Brother Max Thermometer User Manual - User Manual

Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual

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Contents

•  In this Box
•  Important
•  Introduction
•  Frequently Asked Question’s
•  A Bit about Body Temperature
•  Ensuring Safe, Accurate Measurements
•  Specific Notes for Measuring Forehead Temperature
•  General Warnings
•  Key to Functions & Screen Display
•  Screen Display
•  Temperature Range Indicator
•  How to Use the Thermometer
•  Battery Power and Replacement
•  Battery Safety Guidelines
•  Product Specification
•  Error Messages
•  Your Family Members’ Normal Temperature Range
•  Further Information

02
02
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03
05
05
06
07
07
09
10
10
12
12
13
14
15
16

IMPORTANT: KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

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In this Box

The packaging box your thermometer came in should have contained:

1 x Digital Thermometer

2 x AAA batteries

1 x User Manual

If any parts were missing please contact Brother Max directly.

Our contact details can be found at the end of this manual.

Important

Before using your thermometer, you should read this manual

thoroughly so that you understand all instructions and follow all

warnings.

This manual is provided for information purposes only.

The product is not meant to be a substitute for the advice

provided by your own physician or other medical professional.

You should not use the information contained herein, or from

this product’s temperature readings, for diagnosing or treating

a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If

you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly

contact your healthcare provider.

For specific information about your own body temperature,

including what measurement is considered normal for you,

CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN.

Before doing so - and only if you have done so before the

condition you are consulting a physician about has commenced

- it is likely to help your physician if you have completed the

measuring exercise described in the ‘Your Family Members’

Normal Temperature Range’ section of this manual on page 15.

Introduction

This thermometer takes the temperature of the Body (Forehead) and

Ambient (Room) quickly and accurately.

Body temperature is measured using the heat generated at the surface

of the forehead.

Our thermometer has been developed for optimum comfort, ease and

speed of use and utilises digital, infrared technology to ensure accuracy.

In this manual, ‘ambient’ refers to both inside and outside temperature.

However, because this product is more commonly used inside than

outside, the packaging and manual only refer to ambient mode as

‘room’.

This device has the following advantages:

1. Non-Contact

By placing the probe (ideally) 2-5cm from the forehead, the patient

does not have to be disturbed

2. Fast and accurate

Accurate digital reading to 0.2º in just 1 second

3. Multi-temperature reading

Digitally measures forehead and room temperature

4. Easy to use

Simple function per button, with clear symbols and traffic-light

colour changing temperature range indicator

5. Hygienic and economical

Just wipe clean, no need for probe covers

6. Day or night

Back-lit for easy reading

7. Last Reading Storage

The device stores the previous 19 readings taken to refer back to

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“Why might I be getting an inaccurate Forehead temperature

reading?”

• The most common causes are:

The probe not being clean; earwax, perspiration, cosmetics, oil,

dust or any other dirt will affect accuracy.

Environmental factors such as exposure to heat or cold. For

example, sitting next to a hot radiator or cold air conditioning unit

will directly affect forehead temperature, and even result in the

temperature on one side of the head being different to the other.

Incorrect setting between Forehead and Ambient modes i.e.

taking Forehead temperature when the thermometer is set to

Ambient mode.

Not allowing 30 minutes to elapse:

• Before taking Forehead temperature when coming indoors

from the cold or hot.

• If a coldpack or hotpack have been used on the head.

• If the thermometer has been stored in a significantly cooler or

warmer environment.

• Comparing a reading from another thermometer that is

calibrated to a different range or format.

“Why can I get different measurements from one forehead

reading to the next?”

• Every time you place the probe on your forehead, it is likely to

be in a different part of your head. Since forehead temperature

is affected by environmental factors such as exposure to heat or

cold, placing the probe on a different part of your forehead can

result in different temperatures especially if, for example, you are

sitting next to a hot radiator or cold air conditioning unit.

• Forehead temperature is also affected by proximity to blood veins,

as an area which has more veins close to the skin will be warmer

than an area that has bone under the skin.

“Why might I be getting an inaccurate Ambient temperature reading?”

