Fieldpiece SOX3 User Manual

%

%

CO

2

EA

MAX

SET

ON/OFF

°C
°F

HOLD

APO

%

MAX MIN

%

CO

2

EA

MAX

SET

PRESS FOR
1 SECOND

ON/OFF

°C
°F

HOLD

%

MAX MIN

%

CO

2

EA

MAX

SET

Fieldpiece

PRESS FOR
1 SECOND

ON/OFF

%

%

CO

2

EA

MAX

SET

Press for 1 Sec to Exit

PRESS FOR
1 SECOND

FUEL

ON/OFF

MAX/MIN

AUTO-OFF

°F

MEASURE/HOLD

°C
°F

HOLD

APO

%

MAX MIN

%

CO

2

EA

MAX

SET

PRESS FOR
1 SECOND

FUEL

ON/OFF

%

%

CO

2

EA

MAX

SET

!

Quick Start

Description

The SOX3 is a portable hand

Combustion Check
with AutoPump

OPERATOR'S
MANUAL

Model
SOX3

APO MAXMIN HOLD SET

Natural

Oil#2PropaneCustom

Gas

AUTO-OFF

MEASURE/HOLD

°F

°C

Combustion
Check

Excess Air,

and %O

%CO

2

TEMP CAL

SOX3

°F %
°C

ON/OFF

ENTER

SET CUSTOM

MAX/MIN

2

EXHAUST

%

CO

2

MAX

EA

PRESS FOR

1 SECOND

FUEL

CLEAR

1. Press ON/OFF to power on the SOX3.

2. A 30 second warm up ensues.

3. Press FUEL to cycle through fuel
types.

4. Insert the barrel of the SOX3 into
ue.

5. Press MEASURE/HOLD to begin tak­ing measurements.

6. Use the up arrow button to toggle
the upper display between %O2 and
%CO2.

7. Use the down arrow button to
toggle the lower (right) display
between %EA and % (Eciency of
condensing or non-condensing).

8. Make sure all holes in the ue are
sealed after testing is nished.

held automated combustion check
designed for the HVACR technician.
The SOX3 provides all the essential
measurements for checking and
tuning combustion equipment.

Measure ue temperature and %O2
directly to view the calculated %CO2,
%Excess Air (%EA) and %Eciency (%)
for condensing or non-condensing
equipment.

The ergonomic handle and 8ft hose
make for easy ue gas measurements.
Use the magnetic strap and the barrel
lock to go entirely hands free.

With three common fuel types as
well as a custom fuel input the SOX3
allows you to check %O2, %CO2, %EA
and % (eciency) on any combustion
equipment you may encounter.

Keep your SOX3 up and running
longer with the field calibratable
thermocouple and replaceable
oxygen sensor.

01 03 0602 0504

Display

Auto Power Off

Temperature or Combustion Type

(Condensing ‘cond’ vs

Non-condensing ‘nonc’)

Fuel Type

Controls

ON/OFF

MEASURE/HOLD

Hold for one second to toggle power.

Toggle backlight on display.
(Hold while powering on the SOX3 to
disable the meter's APO.)

Toggle between MEASURE
mode (pump on, live readings)
and HOLD mode (pump o,
frozen readings).

Battery Life

APO

Natural
Gas

MAX MIN

HOLD

°F

Oil

Propane Custom

#2

Custom Fuel Setup

SET

%

%CO2 or %O2

CO

2

MAX

%

% Excess Air or % (Efficiency)

EA

Cycle through fuel types. Fuel indication

FUEL

arrow moves along lower display. (Hold
for one second to enter Custom Fuel
setup.)

(UP)Toggle between %O2 and %CO2.
(Down) Toggle between %EA and %.

Use during Custom Fuel setup to adjust
max %CO2. (Hold respective arrow button
while powering on to change

temperature units to °F or °C.)

Press to cycle through maximum,

MAX/MIN

minimum, and real-time measurements.
(Hold for one second to clear saved values
and continue measuring.)

