
Model 6517-RH Humid ity Probe
28775 Aurora Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44139
1-800-833-9200
tek.com/keithley
Instructions
Description
The Model 6517-RH Humidity Probe is used with the Model 6517B Electrometer to measure the relative
humidity of the testing environment. Monitoring the relative humidity is vital to keeping environmental conditions
identical to compare specific measurement data or to study the effects of conditions on the material. The
6517-RH comes with a 3 m (10 ft) extension cable.
Figure 1: Model 6517-RH Humidity Probe
To use the probe:
1. Plug the mini-DIN end of the cable into the HUMIDITY connector on the rear panel of the Model 6517B.
2. Insert the probe end of the cable into the test chamber or area where the humidity is to be measured.
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Figure 2: CA-129-1 Extension Cable
*PPA-403D*

Model 6517-RH Humidity Probe Instructions
Specifications
Accuracy at 20°C: ±3% relative humidity
Operating temperature range: −10 °C to +60 °C
Operating humidity range: 0 to 100% relative humidity
Measuring range (for which accuracy is specified): 10 to 90% relative humidity
Stability: ±2% over 2 years
Temperature dependence: <±2% from −10 °C to +60 °C
Replaceable parts
The sensor element may be replaced by ordering Keithley part number PR-32. The PR-32 meets specifications
for two years. Sensor specifications need to be applied according to individual requirements for uncertainty
versus time. Each sensor is totally interchangeable with another, which means that the sensor can be replaced
in the field. Operation can be resumed without calibrating the instrument.
Disassembly in formation
The following figure shows an internal view of the membrane filter and mechanical housing section of the probe
where the sensor is located. To replace the old sensor, carefully remove it and insert the new PR-32 into the
unmarked openings.
Figure 3: Internal view of the membrane filter and mechanical housing
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Model 6517-RH Humidity Probe Instructions
Maintenance pro cedures
Maintenance should be performed by qualified service personnel. Before performing any maintenance,
disconnect all test cables and wire connections.
You can clean the sensor element and the membrane filter and mechanical housing section using
distilled water.
Safety precautions
The following safety precautio ns should be observed before using this product and any associated ins tr um enta tion . Altho ugh
some instruments and accessories would normally be used with nonhazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous
conditions may be present.
This product is intended for use by personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required
to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance information carefully before using the
product. Refer to the user documentation for complete product specifications.
If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product warranty may be impaired.
The types of product users are:
Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that the
equipment is operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained.
Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the
instrument. They must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.
Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting the line
voltage or replacing consumable materials. Maintenance procedures are described in the user documentation. The procedures
explicitly state if the operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only by service personnel.
Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, perform safe installations, and repair products. Only properly trained
service personnel may perform installation and service procedures.
Keithley products are designed for use with electrical signals that are measurement, control, and data I/O connections, with low
transient overvoltages, and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high transient
overvoltages. Measurement Category II (as referenced in IEC 60664) connections require protection for high transient
overvoltages often associated with local AC mains connections. Certain Keithley measuring instruments may be connected to
mains. These instruments will be marked as category II or higher.
Unless explicitly allowed in the specifications, operating manual, and instrument labels, do not connect any instrument to mains.
Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or test
fixtures. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than
30 V RMS, 42.4 V peak, or 60 VDC are present. A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous voltage is present in any
unknown circuit before measuring.
Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible body must ensure that operators
are prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to potential
human contact. Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If
the circuit is capable of operating at or above 1000 V, no conductive part of the circuit may be exposed.
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For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while power is applied to the circuit under
test. ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and discharge any capacitors before connecting or disconnecting
cables or jumpers, installing or removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as installing or removing jumpers.
Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth)
ground. Always make measurements with dry hands while standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the
voltage being measured.
For safety, instruments and accessories must be used in accordance with the operating instructions. If the instruments or
accessories are used in a manner not specified in the operating instructions, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instrument s and acc es sori es. Ma ximum si gnal levels are defined in the
specifications and operating information and shown on the instrument panels, test fixture panels, and switching cards.
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, NOT as protective earth (safety ground)
connections.
The WARNING heading in the user documentation explains hazards that might result in personal injury or death. Always read
the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
The CAUTION heading in the user documentation explains h azard s that coul d dama ge th e instr ume nt. Su ch damage ma y
invalidate the warranty.
The CAUTION heading with the
symbol in the user documentation explains hazards that could result in moderate or minor
injury or damage the instrument. Always read the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated
procedure. Damage to the instrument may invalidate the warranty.
Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains circu its — inc lud ing the pow er
transformer, test leads, and input jacks — must be purchased from Keithley. Standard fuses with applicable national safety
approvals may be used if the rating and type are the same. The detachable mains power cord provided with the instrument may
only be replaced with a similarly rated power cord. Other components that are not safety-related may be purcha sed from o ther
suppliers as long as they are equivalent to the original component (note that selected parts should be purchased only through
Keithley to maintain accuracy and functionality of the product). If you are unsure about the applicability of a replacement
component, call a Keithley office for information.
Unless otherwise noted in product-specific literatur e , Keithley instruments are designed to operate indoors only, in the following
environment: Altitude at or below 2,000 m (6,562 ft); temperature 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F); and pollution degree 1 or 2.
To clean an instrument, use a cloth dampened with deionized water or mild, water-based cleaner. Clean the exterior of the
instrument only. Do not apply cleaner directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill on the instrument. Products that
consist of a circuit board with no case or chassis (e.g., a data acquisition board for installation into a computer) should never
require cleaning if handled according to instructions. If the board becomes contaminated and operation is affected, the board
should be returned to the factory for proper cleaning/servicing.
Safety precaution revision as of June 2018.
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