The PCE-675-ICA dew point meter is a multifunction portable instrument designed to quickly check surface temperature, ambient temperature, relative humidity, dew point and wet bulb temperature. Compared with a simple laser thermometer, this device provides a more complete assessment of thermal and environmental conditions because it allows the surface temperature to be compared with the surrounding air parameters and helps identify conditions that may lead to condensation or mould formation.

The instrument is particularly useful for building technicians, HVAC technicians, installers, maintenance personnel, window fitters and operators who need to carry out quick inspections on walls, windows, thermal bridges, heating systems, cooling systems, pipes, technical rooms, warehouses, production areas and hard-to-reach surfaces. The PCE-675-ICA version includes an ISO calibration report for the IR function only, useful when infrared surface temperature measurement must be documented with greater traceability.

Surface temperature is measured by an infrared sensor without contact with the object. This makes it possible to check hot, cold, moving, delicate, difficult-to-access or non-contaminable surfaces. The red laser pointer helps the operator correctly aim the instrument at the measuring point, while the integrated torch illuminates the working area in poor visibility, attics, technical compartments, plant rooms, behind machinery and poorly lit areas.

The IR measuring range is -50 ... +550 °C, with 0.1 °C resolution. Accuracy is ±3 °C in the -50 ... 0 °C range and, above 0 °C, ±1.5% or ±2.0 °C, whichever value is greater. These data make the PCE-675-ICA suitable for technical checks on building surfaces, pipes, radiators, ventilation outlets, mechanical parts, motors, industrial components, panels and equipment, always respecting safety procedures and the specified operating limits.

The device also has an input for a type K probe. With the type K thermocouple, the measuring range is -50 ... +850 °C, with 0.1 °C resolution and ±1.5% or ±1.5 °C accuracy, whichever value is greater. This function is important when the infrared measurement needs to be compared with a contact measurement, when working on materials with uncertain emissivity or when the technician needs to check a specific point directly with a probe.

Ambient temperature measurement covers the -20 ... +60 °C range, with 0.1 °C resolution. Accuracy is ±1.0 °C in the 0 ... 40 °C range and ±2 °C in the other ranges. This parameter is essential because surface temperature must be interpreted in relation to the environment: a cold wall, window frame, pipe or structural element can become critical when its temperature approaches the dew point of the air in the room.

The PCE-675-ICA measures relative humidity in the 0 ... 100% RH range, with 1% resolution. Accuracy is ±3.0% RH in the 35 ... 75% RH range and ±5% RH in the other ranges. Humidity measurement is especially useful in building diagnostics, property maintenance, comfort checks, technical rooms, basements, warehouses, production departments and environments where high humidity, poor ventilation or incorrect insulation may promote condensation, mould, corrosion or material deterioration.

The main environmental diagnostic function is dew point calculation. Dew point is measured in the -20 ... +60 °C range, with 0.1 °C resolution and ±1.5 °C accuracy at 25 °C and 40 ... 80% RH. This value indicates the temperature at which water vapour in the air can condense on a surface. If a wall, window frame, pipe or component reaches a temperature close to or below the dew point, condensation risk increases and, over time, mould may develop.

The device also measures wet bulb temperature in the -20 ... +60 °C range, with 0.1 °C resolution and ±1.5 °C accuracy at 25 °C. This parameter completes the environmental analysis because it allows temperature and humidity to be evaluated together. For HVAC technicians, maintenance personnel and operators checking air conditioning, ventilation and environmental conditions, the combined reading of ambient temperature, humidity, dew point and wet bulb temperature provides a more complete diagnosis than surface temperature alone.

The 13:1 optical ratio is an essential technical feature. It means that the distance between the instrument and the surface is 13 times greater than the diameter of the measured spot. As distance increases, the area read by the sensor also increases. To obtain reliable measurements, the object or area to be checked must be larger than the measuring spot; if the area is small, the instrument must be moved closer. In practice, for accurate measurements, the measured surface should be at least twice the size of the measuring spot.