• The most common cause of inaccurate Ambient readings is

incorrect setting between Ambient and Forehead modes i.e.

taking ambient temperature when the thermometer is set to

Forehead mode.

“How do I clean wax and other dirt off the thermometer probe?”

• Clean the probe by very gently wiping it with, ideally, a cotton

swab moistened with alcohol or a very soft cloth moistened with

alcohol. Alternatively a dry cotton swab can be used, or a baby

wipe so long as it is very soft and its water content is not so high

that it is dripping wet.

• Never use an abrasive cloth as it will damage the probe.

• Always allow the alcohol (or moisture) to completely dry out

before taking temperature after cleaning.

“Is it best to measure temperature in the Ear or Forehead?”

• Readings from the ear are always best as you need an internal

reading to get the all-important core body temperature which

measuring the eardrum gives you as it shares blood supply with

the temperature control centre in the brain

• However many children and adults don’t want to have a probe

put in their ear, either because they just feel uncomfortable with

it, or maybe because they are ill and their ear hurts, so forehead

readings provide a convenient alternative.

Netter H F, Atlas of Human Anatomy, Novartis Medical Education, East Hanover, NJ, 1997

Frequently Asked Questions

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“What is the difference between readings from different parts

of the body?”

• Normal body temperature is a range that, as the following table

shows, varies by site

Chamberlain, J.M., Terndrup, T.E., New Light on Ear Thermometer Readings, Contemporary Paediatrics, March 1994.

• Medical research has not yet determined a definitive correlation

between forehead, oral, rectal, ear, and armpit temperature
measurements, which is unsurprising given how different sites
can be so effected by external factors. Many medical practitioners
advise that measurements from different sites should not be
directly compared, however some medical practitioners advise the
following correlation of temperature results based on an average
normal oral temperature of 98.6°F

Jan Nissl, RN, BS, Rectal, Ear, Oral, And Axillary Temperature Comparison, Everyday Health, Inc, April 2007

• Note: When consulting your physician or other medical

professional, advise them that you have measured your forehead
temperature and if possible, the individual’s normal forehead
temperature range (see pg.16).

“Should the Screen light up when the thermometer is in use?”

• Yes, the screen does light up when the thermometer is in use.

The screen’s light automatically turns itself on every time a
measurement is taken, and automatically turns itself off after 10
seconds (to conserve the batteries).

• Please note that the back-light is barely visible in bright daylight.

“Why are the digits sometimes only partly visible when I

first switch the Thermometer on?”

• As the Screen is an LCD (liquid crystal display), the liquid crystals

sometimes need to re-set themselves during the first 10-20
seconds of power running through the screen. So long as all digits
and icons are visible within 20 seconds, and remain visible when
on, this is not a fault.

“What do the different definitions of temperature taking

sites mean?”

•  Forehead = temple or forehead temperature
•  Tympanic = ear temperature
•  Oral = mouth temperature
•  Ear = ear canal temperature
•  Axillary = armpit temperature
•  Rectal = anus temperature

Axillary

: Oral

: Rectal

94.5 - 99.1 ºF

34.7 - 37.3 ºC

95.9 - 99.5 ºF

35.5 - 37.5 ºC

97.9 - 100.4 ºF

36.6 - 38.0 ºC

Armpit

temperature

: Oral temperature

: Rectal temperature

Ear temperature

0.5°F (0.3°C) to

1.0°F (0.6°C)

lower than Rectal

or Ear temperature

0.5°F (0.3°C) to

1.0°F (0.6°C)

lower than Oral

temperature.

0.5°F (0.3°C) to

1.0°F (0.6°C)

higher than Oral

temperature.

0.5°F (0.3°C) to

1.0°F (0.6°C)

higher than Oral

temperature.

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A Bit about Body Temperature

Body temperature refers to the internal temperature of  the body (also
known as core temperature). ‘Normal’ body temperature
depends on when, where and in whom it is measured. Body
temperature fluctuates in any given 24-hour cycle. It tends to be
lowest in the early morning and highest in the late afternoon. Body
temperature also varies from one body part to another, as well as
amongst different ages, especially under 6 months and over 65 years of
age. Body temperature may also increase as a result of  overdressing or
strenuous exercise, especially during hot weather.

