VWR Waterproof Temperature Thermometer Model 61161-283

Overview

The VWR Waterproof Temperature Thermometer Model 61161-283 is a rugged, field-deployable digital thermometer engineered for continuous, unattended temperature monitoring in demanding environments—including submerged, humid, refrigerated, or outdoor applications. Its core measurement principle relies on a precision stainless steel thermistor embedded in the probe tip, delivering stable analog-to-digital conversion with minimal thermal lag and high long-term repeatability. Unlike contactless infrared devices, this instrument provides direct conductive sensing, ensuring traceable accuracy across phase boundaries—particularly critical when measuring semi-solids, aqueous solutions, or ambient air/gas in controlled enclosures such as incubators, walk-in cold rooms, water baths, and fermentation tanks. The device operates continuously without manual intervention, logging min/max values over user-defined intervals and updating the display every second—a feature essential for validating thermal stability during qualification studies or routine environmental monitoring per GLP and GMP requirements.

Key Features

• IP67-rated waterproof and shockproof housing certified for submersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes—validated for use in wet labs, outdoor tanks, and steam-sterilized equipment zones.
• Stainless steel probe with 3 m (10 ft) shielded cable enables flexible placement while maintaining signal integrity in electrically noisy plant environments.
• High-contrast 6.4 mm LCD display with 0.1°C resolution (–19.9 to 199.9°C) ensures legibility under low-light or gloved-hand conditions common in biosafety cabinets and cleanrooms.
• Integrated min/max memory retains extreme readings across power cycles—supporting retrospective analysis of thermal excursions without external data loggers.
• ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration certificate supplied with each unit, documenting traceability to NIST standards and enabling compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit requirements when paired with validated software workflows.
• Low-power architecture powered by a single 1.5 V silver-oxide battery supports one year of continuous “always-on” operation—eliminating downtime associated with frequent battery replacement in remote or hard-to-access installations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This thermometer is compatible with a broad range of sample matrices and operational contexts: non-corrosive liquids (including water, saline, and buffered solutions), air/gas headspace, semi-solid media (e.g., agar plates, gelatin-based substrates), and ambient outdoor air. It is not intended for use in aggressive solvents, high-pressure steam sterilization cycles (>121°C sustained), or explosive atmospheres. The device meets IEC 60529 IP67 ingress protection specifications and complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. Its calibration documentation satisfies ISO 9001:2015 clause 7.1.5.2 (monitoring and measuring resources) and supports validation activities aligned with ASTM E2877-21 (Standard Guide for Validation of Temperature Measurement Systems) and USP Analytical Instrument Qualification.

Software & Data Management

While the Model 61161-283 operates as a standalone instrument with no built-in data export interface, its real-time display and persistent min/max memory facilitate manual documentation in laboratory notebooks or electronic batch records. For automated data capture, users may integrate the thermometer into broader environmental monitoring systems via third-party analog input modules (e.g., 4–20 mA transmitters or USB data loggers), provided signal conditioning adheres to IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity standards. All calibration certificates include unique serial numbers and expiration dates, supporting full audit trails required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures—when used in conjunction with compliant LIMS or ELN platforms configured with appropriate access controls and electronic signature workflows.

Applications

• Continuous temperature surveillance in pharmaceutical cold chain logistics (refrigerated trucks, warehouse zones, and quarantine freezers).
• Validation of thermal uniformity in biological incubators, CO₂ chambers, and anaerobic workstations per ISO 13408-2.
• Environmental monitoring in HVAC-controlled cleanrooms (ISO Class 5–8) per EU GMP Annex 1.
• Field-based monitoring of outdoor storage tanks, bioreactor jackets, and wastewater treatment basins.
• Quality control of temperature-sensitive reagents, vaccines, and cell culture media during receipt inspection and shelf-life verification.
• Supporting IQ/OQ/PQ protocols for temperature-critical equipment where traceable, calibrated point measurements are required.

FAQ

Is the probe suitable for immersion in boiling water?
Yes—the stainless steel probe is rated for continuous operation up to 300°C; however, prolonged exposure above 100°C may accelerate cable insulation aging. For repeated boiling applications, periodic visual inspection of the cable sheath is recommended.

Does the thermometer meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
The hardware itself does not provide electronic audit trails, but its NIST-traceable calibration certificate and serial-numbered documentation support Part 11 compliance when integrated into validated electronic record systems with appropriate procedural controls.

Can the min/max memory be reset remotely?
No—memory reset requires pressing the dedicated button on the unit’s front panel. This design prevents accidental or unauthorized data erasure during routine handling.

What is the expected service life of the silver-oxide battery under continuous use?
Rated for 12 months at 25°C ambient; performance decreases below 0°C or above 40°C. Battery voltage is not displayed, so scheduled replacement is advised prior to expiry date indicated on the calibration certificate.

Is the magnet mount suitable for stainless steel surfaces?
Yes—the neodymium magnet provides secure adhesion to ferromagnetic surfaces including painted or unpainted mild steel; adhesion strength is reduced on austenitic stainless steels (e.g., 304, 316) due to low magnetic permeability.