Environmental Testers / Physical Property

Environmental Testers / Physical Property

Environmental Testers measure environmental elements such as humidity, air flow, temperature, water quality, and more. They are used in a variety of industries and range from simple devices to advanced, multi-parameter systems.
 
Hand-held environmental testers are easy to use and cost effective. They are durable and portable.
 
Environmental Tester Applications
 
Environmental testers are used in a variety of applications, including HVAC, quality control, scientific experiments, agriculture, athletics, pharmaceuticals, military, and more. Some specific examples include:

• Identifying when conditions for mold growth exist
• Monitoring conditions in laboratories, storage areas and other controlled environment settings
• Measuring air velocity/air flow in HVAC ducts and other small openings
• Generating comprehensive aiming solutions for precision shooting
• Measuring the noise of construction, power equipment, and more
• Troubleshooting corrosion in building water/waste water systems
• Measuring conductivity, TDS, salt concentration, pH, ORP and DO content
• Monitoring the effects of direct solar radiation on an exposed surface
• Measuring how hot it actually feels when the humidity is combined with temperature, air movement, and radiant heat
• Monitoring outdoor heat conditions for athletics
• Monitoring moisture in wood and other building materials, such as plaster board, concrete, brick, gypsum board, dropped ceiling, wallpaper, cinder block and mortar
• Measuring the moisture levels in wood burners or wood burning stoves
• Measuring electromagnetic field strength, including mobile phone base station antenna radiation, RF power measurement for transmitters, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) detection/installation, wireless communication applications (CW, TDMA, GSM, DECT), and microwave leakage
• Measuring fluoride ions in drinking water and other aqueous samples

Types of Environmental Testers
 
There are numerous types of environmental testers designed to meet the needs of various applications. These devices include:

• Anemometer / Air Flow. Anemometers measure air movement. They are often divided into two categories: wind speed and air pressure
• Barometers and Altimeters. Barometers and altimeters measure atmospheric pressure
• Chlorine Testers. Chlorine testers measure the chlorine content of water
• Dissolved Oxygen Meters/Fluoride. Dissolved oxygen meters measure the amount of dissolved oxygen in water. Fluoride meters measure the amount of fluoride in water
• EMF/ELF Meters. EMF/ELF meters measure frequency of electric and magnetic fields
• Heat Index Monitors. Heat index monitors measure how hot it feels when humidity is combined with temperature, air movement, and radiant heat
• Humidity Meters. Humidity meters measure the moisture content in the environment
• Hygrometers. Hygrometers measure relative humidity
• Light Meters. See Products > Radiometric > Light Meters / Illuminance Meters
• Moisture Meters. Moisture meters measure the moisture in a variety of materials, such as wood, concrete, grain, and more
• pH Meters. pH meters measure the acidity or alkalinity of liquids
• Psychrometers. Psychrometers measure relative humidity by using the difference between two different thermometer readings
• Refractometers/BRIX. Refractometers measure index of refraction. BRIX is a specific application for sugar concentration in a liquid solution
• Scales/Weight. Scales measure the weight or mass of objects
• Sound Level Meters. Sound level meters measure sound pressure, vibration, levels, and/or frequencies
• Water Quality Meters. Water quality meters determine water quality by measuring various parameters such as pH, temperature, salinity, and more.
• Weather Measurement. Weather measurement devices are multi-parameter systems that measure an extensive list of weather parameters, such as air flow, wind chill, barometric pressure, and more

Key Features of Environmental Testers to Consider

• Environmental testers offer a variety of key features that make the user’s job easier. When considering key features, look for features that address the following categories: 
• Accuracy
• Display options
• Durability
• Size
• Cost effectiveness
• Data storage
• Parameters measured
• Ease of use

Anemometer / Air Flow

Anemometers measure air movement. The term derives from the word anemos, which means wind, and refers to any air speed measurement instrument. These meters are often divided into categories: wind speed and air pressure. They measure various parameters such as air velocity, dew point, humidity, wind chill, and temperature.
 
There are a variety of types of anemometers, including sonic, vane (windmill), hotwire, cup, and laser. They are used in numerous applications such as HVAC, agriculture, athletics, construction, and more. These devices are accurate, portable, and durable.
 
