General FD08 User manual

FORMALDEHYDE METER
USER’S MANUAL
FD08
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 – 6
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
W at’s in t e Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 – 9
Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 – 10
Install Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 10
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 14
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 - 15
Operating & Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15- 18
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
INT ODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing eneral Tools & Instruments’ FD08
Formaldehyde Meter. Please read this user’s manual carefully
and thoroughly before using the product.
The FD08 is an easy-to-use handheld instrument for
measuring levels of gaseous formaldehyde (HCHO) as part of
a workplace indoor air quality (IAQ) maintenance program or
to spot-check a residential environment.
Exposure to formaldehyde has a significant impact on human
health. In 2011, the U.S. National Toxicology Program
described formaldehyde as “known to be a human
carcinogen.” It can also be toxic and allergenic.
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Formaldehyde—which is colorless and has a characteristic
pungent, irritating odor—is ubiquitous. It is produced by the
oxidation or combustion of methane and other carbon
compounds and is therefore present in forest fires,
automobile exhaust, and tobacco smoke. When produced in
the atmosphere by the action of sunlight and oxygen on
atmospheric methane and other hydrocarbons, formaldehyde
becomes part of smog.
The primary exposure concern is for the workers in the
industries producing or using formaldehyde. Including indirect
employment, over 4 million people work in the formaldehyde
industry across approximately 11,900 plants in the U.S. and
Canada alone. For example, the textile industry uses
formaldehyde-based resins as finishers to make fabrics
crease-resistant. Formaldehyde-based materials are key to
the manufacture of automobile transmissions, electrical
systems, engine blocks, door panels, axles and brake shoes.
Occupational exposure to formaldehyde by inhalation is
mainly from three types of sources: thermal or chemical
decomposition of formaldehyde-based resins, formaldehyde
emission from aqueous solutions (for example, embalming
fluids), and combustion of a variety of organic compounds.
Because formaldehyde resins are used in many construction
materials it is one of the more common indoor air pollutants.
At concentrations above 0.1 ppm in air, formaldehyde can
irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, resulting in watery
eyes. Formaldehyde inhaled at this concentration may cause
headaches, a burning sensation in the throat and difficulty
breathing, and can trigger or aggravate asthma symptoms.
When treated with phenol, urea, or melamine, formaldehyde
produces polymer resins that are commonly used as
permanent adhesives in plywood and carpeting, in nail
3

hardeners and nail polish, and as the wet-strength material
added to sanitary paper products such as facial tissue, table
napkins and roll towels. Production of formaldehyde resins
accounts for more than half of formaldehyde consumption.
Other formaldehyde derivatives include methylene diphenyl
diisocyanate, an important ingredient of polyurethane paints
and foams. Formaldehyde has been found as a contaminant
in several bath products, at levels from 54 to 610 ppm; it is
thought to arise from the breakdown of preservatives in the
products. Since 2006, formaldehyde (methylene glycol) is also
used in hair smoothing treatments in order to straighten
wavy/curly hair and make hair less prone to frizz in humid
weather. OSHA Oregon has reported these treatments as
unsafe for human health.
An aqueous solution of formaldehyde can be useful as a
disinfectant as it kills most bacteria and fungi, including their
spores. Formaldehyde solutions are applied topically in
medicine to dry the skin, such as in the treatment of warts.
Urinary tract infections are often treated with a derivative of
formaldehyde (methenamine), a method often chosen
because it prevents overuse of antibiotics and the resultant
development of bacterial resistance to them. Some topical
creams, cosmetics and personal hygiene products contain
derivatives of formaldehyde as the active ingredients that
prevent the growth of potentially harmful bacteria.
A 1988 Canadian study of houses with urea-formaldehyde
foam insulation found that formaldehyde levels as low as
0.046 ppm were positively correlated with eye and nasal
irritation. A recent review of studies has shown a strong
association between exposure to formaldehyde and the
development of childhood asthma. Chronic exposure at higher
4

