OMEGA BB-2A Manual

TM

NORWALK, CT

User’s Guide

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BB-2A

Blackbody Calibration Source

omega.com [e-mail]

Servicing North America:

U.S.A. Omega Engineering, Inc.
Headquarters: Toll-Free: 1-800-826-6342 (USA & Canada only)

Customer Service: 1-800-622-2378 (USA & Canada only)
Engineering Service: 1-800-872-9436 (USA & Canada only)
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

For Other Locations Visit omega.com/worldwide

The information contained in this document is believed to be correct, but OMEGA accepts no liability for any errors it contains,
and reserves the right to alter specifications without notice.

BB-2A Blackbody Reference

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

Section 1 Introduction ................................................................ 1-1

1.1 General Description ................................................... 1-1

1.2 Safety Warnings and I.E.C. Symbols ....................... 1-1

Section 2 Installation ..................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection ........................................ 2-1

2.2 Mounting ..................................................................... 2-1

2.3 Power Connection ...................................................... 2-2

Section 3 Parts and Features ...................................................... 3-1

Section 4 Operation ..................................................................... 4-1

4.1 Setting Temperature .................................................. 4-1

4.2 Measuring Temperature ............................................ 4-1

Section 5 Maintenance ................................................................ 5-1

5.1 Calibration .................................................................. 5-1

5.2 Cleaning ....................................................................... 5-1

5.2.1 Main Body ....................................................... 5-1

5.2.2 Target Plate .................................................... 5-1

5.3 Fuse Replacement ....................................................... 5-1

Section 6 Specifications ............................................................. 6-1

Section 7 Troubleshooting Guide ............................................. 7-1

Section 8 Glossary of Terms ...................................................... 8-1

i

LIST OF

FIGURES

BB-2A Blackbody Reference

FIGURE PAGE

1 BB-2A Blackbody Source Parts ............................................. 3-1

ii

Introduction

1

Section 1 - Introduction

OMEGA’s BB-2A Series Blackbody Calibration Source has been
designed for ease of use and reliability whenever you have the need
to test or calibrate non-contact infrared temperature instruments. It is
important that you read this manual completely and follow all safety
precautions before operating this instrument.

1.1 General Description:

The Model BB-2A is a portable, rugged, bench-top, blackbody
calibration source. The calibrator is used to test and calibrate infrared
pyrometers. The front 159 mm (6.25”) square plate has a 133 mm

1

⁄4”) circular target area with an emissivity of 0.95 and can be set

(5
to any temperature between 66 to 343°C (150 to 650°F). For ease of
reading, a bi-metal thermometer is included. Please note that we do not
recommend this unit to be used as a primary calibration reference.

1.2 Safety Warnings and Precautions:

• Follow all safety precautions and operating instructions outlined in
this manual.

• Never leave your calibration unattended when in use.

• Keep out of reach of all children.

• Never touch the target plate when hot.

• Never place any object within 3 inches of the plate when hot.

• Do not operate in flammable or explosive environments.

• Never operate with power cord other than the one provided with
your unit.

• Remove and or disconnect main power cord before attempting any
maintenance or fuse replacement.

• Do not connect this unit to a non-grounded, non-polarized outlet or
power source.

• The target plate should not be used as a heating plate for any type
of material or liquid.

• This unit is intended for indoor use only. Protect from moisture and
rain.

1-1

1

Introduction

NOTE

There are no user serviceable parts inside your unit.
Attempting to repair or service your unit may void your
warranty.

1-2

Installation

2

Section 2 - Installation

2.1 Unpacking

Remove the packing list and verify that you have received all your
equipment, including the following items:

• BB-2A Blackbody Calibration Source

• Dial Temp. Thermometer, Model H

• Users Manual
If you have any questions about the shipment, please call our Customer

Service Department at

1-800-622-2378 or 203-359-1660. We can also be reached on the
Internet at omega.com

e-mail: [e-mail]

When you receive the shipment, inspect the container and equipment
for any signs of damage. Note any evidence of rough handling in tran­sit. Immediately report any damage to the shipping agent.

NOTE

The carrier will not honor any damage claims unless all
shipping material is saved for inspection. After examining
and removing contents, save packing material and carton
in the event reshipment is necessary.

2.2 Mounting and Setup

Place the BB-2A Blackbody Reference on a sturdy surface in a vertical
position and allow space on all sides of the unit for ventilation.
Assemble the Dial Temperature thermometer by inserting the stem of
the thermometer into the large hole in the middle of the top surface
of the target plate. Make sure the rocker switch and the temperature
control knob is on the OFF position. (Rotate the knob counterclockwise
if necessary). Plug in the power cord into a convenient voltage outlet.
The BB-2A is designed to operate within an ambient temperature range
from 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F).

