Fluke 1551A Ex Use and care manual

November 2010
© 2010 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
1551A Ex/1552A Ex
Stik Thermometer
Calibration Manual

LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
service. The warranty period is one year and begins on the date of shipment. Parts, product repairs, and
services are warranted for 90 days. This warranty extends only to the original buyer or end-user customer of
a Fluke authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries, or to any product which, in
Fluke's opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected, contaminated, or damaged by accident or abnormal
conditions of operation or handling. Fluke warrants that software will operate substantially in accordance
with its functional specifications for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded on non-defective media.
Fluke does not warrant that software will be error free or operate without interruption.
Fluke authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers
only but have no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke. Warranty support is
available only if product is purchased through a Fluke authorized sales outlet or Buyer has paid the
applicable international price. Fluke reserves the right to invoice Buyer for importation costs of
repair/replacement parts when product purchased in one country is submitted for repair in another country.
Fluke's warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke's option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair,
or replacement of a defective product which is returned to a Fluke authorized service center within the
warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center to obtain return
authorization information, then send the product to that service center, with a description of the difficulty,
postage and insurance prepaid (FOB Destination). Fluke assumes no risk for damage in transit. Following
warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation prepaid (FOB Destination). If Fluke
determines that failure was caused by neglect, misuse, contamination, alteration, accident, or abnormal
condition of operation or handling, including overvoltage failures caused by use outside the product’s
specified rating, or normal wear and tear of mechanical components, Fluke will provide an estimate of repair
costs and obtain authorization before commencing the work. Following repair, the product will be returned to
the Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return transportation charges
(FOB Shipping Point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES,
INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not
apply to every buyer. If any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or other
decision-maker of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provision.
Fluke Corporation
P.O. Box 9090
Everett, WA 98206-9090
U.S.A.
Fluke Europe B.V.
P.O. Box 1186
5602 BD Eindhoven
The Netherlands
11/99

i
Table of Contents
Title Page
Introduction........................................................................................................ 1
How to Contact Fluke ........................................................................................ 1
Safety Information ............................................................................................. 2
ATEX Safety Information ............................................................................. 3
Symbols ......................................................................................................... 3
Approvals ...................................................................................................... 4
Specifications..................................................................................................... 4
Calibration ......................................................................................................... 5
Overview ....................................................................................................... 5
Recommended Equipment............................................................................. 6
Initial Setup ................................................................................................... 6
Record as-found Calibration Parameters....................................................... 7
Evaluate as-found Measurement Errors ........................................................ 7
Adjustment at the Low Calibration Point...................................................... 8
Adjustment at the Zero Calibration Point...................................................... 9
Adjustment at the High Calibration Point ..................................................... 9
Set the Calibration Date................................................................................. 10
Evaluate as-left Measurement Errors ............................................................ 10
Record as-left Calibration Parameters........................................................... 11
Maintenance....................................................................................................... 11
Clean the Product .......................................................................................... 11
Battery Replacement ..................................................................................... 11

1551A Ex/1552A Ex
Calibration Manual
ii

iii
List of Tables
Table Title Page
1. Symbols.................................................................................................................. 3
2. Recommended Equipment ..................................................................................... 6
3. As-found Calibration Parameters ........................................................................... 7
4. Test Temperatures.................................................................................................. 7
5. As-found Measurement Errors ............................................................................... 8
6. Low-Adjustment Temperature ............................................................................... 8
7. Zero Adjustment Temperature ............................................................................... 9
8. High Adjustment Temperature............................................................................... 9
9. As-left Measurement Errors................................................................................... 10
10. As-left Calibration Parameters............................................................................... 11
11. Approved Batteries................................................................................................. 12

1551A Ex/1552A Ex
Calibration Manual
iv

v
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1. Battery Replacement .............................................................................................. 12

1551A Ex/1552A Ex
Calibration Manual
vi

1
Introduction
The Stik Thermometer (the Product) is a precision digital thermometer that can be used
as an alternative to mercury liquid-in-glass (LIG) thermometers. It can also be used as a
reference standard for other types of digital or analog thermometers. Because of its
intrinsically safe certification, it can be used in many of the same hazardous locations as
analog thermometers. For complete usage instructions, see the 1551A Ex/1552A Ex Users
Manual.
How to Contact Fluke
To contact Fluke, call one of the following telephone numbers:
•Technical Support USA: 1-800-44-FLUKE (1-800-443-5853)
•Calibration/Repair USA: 1-888-99-FLUKE (1-888-993-5853)
•Canada: 1-800-36-FLUKE (1-800-363-5853)
•Europe: [phone]
•Japan: [phone]
•Singapore: [phone]
•Anywhere in the world: [phone]
Or, visit Fluke's website at www.fluke.com.
To register your product, visit http://register.fluke.com.
To see, print, or download the latest manual supplement, visit
http://us.fluke.com/usen/support/manuals.

