Digital Light Meters | McMaster-Carr

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38 Products

Light Meters


Style A	Style B	Style C

Style D	Style E

Measure light quality and intensity with these meters. They’re CE marked, so they meet European safety standards. They should not be used with lasers.

These meters measure brightness in footcandles and lux. One footcandle is one lumen per square foot. One lux is one lumen per square meter.

Use the data hold function to freeze a measurement on the screen, giving you time to write it down.

All of these meters measure general lighting.

Style A

Style A meters measure white LED light.

Min./Max. Memory—Meters with minimum/maximum memory let you save and retrieve the high and low measurements you’ve taken.

		Light Measurement Range						Light Meters		Light Meters with Calibration Certificate
For Light Tech.	For LED Color	Footcandles, fc	Lux, lx	Accuracy	Batteries Included	Features	Includes		Each		Each
LED, CFL, Fluorescent, Halogen, Incandescent, Metal Halide, High-Pressure Sodium, Mercury Vapor	White	0 to 40,000	0 to 400,000	±3%	Yes	Auto Power Off, Data Hold, Min./Max. Memory	Protective Pouch	00000000	0000000	00000000	0000000

Style B

Style B meters measure colored LED light.

Min./Max. Memory—Meters with minimum/maximum memory let you save and retrieve the high and low measurements you’ve taken.

		Light Measurement Range							Light Meters		Light Meters with Calibration Certificate
For Light Tech.	For LED Color	Footcandles, fc	Lux, lx	Accuracy	Light Sensor Cable Lg., ft.	Batteries Included	Features	Includes		Each		Each
LED, CFL, Fluorescent, Halogen, Incandescent, Metal Halide, High-Pressure Sodium, Mercury Vapor	Blue, Green, Red, White, Yellow	0 to 40,000	0 to 400,000	±3%	5	Yes	Auto Power Off, Data Hold, Min./Max. Memory, Storage for up to 99 readings	Case	00000000	0000000	000000000	0000000

Style C

Style C-E meters measure general lighting only—they are not for use with LED lights.

Analog Output Signal—Some meters also have an analog output, which transmits data to a recorder.

	Light Measurement Range							Light Meters		Light Meters with Calibration Certificate
For Light Tech.	Footcandles, fc	Lux, lx	Accuracy	Light Sensor Cable Lg., ft.	Output Signal Type	Batteries Included	Features		Each		Each
CFL, Fluorescent, Halogen, Incandescent, Metal Halide, High-Pressure Sodium, Mercury Vapor	0 to 5,000	0 to 50,000	±5%	3	Analog	Yes	Auto Power Off, Data Hold	00000000	0000000	00000000	0000000

Style D

Style C-E meters measure general lighting only—they are not for use with LED lights.

Min./Max. Memory—Meters with minimum/maximum memory let you save and retrieve the high and low measurements you’ve taken.

2 GB Standard SD Card—Meters that include an SD card store timestamped readings in Excel format for logging data and transferring it to a PC.

	Light Measurement Range							Light Meters		Light Meters with Calibration Certificate
For Light Tech.	Footcandles, fc	Lux, lx	Accuracy	Light Sensor Cable Lg., ft.	Batteries Included	Features	Includes		Each		Each
CFL, Fluorescent, Halogen, Incandescent, Metal Halide	0 to 10,000	0 to 100,000	±4%	3	Yes	Auto Power Off, Data Hold, Min./Max. Memory, Storage for up to 99 readings	2 GB Standard SD Card, Case	000000000	0000000	000000000	0000000

Style E

Style C-E meters measure general lighting only—they are not for use with LED lights.

Min./Max. Memory—Meters with minimum/maximum memory let you save and retrieve the high and low measurements you’ve taken.