Anemometer Applications

• Measure air velocity/air flow in HVAC ducts and other small openings
• HVAC installation, repair, diagnostics and optimization
• Promote good indoor air quality
• Maintain a comfortable environment
• Monitor indoor vs. outdoor pressure relationships and manage the building envelope

Types of Anemometers

• Sonic. These anemometers use ultrasonic sound waves
• Vane (Windmill). Vane anemometers combine a propeller and a tail on the same axis. Vane type anemometers have a vane similar to a propeller/impeller. The air flow thru the mechanical vanes or blades is translated into a velocity flow rate such as ft/min or meters/sec
• Hot-wire. These use electrically heated wires. The air cools the wire, and the device uses the temperature change to calculate the measurement
• Cup. The wind moves past the cups and turns the shaft. The air flow is measured by counting the number of turns of the shaft over a period of time
• Laser. These anemometers use a beam of light to measure the speed of particles

Vane and hot-wire types are the most popular. Key Features of Anemometers to Consider

• Telescoping probe designed to fit into HVAC ducts and other small openings
• Datalogging and PC Communications
• Water resistant housing
• Multifunction capability: InfraRed Thermometer, temperature probe, humidity, CO detection, light measurement, and/or more depending on model

Vane Type vs Hot-wire Anemometer

• Vane type are mechanical, more susceptible to long term wear and tear compared to hot-wire, which are more susceptible to failure with sudden shocks or drops   
• Vane type have less accuracy drift over time   
• Hot-wire anemometers are more accurate plus have better resolution and faster response to rapid flow changes   
• Hot wire anemometers are easier to insert in ducts

Barometers and Altimeters

Barometers and Altimeters measure atmospheric pressure. More specifically, altimeters use atmospheric pressure to determine the altitude of an object. Some barometers feature an altimeter.
 
Both devices are associated with weather applications, such as hiking and climbing, aircraft, military, skydiving, and satellites. They come in a variety of styles and sizes to meet a range of needs.
 
Types of Barometers & Altimeters

• Digital – Digital barometers and altimeters are easy to use and often measure multiple parameters
• Analog – This is the classic design

Chlorine Tester

Chlorine Testers measure the chlorine content of water.  They are used in a variety of applications and monitor safety requirements.  Chlorine testers are accurate and easy to use.
 
Chlorine Tester Applications

• Drinking water
• Pools/Spas
• Industrial processes
• Wastewater

Key Features of Chlorine Testers to Consider

• Low detection limit down to 0.01ppm
• Unaffected by sample color or turbidity
• US EPA approved as an acceptable version of the ORION 97-70 electrode method for wastewater compliance monitoring of Total Chlorine.
• Memory stores, tags, and recalls
• Results in under two minutes without having to bring samples back to the lab for analysis
• Multifunction capability to measure other parameters such as pH

Dissolved Oxygen Meter/Fluoride

Dissolved Oxygen meters measure the amount of dissolved oxygen in water. Fluoride meters measure the amount of fluoride in water. They monitor safety requirements and are used in a variety of applications, such as aquatic life, drinking water, wastewater, and fish farming. Some devices also measure other parameters such as temperature, salinity, barometric pressure, and more.
 
Dissolved Oxygen Meter/Fluoride Applications

• Measurement of fluoride ions in drinking water and other aqueous samples
• Measure dissolved oxygen
• Monitoring regulatory compliance
• Troubleshoot corrosion in building water/waste water systems

Key Features of Dissolved Oxygen Meter/Fluoride to Consider

• Memory stores up to 400 readings with series number, measured value and temperature
• Automatic salinity compensation and manual barometric pressure compensation for Dissolved Oxygen measurements
• Automatic Temperature Compensation
• Multi-parameter
• In compliance with EPA Method 340.2.
• PC Communications and Software
• Adjustable Altitude Compensation

EMF/ELF Meter

EMF/ELF meters measure frequency of electric and magnetic fields. EMF and ELF meters use different methods of measurement. They are used in a variety of applications, including electric, appliances, wireless communication, and residential use. EMF/ELF meters come in a range of styles to meet various needs. 
 