1551A Ex/1552A Ex
Calibration Manual
2
Safety Information
A Warning identifies conditions and actions that pose hazard(s) to the user. A Caution
identifies conditions and procedures that could cause Product damage, equipment under
test damage, or permanent loss of data.
Symbols used on the Product and in this manual are explained in Table 1.
XWWarning
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal injury:
•Use the Product only as specified, or the protection
supplied by the Product can be compromised.
•Do not use the Product to measure the temperature of
hazardous live components.
•Do not open the Product case. If you open the case, the Ex
approval is not applicable.
•Change the batteries only in areas that are not Ex-
hazardous.
•Use only specified approved batteries in the Product. Refer
to the battery replacement instructions for a list of approved
batteries.
•Do not use and disable the Product if it is damaged.
•Replace the batteries when the low battery indicator shows
to prevent incorrect measurements.
•Check for proper operation of the Product before taking it
into a hazardous area. Should the Product not operate as
expected do not take the Product into a hazardous area and
return it to the manufacturer for inspection.
•The Product is intended for installation only in locations
providing adequate protection against the entry of solid
foreign objects or water capable of impairing safety.
WCaution
To prevent possible damage to the Product or to equipment
under test:
•If the display message changes to “OL,” the range limit is
exceeded and the Product must immediately be removed
from the heat source to prevent damage.
•Do not immerse the Probe beyond its maximum immersion
depth. This may damage its internal electronics. See
“Immersion Depth and Usage” later in this manual.
•DO NOT drop or strike the Probe in any way. Mechanical
shock damages the Probe internally and affects it
calibration.

Stik Thermometer
Safety Information
3
If the Product overheats or is exposed to sudden physical shock, examine it for damage that
can cause a safety risk. If possible, compare the displayed temperature to a known reference
before Product use. If not sure, send the Product to Fluke Corporation. Refer to “How to
Contact Fluke”.
Substitution of components will impair suitability for hazardous locations.
ATEX Safety Information
This manual contains data and safety regulations that must be followed for safe, reliable
use of the Product in hazardous areas under the detailed conditions. If you do not follow
these instructions, personal injury or Product damage can occur. Violation of applicable
legislation can also occur. Read the full manual before you use the Product. To make sure
of safe Product operation, fully follow all instructions and warnings in the manual. If you
are not sure (due to translation and/or printing errors), refer to the English manual.
An “Ex-hazardous area,” as used in this manual, refers to an area made hazardous by the
possible presence of flammable or explosive vapors. These areas are also referred to as
“hazardous locations.”
Ex ib IIB T4 Gb (–10 °C
ITS10ATEX27114X
Ex ib IIB T4 Gb
II 2 G IECEx ITS10.0049 0344
Manufactured by Martel Electronics, Inc.,
3 Corporate Park Dr.
Derry, NH, USA
≤ Ta ≤ +50 °C)
gjo006.eps
Symbols
International symbols used on the Product and in this manual are explained in Table 1.
Table 1. Symbols
Symbol Meaning Symbol Meaning
JEarth ground MBattery
WRisk of Danger. Important information.
See Manual. XHazardous Voltage
~
Do not dispose of this product as
unsorted municipal waste. Go to
Fluke’s website for recycling
information.
(
Conforms to ATEX requirements
PConforms to relevant European Union directives.

1551A Ex/1552A Ex
Calibration Manual
4
Approvals
The Product meets the above requirements using:
EN 60079-0:2006 ELECTRICAL APPARATUS FOR
EXPLOSIVE GAS ATMOSPHERES -- PART
0: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (IEC
60079-0:2004 (MOD))
EN 60079-11:2007
EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES -- PART 11:
EQUIPMENT PROTECTION BY INTRINSIC
SAFETY "I" (IEC 60079-11:2006 (EQV) +
CORRIGENDUM DEC. 2006 (EQV))
Manufactured by Fluke Corporation:
Fluke Corporation
P.O. Box 9090
Everett, WA 98206-9090
U.S.A.
P.O. Box 1186
5602 BD Eindhoven
The Netherlands
Specifications
(Ambient: 23 °C ±5 °C)
Measurement Range
1551A Ex ......................................................................... −50 °C to 160 °C (−58 °F to 320 °F)
1552A Ex ......................................................................... −80 °C to 300 °C (−112 °F to 572 °F)
Accuracy (1 year) ..................................................................... ±0.05 °C (0.09 °F)
Resolution ................................................................................. Selectable (0.1, 0.01, 0.001) factory default is 0.01
Sample Rate ............................................................................. User selectable 0.5/sec, 1/sec or 2/sec factory default is
1/sec
Operating Temperature Range of Readout: .......................... −10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F)
Probe Response Time .............................................................. Approximately 20 seconds
EMC Compliance....................................................................... EN61326:2006 Annex C
CISPR 11, Edition 5.0-2009
Class “B”
Humidity Range......................................................................... 0 to 95 % RH Non-condensing
Storage Temperature Range.................................................... −20 °C to 60 °C (−4 °F to 140 °F)
Enclosure Rating ...................................................................... IP50
Readout Temperature Coefficient ........................................... Add ±10 ppm/°C of full scale temperature from −10 °C to
18 °C and 28 °C to 50 °C
Probe Temperature Coefficient .............................................. 0.00385 Ω/Ω/°C nominal

