Fieldpiece ATA1 - User Manual

K-type, Clip-on
Thermocouple
Model: ATA1
Max: 400ºF
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Description
The ATA1, K-Type, thermocouple can be used
continuously to take temperature readings up to
400ºF and a one time use of 482ºF. The ATA1 can
be used with any thermometer which accepts a K-
type thermocouple.
The alligator clip allows the user to affix the ATA1
to a fixed surface, allowing the user to take hands
free measurements. The ATA1 also comes with a
wrap tab making it easy to wind and store the ther-
mocouple.
Operation
To use the ATA1 plug it into any thermometer
accepting a K-type thermocouple and adjust the
device to the appropriate settings.
Calibration
Due to variances in the thermocouple wire and
other parts of the system, a field calibration should
be conducted before use. Field calibration typically
gives +/- 1ºF overall accuracy. The instructions for
this calibration should be in the operating manual
for the thermometer.
Specifications
Thermocouple Conductors: K-type Nickel
Chromium/Nickel Aluminum, 2300ºF maximum
(insulation limits max. see probe insulation).
Accuracy: -50ºF to 400ºF +/- 4ºF,
Range: -50ºF to 400ºF maximum continuos oper-
ation. Single exposure use at 482°F.
Probe insulation: While calibration and atmos-
phere will affect maximum useful temperature in
applications, this insulation is designated to
withstand a maximum continuous use at 400°F
(240°C) and a single exposure use at 482°F
(250°C).
Plug: K-Type Thermocouple male mini plug.
Broken Wires:
Due to frequent bending, the K-type thermocou-
ple wire may break or come loose, typically near the
plug. To repair, cut and strip the thermocouple wire
near the plug. The red wire is the (-) wire and it
belongs on the wider of the two plugs. Loosen the
screws on plugs and wind the conductors around
the appropriate screws and tighten. Finally, position
the plugs into the tab and screw the tab back togeth-
er.
Warranty
The ATA1, K-Type, clip-on thermocouple is war-
ranted against manufacturer’s defects for one year.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting
from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair,
alteration, or unreasonable use of the instrument.
Any implied warranty arising out of the sale of
Fieldpiece's products including but not limited to
implied warranties of merchantability, and fitness for
purpose, are limited to the above. Fieldpiece shall
not be liable for incidental or consequential dam-
ages.
Service
Return any defective ATA1 to Fieldpiece for war-
ranty service along with proof of purchase. Contact
Fieldpiece for out of warranty repair charges.
Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc.
California, U.S.A.
www.fieldpiece.com
WARNINGS
When testing hot temperatures, the thermo-
couple and metal alligator clip may become hot.
Do not handle the thermocouple or the metal
clip when hot.
!
!
K-type, Clip-on
Thermocouple
Model: ATA1
Max: 400ºF
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Description
The ATA1, K-Type, thermocouple can be used
continuously to take temperature readings up to
400ºF and a one time use of 482ºF. The ATA1 can
be used with any thermometer which accepts a K-
type thermocouple.
The alligator clip allows the user to affix the ATA1
to a fixed surface, allowing the user to take hands
free measurements. The ATA1 also comes with a
wrap tab making it easy to wind and store the ther-
mocouple.
Operation
To use the ATA1 plug it into any thermometer
accepting a K-type thermocouple and adjust the
device to the appropriate settings.
Calibration
Due to variances in the thermocouple wire and
other parts of the system, a field calibration should
be conducted before use. Field calibration typically
gives +/- 1ºF overall accuracy. The instructions for
this calibration should be in the operating manual
for the thermometer.
Specifications
Thermocouple Conductors: K-type Nickel
Chromium/Nickel Aluminum, 2300ºF maximum
(insulation limits max. see probe insulation).
Accuracy: -50ºF to 400ºF +/- 4ºF,
Range: -50ºF to 400ºF maximum continuos oper-
ation. Single exposure use at 482°F.
Probe insulation: While calibration and atmos-
phere will affect maximum useful temperature in
applications, this insulation is designated to
withstand a maximum continuous use at 400°F
(240°C) and a single exposure use at 482°F
(250°C).
Plug: K-Type Thermocouple male mini plug.
Broken Wires:
Due to frequent bending, the K-type thermocou-
ple wire may break or come loose, typically near the
plug. To repair, cut and strip the thermocouple wire
near the plug. The red wire is the (-) wire and it
belongs on the wider of the two plugs. Loosen the
screws on plugs and wind the conductors around
the appropriate screws and tighten. Finally, position
the plugs into the tab and screw the tab back togeth-
er.
Warranty
The ATA1, K-Type, clip-on thermocouple is war-
ranted against manufacturer’s defects for one year.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting
from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair,
alteration, or unreasonable use of the instrument.
Any implied warranty arising out of the sale of
Fieldpiece's products including but not limited to
implied warranties of merchantability, and fitness for
purpose, are limited to the above. Fieldpiece shall
not be liable for incidental or consequential dam-
ages.
Service
Return any defective ATA1 to Fieldpiece for war-
ranty service along with proof of purchase. Contact
Fieldpiece for out of warranty repair charges.
Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc.
California, U.S.A.
www.fieldpiece.com
WARNINGS
When testing hot temperatures, the thermo-
couple and metal alligator clip may become hot.
Do not handle the thermocouple or the metal
clip when hot.
!
!
v07
v07

Summary

K-type, Clip-on Thermocouple ATA1

Description

Details the ATA1 K-Type thermocouple's continuous temperature reading capabilities up to 400°F and one-time use up to 482°F.