2-1

Installation

2

2.3 Power Connection

Standard (120 VAC~, 50/60 Hz models)

The BB-2A comes with a standard North American 3-prong AC power
cord. Do not use any other power cord other than the one provided.
This cord provides the proper grounding and has been safety tested by
the proper safety agencies.

International (240 VAC~, 50/60 Hz models)

On 240 VAC~, 50/60 Hz models a European style power cord with the
proper color code and approvals is provided with 3-prong connector.

CAUTION

• Line voltage variations are not to exceed ±10% of
the rated input voltage.

• Electrical connections and wiring should be performed
only by suitably trained personnel.

• To shut down the unit in an emergency, the power
cord can be disconnected from the AC outlet.

2-2

Parts and Features

TARGET PLATE

POWER CORD

3

Section 3 - Parts and Features

The BB-2A Hot plate is a general purpose temperature reference source
intended for laboratory use with an operating temperature range from
66°C to 343°C (150°F to 650°F). The front target plate is heated by a
resistance heater, embedded in the refractory material of the bottom
plate. The plates are made of aluminum to aid in uniform surface tem­perature distribution. The temperature of the plate is controlled by a
bimetallic thermostat sensor. The case supports the aluminum plates,
and also serves to house the electrical connections and the temperature
control components. See Figure 1 for the overall shape and the general
features of the unit.

TEMPERATURE

CONTROL KNOB

FUSE HOLDER

POWER "ON/OFF"

SWITCH

POWER "ON"
INDICATOR

DIAL TEMP
THERMOMETER

Figure 1. Blackbody Source Parts

3-1

Operation

4

Section 4 - Operation

4.1 Setting Temperature:

Prior to connecting your BB-2A hot plate to your electrical supply,
be sure the rocker and the dial switches are in the OFF position. The
power is turned ON or OFF by means of the rocker switch. Push the
rocker switch to turn the unit ON. The hot plate will start heating up
when the pointer is beyond the OFF mark on the dial plate. Turn dial
clockwise to set desired temperature. Dial mark indicate approximate
surface temperature in °C. The green cycle light will illuminate when
the pointer on the dial passes the OFF mark on the dial plate.

When the temperature for a given dial setting has been reached, the
light will cycle OFF and ON to hold that temperature. If the cycle light
is off, hot plate may still be hot.

To turn OFF hot plate, turn dial switch to the fully counterclockwise
position and push the rocker switch down to off position.

4.2 Measuring Temperature:

1

⁄4” target area of the plate is a near ideal blackbody source. The

The 5
emissivity of the plate is 0.95. When calibrating an IR pyrometer, hold
the pyrometer perpendicular to the target plate for optimal perfor­mance. The proper distance between the IR pyrometer and the target
plate depends on the field of view of the pyrometer. If the pyrometer is
too far away it will scan unwanted surfaces outside of the perimeter of
the target plate. Holding the pyrometer too close could introduce unde­sirable heat to the IR detector of the pyrometer.

4-1

WARNING

• The BB-2A’s target plate can be set to very high tempera-

tures. Exercise extreme caution when operating the unit. Keep
hands and fingers away from the target plate area. Keep
flammable products such as paper, plastics and clothing far
from the unit.

• The BB-2A is a Class II instrument. It is intended to be oper-

ated in a laboratory environment only. Never operate the unit
outside or around children.

• Nothing should come in contact with the target plate.Even

when the unit is off.

• Never unplug the unit while it is on. Let it cool down to

lower temperature before turning it off.

Maintenance

5

Section 5 - Maintenance

5.1 Calibration

This unit has been fine tuned at the factory and calibrated to give opti­mum performance of its full temperature range. It is recommended that
the unit be returned annually for re-calibration.

5.2 Cleaning

Remove all electrical connections and power before
attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

5.2.1 Main Body

Only a damp soft rag with a mild cleaning solution should be used
when cleaning the main body of this unit.

5.2.2 Target Plate

Do not attempt to clean the target plate. The target plate has a special
coating applied and cleaning may change the emissivity and perfor­mance of your unit.

CAUTION

5.3 Fuse replacement

Disconnect all power from source before attempting
fuse replacement.

For continued protection against the risk of fire replace
with only the same size, type and rating fuse indicated
here.