Certifications

C-Tick (N22675)

CE

WEEE

RoHS Compliant

WARNINGS

Combustion equipment is
extremely hot. Never touch the
SOX3 without knowing it is cool
to the touch.

Exhaust may be hot. Do not
put your skin directly in front of
exhaust port.

How to Use

Pre-Testing

1. Power on the SOX3 and allow the
unit to warm up for 30 seconds.

2. Calibrate temperature if needed (see
Field Temp Calibration).

3. Check that SOX3 water and particle
lters are dry and properly sealed.

4. Thoroughly inspect combustion
equipment for damage.

5. Identify the fuel being combusted
and use the FUEL button on the
SOX3 to select that fuel. For fuel
other than Natural Gas, Oil #2, or
Propane see Custom Fuel setup.

6. Identify the ue and locate service
port for taking ue measurements
or, if necessary, drill a hole using a
1/2" bit (12.7mm) within 18" of the
breech.

7. Once your combustion equipment
has passed all of your preliminary
and visual inspections, turn on the
equipment to be tested.

Testing

1. Identify manufacturer's specica­tions for % eciency, %EA (% Excess
Air), %CO2 , or %O2 in the ue. If
manufacturer’s specs are not avail­able see Table 2 (on back).

2. Once combustion equipment has
stabilized, insert rie into ue gas
at service port or drilled hole.

Note: Combustion samples should

be taken before dilution air enters
the system, before components like
draft hoods and barometric damp­ers. Testing at least 6" upstream of
the breach is the typical location for
most equipment. As a general rule,
the sample hole should be more
than twice the ue diameter away
from any elbows.

3. Press MEASURE/HOLD to start the
internal pump and begin taking fuel
measurements.

4. Toggle between %CO2 and %O2
with the up arrow button. Toggle
between %EA and eciency with
the down arrow button.

Note: Eciency calculations displayed

toggle through % efficiency of
condensing "cond" and non­condensing "nonc" equipment. The
condensing % eciency uses the
high heating value (HHV) and the
non-condensing % eciency uses
the low heating value (LHV) of the
fuel type selected. Identify what
equipment you are working on to
decide which % eciency calcula­tion to use.

Note: The correct fuel type must be

selected to properly display calcu­lated values. Eeciency will not be
calculated when using the custom
fuel setting.

5. Wait for readings to stabilize, this
can take a couple minutes.

6. Press the MAX/MIN button to cycle
through maximum, minimum, and
real-time values. (Hold MAX/MIN to
clear saved values.)

7. Once stabilized, press MEASURE/
HOLD to hold measurements and
stop the pump.

8. Make necessary adjustments to
bring the equipment within manu­facturer's specications.

9. Retest.

Post-Testing

1. Remove the rie from the ue and
allow time for the barrel to cool.

2. Plug any holes you may have put into
the ue, with heat resistant silicone
or comparable plug.

3. Power the meter o. The internal
pump will run for a short time to
purge the meter before completely
shutting o.

4. Open and empty water trap before
storing SOX3 in its case.

Custom Fuel Setup

The SOX3 can be setup to work with

various fuel types. In order to enter a
custom fuel, follow the steps below.

1. Hold the FUEL button, for one sec­ond until “SET” starts blinking in the
upper right corner of the display and

the units read “% CO2 MAX”

2. Use the Arrow buttons to select the
appropriate CO2 MAX for the fuel
you are working with.

Note: CO2 Max is the theoretical maxi-

mum percentage of CO2 produced
when a fuel goes through complete
combustion. Table 1 shows CO2 max
values for some more common fuel
types.

3. Once you have selected the appro­priate CO2 max press the MEASURE/
HOLD button to lock in this value
and return the Hold display.

4. The fuel indication arrow on the
display will automatically be moved
to your newly entered custom fuel.

%CO2 Max values

Fuel Oil #5 16.3

Kerosene 15.12

Bagasse 20.3

Dry Wood 20

%CO2 Max values

Coal Anthracite 19.9

Coal Bituminous 18.5

Wood Pellets 20.1

Table 1

Field Temp Calibration

To calibrate the temperature
sensor, turn the Temp-Cal pot while
measuring a known temperature. Ice
water is very close to 32°F (0°C) and is
readily available.

