Hart Scientific

5615
Platinum Resistance Thermometer
Users Guide

Rev. 731501

Limited Warranty & Limitation of Liability

Each product from Fluke Corporation, Hart Scientific Division (Hart) is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The warranty period is 1 year for the
Platinum Resistance Thermometer. The warranty period begins on the date of the shipment. Parts, product repairs, and services are warranted for 90 days. The warranty extends only to the original buyer or
end-user customer of a Hart authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries or to
any other product, which in Harts opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected, or damaged by accident
or abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Hart warrants that software will operate substantially in
accordance with its functional specifications for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded on
non-defective media. Hart does not warrant that software will be error free or operate without interruption. Hart does not warrant calibrations on the Platinum Resistance Thermometer.
Hart authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers
only but have no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Hart. Warranty support is
available if product is purchased through a Hart authorized sales outlet or Buyer has paid the applicable
international price. Hart reserves the right to invoice Buyer for importation costs of repairs/replacement
parts when product purchased in one country is submitted for repair in another country.
Harts warranty obligation is limited, at Harts option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair, or replacement of a defective product which is returned to a Hart authorized service center within
the warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Hart authorized service center or send the product, with
a description of the difficulty, postage, and insurance prepaid (FOB Destination), to the nearest Hart authorized service center. Hart assumes no risk for damage in transit. Following warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation prepaid (FOB Destination). If Hart determines that the
failure was caused by misuse, alteration, accident or abnormal condition or operation or handling, Hart
will provide an estimate or repair costs and obtain authorization before commencing the work. Following
repair, the product will be returned to the Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for
the repair and return transportation charges (FOB Shipping Point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYERS SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
HART SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL. OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, WHETHER ARISING FROM
BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, RELIANCE OR ANY OTHER
THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not
apply to every buyer. If any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.

Fluke Corporation, Hart Scientific Division

799 E. Utah Valley Drive American Fork, UT 84003-9775 USA
Phone: +1.801.763.1600 Telefax: +1.801.763.1010
E-mail: supporthartscientific.com
www.hartscientific.com
Subject to change without notice. Copyright 2006 Printed in USA

Rev. 731501

Table of Contents
1 Before You Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1
1.2

Symbols Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2.1
1.2.2

1.3

Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Authorized Service Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1
2.2

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Recalibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1

Lead Wire Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

5 PRT Care and Handling Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5.1
5.2

PRT Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
PRT Handling Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6.1
6.2
6.3

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Immersion Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Thermal EMF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

6.4

Transition Junction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

7 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.1

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

1 Before You Start

Symbols Used

1
1.1

Before You Start

Symbols Used
Table 1 lists the International Electrical Symbols. Some or all of these symbols
may be used on the instrument or in this guide.
Table 1 International Electrical Symbols
Symbol

Description
AC (Alternating Current)

AC-DC

Battery

CE Complies with European Union Directives

DC

Double Insulated

Electric Shock

Fuse

PE Ground

Hot Surface (Burn Hazard)

Read the Users Manual (Important Information)

Off

On
Canadian Standards Association

5615 PRT
Users Guide

Symbol

Description
OVERVOLTAGE (Installation) CATEGORY II, Pollution Degree 2 per IEC1010-1 refers to the level of Impulse Withstand Voltage protection provided. Equipment of
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II is energy-consuming equipment to be supplied from
the fixed installation. Examples include household, office, and laboratory appliances.
C-TIC Australian EMC Mark

The European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive

(2002/96/EC) mark.

1.2

Safety Information
Use this instrument only as specified in this guide. Otherwise, the protection
provided by the instrument may be impaired.
The following definitions apply to the terms Warning and Caution.
Warning identifies conditions and actions that may pose hazards to the user.
Caution identifies conditions and actions that may damage the instrument being used.

1.2.1

Warnings
To avoid personal injury, follow these guidelines.
DO NOT use this instrument to measure the temperature of any hazardous
live component.
Use of this instrument at high temperatures for extended periods of time
can cause the handle to become hot.
Follow all safety guidelines listed in the users guide.
Calibration Equipment should only be used by Trained Personnel.

1.2.2

Cautions
To avoid possible damage to the instrument, follow these guidelines.
DO NOT drop or bang the probe in any way. This will cause damage to
the probe internally and affect its calibration.
Read Section entitled PRT Care and Handling Guidelines before removing the PRT from the shipping box. Incorrect handling can damage
the PRT and void the warranty.
Keep the shipping container in case it is necessary to ship the PRT. Incorrect packaging of the PRT for shipment can cause irreparable damage.