	Light Measurement Range							Light Meters		Light Meters with Calibration Certificate
For Light Tech.	Footcandles, fc	Lux, lx	Accuracy	Light Sensor Cable Lg., ft.	Batteries Included	Features	Includes		Each		Each
Fluorescent, Incandescent, Metal Halide, Mercury Vapor	0 to 40,000	0 to 400,000	±5%	2	Yes	Data Hold, Min./Max. Memory	Case, Protective Pouch	000000000	0000000	000000000	0000000

Light Meters for UV Light

Measure the intensity of UV light to track equipment performance and ensure safety. These meters are often used in sterilization systems, curing applications—such as coatings and adhesives—and for monitoring blue-light UV radiation from welding equipment. All have a data hold function, allowing you to keep measurements on the screen so you have time to write them down. To preserve battery life, they shut off automatically. These meters are CE marked as meeting European safety standards.

Always wear UV-protective glasses and clothing when collecting measurements. These meters are not for use with lasers.

Light Meters for UV-A/UV-B

For UV-A/UV-B Wavelength
Range, nm	Light Measurement Range	Accuracy	Batteries Included	Features	Includes		Each
290 to 390	1 µW/cm² to 3,999 mW/cm²	±5%	Yes	Auto Power Off, Data Hold	Protective Pouch	0000000	0000000

Light Meters for UV-A/UV-C

Meters for UV-A and UV-C wavelengths measure with two sensors, one for long-wave light and one for short-wave light. An included SD card stores timestamped readings in Excel format for transfer to a PC. Save and retrieve the high and low measurements you’ve taken using the minimum/maximum memory feature. The built-in tilt stand props these meters up, so you don’t have to hold them.

For UV-A Wavelength		For UV-C Wavelength							Light Meters		Light Meters with Calibration Certificate
Range, nm	Light Measurement Range, µW/cm²	Range, nm	Light Measurement Range, mW/cm²	Accuracy	Light Sensor Cable Lg., ft.	Batteries Included	Features	Includes		Each		Each
280 to 390	0 to 2,000	240 to 280	0 to 20	±4%	3	Yes	Auto Power Off, Built-In Tilt Stand, Data Hold, Min./Max. Memory, Storage for up to 99 readings	1 GB SD Card, AC Adapter, Case	0000000	000000000	0000000	000000000

Thermocouple Probes for Light Meters

Plug a thermocouple probe into meters for UV-A and UV-C wavelengths to measure surface temperature. These probes are often used in curing applications to make sure material has reached the required temperature.

Thermocouple Type	Temp. Range, ° F	Cable Lg., ft.		Each
K	-40 to 482	3	0000000	000000
K	-58 to 1,000	3	0000000	00000

Light Monitors

Continuously monitor light quality, intensity, and density in light-sensitive environments, such as photo labs and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. While light meters spot-measure intensity in a specific area, these monitors give you detailed readings for an extended period. They combine a light sensor, transmitter, and digital display unit. Configurable alarm outputs notify you when light levels are outside of a set range. These monitors are IP rated for protection against dust and splashing water.

A 5 ft. cable lets you keep your display visible while you check light levels in dim or hard-to-reach areas. You can mount the digital display to your wall for easy viewing with the included fasteners. If you want to mount the transmitter to a wall or onto DIN rail, connect it to the included adapter rail.

For setup, connect the light meter to the transmitter, and the transmitter to the display. Everything needs to be wired together with 4-20 mA wire (not included). You need to wire the transmitter to a 90 to 260 ACV power supply. Wiring instructions are included.

								Transmitter		Display Console
Light Measurement Range, lx	Illuminance Measuring Increments, lx	Accuracy	Input Voltage Range, V AC	Output Current Range, mA	No. of Relay Outputs	Switching Current @ Voltage	Probe Cable Length, ft.	Mounting Fasteners Included	Enclosure Rating	Mounting Fasteners Included	Enclosure Rating	Features		Each
0 to 50,000	1	±5%	90 to 260	4 to 20	2	5 amp @ 240V AC	5	No	IP54	Yes	IP65	Configurable Alarm Outputs	0000000	0000000

Meters for Solar Power Systems

Find the best spot for new solar panels or check the performance of existing ones. These tools measure solar power in different ways, helping you comply with IEC 62446-1, a standard for testing, documenting, and maintaining solar panels connected to the grid. The data hold function freezes a measurement on the screen, so you have time to write it down. CE marked, all meet European safety standards.

