table 2 (on back).
2. Once combustion equipment has
stabilized, insert rie into ue gas
at service port or drilled hole.
Note: Combustion samples should
be taken before dilution air enters
thesystem, before components like
draft hoods and barometric damp-
ers. Testing at least 6" upstream of
the breach is the typical location for
most equipment. As a general rule,
the sample hole should be more
than twice the ue diameter away
from any elbows.
3. Press MEASURE/HOLD to start the
internalpumpand begin taking fuel
measurements.
4. Toggle between %CO2and %O2
with the up arrow button. Toggle
between %EA and eciency with
the down arrow button.
Note: The correct fuel type must be
selected to properly display calcu-
lated values. Eeciency will not be
calculated when using the custom
fuel setting.
5. Wait for readings to stabilize, this
can take a couple minutes.
6. Press the MAX/MIN button to cycle
through maximum, minimum, and
real-time values. (Hold MAX/MIN to
clear saved values.)
7. Once stabilized, press MEASURE/
HOLD to hold measurements and
stop the pump.
8. Make necessary adjustments to
bring the equipment within manu-
facturer's specications.
9. Retest.
Post-Testing
1. Remove the rie from the ue and
allow time for the barrel to cool.
2. Pluganyholesyoumayhaveputinto
the ue, with heat resistant silicone
or comparable plug.
3. Power the meter o. The internal
pump will run for a short time to
purge the meter before completely
shutting o.
4. Open and empty water trap before
storing SOX3 in its case.
Custom Fuel Setup
The SOX3 can be setup to work with
various fuel types. In order to enter a
custom fuel, follow the steps below.
1. Hold the FUEL button, for one sec-
ond until“SET”starts blinking in the
upperright corner ofthe displayand
the units read “% CO2MAX”
2. Use the Arrow buttons to select the
appropriateCO2MAXforthefuelyou
are working with.
Note: CO2Max is the theoretical maxi-
mum percentage of CO2produced
when a fuel goes through complete
combustion.Table 1 shows CO2max
values for some more common fuel
types.
3. Once you have selected the appro-
priate CO2max press the MEASURE/
APO MAXMIN HOLD SET
CO2
EA
MAX
°F %
%
°C
ENTER
AUTO-OFF
°F
°C
TEMPCAL
PRESSFOR
1SECOND
SOX3
Combustion
Check
Excess Air,
%CO
2
and %O
2
Natural
Gas
Oil
#2
PropaneCustom
EXHAUST
CLEAR
SETCUSTOM
ON/OFF
FUEL
MAX/MIN
MEASURE/HOLD
HOLD button to lock in this value
and return the Hold display.
4. The fuel indication arrow on the
displaywillautomatically bemoved
to your newly entered custom fuel.
%CO2Max values
Fuel Oil #5 16.3
Kerosene 15.12
Bagasse 20.3
Dry Wood 20
Coal Anthracite 19.9
Coal Bituminous 18.5
Wood Pellets 20.1
Table 1
Field Temp Calibration
To calibrate the temperature
sensor, turn the Temp-Cal pot while
measuring a known temperature. Ice
water is very close to 32°F (0°C) and is
readily available.
1. Stabilize a large cup of ice water.
2. Dissconnect water trap in order to cut o suction to
the barrel.This will prevent sucking up water.
3. Plug in the k-type thermocouple and then immerse
the barrel tip of the SOX3 into the ice water.
4. Pessure the Measure/Hold button and read
temperature on the lower left display.
5. For optimum accuracy, adjust the calibration pot to
read 32°F or 0°C, depending on the scale selected.
°F
HOLD
APO
%
MAX MIN
%
CO
2
EA
MAX
SET
Sensor Life
Auto Power Off
Battery Life
Upper display
%CO2 or %O2
Lower Left Display
(Temperature)
Lower Right Display
% Excess Air or % (efficiency)
Fuel Type
Custom Fuel Setup
Natural
Gas
Oil
#2
Propane Custom

13 15 1814 1716
19 21 2420 2322
TEMPERATURE
Range: -58°F to 1000°F (-50°C to 538°C)
Resolution: 0.1°
Accuracy: ±[0.6%+3°F(1.7°C)]after eld calibration.
Sensor Type: Rod K-type thermocouple.
