EL Tiltmeter
Applications
EL tiltmeters are narrow-angle, high-resolution sensors used to monitor changes in the inclination of a structure. They can provide an accurate history of movement and early warning of potential structural damage. Applications for tiltmeters include:
- Monitoring the rotation of retaining walls, piers, and piles.
- Monitoring the behavior of structures under load.
- Documenting effects of nearby excavations and providing early warning of potential damage.

Operation
An EL tiltmeter consists of an electrolytic tilt sensor housed in a compact, weatherproof enclosure. The tilt sensor is a precision bubble-level that is sensed electrically as a resistance bridge. The bridge circuit outputs a voltage proportional to the tilt of the sensor.
The EL tiltmeter has a very narrow range, so it is necessary to "null" the sensor at installation time. This provides the maximum measurement range and also takes advantage of the sensor's best characteristics. The EL Nulling Device or the EL Data Recorder are convenient tools for the nulling operation.
When the tiltmeter is read manually, changes in inclination are found by comparing the current reading to the initial reading. EL tiltmeters may also be connected to a data logger, which can obtain frequent readings, perform calculations, and trigger alarms if tilt or the rate of change exceeds preset limits.
Advantages
High-Resolution: The EL tiltmeter measures tilt over a range of +/- 40 arc minutes. It can can detect changes as small as one arc second (0.00028 degree).
Easy-Installation: The EL tiltmeter is supplied with a rotating mounting bracket that allows the tiltmeter to be mounted to floors, wall, and ceilings. The mounting bracket requires a single anchor.
Robust and Reliable: The sensor has no moving parts and is protected by a weatherproof enclosure.
Ready for Data Logging: The EL tiltmeter is compatible with most data loggers but can also be read manually.
For more information
Please download the datasheet and manual for the EL Tiltmeter. These documents can be viewed and printed with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
EL Tiltmeter & Beam Sensor Specifications
EL TILT SENSOR | |
---|---|
EL Tilt Sensor, Standard | 56802100 |
EL Tilt Sensor, SC | 56802120 |
Sensor | Uniaxial electrolytic tilt sensor housed in a weatherproof aluminum enclosure with terminals and cable gland for signal cable. Does not include bracket, beam, or anchors. The standard version of the tilt sensor works with Campbell Scientific CR1000, CR800, and CR10X data loggers. The SC version of the tilt sensor includes a signal conditioning board and a temperature sensor. It works with Campbell Scientific data loggers, the M-Logger, and readouts such as the EL/MEMS data recorder. |
Range | ±40 arc minutes |
Resolution | 1 arc second using a Campbell Scientific CR1000 data logger |
Repeatability | ± 3 arc seconds |
Adjustment Range | The sensors provides an adjustment range of ±4° to ease installation |
Operating Temperature | –20 to +50°C. |
Dimensions | 125 x 80 x 59 mm deep (4.9 x 3.2 x 2.3") |
SIGNAL CABLE | ||
---|---|---|
Signal Cable for Standard Sensor | 50612804 | Shielded cable with four 24-gauge tinned-copper conductors and PVC jacket. |
Signal Cable for SC Sensor | 50613527 | Shielded cable with seven 22-gauge tinned copper conductors and polyurethane jacket. |
BEAM SENSOR CONFIGURATION | ||
---|---|---|
Order a tilt sensor, a bracket, a beam, and anchors to secure the beam to the structure. | ||
Omni Bracket | 56801355K | The Omni-bracket holds the tilt sensor onto horizontal, vertical, or inclined beams. Self-tapping screws are included to fasten the bracket to the beam. |
1 meter Beam | 56801612 | |
2 meter Beam | 56801614 | |
3 meter Beam | 56801616 | |
3 foot Beam | 56801623 | |
6 foot Beam | 56801626 | |
10 foot Beam | 56801630 | |
Spare End-Bracket | 56801815 | 38 x 38 mm square-section aluminum beam includes two end-brackets. Beams are sized to provide a gauge length that is measured from anchor to anchor. Anchors are not included |
Groutable Anchors | 56801910K | Groutable anchor for beam Includes one allthread stud, low-friction bushings, and other hardware. For stand-alone beam sensors, order two anchors. For linked beams that share an anchor, order one anchor for each beam plus one additional anchor for the last beam. |
TILTMETER CONFIGURATION | ||
---|---|---|
Order a tilt sensor, a bracket, and an anchor for each sensor. | ||
Rotating L-Bracket | 56801350K | The L-bracket holds the tilt sensor perpendicular to the structure. The bracket rotates nearly 360 degrees, so it can be mounted on inclined structures, floors, and ceilings, as well. |
Omni Bracket | 56801355K | The Omni-bracket holds the tilt sensor parallel with the structure. |
Expansion Anchor | 57803128 | The expansion anchor is installed in a 9.5 x 64 mm (3/8 x 2.5 in) drill hole and includes a bolt and washer to hold the L-bracket. |
Groutable Anchor | 57803130K | The groutable anchor is installed in a 13 x 90 mm (0.5 x 3.5 in) drill hole and includes a bolt and washer to hold the L-bracket. Requires epoxy grout available locally or ordered below. |
Epoxy Grout Kit | 57803133 | Includes plastic dispenser and cartridge of quickset epoxy grout. Sufficient for 15 anchors. |
DATA LOGGERS & READOUTS | ||
---|---|---|
Campbell Scientific Data Loggers | The CR1000 Logger can monitor 12 standard or 3 SC sensors directly. Up to 32 standard sensors or 16 SC sensors can be connected to an AM16/32 multiplexer. See separate datasheet. | |
M-Logger | The M-Logger can monitor one SC sensor directly or 16 SC sensors connected to an AM16/32 multiplexer. See separate datasheet. | |
EL / MEMS Data Recorder | 56813500 | This portable readout displays and records readings from SC sensors. Tilt readings are displayed in volts; temperature readings in degrees C. It can also be used for nulling the sensors. See separate datasheet. |
EL Nulling Device | 56803300 | The EL Nulling device provides a convenient way to zero sensors at installation time. The nulling device is compatible with both standard and SC tilt sensors. |