This specification covers the construction requirements for various liquid-in-glass thermometers graduated in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit that are frequently identified and used in methods under the jurisdiction of the various technical committees within ASTM. This specification also covers adjustable-range enclosed-scale thermometers (commonly called Beckmann thermometers), graduated in degrees Celsius, which are used in ASTM methods. The ASTM thermometers covered here are listed in a manner that helps facilitate selection according to temperature range, immersion, and scale-error requirements.

1.1 This specification covers liquid-in-glass thermometers graduated in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit that are frequently identified and used in methods under the jurisdiction of the various technical committees within ASTM. The various thermometers specified are listed in Table 1. The inclusion of an IP number in Table 1 indicates, where appearing, that the thermometer specification has been jointly agreed upon by the British Institute of Petroleum (IP) and ASTM.

1.2 This specification also covers adjustable-range enclosed-scale thermometers, graduated in degrees Celsius, which are used in ASTM methods.

1.3 The enclosed-scale thermometers are commonly called Beckmann thermometers. They are suitable for measuring small temperature differences not exceeding 6 °C within a larger range of temperature. The thermometers are unsuitable for measuring Celsius- or kelvin-scale temperatures unless they have been compared with standard instruments immediately before use.

1.4 An alphabetic list of the ASTM Thermometers included in this standard is given in Table 2.

1.5 A list of ASTM Thermometers is given in Table 3 to facilitate selection according to temperature range, immersion, and scale-error requirements.

Note 1: For a listing of thermometers recommended for general laboratory use, the Scientific Apparatus Makers Association Specifications for General Purpose Glass Laboratory Thermometers may be consulted.2

Note 2: It has been found by experience that these ASTM Thermometers, although developed in general for specific tests, may also be found suitable for other applications, thus precluding the need for new thermometer specifications differing in only minor features. However, it is suggested that technical committees contact Subcommittee E20.05 before choosing a currently specified thermometer for a new method to be sure the thermometer will be suitable for the intended application.

1.6 The thermometers found in Table 1 contain mercury, mercury thallium eutectic alloy, or toluene or other suitable liquid colored with a permanent red dye. For low-hazard precision non-mercury alternatives to E1 thermometers, see Specification E2251.

1.7 WARNING—Mercury has been designated by EPA and many state agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury containing products. See the applicable product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website- http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm - for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury containing products into your state may be prohibited by state law.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.