Emissivity is adjustable from 0.1 to 1.0. This adjustment allows the measurement to be adapted to different materials because each surface emits infrared radiation differently. Opaque materials, paints, plaster, plastic, wood, concrete, asphalt, ceramic and non-reflective surfaces are generally easier to measure. Shiny or polished surfaces, such as stainless steel, aluminium and polished metals, may generate incorrect readings if emissivity is not set correctly or if the surface is not prepared.

The response time of ≤500 ms allows a rapid measurement sequence over several points. This is useful when searching for thermal differences on walls, ceilings, floors, windows, systems, panels, motors or components. By moving the instrument over the surface, the technician can quickly identify colder areas, hotter areas, heat losses, thermal bridges, potential condensation points or anomalies requiring further investigation.

The mould alarm function automatically compares surface temperature with dew point temperature. When the device detects a critical situation, the alarm indicator signals the risk: the yellow LED indicates mould risk, while the red LED indicates a high probability. This function is very useful for inspections in homes, production rooms, warehouses, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, perimeter walls, cold corners and points where ventilation is reduced.

The temperature difference alarm compares ambient temperature with surface temperature. The green LED indicates that the surface temperature is similar to the ambient temperature; the yellow LED indicates a difference of around 3 °C; the red LED indicates a difference greater than 5 °C. This mode is useful for checking heating and cooling systems, cooling devices, insulation, airflows, radiators, vents, uneven surfaces and components working with significant thermal differences.

The environmental detection mode displays relative humidity, ambient temperature, dew point and wet bulb temperature simultaneously. This function provides an immediate picture of room conditions and helps determine whether a problem is caused by a surface that is too cold, high humidity, insufficient ventilation or a combination of factors. For a technician, this information is useful for proposing correct corrective actions and not relying only on surface temperature.

The type K mode allows the thermocouple to be connected and displays the type K sensor value together with ambient temperature and surface temperature. This is useful in applications where infrared measurement must be confirmed with contact measurement, for example on metal surfaces, technical components, mechanical parts, surfaces with uncertain finish or areas where emissivity can affect the IR reading.

To obtain reliable measurements, the distance-to-spot ratio must be used correctly, emissivity must be set according to the material and the surface must be clean. Dirt, oil, grease, dust or residues can change the surface behaviour and lead to non-representative values. The device cannot measure through transparent materials such as glass: in these cases it detects the temperature of the glass surface and not the object behind it.

When the instrument is moved between environments with large temperature differences, it is advisable to wait approximately 30 minutes for it to acclimatize to the new conditions. This improves measurement stability, especially for environmental checks, dew point analysis and mould or condensation inspections. The laser should be considered only an aiming aid and can be switched off for close-range measurements.

The integrated laser is class 2, with power ≤1 mW and wavelength 630 ... 670 nm. It must be used carefully, always avoiding pointing it at the eyes of people or animals. The instrument must not be used in potentially explosive atmospheres and, in electrical applications, insulation requirements and safety procedures must be observed before working in live areas.

Power is supplied by a 9 V battery and automatic switch-off after approximately one minute of inactivity helps preserve the charge. The weight of approximately 130 g makes the device light and practical for mobile use. The included carrying bag facilitates use on construction sites, in workshops, during external maintenance and technical assistance at the customer’s premises.

The scope of delivery includes 1 PCE-675 dew point meter, 1 type K thermocouple, 1 9 V battery, 1 carrying bag, 1 ISO calibration report in English/German for the IR function only and operating instructions available for download. This equipment makes the instrument ready for professional temperature, humidity and dew point checks, with ISO documentation referring to infrared measurement.

The PCE-675-ICA dew point meter is therefore a compact and complete solution for quick, non-destructive and documentable thermal and environmental inspections. The combination of IR measurement from -50 ... +550 °C, type K probe up to +850 °C, relative humidity, ambient temperature, dew point, wet bulb temperature, 13:1 optics, adjustable emissivity, laser pointer, torch, alarm functions and ISO report for the IR function makes it suitable for building diagnostics, maintenance, plant engineering, HVAC, quality control, workshops and professional technical diagnosis.