1 Before You Start

Authorized Service Centers

1.3

Authorized Service Centers

Please contact one of the following authorized Service Centers to coordinate
service on your Hart product:
Fluke Corporation, Hart Scientific Division
799 E. Utah Valley Drive
American Fork, UT 84003-9775
USA
Phone: +1.801.763.1600
Telefax: +1.801.763.1010
E-mail: supporthartscientific.com
Fluke Nederland B.V.
Customer Support Services
Science Park Eindhoven 5108
5692 EC Son
NETHERLANDS
Phone: +31-402-675300
Telefax: +31-402-675321
E-mail: ServiceDeskfluke.nl
Fluke Int'l Corporation
Service Center - Instrimpex
Room 2301 Sciteck Tower
22 Jianguomenwai Dajie
Chao Yang District
Beijing 100004, PRC
CHINA
Phone: +86-10-6-512-3436
Telefax: +86-10-6-512-3437
E-mail: xingye.hanfluke.com.cn
Fluke South East Asia Pte Ltd.
Fluke ASEAN Regional Office
Service Center
3

5615 PRT
Users Guide

60 Alexandra Terrace #03-16

The Comtech (Lobby D)
118502
SINGAPORE
Phone: +65 6799-5588
Telefax: +65 6799-5588
E-mail: antngsinga.fluke.com
When contacting these Service Centers for support, please have the following
information available:
Model Number
Serial Number
Complete description of the problem

2 Introduction
General

2
2.1

Introduction
General
The Platinum Resistance Thermometer (PRT) model 5615 is designed to be
secondary standard interpolating instruments converting temperature to resistance. The 5615 may also be used as temperature standards for calibration of
industrial sensors. The PRT is used with a readout device to detect temperature
changes or actual temperature.

2.2

Recalibration
The recalibration of the 5615 PRT should be scheduled according to the users
company Quality Assurance requirements. Normally, a PRT is recalibrated annually. Unless the PRT is used only over a limited range, calibration over the
full range of the PRT is recommended. For information on recalibrating your
5615, contact an Authorized Service Center for an RMA number and current
pricing (see Section 1.3, Authorized Service Centers).
Depending on the users Quality Assurance requirements, the PRT drift should
be checked periodically at the Triple Point of Water (TPW). Section 7, Troubleshooting, provides information on drift with respect to mechanical shock and
oxidation.

3 Specifications

Specifications
Temperature range

5615-6: 200 C to 300 C

5615-9 and 5615-12: 200 C to 420 C

Nominal resistance at 0 C

100 0.10

Temperature coefficient

0.0039250 //C

Short-term

repeatability[1]

0.013 C at 0.010 C

Drift[2]

0.01 C at 0.010 C

Sensor length

28 mm (1.1 in)

Sensor location

6.9 mm 3.3 mm from tip (0.27 in 0.13 in)

Sheath dimensions,
length x dia

5615-6: 152 mm x 4.76 mm (6.0 in x 0.188 in)

5615-9: 229 mm x 4.76 mm (9.0 in x 0.188 in)
5615-12: 305 mm x 6.35 mm (12.0 in x 0.250 in)

Sheath diameter tolerance

0.127 mm (0.005 in)

Sheath material

Inconel 600

Minimum insulation
resistance

1000 M at 23 C

Transition junction
temperature range[3]

50 C to 200 C

Transition junction
dimensions

71 mm x 13 mm dia(2.8 in x 0.5 in)

Maximum immersion length

5615-6: 102 mm (4 in)

5615-9: 178 mm (7 in)
5615-12: 254 mm (10 in)

Response time[4]

9 seconds typical

Self heating (in 0 C bath)

50 mW/C

Lead-wire cable type

Teflon insulated with Teflon jacket, 22 AWG

Lead-wire length

183 cm (72 in)

Lead-wire temperature
range

50 C to 200 C

Calibration

NVLAP-accredited calibration included

[1]

Three thermal cycles from min to max temp, includes hysteresis

After 100 hours at maximum temperature
[3]
Temperatures outside this range will cause irreparable damage. For best performance, transition junction should not be too hot to touch.
[4]
Per ASTM E 644
[2]

4 Installation
Lead Wire Identification

4
4.1

Installation
Lead Wire Identification
The 5615 PRT is equipped with a four-wire cable (see Figure 1). Four lead
wires are used to cancel lead wire resistance. For best results, the readout device should be equipped to handle four-terminal resistors.
The lead wires are two different colors. Lead wire pairs attached to each end of
the sensor are identified by red and white insulation.
White

Red

White

Red

Figure 1 PRT Schematic

5 PRT Care and Handling Guidelines

PRT Care

5
5.1

PRT Care and Handling Guidelines

PRT Care
CAUTION: READ THIS SECTION BEFORE REMOVING THE PRT
FROM THE SHIPPING BOX OR CASE
Care must be taken in handling the PRT to maintain calibration accuracy. Care
should still be used when handling the PRT even though the Inconel sheath is
durable and provides good protection for the sensor. Correct handling of the
PRT will prolong the life expectancy. When not in use, the PRT should be
stored in an optional protective case that can be purchased by contacting an Authorized Service Center (see section 1.3, Authorized Service Centers).
The handle is not designed to be immersed.