levels, starting at around 1.9 ppm, has been shown to result in
significant damage to pulmonary function, resulting in reduced
maximum mid-expiratory flow and forced vital capacity. There
is also research that supports the theory that formaldehyde
exposure contributes to reproductive problems in women.
RESIDENTIAL EXPOSURE
In the residential environment, formaldehyde exposure comes
from a number of different routes; formaldehyde can off-gas
from wood products, such as plywood or particle board, but it
is produced by paints, varnishes, floor finishes, and cigarette
smoke as well.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows no
more than 0.016 ppm formaldehyde in the air in new
buildings constructed for that agency. An EPA study found
that a new home measured 0.076 ppm when brand new and
0.045 ppm after 30 days. The agency recommends the use of
“exterior-grade” pressed-wood products with phenol instead
of urea resin to limit formaldehyde exposure, since pressed-
wood products containing formaldehyde resins are often a
significant source of formaldehyde in homes.
People who suffer allergic reactions to formaldehyde tend to
display lesions on the skin in the areas that have had direct
contact with the substance, such as the neck or thighs (often
due to formaldehyde released from permanent-press
clothing) or dermatitis on the face (typically from cosmetics).
Formaldehyde has been banned in cosmetics in both Sweden
and Japan.
The eyes are most sensitive to formaldehyde exposure: The
lowest level at which many people can begin to smell
formaldehyde is about 0.05 ppm and the highest level is
1 ppm. The maximum concentration value at the workplace is
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0.3 ppm. In controlled chamber studies, individuals begin to
sense eye irritation at about 0.5 ppm; 5 to 20% report eye
irritation at 0.5 to 1 ppm; and greater certainty for sensory
irritation occurred at 1 ppm and above. While some agencies
have used a level as low as 0.1 ppm as a threshold for
irritation, the expert panel found that a level of 0.3 ppm would
protect against nearly all irritation. In fact, the expert panel
found that a level of 1.0 ppm would avoid eye irritation—the
most sensitive endpoint—in 75 to 95% of all people exposed.
Formaldehyde emits from a variety of construction materials,
furnishings, and consumer products. The three products that
emit the highest concentrations are medium-density
fiberboard, hardwood plywood, and particle board.
Environmental factors such as temperature and relative
humidity can elevate levels because formaldehyde has a high
vapor pressure. Formaldehyde levels from building materials
are the highest when a building first opens because materials
have had less time to off-gas. Formaldehyde levels decrease
over time as the sources suppress.
A Guide to Formaldehyde Exposure Levels
0.03 ppm Average outdoor level
0.10 ppm Recommend upper short-term exposure
limit (STEL) limit for residences by ASHRAE,
ANSI, EPA, and NIOSH
0.40 ppm Recommended upper STEL for
manufactured homes
0.50 ppm OSHA’s workplace limit
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7
0.75 ppm OSHA’s 15-minute time-weighted average
(TWA) limit
0.80 ppm Level at which most people first detect odor
2.00 ppm OSHA’s STEL limit
KEY FEATU ES
• Electrochemical sensor measures real-time formaldehyde
gas concentration from 0 to 5 ppm with ±5% accuracy and
0.01 ppm resolution
• Also tracks, calculates and displays three cumulative
formaldehyde gas metrics: 8-hour TWA (time-weighted
average), 1-hour average, and 15-minute STEL (short-term
exposure limit)
• One-button calibration to 0 ppm in fresh air
• User-adjustable high concentration audible alarm threshold
• Also measures relative humidity (RH) and temperature in
°F or °C
• Manually offsetable long-term drift of temperature and RH
accuracy
• Min/Max memory and data hold
• Large backlit dual-readout LCD
• 15-minute Auto Power Off (can be disabled)
• Low battery indication
• Tripod mount
• Powered by (4) “AAA” batteries (not included) or included
110VAC adaptor
• CE and RoHS approved
• 2 year limited warranty

8
Fig. 1. The controls,
indicators and physical
structures of the FD08
1
2
6
5
4
3
WHAT’S IN THE PACKAGE
The FD08, a 110VAC adaptor and this user’s manual come in
a soft pouch inside a white box.
P ODUCT OVE VIEW
Fig. 1 shows all controls, indicators
and physical structures of the
FD08. Fig. 2 shows all possible
indications on the LCD. Familiarize
yourself with the locations and
functions of the control buttons
and the meanings of the display
icons before moving on to the
Setup Instructions and Operating
Instructions.
1. Formaldehyde gas sensor inside
vented ball housing
2. Dual-readout LCD
3. Control buttons
HOLD. Freezes both readouts.
Also used to increment
individual digits of high
concentration alarm.
MODE. Pressed and held, calibrates meter to 0 ppm in
fresh air. Pressed briefly in high alarm adjustment mode,
shifts one digit to left.
PW . Pressed briefly with meter off, powers meter on.
Pressed briefly with meter on, arms/disarms high
concentration alarm. Pressed and held with meter on,
powers meter off.

