Home
Precision, Performance, Confidence.
Fluke Calibration: US
  • Register
  • Log in
  • Contact Us

US - English [Change]

 

Temperature Calibration

Nobody offers a more complete line of temperature calibration equipment than Fluke Calibration. From ITS-90 fixed-point cells to handheld temperature sources—combined with easy to use and extremely precise thermometry systems—we can help provide the temperature calibration equipment you need to resolve your challenges in the lab or on the shop floor.
Request a Quote
Keep me informed
ITS-90 Temperature Standards
ITS-90 Temperature Standards »
Digital Thermometer Readouts
Digital Thermometer Readouts »
Probes / Sensors
Probes / Sensors »
Calibration Baths
Calibration Baths »
Industrial Calibrators
Industrial Calibrators »
Multifunction Calibrators
Multifunction Calibrators »
Temperature Calibration Software
Temperature Calibration Software »

What is Temperature Calibration?

Temperature calibration refers to the calibration of any device used in a system that measures temperature. Most importantly, this usually means the temperature sensor, itself, which is typically a platinum resistance thermometer (PRT or PT-100), thermistor, or thermocouple. Readings from these thermometers are made by “thermometer readout” devices which measure their electrical outputs and convert them to temperature according to the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90)


International Temperature Scale of 1990 »

Thermometers are typically calibrated by placing them in a stable temperature environment (heat source) and comparing their output to that of a calibrated “reference thermometer” or “standard thermometer.” Fluke Calibration provides three general categories of heat sources:  industrial heat sources (dry-well calibrators, Micro-Baths, etc.) for field use; fluid baths and thermocouple furnaces for laboratory use; and fixed-point cells for “primary” calibrations.  Fluke Calibration also offers a variety of reference thermometers, including SPRTs, and thermometer readout instruments.

In addition, Fluke Calibration provides a variety of laboratory and field solutions for calibrating the electronics used in temperature measurement circuits.

Field, laboratory, and primary temperature calibration

Field temperature calibration(or “industrial” or “portable” temperature calibration) applies to thermometers being tested outside of a laboratory environment, typically to accuracies ranging from 5 °C to 0.5 °C. Dry-wells, Metrology Wells, Micro-Baths, IR targets, and other portable heat sources provide stable temperatures, while portable thermometer readouts and thermometer standards can provide reference temperatures beyond that available directly from the heat source.

Laboratory or secondary temperature calibration relates to the calibration of reference-grade PRT or PT-100, precision thermistors, and noble-metal thermocouples. Ultra-stable and uniform temperature baths and horizontal furnaces (for the high temperatures needed by thermocouples) are used along with SPRT reference thermometers and high-accuracy thermometer readouts.  Such systems can provide calibration accuracies from 0.5 °C to 0.02 °C.

Fixed-point or primary temperature calibration utilizes fixed-point cells, such as the Triple Point of Water, which provide extremely accurate and repeatable temperature when they are properly “realized,” typically in a laboratory setting. Such systems are used for calibrating SPRTs and noble-metal thermocouples and can be as accurate as 0.001 °C. 

Hart Scientific products and the Fluke Calibration brand

In 2001, Fluke acquired Hart Scientific, located in American Fork, Utah. Temperature products continued to be sold under the Hart Scientific label until 2010 when Fluke introduced the Fluke Calibration brand, which includes the Hart Scientific products as well as electrical, RF, pressure, and flow calibration products. Today, some temperature products are manufactured at Fluke headquarters in Everett, Washington, while fixed-point and thermometry products continue to be manufactured in Utah.  We continue to rely on the exceptional team of experts that previously made Hart Scientific the world’s leading brand for temperature calibration.

Related reference materials

Understanding Temperature Calibration Uncertainties »
Automating Temperature Calibrations »
Fluke Calibration’s Scope of Accreditation for Temperature Calibrations »
Establishment of a Primary Standards Laboratory »
Establishment of a Secondary Laboratory »
Infrared Temperature Calibration 101 »

Selecting a Solution

Calibrating a temperature sensor can be a challenge, but is very doable with some know-how and the right products. The first step is to understand the thermometer being calibrated:  What type of electrical signal does it output or is it entirely mechanical? What are its physical characteristics (size, shape, size and shape of sensor hidden inside the probe sheath, etc.)? Over what temperature range is it used? And what accuracies are relied on over those temperatures? Can it be calibrated in a laboratory or must it be calibrated in the field or even in-situ?

The answers to these questions help define the products and processes that comprise the right solution for you. One quick and easy way to work through these answers and define a calibration solution that is fully reliable but not overdone is to contact our application experts at 1.877.883.8225.  They have a great deal of knowledge and experience adapting calibration solutions to a wide variety of requirements.

If you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, but want to find just the right product(s) to meet your need, these selection guides provide a quick way to compare our various product offerings and provide links to take you directly to complete information about each product.

