Fluke Calibration 1524 Handheld Thermometer Readout

The Fluke Calibration 1524 is a precision handheld thermometer readout designed for users who need highly accurate temperature measurement from external temperature sensors.

It supports PRTs, RTDs, thermistors and thermocouples, making it suitable for reference measurements, temperature calibration systems, laboratory work and industrial process verification. The two-channel design allows two sensors to be measured simultaneously.

High-Accuracy Reference Temperature Measurement

The 1524 is designed as a reference thermometer rather than a conventional handheld temperature meter. Fluke uses current-reversal technology to reduce the influence of thermal EMFs, while precision resistors and a stable reference voltage source help maintain measurement performance across changing ambient conditions.

Depending on the sensor and measurement method, the instrument can achieve extremely low temperature uncertainty. Fluke lists ±0.002 °C as its best accuracy specification.

Two-Channel Measurement

The Fluke 1524 has two input channels, allowing users to monitor two temperature sensors simultaneously.

This can be useful for:

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  Comparing a reference probe with a device under test
  
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  Monitoring two temperature points
  
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  Temperature uniformity measurements
  
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  Calibration system verification
  
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  Laboratory comparison measurements
  

The two-channel configuration can effectively increase measurement productivity when multiple sensors need to be monitored at the same time.

Supports Multiple Temperature Sensor Types

The 1524 supports a broad selection of precision temperature sensors:

• 
  PRTs
  
• 
  RTDs
  
• 
  Thermistors
  
• 
  Thermocouples
  

Supported thermocouple types include B, C, E, J, K, L, M, N, R, S, T and U.

This flexibility allows the same readout to be used across different temperature calibration and measurement requirements.

Fast Sampling and Data Logging

The 1524 is designed for both individual precision measurements and longer-term temperature monitoring.

Important logging functions include:

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  Up to 15,000 time- and date-stamped readings
  
• 
  Statistics for up to 25 readings
  
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  Normal sampling interval: 1 second
  
• 
  Fast sampling: as little as 0.3 seconds
  
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  Two-channel measurement
  

These functions make the 1524 suitable for monitoring temperature stability, collecting calibration data and documenting measurement results.

INFO-CON Probe Information

The Fluke 1524 uses INFO-CON connectors to help maintain correct temperature conversion information.

A memory chip inside the connector can store calibration information associated with the attached probe. This helps reduce setup errors when precision temperature probes are moved between measurement systems.

PRT and Resistance Measurement

The 1524 provides high-resolution resistance measurement for precision resistance temperature sensors.

Key resistance specifications include:

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  0–400 Ω: ±(0.004% + 0.002 Ω)
  
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  200 Ω–50 kΩ: ±(0.01% + 0.5 Ω)
  
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  50 kΩ–500 kΩ: ±0.03%
  
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  Selectable excitation current depending on resistance range
  

This makes the instrument particularly suitable for precision PRT, RTD and thermistor measurements.

Thermocouple Measurement

The 1524 supports a wide range of thermocouple types and provides internal reference-junction compensation.

For example, the listed equivalent temperature accuracy for Type K thermocouples is:

• 
  ±0.61 °C: -200 to 0 °C
  
• 
  ±0.24 °C: 0 to 1370 °C
  

Other supported thermocouple types include B, C, E, J, L, M, N, R, S, T and U.

Key Specifications

• 
  Product type: Handheld reference thermometer readout
  
• 
  Input channels: 2
  
• 
  Sensor types: PRT, RTD, thermistor, thermocouple
  
• 
  Best accuracy: Up to ±0.002 °C
  
• 
  Normal sampling: 1 second
  
• 
  Fast sampling: 0.3 second
  
• 
  Data logging: Up to 15,000 readings
  
• 
  Statistics: Up to 25 readings
  
• 
  mV range: -10 to 75 mV
  
• 
  Resistance: 0 to 500 kΩ depending on range
  
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  Thermocouple types: B, C, E, J, K, L, M, N, R, S, T, U
  
• 
  Operating temperature: -10 to +60 °C
  
• 
  Best accuracy environment: 13 to 33 °C
  
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  Power: 3 × AA alkaline batteries
  
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  Dimensions: 96 × 200 × 47 mm
  
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  Weight: approximately 0.65 kg
  

Typical Applications

Temperature Calibration Laboratories

Use the 1524 as a precision readout for reference probes during temperature calibration and verification.

PRT and RTD Measurement

Measure precision resistance temperature sensors with high accuracy and appropriate excitation currents.

Thermocouple Verification

Measure a wide range of thermocouple types for calibration and temperature verification.

Temperature Stability Testing

Use the data logging function to record temperature changes over time and evaluate stability.

Industrial Temperature Verification

Compare process temperature sensors against a calibrated reference probe during maintenance and instrument verification.

Two-Point or Comparative Measurement

Use the two independent channels to compare two temperature sensors simultaneously.

Fluke 1524 vs Conventional Handheld Thermometers

The Fluke 1524 is designed for reference-level temperature measurement, rather than general-purpose temperature checking.

Its key advantages include:

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  Much higher measurement accuracy
  
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  Support for precision PRTs and RTDs
  
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  Two-channel measurement
  
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  Probe calibration information through INFO-CON
  
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  High-speed sampling
  
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  Large data logging capacity
  
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  Compatibility with temperature calibration applications
  

Therefore, it is more appropriate for calibration, metrology and precision temperature verification than ordinary maintenance temperature measurement.

Fluke 1524 vs Fluke 1523

The Fluke 1523 and 1524 are both reference thermometer readouts. The 1524 provides two measurement channels, while the 1523 is a single-channel instrument.

For applications requiring simultaneous measurement of two temperature sensors or comparison between a reference sensor and a test sensor, the 1524 is the more suitable choice.

Available Models

Fluke currently lists several 1524 configurations, including:

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  Fluke 1524 / 1524-156: two-channel readout with data logger and 17025 accredited calibration
  
• 
  Fluke 1524-P2: bundled with a 5628 PRT
  
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  Fluke 1524-P3: bundled with a 5627A PRT
  
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  Fluke 1524-P4: bundled with a 5615 PRT
  

The exact probe and calibration configuration depends on the selected package.

FAQ

What is the Fluke 1524 used for?

The Fluke 1524 is a high-accuracy reference thermometer readout used for precision temperature measurement, calibration and verification.

What sensors can the Fluke 1524 measure?

It supports PRTs, RTDs, thermistors and thermocouples, including B, C, E, J, K, L, M, N, R, S, T and U thermocouples.

How accurate is the Fluke 1524?

Its best specified accuracy can reach ±0.002 °C, depending on the sensor and measurement conditions.

Does the Fluke 1524 have two channels?

Yes. It has two input channels for simultaneous temperature measurement.

How many readings can the Fluke 1524 record?

The instrument can log up to 15,000 time- and date-stamped readings.

Is the Fluke 1524 a temperature calibrator?

It is more accurately described as a handheld reference thermometer readout. It measures temperature from external sensors but does not itself generate or control calibration temperature.