WARNING

CAUTION

5-1

Maintenance

5

For model:
BB-2A use 1 ea. 250 VAC~, T7A (Time-Lag, 7 Amp)

UL./CSA APPROVED (
BB-2A–230 use 1 ea. 250 VAC~, T4A (Time-Lag, 4 Amp)

VDE APPROVED (

1

⁄4” dia. x 1 1⁄4” long).

1

⁄4” dia. 1 1⁄4” long)

5-2

Specifications

6

Section 6 - Specifications

Target Plate Temperature Range: 66°C to 343°C (150°F to 650°F)
Ambient Environmental Conditions:
Temperature: 10 to 35°C (50 to 95°F)
Humidity: 0 to 90% RH, non-condensing
Power:
BB2A 120 VAC~, 50/60 Hz, 750W
BB2A-230VAC 240 VAC~, 50/60 Hz, 750W
Internal Control Sensor: Bimetallic Thermostat
Accuracy: ±2% of the Reading
Stability: ±3°C (±5.4°F) [over entire range]
Display Accuracy: Unit Accuracy
Target Plate Emissivity: 0.95 ± 2 unit
Dimensions: 165 W x 229 H x 140 mm D
(6.5” W x 9.0 H x 5.5 in D)
Weight: 2.5 Kg. (5.5 Lbs.)

6-1

Troubleshooting Guide

7

Section 7 - Troubleshooting Guide

Problem Solution

1. Unit will not turn on. a. Check all electrical connections.
b. Check top panel fuse.
c. Unit requires service, contact our

2. Unit turns on but the target a. Check that you have
plate will not get hot. set a setpoint above the ambient
temperature.

b. Burned out heating element.
Unit requires service, contact our
customer service department.

3. Target plate temperature will a. Unit may be out of calibration
not stabilize at the setpoint and requires service, contact our
customer service department.

customer service department.

7-1

8

Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms Used in This Manual

Blackbody

A theoretical object that radiates the maximum amount of energy at
a given temperature, and absorbs all the energy incident upon it.

Calibration

The process of adjusting an instrument or compiling a deviation

chart so that its reading can be correlated to the actual value being

measured.

EmissivityInfrared

The ratio of energy emitted by a surface to the energy emitted by a

blackbody at the same temperature.

Infrared (IR)

A range of the electromagnetic spectrum extending beyond red vis­ible light from 760 nanometers to 1000 microns.

NIST

National Institute of Standards and Technology

8-1

OMEGA Family of Blackbody Calibrators

8

The OMEGA Family of Blackbody Calibrators

Listed below is a selection guide of OMEGA’s current line of blackbody
calibrations sources in addition to the one you have selected. This family of
rugged, portable and accurate calibrators cover a wide range of temperatures,
target plate sizes and features making them perfect for infrared pyrometer field
service testings and laboratory calibrations.

BB701 Hot/Cold Blackbody Calibration Source
Calibration Range: Accuracy: ±0.8°C (±1.4°F)

-18 to 150°C (0 to 300°F)
Emissivity: 0.95 Ambient Temp.: 4 to 43°C (40 to 110°F)
Cavity Size: 63.5 mm (2.5 in.) Power: 120/230V, 50/60 Hz, 175W

BB702 Blackbody Calibration Source
Calibration Range: Accuracy: ± 0.5°C (±0.9°F), ±0.25% of rdg.
32 to 215°C (90 to 420°F)
Emissivity: 0.95 Ambient Temp.: 5 to 45°C (41 to 113°F)
Cavity Size: 63.5 mm (2.5 in.) Power: 115/230V, 50/60 Hz, 175W

BB703 Mini Blackbody Calibration Source
Calibration Range: Accuracy: ±1.4°C (±2.5°F)
32 to 400°C (90 to 752°F)
Emissivity: 0.95 Ambient Temp.: 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F)
Cavity Size: 28.6 mm (1.125 in.) Power: 115/230V, 50/60 Hz, 175W

BB704 4” Target Plate Blackbody Calibration Source
Calibration Range: Accuracy: ±0.8°C (±1.4°F)
100 to 400°C (212 to 752°F)
Emissivity: 0.95 Ambient Temp.: 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F)
Cavity Size: 101.65 mm (4 in.) Power: 115/230V, 50/60 Hz, 425W

BB705 Laboratory Grade Blackbody Calibration Source
Calibration Range: Accuracy: ±1.0°C (±1.8°F) ±.25% rdg.
100 to 1046°C (212 to 1915°F)
Emissivity: 0.99 Ambient Temp.: 0 to 35°C (32 to 95°F)
Cavity Size: 44 mm (1.75 in.) Power:115/230V, 50/60 Hz, 1100W

BB-4A High Temperature Blackbody Calibration Source
Calibration Range: Accuracy: ±1.0°C (±1.8°F) ±.25% rdg
100 to 982°C (212 to 1800°F)
Emissivity: 0.99 Ambient Temp.: 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F)
Cavity Size: 22 mm (0.88 in.) Power: 115/230V, 50/60 Hz, 400W

For a complete, updated specification sheet and price on any of the calibrators
listed here visit our website at www.omega.com. Please call our sale or customer
service department for information and pricing on any new models available.