MAX/MIN. Selects value shown on upper readout. Options
are: 1) highest or lowest (Max or Min) level detected since
meter was powered on; 2) 8-hour TWA (time-weighted
average; 3) 15-minute STEL (short-term exposure limit);
4) 1-hour average. Pressed briefly in high alarm
adjustment mode, shifts one digit to right.
SET. Pressed and held, enters/exits high alarm adjustment
mode.
UNIT. Selects °F or °C unit for ambient temperature
reading.
BKLT. Pressed briefly, turns backlight on and off. Also used
to decrement individual digits of high concentration alarm.
4. Battery compartment (on back)
5. Threaded tripod mounting screw hole (on bottom)
6. Jack for AC adaptor (on side)
Fig. 2. All possible display
indications
SETUP INST UCTIONS
INSTALL BATTERIES
The FD08’s battery compartment (Fig. 1, Callout 4) is located
on the lower back of the meter.
9

Obtain four “AAA” batteries. To install them:
1. Open the battery compartment by using your thumb to
slide its cover down and away from the meter.
2. Install the batteries in series in the compartment,
observing the polarity markings inside.
3. Close the battery compartment by sliding the cover back
up on its track until it snaps shut.
OPE ATING INST UCTIONS
To power on the FD08, briefly press the PW button. The
LCD will illuminate and immediately begin scrolling “0s”
across the five positions on the upper readout to indicate that
it is warming up. During the warmup period, the meter will
burn off any dust on the formaldehyde sensor inside the
vented ball. If this is the first use of the meter or if it has not
been powered on for a long time, the warmup period may last
as long as several hours.
Normally, it takes 1 to 15 minutes for the scrolling to stop.
Once it stops, the upper readout will begin counting down
from 9999 through 8888 and 7777 all the way to 0000. When
the upper readout reaches 0000, if no formaldehyde is
present the upper readout will begin reading 0.00 ppm, the
lower readout will begin alternating displays of ambient
temperature and RH, and the term HCHO (the chemical
formula for formaldehyde) will appear below the lower
readout.
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If you want the meter to calculate and display cumulative
formaldehyde levels over a period longer than 15 minutes
(the meter’s Auto Power Off triggering time), you must disable
the APO function. To power on the FD08 and
simultaneously disable the APO function, first press and
hold the HOLD button, and then (without releasing HOLD)
press and hold the PW button. Doing this will cause a small
nto briefly appear on the LCD before the meter powers up
with both readouts visible. There is no permanent on-screen
indication that the APO function has been disabled. So if you
disable APO, realize that the batteries will discharge within an
hour or two if you forget to manually power off the meter
after a measurement session.
Once the meter has been powered on and both readouts have
stabilized, the FD08 automatically begins operating in real-
time measurement mode. In this mode you can:
1) Turn the LCD backlight on and off, by briefly pressing the
BKLT button. This feature comes in handy when making
measurements above your head, below your knees, around
a corner, or in the dark.
2) Calibrate the meter to 0 ppm. With the FD08 powered on
in a room completely free of formaldehyde gas, enter
calibration mode by pressing and holding the MODE
button. This will produce the screen shown below, with
temperature and RH values
continuing to alternate on the lower
readout. The “ooooo” string will
continue to flash during the self-
calibration procedure, which
typically takes 15 seconds.
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3) Freeze both readouts by briefly
pressing the HOLD button. The term
Hold will appear below the lower
readout as a reminder that neither
readout is now showing real-time
values.
4) Change the unit of the ambient temperature value shown
on the lower readout to/from °F and °C by pressing the
UNIT button. The FD08 will “remember” the unit in use when
the meter powers off and will resume using that unit when it
is powered on again.
5) Adjust the high concentration alarm threshold. To enter
threshold adjustment mode, press and hold the SET
button. This will produce a display showing 0.08 ppm (the
default alarm threshold) on the upper readout, with the left
“0” (the “ones” digit) flashing. To raise the threshold in
