Fluke 80PK-8 - Page 2

Type K Thermocouple Pipe Clamp Temperature Probe
Using the 80PK-8 to Measure Pipe Temperature
2
Using the 80PK-8 to Measure
Pipe Temperature
1. Using the miniature thermocouple connector,
connect the 80PK-8 to a compatible Type K
temperature measuring device.
2. Turn on the measuring instrument and select
the appropriate range and scale.
If you are using a temperature conversion
module (the 80TK, for example), insert the
module into the VΩ and COM inputs of the
meter and select the mV dc function.
3. Using your thumb or the palm of your hand,
press down on the plunger to open the jaws
of the probe wide enough to easily
encompass the pipe.
Center the pipe on the “V” notch (see Figure
1) on the jaw of the probe and relax pressure
on the plunger.
4. Read the temperature on the measuring
instrument. When no heat or cold is applied
to the sensor the measuring instrument
should display the ambient temperature. If
the instrument does not readout properly,
refer to “Troubleshooting”.
Measurement Considerations
The 80PK-8 is designed to be compatible with
any temperature-measuring instrument that
accepts miniature Type K thermocouples with
cold reference junction compensation. The
accuracy of the temperature-measurement is a
factor of the combined accuracy of the
temperature measuring instrument and the
80PK-8.
A lowering of the temperature at the sensor
contact point is less likely (and response time is
faster) on clean, polished, thermally conductive
surfaces, then on surfaces with low thermal
conductivity, such as plastic or rough, greasy
surfaces. To obtain the best thermal contact and
performance, the pipe must be centered in the
“V” notch of the probe jaw.
To get the most accurate temperature
measurement, adjust the connection between
the sensor and the pipe until you get the
maximum or minimum temperature reading.
W Caution
To prevent damage to the probe,
do not rotate the clamp when
measuring the temperature of a
rough surface.
Troubleshooting
When no heat or cold is applied to the probe, the
measuring instrument should display the ambient
temperature. If the measuring instrument does
not do so, try the following:
1. Verify that the temperature measuring
instrument is designed to be used with Type
K thermocouples. The instrument should
have a yellow input connector and/or be
marked with a “K”.
2. Check for an open circuit indicator on the
measuring instrument. Some thermometers
have a built in circuit to indicate if the
connected probe is open. (All Fluke
instruments have this feature.) Refer to
instruments owners’ manual to see if this
feature is available.
If you suspect a broken connection, use an
ohmmeter to check probe continuity from pin
to pin. If the ohmmeter reads ≤10 Ω, the
probe is good.
3. Short the two input connectors to the
instrument with a piece of wire. If the
instrument is functioning properly it should
display the ambient temperature.
Cleaning
W Caution
To prevent damage to the probe,
do not use solvents that may
deteriorate the handle and plunger
of the probe.
Using warm-soapy water, brush the sensor
lightly with a toothbrush. Excessive or abrasive
brushing can damage the sensor and void the
warranty. If necessary dip the brush (but not the
sensor) in rubbing alcohol.