Product Selection Guides

Primary standards

Thermometer readouts

Thermometer probes

Constant temperature calibration baths

Industrial temperature calibrators

Related reference materials

Temperature calibration: Tips and tricks from the real world

Request a Quote
Keep me informed
  • Home
  • Products
    • New Products
    • Electrical Calibration
      • Electrical Standards
      • Electrical Calibrators
      • Bench Multimeters
      • Electrical Calibration Software
    • RF Calibration
      • RF Reference Sources
      • RF Calibration Accessories
      • RF Calibration Software
    • Data Acquisition and Test Equipment
      • Bench Multimeters
      • Data Acquisition
      • Function and Waveform Generators
      • Data Acquisition Software
    • Temperature Calibration
      • ITS-90 Temperature Standards
        • ITS-90 Fixed-point cells
        • Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometers
        • Maintenance Apparatus
        • Liquid Nitrogen Comparison Calibrator
        • Resistance Bridges
        • Standard Resistors
      • Calibration Baths
        • Compact Calibration Baths
        • Standard Calibration Baths
        • Special Application Baths
        • Bath Accessories
        • Bath Controllers
        • Bath Fluids
        • Custom Baths
      • Industrial Calibrators
        • Field Metrology Wells
        • Metrology Wells
        • Handheld Calibrators
        • Field Dry-Block Calibrators
        • Micro Baths
        • Infrared Calibrators
        • Thermocouple Furnaces
        • Dual Block Dry-Well
        • Zero-point Dry-Well
      • Probes / Sensors
        • Platinum Resistance Thermometers (PRTs)
        • Thermistors
        • Thermocouples
      • Digital Thermometer Readouts
      • Multifunction Calibrators
      • Temperature Calibration Software
    • Humidity Calibration
      • Humidity Generators
      • Humidity Data Loggers and Monitors
    • Pressure Calibration
      • Piston Gauges
        • NMI Piston Gauges
        • Absolute Piston Gauges
        • High Pressure Pneumatic Piston Gauges
        • Hydraulic Piston Gauges
        • Piston Gauge Accessories
      • Automated Pressure Controller / Calibrators
        • Low Pressure Controllers / Calibrators
        • Pneumatic Pressure Controllers / Calibrators
        • High Pressure Pneumatic Controller / Calibrators
        • Hydraulic Controller / Calibrators
      • Pressure Monitors
        • Low Pressure Monitors
        • Digital Pressure Gauges
        • Reference Pressure Monitors
      • Deadweight Testers
        • Pneumatic Deadweight Testers
        • Oil Deadweight Testers
        • Water Deadweight Testers
        • High-Pressure Hydraulic Deadweight Testers
        • Deadweight Tester Accessories
      • Manual Pressure Calibration
        • Pressure Calibrators
        • Pneumatic Pressure Control
        • Hydraulic Pressure Comparators / Pumps
      • Air Data Calibration
      • Environmental Monitors
      • Pressure Calibration Accessories
      • Pressure Calibration Custom Systems
      • Pressure Calibration Software
    • Flow Calibration
      • Gas Flow Standards
      • Gas Flow Accessories
      • GFS Primary Gravimetric Flow Standard
      • Flow Calibration Software
    • Process Calibration Tools
      • Temperature Calibrators
        • Handheld Temperature Calibrators
        • Dry-Block Calibrators and Micro-Baths
        • Precision Digital Thermometers
        • Temperature Probes
        • Infrared Calibrators
        • Hygro Thermometer with Data Logging
      • Pressure Calibrators
        • Digital Pressure Calibrators
        • Handheld Pressure Calibrators
        • Deadweight Testers
        • Precision Digital Pressure Gauges
        • Calibration Hand Pumps
      • Multifunction Calibrators
      • mA Loop Calibrators
      • Process Calibration Software
    • Calibration Software
      • MET/CAL® Software
      • MET/CAL® Support
      • Asset Management Software
      • Temperature Calibration Software
      • Pressure Calibration Software
      • Flow Calibration Software
      • Mechanical / Dimensional Calibration Software
    • Handheld Test Tools
  • Purchase Info
    • Where to Buy
    • Request a Quote
    • Request a Demo
    • Request a Sales Consultation
    • Certified Pre-Owned Equipment
    • General Services Administration (GSA)
    • Financing Program
    • National Stock Numbers (NSNs)
    • Payment Options and Tax Info
  • News
    • Press Releases
    • Promotions
    • Industry Links
    • Metrology Compensation Survey
  • Training and Events
    • Conferences and Exhibitions
    • Training Courses
    • User Group Meetings
    • "How To" Seminars
    • Web Seminars
      • Live Seminars
      • On-Demand Seminars
  • Literature and Education
    • About Calibration
    • Articles and Education
    • Product Catalogs
    • Product Literature
    • Product Manuals (User Guides)
    • Videos and Virtual Demos
    • Resource Centers
    • Blog
  • Service and Support
    • Service Request (RMA)
    • Service Plans
    • Technical Support
    • Knowledge Base
    • Accreditations
    • Authorized Service Centers
    • Calibration Certificates
    • Community Forum
    • My MET/SUPPORT
      • Activate
      • Procedures
      • Software
      • Technical Bulletins
      • Priority Support
      • Manuals
    • Product Manuals (User Guides)
    • Register Products
    • Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
    • Safety, Service, and Product Notices
    • Software Downloads
    • Tools
      • ITS-90 Reference Function Calculator
      • Thermocouple Table Voltage Calculator
      • Thermocouple Temperature Calculator
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Visit Us
    • Employment
    • Fluke Calibration
      • Hart Scientific Temperature Calibration
      • DH Instruments Pressure and Flow Calibration
      • Pressurements Pressure Calibration
      • Ruska Pressure Calibration
    • Fluke Companies
    • Integrity and Compliance
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Why buy Fluke Calibration ?
Home|Products|Temperature Calibration
Fluke Calibration would like your feedback

We'd like your feedback.

You can help us improve our website »

Thank you!

Questions regarding Service, General Metrology, Certificates of Calibration or if you are in need of Technical Support can be submitted via our Support Request form.

©1995-2019 Fluke Corporation
               

Secondary menu

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Statement
  • Webmaster
  • Terms of Use
  • Terms of Sale