What Is The Tool Used To Measure Humidity?

What Is Humidity?

Humidity is the presence of water vapour in the air.

How Is Humidity Measured?

Humidity is measured by a tool most commonly referred to as a humidity meter – but a slew of alternative names for humidity meters exist - hygrometer and psychrometer (to name a few)!

Essential Humidity Measurement Definitions

1. Relative Humidity: Relative humidity is the percentage of atmospheric water vapour saturation. Hot air holds more water vapour than cold air. As water vapour fills the atmospheric volume, the relative humidity level increases. 100% humidity occurs when air holds the maximum amount of water vapour at a given temperature.
2. Dew Point: The point of 100% humidity is referred to as the dew point. Any moisture exceeding dew point cannot remain suspended in the air as water vapour. Instead, excess water will condense to form rain, fog, or dew. Dew point is a metric offered by specialised humidity meters.

Why Measure Humidity?

Humidity affects humans, plants, and materials in contact with air. There is an almost never-ending list of applications requiring some form of humidity measurement. Consider these important examples:

• Exercise and Outdoor Work: Overheating is a potential threat to anyone undertaking vigorous work or outdoor activity. Temperature and humidity influence our bodies' capability to cool by sweating. During hot and humid conditions, our evaporation of sweat is compromised – reducing our ability to maintain a safe temperature.
• Greenhouses: The function of a greenhouse is to homogenise the growing environment for plants to achieve optimal growth. If humidity is too high, condensation will occur, promoting insect breeding, together with algal and microbial growth. When humidity is too low, greenhouse plants will experience stress due to accelerated transpiration levels beyond tolerance levels.
• Industrial, Manufacturing and Storage: Humidity measurements are essential wherever there is a need to prevent the spoilage of goods from such humidity-related problems as condensation, mould, corrosion, or warping.
• Indoors: Excessive humidity in indoor environments can lead to mould and microbial growth, damaging property and affecting health. If indoor humidity is too low indoors, occupants can experience discomforts such as a dry nose or throat.

Humidity Measurement Tools

Instrument Choice stocks an extensive assortment of humidity meters. Our scientists have put together a shortlist of new and popular humidity meters. If you need assistance finding the best for your application - contact us!

Hygrometer, Temperature, Dew Point Meter With Led Alarm
Product Code: 0560-6082

The 560-6082 is an ambient humidity measurement tool perfect for office desktops, garden centres, warehouses, clean rooms, museums and laboratories.

Humidity Range: 2 to 98 %RH

Kimo Thermo Hygrometer
Product Code: HD110S

The HD110S features an accurate humidity measuring probe on the end of a coiled cable that expands up to 2.4 metres. Lightweight and portable, the HD110s humidity measuring device is well suited for use in HVAC/R,  outdoor assessments and indoor humidity investigations.

Humidity Range: 5 to 95%RH

bun Hygro X Temperature and Humidity Record Alarm System
Product Code: IC-bun-Hygro-X

The Bun HYGRO X is a WIFI, cloud-based temperature and relative humidity (RH) data logger with an external sensor. All settings are adjustable through a web-based application. Set up your system to send you alarm emails and text messages when any parameter breaches your defined specification. This humidity measuring tool excels in cold, outdoor environments.

Humidity Range: 0 to 100% (non-condensing)

Sling Psychrometer -5 to 50 Celsius
Product Code: IC736700

The battery-free IC736700 obtains fast and accurate humidity readings by comparing the reading of wet and dry bulb thermometers on an enclosed humidity chart. The IC736700 is an ideal tool anywhere batteries are unavailable or unsafe to use.

Learn more about Sling Psychometers in our article "How Does a Sling Psychrometer Work?"

Humidity Range: 1 to 100%

Conclusion

Humidity has a profound effect on humans, plants, and materials in contact with air, and the list of applications is extensive, so measuring this metric is essential. A humidity meter is the type of instrument that perfectly addresses this need.

Browse the complete range of humidity meters here

As the list of available meters for specific humidity measuring applications is extensive, you may benefit from access to more tailored information or direct expert assistance from an Instrument Choice Scientist – so don’t hesitate to contact us!

Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected] for a prompt and friendly response.