INSTRUMENT SHELTERS

Thermometers must be enclosed in shelters, which act as shields from the sun, rain, snow, and other sources of light, heat, or cold which can cause erroneous readings. Shelters are designed to allow the maximum possible free flow of air while providing protection from heat and light. This is accomplished with louvers which slope downward from the inside to the outside of the shelter and with a double top. The cotton region shelter is used with liquid- in Glass maximum and Minimum Thermometers.shelter1.jpg (58079 bytes)

A Bee Hive type  shown to the left of the cotton region shelter is used with the MMTS temperature system..shelter2.jpg (54311 bytes)

SHELTER PLACEMENT

The ground over which the shelter is located should be typical of the surrounding area. A level, open clearing is desirable so the thermometers are freely ventilated by the flow of air. Do not install on a steep slope or in a sheltered hollow unless it is typical of the area. When possible, the shelter should be no closer than four times the height of any obstruction (tree, fence, building, etc.). It should be at least 100 feet from any paved or concrete surface.

All shelters should be mounted securely enough into the earth or a concrete slab to eliminate vibrations. Strong winds can cause vibrations that will displace the indices on maximum and minimum thermometers, causing erroneous readings. The wooden cotton region shelter door should face north to prevent the sun from shining on the thermometers when the door is open.

Paint the cotton region shelter with white latex paint when needed. Remove insect nests and other matter restricting air flow through the MMTS shelter.