Stik Thermometer
Calibration
5
Nominal Probe Resistance at 0 °C.......................................... 100 Ω
Probe Hysteresis....................................................................... ±0.01 °C
Power ......................................................................................... 3 AAA alkaline batteries
(Must use only approved batteries. See Table 2)
Battery Life ................................................................................ Approximately 300 hours without back light
Battery Save (auto-off) Range ................................................. Selectable from 1 to 30 minutes or can be disabled
Size (readout only).................................................................... Approximately 4 in. x 2 in. x 1 in.
Probe Size.................................................................................. 1551A-9: 4.8 mm x 229 mm (3/16 in. x 9 in.)
1551A-12: 6.35 mm x 305 mm (1/4 in. x 12 in.)
1551A-20: 6.35 mm x 508 mm (1/4 in. x 20 in.)
1552A: 6.35 mm x 305 mm (1/4 in. x 12 in.)
Weight ........................................................................................ 6.9 oz
Calibration
XWWarning
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal injury, the
RS-232 interface must not be used in hazardous areas.
This procedure is to be considered a general guideline. Each laboratory should develop
their own specific procedure based on their equipment and requirements. The procedure
should be accompanied by an uncertainty analysis also based on the laboratory’s
equipment and environment.
Calibration should only be performed by qualified personnel. The technician should be
familiar with the 1551A Ex/1552A Ex Users Manual.
The calibration must be performed in the following ambient conditions:
Temperature: 23 °C ±2 °C
Relative humidity: 70 % maximum
Overview
The calibration consists of inserting the Product probe into a temperature bath having a
known temperature and observing the difference between the temperature measured by
the Product and the known temperature of the bath. The temperature of the bath is
determined using an accurate reference thermometer. An equilibration block helps to
ensure that the temperatures of the reference thermometer and 1551A Ex/1552A Ex
Thermometer are uniform and stable.
If necessary, the calibration parameters in the Product can be adjusted to improve its
accuracy. Adjustments are made by sending the appropriate command to the Product
through an RS-232 cable connected to a computer. For completeness of documentation,
the calibration parameters should be recorded before and after adjustment.
In summary, the main calibration steps are as follows:
•Record as-found calibration parameter values
•Evaluate as-found measurement errors
•Adjust the calibration parameters
•Evaluate as-left measurement errors
•Record as-left calibration parameters values

1551A Ex/1552A Ex
Calibration Manual
6
Recommended Equipment
The equipment listed in Table 2 will satisfy the calibration requirements:
Table 2. Recommended Equipment
Equipment Recommended Model
Temperature Baths Fluke 6331 40 °C to 300 °C Hot Bath
Fluke 7381 -80 °C to 110 °C Cold Bath
Fluke 7196 Equilibration Block
Reference Thermometer Fluke 5699-S Extended Range Metal-Sheath SPRT
Reference Thermometer Readout 1594A Super-Thermometer readout
Computer Computer with an RS-232 com port
RS-232 serial cable
Terminal software to communicate with the 1551A
Ex/1552A Ex Thermometer
Initial Setup
Check the batteries in the Product and replace them if necessary. The battery level
indication is found in the Setup menu.
Several settings in the Setup menu relate to measurement and should be set as follows:
•Sample Rate: 1 per second
•Damping: OFF
•Display Resolution: 0.001
•Auto Power Off: OFF
The unit of measurement in the 1551A Ex/1552A Ex Thermometer may be set to °C or
°F, but must match the unit of the reference thermometer.
The baud rate in the computer software must match the baud rate of the 1551A Ex/1552A
Ex Thermometer, which is usually 9600 but may be set to 2400.

