Ever have a problem w/ moisture ruining a loaf of bread prematurely? Or how about a colony of mold and/or mildew showing up on material that did not dry properly before getting folded up and put away?

Those problems do not COMPARE to the problems farmers go through if they do not keep accurate tabs on the moisture levels inside their hay and grain bales. If the levels get out of range, their crops can spoil and that means devastating financial problems for their business.

The GrainMaster comes with an integrated grinder-compressor unit that enables the user to take on-site moisture readings in ground samples quickly and easily.

Along with the GrainMaster, which comes in a handy carrying pouch, you also get a grinder-compressor unit, grain cup, sample spoon, brush and ‘Quickcheck’.

Besides having the ability to detect moisture levels from 0% to 100%, the GrainMaster has 15 pre-programmed calibrations for Wheat, Barley, Oats, Oilseed Rape, Canola, Linseed, Peas, Corn, Sunflower, Coffee, Soya, Rice, Sorghum, Paddy and Beans.

Need to test down inside a bale or down in a barrel? No problem. You can pick up optional probes for measuring temperature in stored grain (GRN6046) and moisture levels in baled hay and straw (GRN6138) as well.

Therefore it should come as no surprise that the quality of the air we breathe matters and can have a pronounced effect on our wellness if the quality drops. We can get headaches, become ill, pass out, and even die (in extreme cases).

What Parameters Matter?

We won’t patronize you by listing off harmful gases and toxic fumes. If you don’t already know that sitting in an unventilated room with an open bucket of kerosene, toluene, paint thinner, etc. can seriously harm you… then we can’t save you.

Instead, we want to talk about temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide. The values of these three seemingly harmless indoor air quality parameters can make quite a big difference to people’s breathing comfort.

Temperature & Humidity:

There is no “ideal” humidity level and temperature suitable for all building occupants. Many factors, such as personal activity and clothing may affect personal comfort. Acceptable relative humidity levels should range from 20 percent – 60 percent year-round. Levels less than 20 percent in the winter and greater than 60 percent in the summer should be considered unacceptable. Elevated relative humidity can promote the growth of mold, bacteria, and dust mites, which can aggravate allergies and asthma. To achieve maximum occupant comfort, relative humidity should be maintained between 30 percent – 50 percent.

IDPH concurs with the ASHRAE guideline that indoor temperatures in the winter be maintained between 68 – 75 degrees, with a relative humidity level between 30 percent – 60 percent. Temperatures in the summer should be maintained between 73 – 79 degrees, with a relative humidity level between 30 percent – 60 percent. These ranges should be acceptable for sedentary or slightly active persons. ( source )

Carbon Dioxide:

Some of you probably think we meant to say ‘carbon MONoxide‘, but no, we said what we meant: Carbon Dioxide.

Carbon dioxide is a normal constituent of exhaled breath and is commonly measured as a screening tool to evaluate whether adequate volumes of fresh outdoor air are being introduced into indoor air. The outdoor level of carbon dioxide is usually 300 – 400 parts per million (ppm). The carbon dioxide level is usually greater inside a building than outside, even in buildings with few complaints about indoor air quality. If indoor carbon dioxide levels are more than 1,000 ppm, there is probably inadequate ventilation; and complaints such as headaches, fatigue, and eye and throat irritation may be prevalent.

Carbon dioxide itself is not responsible for the complaints; however, a high level of carbon dioxide may indicate that other contaminants in the building also may be present at elevated levels and could be responsible for occupant complaints.

Properly ventilated buildings should have carbon dioxide levels between 600 – 1,000 ppm, with a floor or building average of 800 ppm or less. If average carbon dioxide levels within a building are maintained at less than 800 ppm, with appropriate temperature and humidity levels, complaints about indoor air quality should be minimized. If carbon dioxide levels are greater than 1,000 ppm, complaints may occur. Therefore, 1,000 ppm should be used as a guideline for improving ventilation. If a building exceeds this guideline, it should NOT be interpreted as a hazardous or life-threatening situation. An elevated carbon dioxide level is only an indication of an inadequate amount of outside air being brought into a building. The level cited in this document should only be used as a guideline to determine the amount of fresh outside air entering a building.