5.2

PRT Handling Guidelines

DO keep the thermometer as clean as possible.
DO immerse the thermometer in the appropriate liquid for the temperature range. If a dry block is used, the well diameter should allow the PRT
to comfortably slip in and out without excess movement. For best results,
immerse the thermometer as deep as possible to avoid stem effect (the
temperature error caused by the conduction of heat away from the
sensor).
DO allow sufficient time for the thermometer to stabilize before making
measurements. This allows for the best accuracy.
DO use the correct drive current with the thermometer to prevent error in
temperature or resistance. Hart Scientific recommends 1mA.
DO use the protective shipping box provided or other protection when the
thermometer is not in use.
DO NOT subject the thermometer to any physical shock or vibration.
DO NOT use pliers or other devices to squeeze the sheath. This action can
permanently damage the PRT.
DO NOT subject the thermometer to temperatures above the highest specified operating temperature.
DO NOT expose the thermometers handle or cables to extreme temperatures.
DO NOT screw a clamp down so tight that it dents the sheath. This can
permanently damage the PRT.

11

6 Operation
General

6
6.1

Operation
General
For best results, be familiar with the operation of the heat source and the readout instrument. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions for the readout instrument and the heat source.

6.2

Immersion Requirements
Stem effect can cause measurement errors for any thermometer. This error is
due to heat lost or gained by the sensing element through the thermometer
stem. In addition, heat losses occur due to radiation losses from the sensing element to the housing.
The immersion depth for standards is dependent on several factors including
accuracy requirements and type of liquid. However, remember the handle limitations. The handle is not designed to be immersed.
The exact immersion depth required can be determined by performing a gradient test taking measurements approximately every 1.27 cm (.5 inches) until
there is a significant difference in readings. Allow the thermometer to stabilize
at each new depth. Plot the results to see the stem effect.

6.3

Thermal EMF
Two factors contribute to thermal EMF, chemical consistency and physical consistency. Variations in chemical structure due to impurities can contribute to
thermal EMF. Also discrepancies in crystal structure can contribute to thermal
EMF. These factors are minimized by annealing the full length of wire before
construction of the PRT.
Likewise, connection to extension lead wires and readout instruments can be a
source of thermal EMF. The thermal EMF is caused by a difference in temperature between two connections. If the two connections are the same temperature,
there will be little or no thermal EMF effects. However, if there is a substantial
temperature difference between connections, the thermal EMF effects will be
significant. Therefore, cover or insulate any exposed bridge or galvanometer
terminals to lessen the source of error. The effects of thermal EMF can be canceled by using an AC bridge or a DC bridge with reversible current.

6.4

Transition Junction
Exceeding the temperature range of the transition junction will cause a breach
in the seal of the instrument. Maintaining the seal is critical to preventing moisture from entering the device. If moisture penetrates the seal, the PRT's short
term repeatability, hysteresis, and insulation resistance may be adversely affected. Insulation resistance also decreases rapidly as the transition junction
13

5615 PRT
Users Guide

temperature increases, even if the seal is not broken. When the insulation resistance becomes sufficiently low, performance suffers. A good rule of thumb is
that the transition junction is too hot when it is hot enough to burn your thumb.

14

7 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting

7
7.1

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
In the event that the probe appears to function abnormally, this section may be
of use in solving the problem. Several possible problem conditions are described along with likely causes and solutions. If a problem arises, please read
this section carefully and attempt to understand and solve the problem. If the
probe seems faulty or the problem cannot otherwise be solved, contact an Authorized Service Center (see Section 1.3) for assistance. Be sure to have the
model number and serial number of your probe available.
Problem

Causes and Solutions

Data changes greater than 0.1C

are observed

Mechanical shock can cause temperature errors as great as 0.5C. If

this is observed, first measure and record the Rtpw.

Data changes less than 0.1C

Slight mechanical shock can cause temperature errors less than

0.1C.

Data unstable

If the data is unstable at the Triple Point of Water (TPW), check connections for evidence of a bad connection. If the connector appears
to be in good condition and the connections are good, the PRT may
be damaged. Contact an Authorized Service Center (see Section
1.3).
If the data is unstable at high temperatures, it may be
due to electrical noise in the system. Reduce the temperature and observe the data. If it is stable, electrical
noise is interfering with the measurements at high temperatures. Also, this is usually due to low shunt resistance. The resistance between the leads and the sheath
(shunt resistance or insulation resistance) as measured
by a resistance meter should be greater than 500 megohms at room temperature. Check the grounding of the
readout device and the heat source. A faulty ground on
either device could interfere with high temperature measurements. A ground wire attached to the metal sheath
of the PRT may help to reduce electrical noise interference.

Temperature readout different

than expected, e.g. the heat
source is set at 150C, the PRT
measures 125C.

Measure the PRT resistance at TPW.

If the resistance of the PRT is less than the rated resistance, e.g. 98 ohms for a 100 ohm PRT, there may be a
short in the sensor.
If the resistance of the PRT is only a few ohms, there
may be a short in the four lead-wires.
If the PRT is open, the resistance will be Out of Limits
or in the kilohm or megohm range.
For more information or assistance, contact an Authorized Service
Center (see Section 1.3).

15