Want an HVAC Career? Know the Tools of the Trade
Accurate thermometers are an important part of proper HVAC maintenance. Thermometer accuracy provides a technician with precise measurements of the heating and ventilation systems of the home or unit so they can properly determine HVAC problems and troubleshoot solutions. When choosing a proper temperature gauge there are five things to consider: calibration, short-term stability, long-term stability, usage, and display accuracy. HVAC technicians looking at careers in the field should be well trained in the latest information regarding thermostat technologies and temperature gauging systems.
Remember when training yourself on calibration that all systems are not equal. As a general rule, fixed point calibration is considered more precise than comparative calibration. Limiting your calibration to a specific degree range will prove more accurate than using a larger unnecessary range for calibration. Most temperature gauges for HVAC technicians should lie between minus 40 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Beyond this range, calibration is unnecessary.
When calibrating your gauge, be sure to note which method was used to calibrate. Clearly state the uncertainty of this form of calibration or test its uncertainty with the uncertainty ratio. Your calibration needs to meet general quality standards given your HVAC regional guidelines, and must be legitimized by laboratory or calibration company that you know and trust.
If you’re planning a career in the field of HVAC, the thermometers and temperature gauges listed below are phrases you’ll need to be aware of. Read the definitions below carefully, and become familiar with these important HVAC terms.
HVAC Thermometers and Measuring Devices to Use During HVAC Training:
Glass tube thermometers: These thermometers are typically mercury filled and encased in glass. These thermometers have a useful temperature range from minus 40 F to over 220 F (-40 C to 105 C). Glass tube or mercury-filled thermometers are the oldest temperature gauges and are sold in an array of ranges, scale graduation is, and variable lengths.
Complete stem immersion: Complete stem immersion thermometers require the stem of the gauge to be completely immersed in the fluid intended to be measured. If these stem immersion thermometers are unable to be completely immersed, these will require liquid column correction ratios for an accurate temperature assessment.
Partial stem immersion: Partial stem immersion thermometers are the most commonly used HVAC thermometer today. Thermometer test wells built into fluid columns are created for the use of the partial stem immersion device. As no emergent stem correction is necessary for this type of thermometer, these gauges are frequently deemed an expensive and accurate device for measuring temperatures in the HVAC community.
Test Wells: Thermometer test wells ensure test thermometers stay at the necessary location for proper temperature measurement and easy device removal.
Dial Thermometers: Two dial thermometers are common among HVAC trainers and technicians. These consist of the stem style of dial thermometer and the flexible capillary style of thermometer. Styles come in variable sized dial heads ranging between 1½ inches to larger 5 inch models. Dial temperature gauges come with stainless steel sensing elements and are well sealed to protect from rust, dust, or future leaks. Since these thermometers are resilient to common environmental stresses in daily HVAC work, they’re considered the most accurate and longest lasting of thermometers available on the market.
Some information from: http://www.etiltd.co.uk/download_manuals.html
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