Solar Light Meters

Solar light meters measure sunlight, providing a general sense of the strength and intensity of solar power in a certain area. They are small enough to fit in your pocket, making it easy to take them from site to site.

UV Light
Measuring Increments, W/m²	Measurement Range	Measurement Accuracy	Batteries Included	Features	Includes		Each
1	0 W/m² to 3,999 W/m² 0 BTU/(ft²⋅hr) to 634 BTU/(ft²⋅hr)	±5%	Yes	Data Hold	Carrying Case	0000000	0000000

Solar Irradiance Meters

Solar irradiance meters measure electromagnetic radiation, giving you a more precise sense of how much power a solar panel will generate than solar light meters. These meters also have two options for checking how heat affects your solar panel: a built-in temperature sensor and, for higher accuracy, a temperature probe. The integrated angle indicator and compass help you find the perfect tilt and orientation for your panels. Connect these meters to your smartphone via Bluetooth to easily store and share test results.

UV Light
Measuring Increments, W/m²	Measurement Range, W/m²	Measurement Accuracy	Temp. Range	Data Connection	Batteries Included	Features	Includes		Each
1	0 to 1,400	±5%	-22° F to 212° F -30° C to 100° C	3.5 mm Audio, Bluetooth	Yes	Angle Indicator, Compass, Data Hold	Temperature Probe, Carrying Case	0000000	0000000

Solar Irradiance Meter Kits

Solar irradiance meter kits include tools to measure current and voltage, so you can check if your panels are generating the expected power. To test current, position your panel’s wiring within the jaws of the clamp meter. Or, if your wiring is hard to reach or clamp around, attach the flexible AC probe to the clamp meter and loop it around your wiring. Neither method will interrupt your circuit, making frequent measurements possible. To measure voltage, wire the clamp meter’s test leads to your solar panel or power station.

UV Light				Current Range, amp		Voltage Range
Measuring Increments, W/m²	Measurement Range, W/m²	Measurement Accuracy	Temp. Range	AC	DC	AC, V AC	DC, V DC	Data Connection	Batteries Included	Features	Includes		Each
1	0 to 1,400	±5%	-22° F to 212° F -30° C to 100° C	0 to 999.9	0 to 999.9	0 to 1,000	0 to 1,500	3.5 mm Audio, Bluetooth	Yes	Angle Indicator, Compass, Data Hold	Temperature Probe, Voltage/Current Clamp Meter (Rated CAT III 1500 V), 18" Lg. Flexible AC Probe, Magnetic Hanging Strap, Carrying Case	0000000	000000000

Light Spectrum Meters

Digital

Touch

Screen

Display

Evaluate how dyes, pharmaceuticals, food products, and raw materials respond to light to determine their purity and quality. Also known as spectrophotometers, these are often used to measure how a sample’s concentration changes when exposed to light. They measure absorbance and transmittance to check how much light is absorbed or passes through a sample. They also take reflectance measurements to help you test paint and coatings by checking how much light bounces off them. To use these meters, point the light toward your sample.

Fields of view represent how the human eye sees color. The 2° field of view mimics viewing color up close. The 10° field of view mimics viewing color as you’d see it from a few feet away.

Aperture sizes control the amount of light you expose your sample to. Use the 11 mm aperture to measure textured samples and average color over a larger area. The 6 mm aperture is best for general purpose measurements. The 3 mm × 1 mm aperture measures small samples.

Diffuse illumination distribution means these meters scatter light around your sample for even coverage. This gives you accurate readings on rough and uneven surfaces. The 8° illumination angle reduces light reflections when measuring glossy materials.