8-2

WARRANTY/DISCLAIMER

OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC. warrants this unit to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of 13 months from date of purchase. OMEGA’s WARRANTY adds
an additional one (1) month grace period to the normal one (1) year product warranty to
cover handling and shipping time. This ensures that OMEGA’s customers receive maximum
coverage on each product.

If the unit malfunctions, it must be returned to the factory for evaluation. OMEGA’s Customer
Service Department will issue an Authorized Return (AR) number immediately upon phone
or written request. Upon examination by OMEGA, if the unit is found to be defective, it
will be repaired or replaced at no charge. OMEGA’s WARRANTY does not apply to defects
resulting from any action of the purchaser, including but not limited to mishandling, improper
interfacing, operation outside of design limits, improper repair, or unauthorized modification.
This WARRANTY is VOID if the unit shows evidence of having been tampered with or shows
evidence of having been damaged as a result of excessive corrosion; or current, heat, moisture
or vibration; improper specification; misapplication; misuse or other operating conditions
outside of OMEGA’s control. Components in which wear is not warranted, include but are not
limited to contact points, fuses, and triacs.

OMEGA is pleased to offer suggestions on the use of its various products. However,
OMEGA neither assumes responsibility for any omissions or errors nor assumes
liability for any damages that result from the use of its products in accordance
with information provided by OMEGA, either verbal or written. OMEGA warrants
only that the parts manufactured by the company will be as specified and free of
defects. OMEGA MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY
KIND WHATSOEVER, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, EXCEPT THAT OF TITLE, AND ALL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. LIMITATION
OF LIABILITY: The remedies of purchaser set forth herein are exclusive, and the
total liability of OMEGA with respect to this order, whether based on contract,
warranty, negligence, indemnification, strict liability or otherwise, shall not exceed
the purchase price of the component upon which liability is based. In no event shall
OMEGA be liable for consequential, incidental or special damages.

CONDITIONS: Equipment sold by OMEGA is not intended to be used, nor shall it be used: (1)
as a “Basic Component” under 10 CFR 21 (NRC), used in or with any nuclear installation or
activity; or (2) in medical applications or used on humans. Should any Product(s) be used in or
with any nuclear installation or activity, medical application, used on humans, or misused in
any way, OMEGA assumes no responsibility as set forth in our basic WARRANTY / DISCLAIMER
language, and, additionally, purchaser will indemnify OMEGA and hold OMEGA harmless from
any liability or damage whatsoever arising out of the use of the Product(s) in such a manner.

Direct all warranty and repair requests/inquiries to the OMEGA Customer Service Department.

RETURN REQUESTS/INQUIRIES

BEFORE RETURNING ANY PRODUCT(S) TO OMEGA, PURCHASER MUST OBTAIN AN
AUTHORIZED RETURN (AR) NUMBER FROM OMEGA’S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT
(IN ORDER TO AVOID PROCESSING DELAYS). The assigned AR number should then be
marked on the outside of the return package and on any correspondence.

The purchaser is responsible for shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to
prevent breakage in transit.

FOR WARRANTY RETURNS, please have
the following information available BEFORE
contacting OMEGA:

1. Purchase Order number under which
the product was PURCHASED,

2. Model and serial number of the product
under warranty, and

3. Repair instructions and/or specific
problems relative to the product.

OMEGA’s policy is to make running changes, not model changes, whenever an improvement is possible.
This affords our customers the latest in technology and engineering.

OMEGA is a trademark of OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC.
© Copyright 2017 OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC. All rights reserved. This document may not be copied, photocopied,

reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form, in whole or in part, without
the prior written consent of OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC.

FOR NON-WARRANTY REPAIRS,

consult
OMEGA for current repair charges. Have the
following information available BEFORE
contacting OMEGA:

1. Purchase Order number to cover the

COST of the repair,

2. Model and serial number of the product, and

3. Repair instructions and/or specific problems
relative to the product.

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Process Measurement and Control?

OMEGA…Of Course!

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