Cole-Parmer 90080-15 High-Precision Thermistor Thermometer

Overview

The Cole-Parmer 90080-15 High-Precision Thermistor Thermometer is a laboratory-grade, handheld temperature measurement instrument engineered for traceable accuracy and operational robustness across diverse scientific and industrial environments. Built around a calibrated NIST-traceable thermistor sensor, it operates on the principle of resistance–temperature correlation—leveraging the highly predictable and repeatable change in electrical resistance of metal-oxide semiconductor elements with temperature variation. This enables stable, high-resolution readings over an extended operating range of −50 °C to +149 °C (−58 °F to +300 °F), with certified accuracy of ±0.05 °C within the 0–100 °C range—the critical zone for most biological, pharmaceutical, and quality control applications. Its compact, ergonomic design (8.9 × 14 × 2.8 cm; 0.36 kg without battery) integrates a backlit LCD display optimized for legibility under intense ambient lighting, splash-resistant membrane keypad, and low-power electronics supporting up to 450 hours of continuous operation on a single 9 V alkaline battery.

Key Features

• NIST-traceable calibration certificate included—fully compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for accredited calibration laboratories
• Configurable temperature resolution: 0.1 °C, 0.01 °C, or 0.001 °C—enabling fine-grained thermal profiling without latency in real-time response
• Fast thermal response time (<2 seconds for 90% step change) even when switching between resolution modes
• Programmable data logging: records min/max values at user-defined intervals (down to 1-second sampling frequency)
• Dual-scale display: simultaneous or toggle-mode °C/°F conversion with automatic unit retention per session
• Surface probe configuration (Model 90080-15): stainless-steel sheath, 15.2 cm length, flat-tip geometry optimized for contact measurements on solids, containers, and equipment surfaces
• IP54-rated enclosure for protection against dust ingress and water splashes—suitable for use in wet labs, cleanrooms, incubators, and environmental monitoring stations

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 90080-15 surface probe is validated for direct-contact measurements on non-corrosive, thermally conductive surfaces including stainless steel, glassware, polymer trays, aluminum housings, and coated instrumentation panels. It is not intended for immersion in aggressive solvents or high-pressure steam sterilization. The device meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU). Its calibration methodology adheres to ASTM E220–22 (Standard Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples by Comparison Techniques) and supports GLP/GMP documentation workflows through optional software integration (see Software & Data Management). For regulated industries—including clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food safety testing—the instrument’s traceability chain satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with validated data acquisition software.

Software & Data Management

Optional Cole-Parmer Data Logger Software (Model 90080-17) enables PC-based configuration, real-time graphing, and export of timestamped datasets in CSV or Excel-compatible formats. The software supports audit trail generation—including operator ID, parameter changes, and calibration event logs—required for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance in regulated QC environments. All recorded sessions include metadata such as probe type, sampling interval, resolution setting, and ambient conditions (if external humidity module is connected). Raw data files are digitally signed and immutable post-export, ensuring integrity during regulatory review or internal QA audits.

Applications

• Verification of incubator, oven, and environmental chamber setpoints in microbiology and cell culture labs
• Surface temperature validation during lyophilizer shelf mapping and autoclave cycle qualification
• In-process monitoring of reaction vessels, bioreactors, and jacketed reactors in pilot-scale chemical synthesis
• Thermal uniformity assessment of pharmaceutical packaging lines and cold-chain logistics validation points
• Field-based soil and wastewater temperature profiling in environmental remediation studies
• Non-invasive thermal screening of medical devices, animal housing enclosures, and food preparation surfaces

FAQ

Is the NIST calibration certificate provided with each unit?

Yes—every 90080-15 thermometer ships with a factory-issued, NIST-traceable calibration report documenting as-received accuracy at three reference points (0 °C, 25 °C, and 100 °C) using a Fluke 724 temperature calibrator.
Can the surface probe be used for liquid immersion?

No—the 90080-15 probe is mechanically optimized for surface contact only. For liquid or semi-solid media, use Model 90080-12 (penetration probe) or 90080-16 (gas/air probe).
What is the recalibration interval recommendation?

Cole-Parmer recommends annual recalibration for routine lab use; more frequent verification (e.g., daily pre-use checks against ice bath or reference standard) is advised in GxP-regulated settings.
Does the device support RS-232 or USB output?

No native serial interface is built-in; data transfer requires the optional 90080-17 software suite with USB-to-serial adapter.
Is the battery replaceable in the field?

Yes—the 9 V battery compartment is user-accessible via two Phillips screws; no tools required for routine replacement.