Color spaces give numbered color values for standard colors in different industries. These meters support standard color spaces for printing, textiles, digital displays, food and pharmaceuticals, and lighting design.

Color distance formulas measure how different two colors are from each other. ΔE76 is used for comparison in general purpose, non-critical applications. ΔECMC is often used to measure textiles, ceramics, and uneven or glossy surfaces. ΔE94 is often used to measure paints and coatings for vehicles. ΔE2000 is the most accurate and precise measurement formula. It is the standard adopted by ISO. You’ll see it used in applications where color measurements are more critical, such as laboratories or pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.

							Illumination
	For Wavelength Range, nm	Measuring Increments, nm	Accuracy	Repeatability	Field of View	Aperture Size	Distribution	Angle	Color Space	Color Distance Formula		Each
LED with Visible Light Spectrum







				Bluetooth Connection, USB-C Connection

				400 to 700	10	ΔE*ab Less Than or Equal to 0.25	ΔE*ab Less Than or Equal to 0.025	2°, 10°	11 mm Dia. (Medium) 6 mm Dia. (Small) 3 mm Lg. × 1 mm Wd. (Extra Small)	Diffuse	8°	CIELAB, CIELCH, CIELUV, CMYK, HunterLab, Rgb, Yxy	ΔEab, ΔE94, ΔEcmc, ΔE00	0000000	000000000

Indoor Environmental Meters

Measure airflow, light, humidity, and temperature with a single, pocket-sized tool. These meters have built-in sensors that can detect multiple environmental factors in your plant or office. This helps you maintain safety compliance and track energy efficiency. A data hold function lets you freeze a measurement on the screen, giving you time to write it down. Additionally, they have the memory to store your high and low measurements. These meters are also known as hygro-thermo-anemometers.

They’re CE marked as compliant with European health, safety, and environmental standards.

Fan

			Light Measurement Range					Overall
	Airflow Speed	For Light Tech.	Footcandles, fc	Lux, lx	RH	Temperature Range	Display Type	Ht.	Wd.	Dp.	Blade Dia.	Batteries Included	Certification		Each
Measures Airflow, Temperature, Light, and Relative Humidity



		80 to 5,905 fpm 0.4 to 25 mm/s 1.45 to 105 kph 0.95 to 65 mph 0.85 to 55 kn	Halogen	0 to 1,855	0 to 15,000	95%	35° to 120° F	LCD	6"	2 1/4"	1 1/4"	1"	Yes	CE Marked	0000000	0000000

Thermocouple Probes for Light Meters

Thermocouple Type	Cable Lg., ft.	Temp. Range, ° F		Each
K	3	-40 to 482	0000000	000000

Color Meters


	Digital Touch Screen Display

Ensure consistent coloring on products such as labels and packaging. The sensor on these colorimeters translates the light an object reflects to an exact color reading. Use them for quality control to prevent slight variation that you might miss with your eyes alone. Calibrate your colorimeter using the included white calibration block. The machine measures all other colors according to their variance from true white.

Color Calibrators—Color calibration plates (sold separately) test and calibrate your colorimeter. They include five colors across the color spectrum to give the device a reference point for exact color readings. Precisely manufactured to ISO/IEC 17025, these plates meet standards for testing and calibration equipment.

	Color Meters														Color Calibrators
						Illumination
	Repeatability	Field of View	Ht.	Wd.	Dp.	Distribution	Angle	Color Space	Color Distance Formula	Batteries Included	Features	Includes		Each		Each
LED with Visible Light Spectrum







				USB-C Connection

				ΔE*ab Less Than or Equal to 0.03	10°	6 1/2"	2 1/2"	3 1/2"	Diffuse	8°	CIELAB, CIELCH, CIELUV, CMYK, Hex, Rgb, Yxy	ΔE00, ΔE94, ΔEab, ΔEcmc (1:1), ΔEcmc (2:1), ΔEuv	Yes	Storage for up to 1000 Colors, Storage for up to 1000 Comparisons	3 ft. Long USB Cord, AC Adapter, Microfiber Cloth, White Calibration Block	0000000	0000000	0000000	000000000

Gloss Meters

Confirm that each product is as shiny as the last. These meters measure the gloss of paint and coatings as well as metal, ceramic, and granite surfaces.