Range: -50°F to 900°F (continuous operation range)
up to 1000°F (single exposure use)
Accuracy: (±4°F) on -50°F to 545°F (±0.75%) on
545°F to 1000°F
Oxygen
Oxygen Range: 0 to 25%
Accuracy: ±0.3%O2(Calibrated at 72°F, 20.9%O2)
Max Overload: 30% Oxygen
Operational temp range: -4°F to 122°F
Response time: Under 2 minutes.
Maintenance
Clean the exterior with a dry cloth.
Do not use liquid.
Check lter before each use. If the
lter looks dirty, wet or has not been
changed for an extended period of
use, replace with new lter.
It is good practice to empty the
water trap after every use. This helps
prevent water build up that may
damage the sensor or freeze within
the hose during storage.
Battery Replacement
When the meter displays the
battery should be replaced. Turn your
SOX3 o and replace with 9V battery.
O2Sensor Replacement
The SOX3 uses an oxygen smart
sensor. The
Press for 1 Sec to Exit
PRESS FOR
1 SECOND
FUEL
ON/OFF
MAX/MIN
AUTO-OFF
°F
°C
MEASURE/HOLD
°C
°F
HOLD
APO
%
MAX MIN
%
CO
2
EA
MAX
SET
icon indicates
approximate life remaining on the
sensor. When
Press for 1 Sec to Exit
PRESS FOR
1 SECOND
FUEL
ON/OFF
MAX/MIN
AUTO-OFF
°F
°C
MEASURE/HOLD
°C
°F
HOLD
APO
%
MAX MIN
%
CO
2
EA
MAX
SET
is shown replace
sensor.
1. Removesensorcap bytwisting CCW
slightly and then pulling.
2. Pull out old sensor.
3. Align plug of new sensor and care-
fully press into place.
To obtain an SOX3 replacement
oxygen sensor (model# RS02) contact
your local distributor.
Limited Warranty
This meter is warranted against
defects in material or workmanship
for one year from date of purchase.
Fieldpiece will replace or repair the
defective unit, at its option, subject
to verication of the defect.
This warranty does not apply
to defects resulting from abuse,
neglect, accident, unauthorized
repair, alteration, or unreasonable use
of the instrument.
Any implied warranties arising
from the sale of a Fieldpiece product,
including but not limited to implied
warranties of merchantability and
tness for a particular purpose, are
limited to the above. Fieldpiece shall
not be liable for loss of use of the
instrument or other incidental or
consequential damages, expenses, or
economic loss, or for any claim of such
damage, expenses, or economic loss.
State laws vary. The above
limitations or exclusions may not
apply to you.
Combustion Basics
Combustion is the rapid oxidation
of fuel. Oxygen from air (20.9%
oxygen & 79.1% nitrogen) is used to
burn fuel which produces heat. The
appliances installed and serviced by
technicians rely on clean efficient
ames to produce the energy needed
to heat homes, water, etc. Combustion
testing is necessary to maximize
the efficiency of the combustion
systems and to minimize the harmful
emissions produced such as carbon
monoxide and carbon dioxide. Proper
tuning of the combustion process
by combustion testing reduces
the production of harmful carbon
monoxide and decreases the amount
of fuel burned due to increase in
eciency.
Combustion eciency can typically
be increased by creating a more
balanced air to fuel ratio. The ratio of
air to fuel determines how much CO2
is produced and how efficient the
ame is.
Tuning the O2, CO2excess air, stack
temperature, and temperature rise to
match the appliance manufacturers
specifications will increase the
eciency and help to maximize the
performance and life expectancy of
the equipment.
A properly tuned natural gas
appliance will have between 6-9 O2%
in the ue while an oil appliance will
have 3-7 O2%.
Adjustments to the combustion
process ensures that the highest
combustion efficiency is safely
achieved, thereby reducing the overall
amount of fuel used in producing the
energy needed. It is still necessary to
test and adjust the appliance to the
manufacturers’specication for airow
in the duct system, temperature
rise across the heat exchanger and
anything else that may need testing.
Testing and balancing appliances to
meet manufacturers’ specifications
helps to ensure maximum system
eciency and equipment longevity.
Combustion testing does not take
into account start up losses, standby
losses, cabinet/boiler body losses, or
distribution losses in ducts or piping.
The diagram below is a simplied
representation of the relationship
between the various combustion
measurables, and how a change in
one parameter aects the others.
Courtesy of Erik Rasmussen ESCO Press 2007.
