Bosch PLR 15 Digital Laser Rangefinder

Product Overview

The Bosch PLR 15 digital laser rangefinder is designed for measuring distances, lengths, heights, and clearances indoors. It offers a simple and accurate way to obtain measurements.

Safety Notes

Working safely with the measuring tool requires complete understanding and adherence to the operating and safety information. Never obscure warning labels on the tool. Save these instructions for future reference.

Caution: The use of other operating or adjusting equipment, or the application of other processing methods than those mentioned in this manual, can lead to dangerous radiation exposure.

This measuring tool produces laser class 2 laser radiation according to IEC 60825-1. Never direct the laser beam at persons or animals, and do not stare into the laser beam yourself, as this can lead to blindness.

Have the measuring tool repaired only by qualified specialists using original spare parts to ensure its safety.

Do not allow children to use the laser measuring tool without supervision, as they could unintentionally blind themselves or others.

Do not operate the measuring tool in explosive environments, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dusts, as sparks could ignite the dust or fumes.

Disposal: For EU countries, measuring tools that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct manner, according to European Guideline 2012/19/EU (WEEE). Defective or used battery packs/batteries must also be collected separately and disposed of correctly, according to European Guideline 2006/66/EC.

Product Description and Features

Intended Use

The measuring tool is intended for measuring distances, lengths, heights, and clearances. It is suitable for measuring indoors.

Product Features

The numbering of product features refers to the illustration of the measuring tool:

• 1. On/Off switch
• 2. HOLD button
• 3. Laser beam outlet
• 4. Battery lid
• 5. Latch of battery lid
• 6. Serial number (located on the type plate)
• 7. Laser warning label
• 8. Reception lens
• 9. Laser beam outlet

Display Elements

The display shows the following indicators:

• a. Battery low indicator
• b. Temperature warning
• c. Laser switched on
• d. Measurement hold
• e. Previous measuring value
• f. Unit of measure
• g. Current measuring value

Technical Data

Note A: The working range increases depending on how well the laser light is reflected from the target surface and the ambient light intensity. In unfavorable conditions, the measuring range may be limited.

Note B: In unfavorable conditions, the maximum deviation can be up to ± 7 mm per 15 m. In favorable conditions, a deviation influence of ±0.05 mm/m must be taken into account.

Operation

Initial Operation

Do not leave the switched-on measuring tool unattended and switch it off after use to prevent others from being blinded by the laser beam.

Protect the measuring tool against moisture and direct sunlight. Do not subject it to extreme temperatures or variations in temperature; allow it to acclimatize to ambient temperature if necessary. Extreme temperatures can impair accuracy.

Avoid heavy impact or dropping the tool. After severe exterior effects, check the tool before continuing work.

Switching On and Off

To switch on, push the On/Off switch (1) towards the rear. The laser beam is activated, and the LASER indicator flashes on the display.

To switch off, push the On/Off switch (1) towards the front.

Measuring Procedure

After switching on, the tool performs continuous measurement. Aim the laser beam at the target surface. The current measuring value (g) is displayed. During continuous measurement, the tool can be moved relative to the target, and the current measuring value (g) updates approximately every 0.5 seconds. This allows for measuring distances from a wall while moving away.

The rear edge of the measuring tool serves as the reference plane for measurements. For wall-to-wall measurements, position the tool with its rear edge against the initial wall.

Do not point the laser beam at persons or animals and do not look into the laser beam yourself, not even from a large distance.

HOLD Function

Press the HOLD button (2) to stop the measuring procedure. The laser beam switches off, and the HOLD indication appears on the display. The current measuring value remains displayed but is no longer continuously updated.

Press the HOLD button (2) again to switch the laser on. The LASER indicator flashes. The previous measuring value (e) is displayed in the top line, and the current measuring value (g) is displayed in the bottom line.

Press the HOLD button (2) once more to stop the measuring procedure again. The laser beam switches off, and the HOLD indication appears. The previous measuring value (e) is displayed in the top line, and the current measuring value (g) is displayed in the bottom line, but is no longer continuously updated.

The measuring tool automatically switches off after approximately 5 minutes of inactivity to save batteries. If a measuring value was held using the HOLD function, it is retained after the automatic shut-off. When switching the tool on again by pressing the HOLD button (2), the previous measuring value (e) is indicated in the top line.

Working Advice

General Information

The reception lens (8) and the laser beam outlet (9) must not be covered when taking a measurement.

Measurement takes place at the center of the laser beam, even when target surfaces are sighted at an incline.

Influence Effects on Measuring Range

The measuring range depends on the light conditions and the reflection properties of the target surface.

Influence Effects on Measuring Result

Faulty measurements can occur due to physical effects on different surfaces, including:

• Transparent surfaces (e.g., glass, water)
• Reflecting surfaces (e.g., polished metal, glass)
• Porous surfaces (e.g., insulation materials)
• Structured surfaces (e.g., roughcast, natural stone)

Air layers with varying temperatures or indirectly received reflections can also affect the measured value.

Troubleshooting

Causes and Corrective Measures

If a defect is detected and the corrective measures listed above cannot resolve the error, forward the measuring tool to an authorized Bosch after-sales service.

Checking the Measuring Tool

To check the accuracy of the measuring tool:

• Select a permanently unchangeable measuring section with a length of approximately 3 to 10 meters. Its length must be precisely known (e.g., the width of a room or a door opening).
• Perform measurements under favorable conditions: indoors, with a smooth and reflective target surface.
• Measure the distance 10 times consecutively.

Under favorable conditions, the deviation of individual measurements from the mean value should not exceed ±3.5 mm (max.) over the complete measuring distance. Log the measurements to compare their accuracy over time.

Maintenance and Service

Maintenance and Cleaning

Keep the measuring tool clean at all times. Do not immerse it in water or other fluids. Wipe off debris using a moist and soft cloth; do not use cleaning agents or solvents.

Maintain the reception lens (8) with the same care as eyeglasses or a camera lens.

If the measuring tool should fail, repair should be carried out by an authorized after-sales service center for Bosch power tools. Do not open the measuring tool yourself. For repairs, send the measuring tool in.

After-sales Service and Application Service

For questions concerning maintenance, repair, or spare parts, please refer to the Bosch website: www.bosch-pt.com. Bosch's application service team can assist with product and accessory inquiries.

In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please include the 10-digit article number (2 609 140 991) found on the tool's type plate.

Contact information for specific regions (Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, and South Africa) is available via the Bosch website.