ABOUT: ELECTRONIC
LASER LEVELS, also called Rotary or Construction Lasers, cast
a horizontal plane of light. Light from infrared
lasers (IR) cannot be seen and a handheld detector must be
used to find the signal. Even bright visible beam lasers usually
require
a detector when used outside in direct sunlight. Some ELECTRONIC
LEVELS must be manually leveled and others use a servo-motor
system to electronically level the laser.
Most
electronically leveled lasers have an instrument height (HI) alert
so if the unit moves the laser won't re-level at a different instrument
height. Lasers that use a mechanical compensating system shut the
laser beam off if the unit shifts. Units that have no mechanical
or electronic system must be carefully watched after initial leveling
because a laser plane will continue to be broadcast even if the
laser changes elevation or position.
Most
ELECTRONIC LEVELS can use either alkaline or rechargeable batteries.
Accuracy is usually indicated by how far the laser plane can be
off "dead level" in 100 feet, either above or below the "dead
level" plane. Some unit accuracies are indicated in arc seconds
("). 10" indicates an accuracy error of 1/16" @100'.
Various
degrees of "waterproofness" are found in the family of
ELECTRONIC LEVELS. For the specific level of "waterproofness",
refer to the IP Ingress
Protection Code and IPX
Degree of Protection specifications for the individual laser.
Most moisture damage happens when a wet instrument is put away
in its case. HINT: Always let a wet instrument air out by placing
in a dry, warm environment after having gotten wet. As important,
dry out the case so moisture won't be trapped inside.
Many
variations can be found in ELECTRONIC LEVELS. Some can allow tilting
the plane of light to accompish rough slope work and others can
emit a beam at 90 to use for layout. Some ELECTRONIC LEVELS have
a fixed rotational speed (often 600 rpm), but others have variable
speeds.