EMF/ELF Meter Applications

• Test a wide range of ELF magnetic fields, independent of measurement angle
• Radiation safety testing
• Measure magnetic field radiation levels around power lines, appliances and industrial devices
• Electromagnetic field strength measurement including mobile phone base station antenna radiation, RF power measurement for transmitters, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) detection/installation, wireless communication applications (CW, TDMA, GSM, DECT), and microwave leakage
• Indicate radiated electro-magnetic fields such as those from radio broadcasting and TV transmitters

Types of EMF/ELF Meters

• ELF – measures extremely low frequency
• EMF – measures electric magnetic frequency

Key Features of EMF/ELF Meters to Consider

• Data hold
• Non-directional (isotropic) measurement with three-channel (triaxial) measurement probe
• Three axis ( X, Y, Z direction) electromagnetic field measurement

Heat Index Monitors

Heat Index Monitors measure how hot it feels when humidity is combined with temperature, air movement, and radiant heat. These devices are also capable of monitoring the effects of direct solar radiation on an exposed surface. They have many applications, such as athletics and military training, and they come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet a range of needs.
 
Heat Index Monitors Applications

• Monitor the effects of direct solar radiation on an exposed surface
• Measure how hot it actually feels when the humidity is combined with temperature, air movement, and radiant heat
• Monitor outdoor heat conditions for athletics

Key Features of Heat Index Monitors to Consider

• PC Communications and software
• User adjustable heat index alarm
• NIST Calibration Certification

Humidity Meters

Humidity Meters measure the moisture content in the environment by measuring relative humidity, present temperature, dew points, and other parameters. They are used in a variety of applications and come in a variety of styles.
 
Humidity meters are different from, yet similar to, hygrometers and psychrometers, which measure relative humidity. Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present. Relative humidity is the ratio of the moisture present compared to the amount of moisture needed for saturation.  Hygrometers and psychrometers both calculate relative humidity, while humidity meters measure moisture content by measuring various parameters such as temperature, dew points, and more.
 
Humidity Meter Applications

• Maintaining optimal comfort levels and good indoor air quality
• Identifying when conditions for mold growth exist
• Identifying when low humidity conditions for static electricity exist
• Measuring behind walls or in difficult to access locations
• Using air temperature and dew point temperature to indicate where condensation may occur
• Monitoring conditions in laboratories, storage areas and other controlled environment settings

Key Humidity Meter Features to Consider

• Humidity level alarms
• Remote probe allows for measurements behind walls or in difficult to access locations
• Indoor/outdoor models allow you to simultaneously read the humidity and temperature, indoors and outdoors
• Optional NIST calibration certificate satisfies ISO and other regulatory body requirements for product accuracy traceability to nationally recognized reference standards

Hygrometers

Hygrometers measure relative humidity. They are often used in homes, offices, and other confined areas. The two main types are digital and analog. They provide accurate measuring and monitoring of temperature and humidity in a wide range of professional and industrial applications such as film processing, printing, hospitals, and laboratories.
 
Hygrometers are different from humidity meters, which measure humidity based on temperature, dew point, and relative humidity. Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present. Relative humidity is ratio of the moisture present compared to the amount of moisture needed for saturation.  Hygrometers and psychrometers both calculate relative humidity, while humidity meters measure moisture content by measuring various parameters, such as temperature, dew points, and more.
 
Hygrometers Applications

• Residential
• Heating/Cooling
• Greenhouses
• Industrial spaces
• Incubators
• Saunas
• Commercial buildings

Types of Hygrometers

• Digital. Digital hygrometers use non-moving sensors. They record high and low readings.
• Analog. Analog hygrometers are easy to use and read, are very accurate, and have a fast response time

Key Features of Hygrometers to Consider

• Datalogger date/time stamps and stores readings on an SD card in Excel® format for easy transfer to a PC Display
• Multi-parameter measurements
• Hanging and standing bracket allows flexible positioning on a wall or desktop

This video discusses the damaging effects of mold, such as structural damage and illness, and how hygrometers can be used to control moisture that causes mold. Key features include the dew point measurement and the humidity alarm that alerts the user when the room reaches specified humidity levels.
 

Light Meters

Our selection of dedicated Light Meter only models may be found under
Products > Radiometric > Light Meters / Illuminance Meters.

Multifunction meters combining additional measurements such as Hygrometer, Temperature, Air Flow may also be found under their respective sub category. For example for humidity and light: Environmental Testers / Physical Property > Hygrometer
 

Moisture Meters

Moisture Meters measure the moisture in a variety of materials such as wood, concrete, grain, and more. They are used in numerous professions as well as by homeowners to determine the extent of moisture problems. Common applications include agriculture, construction, and home inspections. Moisture meters come in a variety of styles to meet a range of needs.
 