Meters with a 20°, 60°, and 85° field of view are compatible with a free app that lets you use your Android device to start and stop recording and send data using Bluetooth.

60° Field of View—Meters with a 60° field of view can evaluate the gloss of most standard, semi-gloss surfaces.

3 ft. Long USB Cord—All meters come with a USB cord to transfer data to PCs.

Calibration Block—These meters come with a calibration block, and you should calibrate them before each reading. Lay the block on a flat surface and press the calibration button on your meter. Position the meter on top of the block, and your meter will calibrate.

Field of View—Meters with a 20°, 60°, and 85° field of view can evaluate low-gloss/matte and high-gloss surfaces in addition to semi-gloss surfaces—their gloss measuring range is 10 times as broad as meters with only a 60° field of view.

									Sensing Area, mm
	Specular Gloss Measurement Range, GU	Gloss Measuring Increments, GU	Accuracy	Repeatability	Field of View	Ht.	Wd.	Dp.	Lg.	Wd.	Data Connection	Operating System Compatibility	Batteries Included	Battery Type	Includes		Each
For Use On Ceramic, Metal, Paper, Plastic, Stone, and Wood



		0 to 200	0.1	±1.5%	0.2%	60°	5 1/2"	3"	1 1/2"	20	10	USB-C	Windows 7 or Later	Yes	Rechargeable	3 ft. Long USB Cord, AC Adapter, Calibration Block, Microfiber Cloth	0000000	0000000


		0 to 2,000	1	±1.5%	0.2%	20°, 60°, 85°	6"	3"	2"	39	9	Bluetooth, Mini USB-B	Android 4.2 or Later, Windows 7 or Later	Yes	Disposable	3 ft. Long USB Cord, Calibration Block	0000000	00000000

Photoelectric Color-Measuring Sensor Switch Transmitters

Monitor the color of products as they pass by on your line. These transmitters don’t just detect if color is in mint condition—they also turn equipment on or off, all with a single device. They’re often used for quality control in printing and packaging lines. For instance, if ink runs low and causes a color’s hue to fade, they can send a signal to pause production. The photoelectric sensor uses a highly accurate LED beam that combines red, green, and blue (RGB), which detects the slightest shifts in color at high speeds. It can even sense gradual color changes on glossy and mirrored surfaces. Rated IP67, these transmitters are protected against dust and temporary submersion.

IO Link Communication Protocol—Transmitters with IO Link translate and send readings to control systems, such as computers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). This also lets you send commands from your control system to these transmitters. Since they have a PNP/NPN signal output, they automatically produce the type of signal output needed based on the device they’re connected to.

Cords—Cords with a socket (sold separately) connect transmitters to your control system or directly to compatible machinery.

	Transmitters													Cords
	Sensing Distance, mm	Input Voltage, V DC	Current Output, mA	Signal Output	Communication Protocol	Lg.	Wd.	Ht.	Housing Material	Temp. Range, ° F	Certification		Each		Each
4-Pole M12 Connection







				Direct Sensing Transmitter with Visible LED Light Beam (IP67)

				10	10 to 30	100	NPN, PNP	IO Link	3 13/16"	1 3/16"	2 1/8"	Zinc Alloy	15 to 130	UL Listed, CE Marked	0000000	0000000	0000000	000000

Photoelectric Distance-Measuring Sensor Switch Transmitters


Wire Lead Connection	M8 Connection

M12 Connection	M12 Connection and OLED Display

4-Pole

M8 Plug

5-Pole

M12

Plug

With a single device, continuously monitor the distance of moving items and turn equipment on and off based on their position. These transmitters use a light beam to detect subtle changes at high speeds, such as dents in cans on a canning line. They also have a time delay function, so you can keep circuits on or off for a set time after they sense an object. These transmitters use IO link to send readings to a programmable logic controller (PLC), a human-machine interface (HMI), or a computer.