increments of 1 ppm to a maximum of 5 ppm, press the
HOLD button one or more times. To lower the threshold in
increments of 1 ppm, press the BKLT button one or more
times.
To adjust the alarm threshold in increments of less than
1 ppm, use the MODE and MAX/MIN buttons to move the
flashing digit left and right, respectively. Then use the
HOLD and BKLT buttons to set the “tenths” and
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“hundredths” digits of the ppm threshold to any value
between 0 and 9. Used together, the HOLD, BKLT, MODE
and MAX/MIN buttons allow you to set the alarm threshold
to any value between 0 and 5 ppm with 0.01 ppm
resolution.
Once you have adjusted the high alarm threshold to its
desired value, press and hold the SET button to save the
setting and return to real-time measurement mode.
6) Arm and disarm the high concentration alarm.
a. To arm the alarm, briefly press (but do not hold) the
PW button until the icon appears in the upper left
corner of the LCD.
b. To disarm the alarm, briefly press the PW button until
the icon disappears.
c.To cancel the alarm when it sounds, briefly press the
PW button.
7) Display maximum and minimum formaldehyde,
temperature and H session values, as well as
cumulative formaldehyde exposure levels. A
measurement session is the period of time during which
you measure the formaldehyde level, temperature and RH
at multiple locations. The session begins when you power
on the FD08; it typically ends 15 minutes after you finish
making measurements with the activation of the APO
function. You can extend a measurement session beyond
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15 minutes by pressing any front-panel button (in effect,
resetting the clock to zero) or by disabling the APO function
and powering the FD08 through the optional AC adaptor
(see page 11 to learn how to do this).
The value of being able to quickly determine where the
level of formaldehyde is highest and lowest in an area or
facility should be obvious.
The sequence of five screen shots below illustrates the
order in which the two session values and three
cumulative formaldehyde exposure metrics are displayed
by pressing the MAX/MIN button.
To clear the MAX and MIN session values without powering
off the meter, press and hold the HOLD button for at least
2 seconds. This will flash the text CLr on the lower readout,
switch the meter to real-time measurement mode, and reset
the Max and Min memories to the values being measured at
that moment.
SPECIFICATIONS
Formaldehyde Range / Resolution: 0 to 5 ppm / 0.01 ppm
Formaldehyde Accuracy: ±(5% + 0.03 ppm)*
Formaldehyde Sensor Type/Warmup Time: Electrochemical /
1 to 15 minutes, typical
Temperature Range: 0° to 122°F (0° to 50°C)
Temperature Accuracy/Resolution: ±1.8°F (1°C) / 0.1°
RH Range: 10 to 90%RH
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RH Accuracy / Resolution: ±5% of reading / 0.1%RH
Display Type / Size: Dual readout LCD / 2 in. (51mm) diagonal
Auto Power Off Trigger: 15 minutes of front-panel inactivity
(can be disabled)
Operating Temperature: 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C) @
0 to 95%RH, non-condensing
Dimensions: 8.3 x 2.4 x 1.0 in. (210 x 60 x 25mm)
Weight: 7.2 oz. (204g), including batteries
Power Source: (4) “AAA” batteries (not included) or included
110VAC adaptor
* Meets U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health's (NIOSH's) acceptance criterion within ±25% of true
value at 95% confidence level
OPE ATING & MAINTENANCE TIPS
When the low battery indicator appears in the upper right
corner of the LCD, install fresh batteries immediately,
following the instructions on pages 9 and 10 of this manual.
Be aware that measurements remain valid even though the
batteries have grown weak.
The electrochemical formaldehyde sensor is as power-hungry
as it is accurate and sensitive. eneral recommends using
the included 110VAC adaptor if you plan to routinely conduct
measurement sessions lasting more than 15 minutes. The
AC adaptor can also provide a worry-free way to keep the
FD08 powered long enough to calculate and display the
three cumulative formaldehyde exposure metrics.
Remove the batteries if you don’t expect to use the FD08 for
an extended period of time (months or years).
The meter uses a capacitive RH sensor and a thermistor
temperature sensor whose accuracy may drift over time. If you
15