Moisture Meter Applications

• Monitor moisture in wood and other building materials, such as plaster board, concrete, brick, render, gypsum board, dropped ceiling, wallpaper, cinder block, and mortar
• Measure the moisture levels in wood burners or wood burning stoves

Types of Moisture Meters

• Pin – Moisture pins are used for contact moisture readings. These pins are easily replaceable
• Pinless -- Pinless moisture sensors allow the user to monitor moisture in wood and other building materials without causing surface damage
• Remote Probe –Remote probes are used for contact moisture readings on hard surfaces

Key Features of Moisture Meters to Consider

• Numerous wood calibration scales
• Pinless measurement depth from 0.78" (20mm) to 1.6" (40mm) below the surface
• Data Hold
• Adjustable alarm levels

pH Meters

pH Meters measure the acidity or alkalinity of liquids. Most of them have a special probe connected that measures the pH and a screen that displays the information. The probe is usually made of glass. These meters range from simple devices to complex systems.
 
pH Meter Applications

• Agriculture
• Fish farming
• Aquariums
• Boilers
• Cooling towers
• Drinking water
• Food and Beverage
• Hydroponics
• Laboratories
• Chemical industry
• Pools/Spas
• Water treatment

Key Features of pH Meters to Consider

• RENEW feature that tells you when it’s time to replace your pH electrode
• CAL feature that tells you when it’s time to recalibrate your meter
• Flat Surface pH electrode that is completely waterproof and rugged enough to withstand harsh environments
• Memory stores 15 readings
• “On-the-Spot” measurements

Psychrometer

Psychrometers measure relative humidity by using the difference between two different thermometer readings. One reading is taken with a wet bulb and the other with a dry bulb. They are used in a variety of applications and come in different styles to meet a range of needs. The two main types of psychrometers are analog sling psychrometers and digital psychrometers.
 
Hygrometers and psychrometers are different from humidity meters, which measure humidity based on temperature, dew point, and relative humidity. Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present. Relative humidity is ratio of the moisture present compared to the amount of moisture needed for saturation.  Hygrometers and psychrometers both calculate relative humidity, while humidity meters measure moisture content by measuring various parameters such as temperature, dew points, and more.
 
Psychrometer Applications

• Measurement of comfort conditions in air conditioned environments, hospital operating rooms, storage areas, and laboratories
• Tests in industrial atmospheres where high or low humidity may be critical in manufacturing processes
• School athletics -- to determine safe conditions for practice
• Target superheat calculations
• Log relative humidity over time and troubleshoot systems
• A diagnostic tool with TSH and TEET built in

Types of Psychrometers

• Analog Sling Psychrometers. This is a classic twirling design. Modern models include convenient features such as slide rule construction that quickly converts temperature to relative humidity
• Digital Psychrometers. These are highly accurate and feature data hold functions

How Does a Sling Psychrometer Work?
 
Sling psychrometers use two thermometers. One is a dry bulb. The other is a wet bulb, which features a cotton sock saturated with water. The user must spin the thermometers through the air at a consistent speed. Then, using the scale, find the relative humidity based on the two temperatures.  Modern day digital psychrometers make this work unnecessary.
 
Key Features of Psychrometers to Consider

• Ability to calculate T1-T2 differential (air temperature minus external probe temperature)
  and T2 – Dew Point
• Wet bulb measurements without slinging
• Slide rule construction quickly converts temperature to relative humidity
• Built-in water reservoir holds sufficient water for several hours of testing
• Thin bulb design gives fast thermal response
• Ability to measure multiple parameters such as humidity, air temperature, dew point, and web bulb temperature
• Quick response time and data hold
• Get outdoor dry bulb and indoor wet bulb for target superheat calculations
• Durability for in the field use

Refractometers/BRIX

Refractometers measure refractive index. Refractive index describes how light or other radiation passes through a medium. Essentially, as light passes through a medium it bends depending on the concentration of a solution in the medium. The bending of light increases at a rate proportional to the increasing solution concentration.

This type of measurement can be used to determine BRIX (sugar concentration), salinity, protein content, gycol, specific gravity, and levels of battery coolant and brake fluid. Extech manufactures a wide range of refractometers for measuring each of these variables. Refractometers can perform measurements in mediums such as water and oil, but are not limited to those and can effectively measure in most liquid mediums.