For Service
In the USA, call Fieldpiece
Instruments for one-price-x-all out of
warranty service pricing. Send check or
money order for the amount quoted.
Send the meter freight prepaid to
Fieldpiece Instruments. Send proof
of date and location of purchase for
in-warranty service. The meter will be
repaired or replaced, at the option of
Fieldpiece, and returned via least cost
transportation. Outside of the USA,
please visit www.eldpiece.com for
service contact information.
www.eldpiece.com
©Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc 2012; v10
More Instruments
from Fieldpiece
Specifications
Sensor Type: Highly accurate oxygen sensor.
Operating environment: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C) at
<75% R.H.
Storage environment: -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C) at
<80% R.H. with battery removed from meter.
Temperature Coecient: 0.1 times the applicable
accuracy per ° from 32°F to 64°F and 82°F to 122°F
(0 to 18°C and 28 to 50°C)
Battery: 9V.
Battery Life: 28 hours typical alkaline.
Auto Power o: After 15 minutes.
Accuracy: Stated accuracy at 23°C±5°C, <75% R.H.
Dimensions: 45.0mm(H) x 69.8mm(W) x
211.7mm(D).
Weight: approx. 579.7g with battery.
Display: 4 digit liquid crystal display(LCD) with
maximum reading of 9999.
Low battery indication: The is displayed
when the voltage drops below the operating level.
1
2
AirVelocity
&Temperature
Head English
READLOBATT
ON
LCDX
100
Average
(16sec)
Metric Real
time
AAV3
AUTO-
OFF
English Metric
Ft/min M/s
KM/hrMPH
ºF ºC
OFF
ADMN2
Dual-Port
Manometer
Accessory
Head
P1
P2
P1-P2
ON
0.1 ENGLISH
METRIC
0.01
(LCD/10)
Lo Batt
Resolution
ZERO AUTO
OFF
P1 P2
T1 T2
Atmospheric
Pressure
Superheat
Subcooling
T1T2 Direct Saturation
Target
Superheat
CALCAL
CAL CAL
Test
Pressure
AUTO
OFF
Refrigerant ON/OFF
Enter
Units
Alarm
Digital Manifold + VacuumGauge
SMAN3
ODDB
HH:MM:SS
Psig
Kpa
inHg
cmHg
Psig
Kpa
inHg
cmHg
SHT1
VSAT
APO
Microns
HiLo
SetStable
Alarm
IDWB
TargetSH
R-
°F°C
SCT2
LSAT
°F°C
°F°C
CAT.III
300V
400A
CLAMP
ACH4
AC Current
Clamp
1AAC/ 1mVAC
400AACMAX
!
ET2W
LOBATT
SEND
RECEIVE
ON
AC
DC
Wireless
Transmitter
SYNC
FUSED
200
m
A
MAX
FUSED
30V
MAX
WIRELESS
ENABLED
MAX/MIN
SYNC HOLD
CAT.III
MAX
600V
15SEC FOR
500
m
V
RANGE
AUTO-OFF
500
600600 50
5000m
500m
500µ
50m
200m
200m
500m
5000m
50m
50500
500µ
500
750
500
1400
200
2
K
200
20
M
2
K
200
K
20
RECV
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
T2
P1
P1
P2 ZERO
HOLD UNIT
ON/OFF
P2
88.88
APO
88.88
inWC
mmWC
mbar
psi
HOLD
PRESSFOR 1 SECOND
AUTO-OFF BATTERY
CHECK
Digital Refrigerant Manifolds
Accessory Heads
Wireless Measurements
Dual-Port Manometer
Typical Recommended
Flue Gas Measurements
Atmospheric Fan Assisted Natural Gas or LPG
Oxygen (O2) 6 to 9%
Stack Temperature 325 to 500°F
Condensing Natural Gas or LPG
Oxygen (O2) 6 to 9%
Stack Temperature 90 to 140°F
Natural Gas/LPG Power Burners
Oxygen (O2) 3 to 6%
Stack Temperature 275 to 500°F
Fuel Oil Flame Retention Power Burners
Oxygen (O2) 3 to 7%
Stack Temperature 325 to 500°F
Fuel Oil Non-Flame Retention Power Burners
Oxygen (O2) 6 to 9%
Stack Temperature 400 to 600°F
Condensing Oil
Oxygen (O2) 3 to 7%
Stack Temperature 90 to 140°F
Table 2.