1. Stabilize a large cup of ice water.

2. Dissconnect water trap in order to cut o suction to

the barrel. This will prevent sucking up water.

3. Plug in the k-type thermocouple and then immerse

the barrel tip of the SOX3 into the ice water.

4. Press the Measure/Hold button and read

temperature on the lower left display.

5. For optimum accuracy, adjust the calibration pot to

read 32°F or 0°C, depending on the scale selected.

07 09 1208 1110

COM

CAT III

600V

Fieldpiece

Select

M/m

SC260

TRUE RMS

V

AC

NCV

A

AC

°F°C

V

DC

MFD

TEMP

AUTO OFF

TYPE K

30V
MAX

TRUE RMS AUTO OFF

TYPE K 30V MAX

T1

L1

L2
L3

T2

Sync

OFF

VAC

VAC

%

NCV

V

DC

ADC

µADC

MFD

RECV

H

Z

AAC

50

HZ
AAC

400

°F°C

T1-T2

L1L2
L1L3
Test

H

Z

Range

Select

m/M/H

SC660

ZERO A

DC

°F °C

COM

INRUSH

Typical Recommended

SC440

Fieldpiece

TRUE RMS

V

AC

NCV

MFD

H

Z

A

AC

°F°C

Select

RangeHold

%

V

DC

µA

DC

H

Z

TEMP

AUTO OFF

COM

TYPE K

30V
MAX

CAT III

600V

Flue Gas Measurements

Atmospheric Fan Assisted Natural Gas or LPG

Oxygen (

Stack Temperature 325 to 500°F

Condensing Natural Gas or LPG

Oxygen (

Stack Temperature 90 to 140°F

Natural Gas/LPG Power Burners

Oxygen (

Stack Temperature 275 to 500°F

Fuel Oil Flame Retention Power Burners

Oxygen (

Stack Temperature 325 to 500°F

Fuel Oil Non-Flame Retention Power Burners

Oxygen (

Stack Temperature 400 to 600°F

Condensing Oil

Oxygen (

Stack Temperature 90 to 140°F

Table 2.

) 6 to 9%

O

2

) 6 to 9%

O

2

) 3 to 6%

O

2

) 3 to 7%

O

2

) 6 to 9%

O

2

) 3 to 7%

O

2

Specifications

Sensor Type: Highly accurate oxygen sensor.
Operating environment: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C) at

<75% R.H.

Storage environment: -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C) at

<80% R.H. with battery removed from meter.

Temperature Coecient: 0.1 times the applicable

accuracy per ° from 32°F to 64°F and 82°F to 122°F
(0 to 18°C and 28 to 50°C)

Battery: 9V.
Battery Life: 28 hours typical alkaline.
Auto Power o: After 15 minutes.
Accuracy: Stated accuracy at 23°C±5°C, <75% R.H.
Dimensions: 45.0mm(H) x 69.8mm(W) x

211.7mm(D).

Weight: approx. 579.7g with battery.
Display: 4 digit liquid crystal display(LCD) with

maximum reading of 9999.

Low battery indication: The is displayed

when the voltage drops below the operating level.

TEMPERATURE

Range: -58°F to 1000°F (-50°C to 538°C)
Resolution: 0.1°
Accuracy: ±[0.6%+3°F(1.7°C)]after eld calibration.
Sensor Type: Rod K-type thermocouple.
Range: -50°F to 900°F (continuous operation range)

up to 1000°F (single exposure use)

Accuracy: (±4°F) on -50°F to 545°F (±0.75%) on

545°F to 1000°F

Oxygen

Oxygen Range: 0 to 25%
Accuracy: ±0.3%O2(Calibrated at 72°F, 20.9%O2)
Max Overload: 30% Oxygen
Operational temp range: -4°F to 122°F
Response time: Under 2 minutes.

Maintenance

Clean the exterior with a dry cloth.