Operation

Instructions on how to use the ATA1 by plugging it into a compatible thermometer and adjusting settings.

Calibration

Guidance on field calibration for accuracy, typically yielding +/- 1°F, referencing the thermometer's manual.

Specifications

Lists thermocouple conductors (K-type Nickel Chromium/Nickel Aluminum) and accuracy (-50°F to 400°F +/- 4°F).

Temperature Range

Specifies continuous operation up to 400°F and single exposure use up to 482°F.

Probe Insulation Limits

Details insulation limits for continuous use at 400°F (240°C) and single exposure at 482°F (250°C).

Plug Type

Identifies the connection as a K-Type Thermocouple male mini plug.

Broken Wires Repair

Provides instructions for repairing broken thermocouple wires, identifying red wire as (-) and its connection.

Safety Warnings

Warns that the thermocouple and clip may become hot during testing and should not be handled when hot.

Warranty Information

Details the one-year warranty against manufacturer's defects, excluding abuse, neglect, or unauthorized repair.

Service and Support

Instructions for returning defective units for warranty service and contacting Fieldpiece for out-of-warranty repairs.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. Safety Warnings
6. Warranty and Service
7. Relative Humidity (%RH) Chart

The Fieldpiece ATA1 K-Type Clip-on Thermocouple is a versatile temperature measurement device designed for continuous use up to 400°F (204°C) and for single exposures up to 482°F (250°C). It is compatible with any thermometer that accepts a K-type thermocouple.

Function Description:

The primary function of the ATA1 is to provide accurate temperature readings. Its K-type thermocouple design allows for a broad range of applications, particularly in HVAC and other fields where temperature monitoring is critical. The device is engineered for continuous operation within its specified temperature range, making it suitable for ongoing monitoring tasks.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Model: ATA1
• Type: K-Type Clip-on Thermocouple
• Maximum Continuous Operating Temperature: 400°F (204°C)
• Maximum Single Exposure Temperature: 482°F (250°C)
• Thermocouple Conductors: K-type Nickel Chromium/Nickel Aluminum. These conductors are rated for a maximum insulation limit of 2300°F (1260°C), though the probe insulation itself limits the practical operating temperature.
• Accuracy: -50°F to 400°F (-45°C to 204°C) with an accuracy of +/- 4°F (2.2°C).
• Probe Insulation: Designed to withstand a maximum continuous use at 400°F (240°C) and a single exposure use at 482°F (250°C).
• Plug Type: K-Type Thermocouple male mini plug.

Usage Features:

• Hands-Free Measurement: The integrated alligator clip allows users to securely affix the ATA1 to a fixed surface, enabling hands-free temperature measurements. This feature is particularly useful when continuous monitoring is required or when the user needs to perform other tasks simultaneously.
• Easy Storage: The ATA1 includes a convenient wrap tab, which simplifies the process of winding and storing the thermocouple wire, helping to prevent tangles and damage.
• Compatibility: It can be used with any thermometer that supports K-type thermocouples, offering flexibility and integration with existing equipment.
• Operation: To use the ATA1, simply plug it into a compatible K-type thermometer and adjust the thermometer settings as needed.

Maintenance Features:

• Calibration: Due to inherent variances in thermocouple wire and other system components, a field calibration is recommended before use to achieve optimal accuracy. Typically, field calibration can yield an overall accuracy of +/- 1°F (0.55°C). The specific calibration instructions are usually found in the operating manual of the thermometer being used with the ATA1.
• Broken Wires Repair: The K-type thermocouple wire can sometimes break or come loose, especially near the plug, due to frequent bending. The manual provides clear instructions for repair:
  1. Cut and strip the thermocouple wire near the plug.
  2. Identify the red wire as the (-) wire, which connects to the wider of the two plugs.
  3. Loosen the screws on the plugs.
  4. Wind the conductors around the appropriate screws and tighten them.
  5. Position the plugs back into the tab and screw the tab together. This allows for user-level repair, extending the lifespan of the device.

Safety Warnings:

• When testing hot temperatures, both the thermocouple and the metal alligator clip can become very hot.
• Users are warned not to handle the thermocouple or the metal clip when it is hot to prevent burns.

Warranty and Service:

• The ATA1 K-Type clip-on thermocouple comes with a one-year warranty against manufacturer's defects.
• The warranty does not cover defects resulting from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair, alteration, or unreasonable use of the instrument.
• Any implied warranties, including merchantability and fitness for purpose, are limited to the stated warranty period. Fieldpiece is not liable for incidental or consequential damages.
• For warranty service, users should return the defective ATA1 to Fieldpiece with proof of purchase. For out-of-warranty repairs, users should contact Fieldpiece for charges.

Relative Humidity (%RH) Chart:

The manual also includes a Relative Humidity (%RH) chart, which is a useful tool for evaluating air comfort or determining the target superheat in air conditioning systems. The chart provides %RH values based on dry bulb temperature and wet bulb temperature. It suggests using an accessory head like the ARH4 for direct measurement of %RH, wet bulb, dew point, or dry bulb, or using the ATA1 thermocouple with an ATWB1 wet bulb thermocouple in conjunction with the provided chart.

Fieldpiece ATA1 Specifications