In building areas where there are potential sources of carbon dioxide other than exhaled breath, the guidelines above cannot be used. Other sources can include exhaust gas from kilns, internal combustion engines, dry ice, etc. Under these conditions, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for carbon dioxide should be used. The OSHA standard is an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 5,000 ppm with a short term 15-minute average limit of 30,000 ppm. ( source )

So as you can see, indoor air quality does matter and building managers, property owners, or perhaps even just a responsible department manager may want to check those parameters from time-to-time to make sure they have not drifted out of line.

OK, fine… Aside from avoiding potential problems w/ complaints from people in the building, uncomfortable or sickly employees typically get a lot less work done and make a lot more mistakes.

Air Quality Meter: Digital CO2, RH, Temperature (CDM77535) with Case	CDM77535		$399.99
Air Quality Monitor: Measures CO2 & Temperature (CDM1060)	CDM1060		$269.00
Air Quality Monitor: Measures CO2, Temperature & Humidity (CDM77232)	CDM77232		$399.00
Alarm: Radon Gas Detector & Monitor (HS71512) EPA Approved Pro Series 3	HS71512		$129.95

Although we had not previously mentioned it, we felt the need to throw a radon gas detector into the above table. If you don’t already know why owning a radon gas detector makes sense, please check out the following links:

• Radon Gas Can Kill Whole Families Slowly
• Radon a Suspect in Florida Tumor and Cancer Cases
• Got Radon? Get Rid of It!

As the ground starts to thaw out in parts of the country and building crews begin to wake up from their Winter Slumber. Drawing boards fill up again with blueprints for new projects and soon the call for good, properly aged lumber will go out.

When that call goes out, lumber yards far and near will fill up with men and women eager to fill up their pickup trucks and flatbeds with wood boards, planks and studs… that don’t contain too much moisture. To ensure that last part, the smart shoppers will use moisture meters like the GE Protimeter Timbermaster test kit which automatically compensates for temperature and comes pre-programmed w/ 150 different types of wood.

Available through TestProducts.Com, the GE Protimeter Timbermaster w/ External Temperature Probe makes choosing the best wood for the job a whole lot simpler!

Specifications & Features:

• Detection Range: 7 to 99.9%
• Resolution: 0.1%
• Accuracy: ±1% at 68° F
• Large LCD Display Screen
• 150 Built-in Wood Calibration Scales
• Automatic Temperature Correction
• Works w/ Optional Hammer Electrode for Sub-Surface Measurements
• Weight: .330 lbs. (without batteries)
• Dimensions: 7.02″ x 1.09″ x 1.91″
• Power: Comes w/ (2) two “AA” alkaline batteries
• Comes w/ (2) two 1″ replacement pin needles
• Warranty: One year parts and labor warranty

Click here for more information about the GE Protimeter Timbermaster.

“Once again my family is moving because of my husband’s career in the military. This time he’s getting stationed at a base in South Carolina. This will be my first time ever living in the South and all my friends tell me I’m going to DIE in the Summer when I go for my daily jog. They say the ‘heat index’ is going to wipe me out. Can you tell me what that is and how I can measure it? Thank you. Jan.”

Your friends have obviously have your best interest at heart, Jan. The South has extremely hot temperatures in the Summer and packs an extra punch with its brutal humidity levels. Most people working outdoors or exercising outdoors in the Summer down here know to keep themselves hydrated and watch for signs of heat exhaustion.

With regard to your question about ‘heat index’,

“The heat index (HI) is an index that combines air temperature and relative humidity in an attempt to determine the human-perceived equivalent temperature — how hot it feels, termed the felt air temperature. The human body normally cools itself by perspiration, or sweating, which evaporates and carries heat away from the body. However, when the relative humidity is high, the evaporation rate is reduced, so heat is removed from the body at a lower rate causing it to retain more heat than it would in dry air.” ( source )

In a nutshell, heat index refers to what temperature a person’s body THINKS it is because of the actual temperature AND relative humidity. Therefore to measure heat index, one must accurately measure both temperature and humidity.

