The AZ Instrument 8362 is a pocket conductivity meter that reads EC, TDS and water temperature, with automatic temperature compensation and auto-ranging from 0 µS right up to 160 mS. The TDS factor is adjustable, so its ppm readings can be matched to your nutrient chart. It is a nutrient-strength meter, not a pH meter. Stocked in Sydney and shipped domestically.
Nutrient strength at a glance
EC tells you how concentrated a nutrient solution is. Test after mixing, after topping up with plain water, and on run-off to see whether salts are building in the root zone. The 8362 shows EC or TDS with temperature on the same screen and switches between them with one button, in µS or mS for conductivity and ppm or ppt for TDS. Auto-ranging picks the best range for the sample, so a tap water check and a full-strength feed both read at the right resolution.
Match the ppm to your chart
TDS is EC multiplied by a conversion factor, and nutrient brands do not all use the same one. On the 8362 the factor is adjustable from 0.3 to 1.0, so set it to your chart's scale (commonly 0.5 or 0.7) and the ppm figures line up. Readings are normalised to 25 °C with a fixed 2.1%/°C coefficient, so a warm or cold sample still reads correctly.
Where it gets used
Hydroponic and coco nutrient solutions, tap, rain and RO water checks, aquariums and ponds, pools and spas, and general water treatment. The high 160 mS range also covers brackish and salty water.
Specifications
| Product identification | |
| Manufacturer | AZ Instrument Corp. |
| Model | 8362 |
| Performance and technical | |
| EC range | 0–1,999 µS / 2.00–19.99 mS / 20.0–160.0 mS |
| EC resolution | 1 µS / 0.01 mS / 0.1 mS |
| TDS range | 0–9,999 ppm / 1.0–160.0 × factor ppt |
| EC and TDS accuracy | ±1% full scale ±1 digit |
| TDS factor | Adjustable 0.3–1.0 |
| Temperature range | −5 to 60 °C, ±0.5 °C, 0.1 °C resolution |
| Temperature compensation | Automatic, 2.1%/°C, normalised to 25 °C |
| Calibration | Multi-point: 1413 µS / 12.88 mS / 111.8 mS |
| Ingress rating | IP65 membrane keypad |
| Sensor life | More than 6 months with good maintenance (manufacturer rating) |
| Battery | 4 × LR44 (included) |
| Functions | Data hold, low battery indicator, auto power off, °C/°F |
| Dimensions | 165 × 35 × 32 mm (6.5 × 1.4 × 1.3 in) |
| In the box | Meter, batteries, manual |
| Documentation | |
| Operation manual | 8362 operation manual (PDF) |
| Specification sheet | 8362 specification (PDF) |
| Certification | CE certificate (PDF) |
Calibration video
AZ Instrument's own walkthrough of calibrating this pen range:
FAQ
Does it measure pH?
No. It reads EC, TDS and temperature. For pH add the AZ 8685 pH Pen.
Which TDS factor should I use?
Whichever your nutrient chart uses: 0.5 and 0.7 are the common scales. If the chart gives EC, skip TDS altogether and read EC directly.
How do I calibrate it?
Soak the probe in distilled water first, then calibrate in the solution closest to what you measure: 1413 µS for most nutrient solutions and tap water, 12.88 mS for strong solutions. Use fresh solution each time; do not pour it back into the bottle.
Is it fully waterproof?
It is IP65: protected against dust and water jets, fine with splashes and wet hands. Dip the probe end only; it is not rated to be dropped in and left under water.
