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SATO SK-170GT WBGT Heat Stress Meter

Occupational Safety and Environmental Measuring Instruments

SATO SK-170GT portable WBGT heat stress monitor

Professional portable WBGT measurement – true black globe, indoor/outdoor selection and JIS B 7922 Class 2

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Product Specifications
  • Developed for WBGT Heat Stress Assessment The SK-170GT monitors WBGT index, ambient air temperature, globe temperature and relative humidity in a single instrument, enabling rapid and systematic field evaluation of hot working environments. It is a compact WBGT platform ready for direct use in occupational hygiene, manufacturing, construction sites, sports and outdoor applications.

  • Incorporates Radiant Heat Effects into Measurement via a True Black Globe A 60 mm copper black globe sensor detects the effect of radiant heat from solar radiation and hot surfaces. By measuring globe temperature, the instrument sets itself apart from basic temperature indicators that rely solely on ambient air temperature for WBGT assessment.

  • Separate WBGT Modes for Indoor and Outdoor Environments Selectable WBGT calculation modes for outdoor environments with direct solar radiation versus indoor or shaded outdoor settings facilitate accurate assessments across diverse site conditions.

  • JIS B 7922 Class 2 and ISO 7243-Based Approach The manufacturer defines the SK-170GT as a professional WBGT monitor compliant with JIS B 7922:2023 Class 2, associating the instrument with the WBGT heat stress assessment methodology specified in ISO 7243.

  • Alarm, MIN/MAX, HOLD and Extended Battery Life An adjustable WBGT alarm, minimum/maximum value tracking, HOLD function and approximately 600 hours of battery life assist operators in conducting rapid checks and tracking critical WBGT thresholds during long working days in the field.

  • Flexible Field Deployment with Tripod and Optional RS-232C Tripod mounting helps maintain the correct measurement height. With the optional RS-232C interface, WBGT, air temperature, globe temperature and humidity data can be transmitted in real time to a PC.

  • Product Documents

    Why SATO SK-170GT?

    True Globe Temperature MeasurementA 60 mm black copper globe directly integrates radiant heat effects into the measurement chain.
    Indoor / Outdoor SelectionAllows selection of the appropriate WBGT calculation mode for sunny outdoor versus indoor/shaded environments.
    Air Velocity Correction InputSite air velocity entered between 0.1–3.0 m/s is applied to correct WBGT and globe temperature calculations.
    WBGT AlarmWith an alarm adjustable from 20.0–49.9 °C, it facilitates prompt identification of critical heat stress thresholds in the field.
    Long Battery LifeApproximately 600 hours of continuous operation without alarm activation, reducing battery replacements during extended field campaigns.
    Tripod MountingStandard tripod mounting helps maintain the correct measurement height and reduces operator interference.

    Product Images and Field Deployment

    Measurement and Standards Approach

    Field positioning is critical in WBGT measurement. The SK-170GT uses separate WBGT calculations for indoor and outdoor environments. The manufacturer recommends positioning the instrument at a representative height, isolated from operator body heat—using a tripod wherever feasible—especially during extended measurements. Air velocity is not measured by the instrument; the appropriate site value is entered manually by the user for correction purposes.

    Application Areas

    Industry and Hot ProcessesWBGT assessments in foundries, metalworking, furnace surroundings and manufacturing areas characterised by high radiant heat.
    Construction Sites and Outdoor AreasField measurements to assess thermal and radiant heat exposure for workforces operating in direct sunlight.
    Sports and Training GroundsAssessment of training and event conditions in hot weather using the WBGT methodology.
    Agriculture and Open-Field OperationsRapid screening in agricultural and field operations where personnel are exposed to direct sunlight over extended periods.
    Occupational HygieneProfessional WBGT field assessments to evaluate worker exposure to hot working environments.
    Education and ResearchApplied research and academic studies analysing WBGT, air temperature, globe temperature and relative humidity concurrently.

    Frequently Asked Questions About SATO SK-170GT

    Which parameters does the SATO SK-170GT measure?
    It measures WBGT index, air temperature, globe temperature and relative humidity. These four parameters are evaluated together in field assessments of hot environments.
    Can the SK-170GT be used in ISO 7243 assessments?
    The manufacturer defines the SK-170GT as an instrument compliant with JIS B 7922 Class 2 incorporating an ISO 7243-based WBGT heat stress assessment methodology. Measurement height, duration and site conditions prescribed by the applicable standard must also be fulfilled.
    Can the SK-170GT be used outdoors?
    Yes. OUT mode can be selected for outdoor environments in direct sunlight, and IN mode for indoor or shaded outdoor areas. The black globe sensor integrates radiant heat effects into the evaluation.
    Does the SK-170GT measure air velocity?
    It does not measure air velocity directly. Air velocity at the measurement location can be entered by the user within the 0.1–3.0 m/s range, which the instrument applies to correct WBGT and globe temperature calculations.
    Why is tripod use important?
    A tripod maintains the instrument at a consistent, appropriate measurement height and helps minimise interference from the operator's body heat and posture. It is strongly recommended, particularly for continuous field measurements.

    Technical Specifications

    Technical Table
    WBGT Measurement Range0.0–50.0 °C
    WBGT Accuracy±2.0 °C
    Air Temperature0.0–50.0 °C; ±0.6 °C
    Globe Temperature0.0–80.0 °C; ±1.2 °C (20–60 °C), ±2.0 °C across remaining range
    Relative Humidity10.0–95.0% RH
    ResolutionWBGT / temperature 0.1 °C; relative humidity 0.1% RH
    Sampling IntervalApproximately 2 seconds
    WBGT Alarm Setting20.0–49.9 °C; 0.1 °C increments
    Air Velocity Input Range0.1–3.0 m/s; manual user input for correction
    Globe60 mm diameter, copper; displayed value converted to 150 mm globe temperature equivalent
    StandardJIS B 7922 Class 2; ISO 7243-based WBGT evaluation methodology
    Operating Environment0–50 °C; below 95% RH, non-condensing
    Power1 × 9 V battery
    Battery LifeApproximately 600 hours of continuous operation without alarm activation
    Dimensions / Weight71 × 275 × 30 mm; approximately 240 g (including battery)
    Data OutputReal-time data transfer via optional RS-232C

    Notice: The technical information on this page has been prepared based on the SK SATO product data sheet, instruction manual and manufacturer website. The manufacturer reserves the right to modify technical specifications without prior notice; verification of current technical specifications and application conditions prior to purchase is recommended.

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