Do not use liquid.

Check lter before each use. If the
lter looks dirty, wet or has not been
changed for an extended period of
use, replace with new lter.

It is good practice to empty the
water trap after every use. This helps
prevent water build up that may
damage the sensor or freeze within
the hose during storage.

Battery Replacement

When the meter displays the
battery should be replaced. Turn your
SOX3 o and replace with 9V battery.

O2 Sensor Replacement

The SOX3 uses an oxygen smart
sensor. The sensor should be replaced
when incorrect oxygen levels in
ambient air are displayed.

1. Remove sensor cap by twisting CCW

slightly and then pulling.

2. Pull out old sensor.

3. Align plug of new sensor and care-

fully press into place. Display will

show "Err1" if sensor is not installed

properly or damaged.

To obtain an SOX3 replacement
oxygen sensor (model# RS02) contact
your local distributor.

1

2

Limited Warranty

This meter is warranted against
defects in material or workmanship
for one year from date of purchase.
Fieldpiece will replace or repair the
defective unit, at its option, subject
to verication of the defect.

This warranty does not apply
to defects resulting from abuse,
neglect, accident, unauthorized
repair, alteration, or unreasonable use
of the instrument.

Any implied warranties arising
from the sale of a Fieldpiece product,
including but not limited to implied
warranties of merchantability and
tness for a particular purpose, are
limited to the above. Fieldpiece shall
not be liable for loss of use of the
instrument or other incidental or
consequential damages, expenses, or
economic loss, or for any claim of such
damage, expenses, or economic loss.

State laws vary. The above
limitations or exclusions may not
apply to you.

13 15 1814 1716

Combustion Basics

Combustion is the rapid oxidation
of fuel. Oxygen from air (20.9%
oxygen & 79.1% nitrogen) is used to
burn fuel which produces heat. The
appliances installed and serviced by
technicians rely on clean efficient
ames to produce the energy needed
to heat homes, water, etc. Combustion
testing is necessary to maximize
the efficiency of the combustion
systems and to minimize the harmful
emissions produced such as carbon
monoxide and carbon dioxide. Proper
tuning of the combustion process
by combustion testing reduces
the production of harmful carbon
monoxide and decreases the amount
of fuel burned due to increase in
eciency.

Combustion eciency can typically
be increased by creating a more
balanced air to fuel ratio. The ratio of
air to fuel determines how much CO2
is produced and how efficient the
ame is.

19 21 2420 2322

Tuning the O2, CO2 excess air, stack
temperature, and temperature rise to
match the appliance manufacturers
specifications will increase the
eciency and help to maximize the
performance and life expectancy of
the equipment.

A properly tuned natural gas
appliance will have between 6-9 O2%
in the ue while an oil appliance will
have 3-7 O2%.

Adjustments to the combustion
process ensures that the highest
combustion efficiency is safely
achieved, thereby reducing the overall
amount of fuel used in producing the
energy needed. It is still necessary to
test and adjust the appliance to the
manufacturers’ specication for airow
in the duct system, temperature
rise across the heat exchanger and
anything else that may need testing.
Testing and balancing appliances to
meet manufacturers’ specifications
helps to ensure maximum system
eciency and equipment longevity.

Combustion testing does not take
into account start up losses, standby
losses, cabinet/boiler body losses, or
distribution losses in ducts or piping.

The diagram below is a simplied
representation of the relationship
between the various combustion
measurables, and how a change in
one parameter aects the others.

Courtesy of Erik Rasmussen ESCO Press 2007.

For Service

Call Fieldpiece Instruments for
current costs on our fixed price
warranty service. Send check or
money order for the amount quoted.
Send your digital manifold, freight
prepaid, to Fieldpiece Instruments.
Send proof of date and location of
purchase for in-warranty service. The
meter will be repaired or replaced, at
the option of Fieldpiece, and returned
via least cost transportation.

For international customers,
warranty for products purchased
outside of the U.S. should be handled
through local distributors.

www.eldpiece.com

©Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc 2015; v16

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