If you are purchasing a refractometer for measuring BRIX, it is important that you pay attention to unit range. Refractometers can only measure BRIX in relatively small ranges. These ranges fall between 0 (no solution) and 100% (solution permeates medium completely). Most refractometers can only measure small ranges such as 0-18% but some units do have larger ranges. One Extech unit has a triple range that almost completely covers 0-100%.

Scales/Weight

Scales measure the weight or mass of objects.  They have many commercial and industrial applications. TEquipment carries scales measuring items as light as feathers and as heavy as 5,000 lbs (2,267 Kg).
 
Scales/Weight Applications

• Agriculture
• Food portioning
• Grocery
• HVAC Refrigerant Charging Scales have their own category.
  see HVAC Equipment and Instruments > Refrigerant HVAC > Charging Scales
• Jewelry
• Laboratory
• Medical
• Pharmaceutical
• Retail
• Shipping

Key Features of Scales/Weight to Consider

• Accuracy
• Resolution
• Weighted base keeps the entire scale stable
• Audible buzzer with user-selectable volume control
• NSF listed/certified to NSF/ANSI 169-2005 (formerly NSF C-2) and USDA-AMS accepted to NSF/3-A 14159-1; supports HACCP food compliance
• Supports GLP, GMP Compliance
• PC and Printer Connectivity
• Multiple weighing units
• Battery Powered or Line Powered
• Mechanical vs. Electronic
• Separate Indicator and Platform (typical for larger scales)

Sound Level Meters

Sound Level Meters measure sound pressure, vibration levels, and/or frequencies. They are often used in industrial, environmental, and aircraft noise pollution studies. Sound level meters are accurate and easy to use. They are designed to meet the measurement requirements of Safety Engineers, Health and Industrial safety offices, and quality control in various environments.
 
Sound Level Meter Applications

• Workplace noise management. Devices can be used to determine hearing protection needs as well as to reduce employee distraction
• Residential areas. The meters measure the noise of construction, power equipment, industrial noise, and more
• Agency and government requirements. The meters measure noise to make sure it adheres to requirements such as city ordinances or the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards

Key Features of Sound Level Meters to Consider

• Meets ANSI and IEC 651 Type 2 standards
• High and low measuring ranges
• Tripod mount ideal for field use
• Data logging
• Optional 94/114dB calibrator to perform “before” and “after” calibration checks per ANSI standards
• Bright LED's alert user when sound level is too high or too low

Water Quality Meters

Water Quality Meters determine water quality by measuring various parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity, salinity, and temperature. They also measure the presence of fluoride, ammonia, nitrate, sodium, and more. Devices vary from simple pH meters to advanced multi-parameter systems.
 
Water quality meters come in a variety of styles and sizes to meet a range of needs. They are used in numerous applications, including drinking water, waste water, seawater, food and beverage, pool and spa, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
 
Water Quality Meter Applications

• Take control of monitoring regulatory compliance
• Troubleshoot corrosion in building water/waste water systems
• Measure conductivity, TDS, salt concentration of a liquid, pH, ORP and DO content
• Measure oxygen content of a volume of air
• Field checks of water-based solutions

Key Features of Water Quality Meters to Consider

• Dual display
• Wireless communication
• USB connectivity
• 3 point calibration ensures the best linearity and accuracy
• Stores 99 readings manually and 20M readings via 2G SD card
• Built-in PC interface
• Selectable conductivity to TDS conversion factor

Weather Measurement

Weather Measurement devices measure an extensive list of weather parameters, such as air flow, air velocity, temperature, humidity, dew point, wind chill, solar radiation, altitude, barometric pressure, and more. They are used by a variety of professionals, ranging from farmers to fire fighters. They are especially useful to HVAC and military professionals.
 
Weather Measurement Applications

• Military professionals, HAZMAT teams, and flight crews monitor wind direction, crosswind, and tail/headwind
• Comprehensive aiming solutions for precision shooting
• IAQ probe for assessing indoor air quality

Key Features of Weather Measurement to Consider

• Waterproof and floats
• Customizable data storage
• Data upload and charting
• Wireless communication
• A digital compass and capable of monitoring wind direction, crosswind, and tail/headwind
• A red backlight -- especially useful for military applications
• Comprehensive environmental data plus integrated aiming solutions