Stik Thermometer
Calibration
7
Record as-found Calibration Parameters
Before any adjustments are made, the present values of the Product calibration
parameters should be recorded. Connect the serial cable between the computer and the
Product. The commands used to read the values of the calibration parameters are given in
Table 3. Commands must be terminated with a carriage return character. Table 3 may
also be used to record the values of the calibration parameters.
Table 3. As-found Calibration Parameters
Parameter Command Value (fill in)
TEMP1 CAL:USER:TEMP1?
ADJ1 CAL:USER:ADJ1?
TEMP2 CAL:USER:TEMP2?
ADJ2 CAL:USER:ADJ2?
TEMP3 CAL:USER:TEMP3?
ADJ3 CAL:USER:ADJ3?
DATE CAL:DEV:DATE?
Evaluate as-found Measurement Errors
The Product should be tested to evaluate its accuracy before any adjustments are made. It
is recommended that it be tested near the five temperatures listed in Table 4, depending
on the model.
Table 4. Test Temperatures
Point 1551A Ex 1552A Ex
1 -50 °C -80 °C
2 -25 °C -25 °C
3 0 °C 0 °C
4 100 °C 100 °C
5 157 °C 300 °C
At each of the test temperatures, readings are recorded of the temperature of the reference
thermometer and the indication of the Product. Before recording the readings, make sure
the temperatures of the bath, reference thermometer, and 1551A Ex/1552A Ex
Thermometer are settled and stable.

1551A Ex/1552A Ex
Calibration Manual
8
At each calibration point the measurement error may be calculated by subtracting the
reference thermometer temperature from the 1551A Ex/1552A Ex temperature. The
temperatures and measurement errors may be recorded in Table 5.
Table 5. As-found Measurement Errors
Point Reference (fill in) 1551A Ex/1552A Ex (fill in) Error (fill in)
1
2
3
4
5
If the measurement errors are well within the specified accuracy, it may not be necessary
to adjust the calibration parameters. If the error is larger than desired (say 50 % of the
specified accuracy), then adjustments to the Product calibration parameters are necessary.
Proceed to the next section.
Adjustment at the Low Calibration Point
When necessary, the first adjustment is made for the low end of the temperature range of
the Product. Set the bath temperature to the Low Adjustment Temperature given in Table
6, depending on the model. Make sure the temperatures of the bath, reference
thermometer, and Product are settled and stable before proceeding.
Table 6. Low-Adjustment Temperature
Point 1551A Ex 1552A Ex
Low −50 °C −80 °C
Before adjustments to any calibration parameters can be made, access to the protected
calibration parameters must be enabled by sending the following command to the Product
through the serial interface:
SYST:PASS:CEN <password>
The parameter <password> is the current password, originally “1234”.
To make an automatic adjustment at the low calibration point, issue the following
command:
CAL:USER:LOW <temperature>
The parameter <temperature> is the temperature of the bath as measured by the reference
thermometer. Product accepts a temperature value with up to three decimal places of
resolution. The temperature value must be in the same unit in which the 1551A
Ex/1552A Ex is measuring.
The command will set the value of the CAL:USER:TEMP1 parameter to the given
temperature and automatically adjust the CAL:USER:ADJ1 parameter to cause the
Product to measure the given temperature accurately. The adjustment made here will not
affect the measurements at the other Adjustment temperatures.
Allow the readings of the Product to settle and then verify that the readings match the
temperature of the reference thermometer and are well within the specified accuracy of
the 1551A Ex/1552A Ex.

Stik Thermometer
Calibration
9
Adjustment at the Zero Calibration Point
The next adjustment is made for the middle of the temperature range of the Product. Set
the bath temperature to the Zero Adjustment Temperature given in Table 7. Make sure
the temperatures of the bath, reference thermometer, and the Product are settled and
stable before proceeding.
Table 7. Zero Adjustment Temperature
Point 1551A Ex 1552A Ex
Zero 0 °C 0 °C
To make an automatic adjustment at the Zero calibration point, issue the following
command:
CAL:USER:ZERO <temperature>
The parameter <temperature> is the temperature of the bath as measured by the reference
thermometer. The Product accepts a temperature value with up to three decimal places of
resolution. The temperature value must be in the same unit in which the Product is
measuring.
The command will set the value of the CAL:USER:TEMP2 parameter to the given
temperature and automatically adjust the CAL:USER:ADJ2 parameter to cause the
Product to accurately measure the given temperature. This adjustment will not affect the
measurements at the other Adjustment temperatures.
Allow the readings of the Product to settle and then verify that the readings match the
temperature of the reference thermometer well within the specified accuracy of the
1551A Ex/1552A Ex.
Adjustment at the High Calibration Point
The final adjustment is made for the high end of the temperature range of the Product. Set
the bath temperature to the High Adjustment Temperature given in Table 8, depending on
the model. Make sure the temperatures of the bath, reference thermometer, and Product
are settled and stable before proceeding.
Table 8. High Adjustment Temperature
Point 1551A Ex 1552A Ex
High 157 °C 300 °C
To make an automatic adjustment at the High calibration point, issue the following
command:
CAL:USER:HIGH <temperature>
The parameter <temperature> is the temperature of the bath as measured by the reference
thermometer. The Product accepts a temperature value with up to three decimal places of
resolution. The temperature value must be in the same unit in which the Product is
measuring.