With both numbers in hand, one can look up the heat index on the appropriate chart… like the one below:

For those times when you just can’t get to a computer, though, you can always use a Heat Index Monitor which will measure the temperature and humidity for you and then calculate the heat index — with the push of a button.

Heat Index Monitor Psychrometer: Digital 32° to 115°F Heat Index Range (SAM800HI) Also Measures Humidity, Temperature & Dew Point w/Pocket Clip	SAM800HI
Heat Index Monitor: Digital 70° to 151°F PEN TYPE (SAM700BAR) Also Measures Barometric Pressure, Temperature, RH & Dew Point	SAM700BAR
Heat Index Monitor: Digital Wet Bulb Globe Temperature WBGT Meter (WBGT8758) with 40mm Black Bronze Globe	WBGT8758
Heat Index Monitor: Digital Wet Bulb Globe Temperature WBGT Meter (WBGT8778) with 75mm Black Bronze Globe	WBGT8778
Heat Index Stopwatch: Digital 70° to 122°F Heat Index Range, 1 to 99% RH (HW30) Also Measures Temperature, Humidity & Lap Memory w/Lanyard	X-HW30

]]> http://test-for.com/blog/2010/02/question-what-is-heat-index-and-how-can-i-measure-it/feed/ 1 http://test-for.com/blog/2010/02/question-what-meters-do-ghostbuters-use/ http://test-for.com/blog/2010/02/question-what-meters-do-ghostbuters-use/#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:03:03 +0000 Test For Admin http://test-for.com/blog/?p=332 This next question through us for a loop. We actually had to go and watch an episode (or 12) of one of those ghost hunter type shows to figure out how best to answer the following question:

“Not sure if you can help, but my wife and I think we need to test for ghosts in the attic of a house we just bought. Things keep getting knocked over in the middle of the night and we hear other ‘weird’ sounds coming from up there. At first we thought rats or bats, but the exterminator guy told us no… so we think we must have ghosts. It IS a really old house we bought… So can you tell us what equipment to buy? Hope you can help!”

Now can you see why we had to think first before we answered? Wow. Just… Wow.

So anyways, after spending a full afternoon watching one of those ghost hunting shows — strictly for research purposes, of course — we determined that ghosts apparently generate some sort of electromagnetic field and make rooms get really cold, really fast.

Therefore we figure you will need an EMF Meter and sort of Infrared Thermometer that will allow you to scan the average temperature over an area.

Conveniently for you, the lucky owners of a potentially haunted house, someone must have already pondered the same question as you because you can pick up something called the Paranormal Kit which contains both of the meters mentioned above.

Happy Hunting!

EMF Meter w/ Temperature

Digital AC/DC Voltage Tester

Clamp-On Multimeter

]]> http://test-for.com/blog/2010/02/new-electrical-testing-products-on-testproducts-com/feed/ 0 http://test-for.com/blog/2009/11/relationship-between-temperature-and-jellyfish/ http://test-for.com/blog/2009/11/relationship-between-temperature-and-jellyfish/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:48:35 +0000 Test For Admin http://test-for.com/blog/?p=215 “Invasion of the Giant Jellyfish!” sounds like the title of a hastily made Godzilla era Japanese film where people dressed in torn bedsheets float around in a pool killing innocent swimmers. Ironically, though, giant jellyfish really HAVE invaded Japanese waters and some scientists blam changing (rising) water temperatures.

This year’s jellyfish swarm is one of the worst he has seen, Hamano said. Once considered a rarity occurring every 40 years, they are now an almost annual occurrence along several thousand kilometers (miles) of Japanese coast, and far beyond Japan.

Scientists believe climate change — the warming of oceans — has allowed some of the almost 2,000 jellyfish species to expand their ranges, appear earlier in the year and increase overall numbers, much as warming has helped ticks, bark beetles and other pests to spread to new latitudes. ( source )

So for all of you oceanographers out there we have a simple piece of advice for you: Make sure your thermometer can resist the elements and watch out for jellyfish! They sting!