All are IP rated for protection from dust and temporary submersion.

M8 Connection and M12 Connection—Transmitters with a plug connect to cords with a socket (sold separately), so you can quickly connect and disconnect the transmitter.

OLED Display—Transmitters with an OLED display show the measured distance in real time, so you can check readings at the transmitter. They connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth, so you can use an app to configure them remotely. They’re often used in restricted or hard to reach areas, since you can set the trigger distance and save common settings without access to the transmitter.

IP69K Enclosure Rating—Transmitters rated IP69K withstand high-pressure washdowns.

	Transmitters																			Cords		Brackets
	Sensing Distance, mm	Input Voltage, V DC	Current Output, mA	Signal Output	Communication Protocol	Sensing Distance Resolution, mm	Repeatability, mm	Time Delay, ms	Lg.	Wd.	Ht.	Housing Material	Temp. Range, ° F	Data Connection	Operating System Compatibility	Certification	Cannot Be Sold To		Each		Each		Each
Wire Lead Connection







				Direct Sensing Transmitter with Visible Laser Light Beam (IP67, IP69K)

				35 to 150	10 to 30	100	PNP	IO Link	0.1	-1 to 1	1.5, 10, 50	1 3/16"	5/8"	1 15/16"	Stainless Steel	15 to 120	—	—	UL Listed, CE Marked	—	0000000	0000000	———	0	000000000	000000


				35 to 500	10 to 30	100	PNP	IO Link	1	-9 to 9	1.5, 10, 50	1 3/16"	5/8"	1 15/16"	Stainless Steel	15 to 120	—	—	UL Listed, CE Marked	—	0000000	000000	———	0	000000000	00000


				4-Pole M8 Connection







								Direct Sensing Transmitter with Visible Laser Light Beam (IP67, IP69K)

								35 to 150	10 to 30	100	PNP	IO Link	0.1	-1 to 1	1.5, 10, 50	1 3/16"	5/8"	1 15/16"	Stainless Steel	15 to 120	—	—	UL Listed, CE Marked	—	0000000	000000	0000000	000000	000000000	00000


								35 to 500	10 to 30	100	PNP	IO Link	1	-9 to 9	1.5, 10, 50	1 3/16"	5/8"	1 15/16"	Stainless Steel	15 to 120	—	—	UL Listed, CE Marked	—	0000000	000000	0000000	00000	000000000	00000


								5-Pole M12 Connection







												Direct Sensing Transmitter with Visible Laser Light Beam (IP68)

												50 to 5,000	18 to 30	100	PNP	IO Link	3	-3 to 3	5, 15, 29	2 7/16"	13/16"	1 15/16"	ABS	-40 to 120	—	—	UL Listed, C-UL Certified, CE Marked	—	0000000	000000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000


												50 to 10,000	18 to 30	100	PNP	IO Link	3	-3 to 3	5, 15, 29	2 7/16"	13/16"	1 15/16"	ABS	-40 to 120	—	—	UL Listed, C-UL Certified, CE Marked	—	0000000	000000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000


												5-Pole M12 Connection with OLED Display







																Direct Sensing Transmitter with Visible Laser Light Beam (IP68)

																50 to 10,000	18 to 30	100	PNP	IO Link	3	-3 to 3	5, 15, 29	2 7/16"	13/16"	2 1/8"	ABS	-40 to 120	Bluetooth	Android 6.0 or Later, iOS 14.0 or Later	UL Listed, C-UL Certified, CE Marked	Canada	0000000	000000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000