notice that the temperature and/or RH readings on the lower
readout are consistently high or low, compared to a known
reference, write down the magnitude(s) of the difference,
including whether it is positive or negative. This number (for
temperature or RH) or these numbers (for both parameters),
represent the extent of the FD08’s temperature and/or RH drift.
Following is a procedure that you can perform to offset either
or both types of drift and thereby restore the FD08’s specified
accuracy.
1) With the meter powered off, press and hold the MODE and
BKLT buttons with fingers of your left hand while pressing
and holding the MAX/MIN and PW buttons with fingers of
your right hand.
2) When the LCD shows 0.0C and SET, release all four buttons.
3) If you prefer to work in °F, press the UNIT button briefly to
change 0.0C to 0.0F.
4) If your temperature drift is negative, you want to add value
to 0.0 to compensate. If your temperature drift is positive,
you want to subtract value. To add value to the 0.0 term,
press the HOLD button once for each 0.1° of compensation
you need. To subtract value, press the BKLT button once
for each 0.1°C of compensation. You can press and hold
the HOLD or BKLT button to add or decrease a large value.
The maximum amount of temperature drift you can
compensate for is ±9.9° (C or F).
5) If you only need to compensate for temperature drift, press
and hold the SET button to save the offset value you
entered. After the bottom line of the LCD shows SAVE for
2 seconds, the meter will automatically power off with your
temperature offset in place.
16

6) If you also need to offset RH, do not press and hold the SET
button yet. Instead, press the SET button briefly. This will
change the display to 0.0%.
7) If your RH drift is negative, you want to add value to 0.0 to
compensate. If your RH drift is positive, you want to
subtract value. To add value to the 0.0 term, press the
HOLD button once for each 0.1% of compensation you
need. To subtract value, press the BKLT button once for
each 0.1% of compensation. The maximum amount of RH
drift you can compensate for is ±9.9%RH.
8) When you are satisfied with the temperature and/or RH
offset values you have entered, press and hold the SET
button to save the settings. After the bottom line of the LCD
shows SAVE for 2 seconds, the meter will automatically
power off with the offsets in place.
Abrupt temperature changes will cause condensation and
possible vapor penetration. Clean the LCD after the vapor
evaporates. Blow off loose particles with compressed air.
ently brush remaining debris away with a lens hair brush.
Never use a solvent or an abrasive cleaner on the FD08. To
clean the housing, use a soft, damp cloth.
Do not drop or disassemble the meter or immerse it in water.
There are two error messages you may encounter when
using the FD08:
17

Er1: Typically indicates damage to the formaldehyde sensor,
ambient temperature sensor or RH sensor.
Er2: Typically displayed for 1 second on the lower readout
when the meter tries to measure a temperature or RH
value outside the specified measurement range. It may
also be produced by clearing the Max/Min memory.
WA ANTY INFO MATION
This product from eneral Tools & Instruments ( eneral) is
warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of two years. Subject
to certain restrictions, eneral will repair or replace this
instrument if, after examination, the company determines it to
be defective in material or workmanship.
This warranty does not apply to damages that eneral
determines to be from an attempted repair by non-authorized
personnel or misuse, alterations, normal wear and tear, or
accidental damage. The defective unit must be returned to
eneral Tools & Instruments or to a eneral-authorized
service center, freight prepaid and insured.
Acceptance of the exclusive repair and replacement remedies
described herein is a condition of the contract for purchase of
this product. In no event shall eneral be liable for any
incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, or for
any cost, attorneys’ fees, expenses, or losses alleged to be a
consequence of damage due to failure of, or defect in any
product including, but not limited to, any claims for loss of
profits.
18

ETU N FO EPAI POLICY
Every effort has been made to provide you with a reliable
product of superior quality. However, in the event your
instrument requires repair, please contact our Customer
Service to obtain an R A (Return oods Authorization)
number before forwarding the unit via prepaid freight to the
attention of our Service Center at this address:
Remember to include a copy of your proof of purchase, your
return address, and your phone number and/or e-mail
address.
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FD08 User’s Manual
pecifications subject to change without notice
©2014 GENERAL TOOL & IN TRUMENT
NOTICE - WE ARE NOT RE PON IBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR .
MAN# FD08
3/6/15
General Tools & Instruments
GeneralToolsNYC
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com