Standard Practice for Field Use of Pyranometers, Pyrheliometers and UV Radiometers

1.1 This practice describes deployment conditions, maintenance requirements, verification procedures and calibration frequencies for use of pyranometers, pyrheliometers and UV radiometers in outdoor testing environments. This practice also discusses the conditions that dictate the level of accuracy required for instruments of different classes.

1.2 While both pyranometers and UV radiometers may be employed indoors to measure light radiation sources, the measurement of ultraviolet and light radiation in accelerated weathering enclosures using manufactured light sources generally requires specialized radiometric instruments. Use of radiometric instrumentation to measure laboratory light sources is covered in ISO 9370.

An ASTM standard that is similar to ISO 9370 is under development and deals with the instrumental determination of irradiance and radiant exposure in weathering tests.

1.3 The characterization of radiometers is outside the scope of the activities required of users of radiometers, as contemplated by this standard.