4 Input Data Logger Thermometer Waterproof

Data Logger Thermometer Water Resistant

Pen-Style Thermometer Waterproof

]]> http://test-for.com/blog/2009/11/relationship-between-temperature-and-jellyfish/feed/ 0 http://test-for.com/blog/2009/10/meters-for-taking-temperature/ http://test-for.com/blog/2009/10/meters-for-taking-temperature/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:03:31 +0000 Test For Admin http://test-for.com/blog/?p=152 One thing you can count on: You will always need to take temperature. In today’s blog installment we show you some meters you can use to take temperature. Granted these meters do things faster and more conveniently than a simple thermometer, but hey… sometimes you need make sure you get the most accurate reading possible.

Infrared Digital Non-Contact Pocket Thermometer 5:1, -4° to 600°F (iT1) with Laser Targeting $59.95 $49.00

Infrared Digital Non-Contact Thermometer, 50:1, -76 to 1832°F (TN425LE) w/Dual Laser Targeting, LED Tip Light & Hard Carrying Case $499.95 $399.00

Inspection Kit: Clamp Meter/Circuit Tester, Hook Adapter, Infrared Thermometer & Voltage Detector (HVACKIT) with Padded Carrying Case $449.95 $295.00

]]> http://test-for.com/blog/2009/10/meters-for-taking-temperature/feed/ 0 http://test-for.com/blog/2009/10/weather-testing-and-weather-readiness-equipment/ http://test-for.com/blog/2009/10/weather-testing-and-weather-readiness-equipment/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:17:52 +0000 Test For Admin http://test-for.com/blog/?p=140 Sometimes we find items on sale that make sense together, or at least look like they COULD go together in some sort of story. Today’s items go together because they could all have something to do with… the weather.

We begin with a wireless weather monitoring device that will let you know what to expect when you step out the front door and move gracefully to a water resistant rain poncho in case of rain. Last, but not any less important, we move on to wireless water detection unit which will let you know, from up to 300 feet away, if that rain water has somehow made its way into an area of your home or business and created a flood situation.

Wireless Forecast Station (WS-9055TWC) with TX6U Remote Outdoor Temperature Sensor $59.95 $29.95

Vinyl Poncho Green Full Cut (TX-32700) 80″ x 50″ $3.79 $2.69

Household Alert® Wireless Water Alarm Kit 300′ Range (WA318) with 24″ Remote Sensor & AC Adapter for Base Unit $34.95 $29.00

]]> http://test-for.com/blog/2009/10/weather-testing-and-weather-readiness-equipment/feed/ 0 http://test-for.com/blog/2009/10/digital-anemometer-18-minute-bacteria-tests-and-a-thermometerhygrometer/ http://test-for.com/blog/2009/10/digital-anemometer-18-minute-bacteria-tests-and-a-thermometerhygrometer/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:58:22 +0000 Test For Admin http://test-for.com/blog/?p=112 The title sounds like the introduction to a really bad joke, we know, but some things just kinda’ happen that way. Today we offer a meter for testing relative humidity and temperature, a meter for monitoring wind speed and a bunch of other parameters, and a rapid test for bacteria that you can use to determine whether or not you should swim in a lake, pond, river or other body of water.

Thermometer Hygrometer 14° to 140°F, 10-99% RH (LCR318) WHITE 2″ x 1.5″ $19.95 $14.55

4-in-1 Digital Anemometer 80-5910 FPM, Thermometer 32-122° F, Hygrometer 10-95% & Light Meter 0-2200 Lux (LM-8000) with Lanyard $159.00 $129.00

Bacteria: Coliform & Non-Coliform Water Test Kit (487999) 2 Tests, Result in 18 Minutes $17.95 $15.75

]]> http://test-for.com/blog/2009/10/digital-anemometer-18-minute-bacteria-tests-and-a-thermometerhygrometer/feed/ 0