Frequently Asked Questions

Laser Levels, either line, dot or rotating interior or exterior use are the only one man operating way of levelling over a distance – you save time and money. There is a model for every construction trade.

The main enemy of accurate alignments for laser levels especially over distance is air turbulence. The different temperature gradients between the laser and the target or the receiver causes an effect that is consistent with air turbulence.

It is these temperature gradients that cause “noise” or “jump “in the readings and this is especially exaggerated in high temperatures. Humidity and dust have a small degree of influence; however, this is nowhere near as pronounced as the effect of temperature gradient. The effect is similar to the shimmer seen on a bitumen road on a summers day.

Wind, especially around the unit can also cause complications.

The typical temperature gradient can cause the display to fluctuate by +/- 0.2mm/10m in poor conditions, and these fluctuations are caused by the laser beam going through a number of different temperature gradients which has the effect of bending or refracting the beam before it hits the target. There is no easy solution to overcoming this phenomenon, however there may be a couple of minor tweaks that can be done in certain circumstances to overcome the worst of the condition.

These include keeping the laser and the target protected from wind or air turbulence that may be effect air temperature and the other is not setting the laser up on a hot surface such as bitumen or concrete.

Lasers that can be effected include longer range rotary and grade lasers and pipe lasers.

A laser diode housed in a pendulum and magnetic self leveller in a dot or line laser and a laser diode housed in a self levelling mechanism in a rotating laser, emit a laser light beam over a defined area that either can be seen or detected by a detector (receiver) at a point level to the laser beam. This then means that everything in the defined diameter from the tool is level.

Dot Laser:
A dot laser emits only a dot, usually a dot laser has a plumb down, plumb up, and a horizontal dot at 90° to plumb up and down. Sometimes they have 3 horizontal dots at 90°, usually used indoors for partition fit-out, electrical light placement, sprinkler system layout, kitchen & cabinetry set-out and equipment set-up.

Line Laser:
Typically used indoors, a line laser emits a line beam, usually one horizontal and a minimum of one vertical – sometimes four at 90°. With a beam of light transmitted to a surface (i.e. a wall) these are highly visible over distances to approximately 10 metres. With a line laser that has a pulse setting to pick up a line detector, these lasers can be used outdoors to 50 metres in some instances. Used for tiling, kitchen or cabinet set-out, electrical drywall setup, partitioning etc. Some indoor lasers can be a combination of a line and dot laser.

Rotating Laser:
A laser with a diode prism that spins at faster speeds, these are typically used indoors or outdoors over longer distances up to 1000 metres diameter, dependant on the size of the laser diode. a detector picks up the beam and is usually mounted on a measuring staff. The rotating laser units mounts on a standard tripod. Some models can be turned on their side and emit a vertical rotating line. Some models allow either manually or automatically, a gradient or slope and some do this in two directions. This allows for an even slope over the entire workplace within the laser working diameter. Used for concreting, excavation, suspended ceiling set-up, landscaping, general building, levelling, earthworks etc. Generally the higher the unit cost, the more added features like gradient, scan, vertical etc. the unit will have.

Dependant on the quality of the laser diode and the levelling mechanisms the accuracies of lasers are usually well within the tolerance of what professional trades work to. Dot and line lasers are usually +/- 2mm @ 10 metres and rotating lasers are typically 1.5 – 3mm @ 30 metres. Look for tools with the smallest deviations specified; these indicated better quality laser diodes and set-up.

The frequency of a green beam is such that the human eye can detect it 4 times better that red. A laser with a green diode therefore emits a beam that can be seen over a longer distance, therefore in many instances, does not require the detector and will be seen from the rotating laser as a solid line. This is a big advantage in interior work. Green diodes cost more to produce so usually green diode lasers are about 20% – 25% more costly than an equivalent red beam.

Green beam is the best selection for all round construction, tradesmen who do a mix of interior and exterior work and the best available laser for suspended ceilings and dry walling. Note: a green beam laser is not compatible with a red beam detector. So for earthmoving, where machine control receivers are used, green is not applicable.

No. Cheaper rotating laser levels need to be levelled every time they are set up or moved by the operator; taking extra time and compromising accuracy they use 3 or 4 levelling screws similar to a dumpy level. These are known as compensated lasers where the diode is rigidly mounted to the mainframe. All IMEX lasers are self levelling.

Proper laser calibration is essential to continued accuracy in a laser level. Make sure you purchase a laser level that has had a pre-sale calibration and accuracy check like all IMEX lasers. If used daily, i.e.: concreter or tile, the laser unit should be recalibrated every 6 months, if used once or twice a week, 12 months or even 24 months is acceptable.

Basic level checking can be determined by the tradesman, by projecting the beam or dot to a wall approximately 5-10 metres from the laser, then turning the laser 180° on the tripod or mount and checking if it lines up or is within accepted tolerance or the manufacturers specifications. If it is out, return it to your dealer or service centre.

Return the laser to the dealer for calibration.

Laser safety classifications for construction are generally Class II. These lasers have lower power than Class III and don’t cause damage unless the beam is stared into. Some lasers are Class III and use a “hotter” laser diode which require extra precautions such as signs to indicate that you are using them in the vicinity; although again unless staring into the beam, generally they will cause minimal damage.

The IP code is an International Electro Technical Commission Standard classifying protection of electrical and electronic instruments from shock, foreign objects and water. Stated as IP55 for example; the first number represents protection against ingress of solid foreign objects into the tool with seven levels from 0 to 6. The second number represents protection against ingress of water with nine levels from 0 to 8. The higher the numbers the better the rating; therefore the top rating is IP68. It is important on a busy jobsite or where a laser may be used in dusty or damp conditions. IMEX line lasers are IP65, rotating lasers IP66 and the IMEX pipe laser, fully submersible at IP68.

All reputable brands sold through reputable dealers and with similar features will be around the same price. With the rise of pirated copies and global agents who work on low margins, there is a proliferation of similar looking tools that are sometimes 50% cheaper. These may not have metal internal components, back-up, proper warranties, same features and accessories and proper accuracy. Generally they will not have had individual pre-calibration checks.

A common Frequently Asked Question! Almost all brands including IMEX can be obtained either way, however, caution is required when purchasing off the internet that you are getting the correct laser tool for your situation. Generally, the local dealer will have a better knowledge of your requirements, back-up service from the supplier, access to calibration, better point of sale literature, stock that you can touch and feel and can properly cover any warranty issues. The small extra premium paid may be an advantage in the future given that a laser level, if bought properly and being the right tool for the job, is a long term investment.