How To Measure Conductivity

Measuring conductivity in a solution is an important parameter used to determine the quality of that solution. Conductivity can be affected by temperature, pollution and organic materials; therefore it is important to keep the solution away from as much contamination as possible while allowing it to achieve room temperature. In order to measure conductivity, a conductivity meter and probe are used. The meter and probe provide an electrical voltage to the solution that is being measured. A drop in voltage indicates electrical resistance, which is converted for a conductivity measurement.

Step 1

Remove the cover from the probe. Most probes may have clear or plastic cover that protects the electrodes.

Step 2

Turn the meter on by pressing the "on" button.

Step 3

Place probe in the solution that you are measuring. Some probes will have a line that shows how far to immerse the probe into the solution.

Step 4

Compensate temperature. Most meters will come with an automatic temperature compensation feature, but if not, you may need to input the temperature.

Step 5

Stir the solution with the probe. Adequate movement is needed for the meter to select the range appropriate for the value being measured.

Step 6

Take desired measurement. Some meters may blink and become stable after they get a value.

Step 7

Turn the meter off. Turning the meter off after the solution is measured can save the meter's battery life.

Step 8

Rinse the probe with distilled water and replace the cap. Cleaning the probe can prevent contamination, and the cap keeps the probe from being damaged.

Step 1

Remove the cover from the probe. Most probes may have a clear or plastic cover that protects the electrodes.

Step 2

Place the probe in a Traceable Conductivity Standard solution. Traceable Conductivity Standards are available through a laboratory supply company.

Step 3

Compensate temperature. For automatic temperature compensation, the temperature sensor must reach equilibrium, which could take several minutes.

Step 4

Stir the solution with the probe for adequate movement.

Step 5

Press the "Calibrate" button. Some meters will display the word "Calibrate" when the meter is placed into calibration mode.

Step 6

Adjust the calibration. Some meters will have an arrow button or a dial switch to adjust the calibration to the known Traceable Conductivity Standard concentration.

Step 7

Confirm calibration. Calibration can be confirmed by measuring the Traceable Conductivity Standard in the regular testing mode.