1551A Ex/1552A Ex
Calibration Manual
10
The command will set the value of the CAL:USER:TEMP3 parameter to the given
temperature and automatically adjust the CAL:USER:ADJ3 parameter to cause the
Product to measure the given temperature accurately. The adjustment made here will not
affect the measurements at the other Adjustment temperatures.
Allow the readings of the Product to settle and then verify that the readings match the
temperature of the reference thermometer well within the specified accuracy of the
1551A Ex/1552A Ex.
Set the Calibration Date
The date of calibration should be stored in the Product using the following command:
CAL:DEV:DATE <year>,<month>,<day>
Parameters <year>, <month>, and <day> are numbers representing the year, month, and
day of the month respectively.
After all the adjustments have been made and the calibration date has been set, protection
of the calibration parameters should be restored using the following command:
SYST:PASS:CDIS
(Protection will always be restored when the Product is switched on.)
Evaluate as-left Measurement Errors
After all adjustments have been made, the Product should be subjected to a final test to
ensure that it is measuring accurately over its entire range. The measurements are
collected and errors are evaluated in the same way that was explained in “Evaluating As-
found Measurement Errors.” Table 9 may be used to record the as-left data.
Table 9. As-left Measurement Errors
Point Reference (fill in) 1551A Ex/1552A Ex (fill in) Error (fill in)
1
2
3
4
5
Record as-left Calibration Parameters
As the last step in the calibration procedure, the final values of the Product calibration parameters
should be recorded. The commands required to read the values of the calibration parameters are
given in Table 10. Each command must be terminated with a carriage return character. The table
may also be used to record the values of the calibration parameters.
Table 10. As-left Calibration Parameters
Parameter Command Value (fill in)
TEMP1 CAL:USER:TEMP1?
ADJ1 CAL:USER:ADJ1?
TEMP2 CAL:USER:TEMP2?
ADJ2 CAL:USER:ADJ2?
TEMP3 CAL:USER:TEMP3?
ADJ3 CAL:USER:ADJ3?
DATE CAL:DEV:DATE?

Some semiconductors and custom IC's can be
damaged by electrostatic discharge during
handling. This notice explains how you can
minimize the chances of destroying such devices
by:
1. Knowing that there is a problem.
2. Learning the guidelines for handling them.
3. Using the procedures, packaging, and
bench techniques that are recommended.
The following practices should be followed to minimize damage to S.S. (static sensitive) devices.
1. MINIMIZE HANDLING
2. KEEP PARTS IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS
UNTIL READY FOR USE.
3. DISCHARGE PERSONAL STATIC BEFORE
HANDLING DEVICES. USE A HIGH RESIS-
TANCE GROUNDING WRIST STRAP.
4. HANDLE S.S. DEVICES BY THE BODY.
static awareness
A Message From
Fluke Corporation

5. USE STATIC SHIELDING CONTAINERS FOR
HANDLING AND TRANSPORT.
6. DO NOT SLIDE S.S. DEVICES OVER
ANY SURFACE.
7. AVOID PLASTIC,VINYL AND STYROFOAM
IN WORK AREA.
8. WHEN REMOVING PLUG-IN ASSEMBLIES
HANDLE ONLY BY NON-CONDUCTIVE
EDGES AND NEVER TOUCH OPEN EDGE
CONNECTOR EXCEPT AT STATIC-FREE
WORK STATION. PLACING SHORTING
STRIPS ON EDGE CONNECTOR HELPS
PROTECT INSTALLED S.S. DEVICES.
9. HANDLE S.S. DEVICES ONLY AT A
STATIC-FREE WORK STATION.
10. ONLY ANTI-STATIC TYPE SOLDER-
SUCKERS SHOULD BE USED.
11. ONLY GROUNDED-TIP SOLDERING
IRONS SHOULD BE USED.
PORTIONS REPRINTED
WITH PERMISSION FROM TEKTRONIX INC.
AND GERNER DYNAMICS, POMONA DIV.
 Dow Chemical