Incorrect temperature taking may cause false alarm. There are many
things that can affect your body temperature like extreme activity,
ovulation, pregnancy, smoking and so on.

The following temperature ranges are considered normal:

Information from “Determination of Normal Ear Temperature with an Infrared Emission

Detection Thermometer” by Chamberlain, J.M., MD, and Terndrup, T.E., MD, published in

the Annals of Emergency Medicine, January 1995

Note: Do not self-diagnose. The use of any thermometer is not intended as a

substitute for consultation with a physician.

If the temperature of a child under 6 months old reaches 40.0°C / 104.0°F or more,

consult a doctor immediately. Please note that, as the patient becomes older, this

40.0°C / 104.0°F ceiling actually falls e.g. a 2 year old may need to consult a doctor

immediately if their temperature reaches 39.0°C / 102.2°F.

CAUTION: High prolonged fever always requires medical attention, especially for

young children.

Ensuring Safe, Accurate Measurements

Do not touch the probe and keep it free from perspiration, cosmetics,
oil, hair, dust or any other foreign body as they will affect the accuracy of
temperature measurement.

Clean the probe by very gently wiping it with, ideally, a cotton swab
moistened with alcohol or a very soft cloth moistened with alcohol.
Alternatively a dry cotton swab can be used. Never use an abrasive cloth
as it will damage the probe. Always allow the alcohol (or moisture) to
completely dry out before taking temperature after cleaning.

If there any signs of damage to the lens then please stop using and get
in touch with us (contact details on page 16)

The thermometer is not waterproof so do not place any part of it near liquid.

Note: Never immerse thermometer in liquids.

Do not expose the thermometer to extreme high or low temperatures for
prolonged periods, such as in a particularly hot or cold vehicle or in
direct sunlight.

When taking ambient temperature, please wait 20 minutes before taking
temperature for the probe to acclimatise when moving from one room
to another, and 30 minutes when moving from indoors to outdoors (or
vice versa).

Normal temperature ranges by age

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Measuring body temperature within 30 minutes of eating, exercising or
bathing can give an inaccurate temperature measurement.

When taking forehead temperature, please wait 30 minutes before
taking temperature to allow body temperature to adjust when coming
indoors from the cold or hot, or if a coldpack or hotpack have been
used.

In either mode, wait 30 minutes before taking temperature if the thermometer
has been stored in a significantly cooler or warmer environment.

When repeatedly taking forehead temperature, take average reading as
small deviations may naturally occur.

If  and when informing a medical practitioner of  your temperature,
ensure you inform them that you measured forehead and, ideally, what
your normal temperature range is. For help in gaining a more accurate
indication of  your own body’s normal temperature range, please refer
to the ‘Your Family Members’ Normal Temperature Range’ section of
this manual.

Specific Notes for Measuring Forehead Temperature

In forehead mode, it is not uncommon for variances in temperature
between different parts of the forehead. This is because forehead
temperature is affected by:

Proximity of the temperature probe to blood veins, since an area
which has more veins close to the skin will be warmer than an area
that has bone under the skin.

To achieve an accurate reading we suggest aiming the probe at the
forehead.

Environmental factors such as exposure to heat or cold.
For example, sitting next to a hot radiator or cold air conditioning unit
will directly affect forehead temperature, and can even result in the
temperature on one side of the head being different to the other.

Use of this thermometer is not intended as a substitute for consultation
with your physician. It is dangerous for any user to self-diagnose and/or
self-treat, even based on the results from this or any thermometer.

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General Warnings

Keep the thermometer out of children’s reach.

Immediately consult a doctor if your child accidentally swallows a battery.

Avoid knocking, shaking, dropping or stepping on the thermometer.
In such an event, carefully inspect the device for signs of damage and
immediately return to Brother Max for repair if you suspect any faults.

Do not use a mobile or cordless phone near the thermometer.

Do not disassemble, repair or modify the thermometer.

Do not use this thermometer other than for intended use.

Do not immerse the thermometer in water or any other liquid.

Do not expose the thermometer to direct sunlight.

Store in a clean dry place. Storage limits -20ºC to 55ºC with 95

maximum humidity.

Key to Functions & Screen Display

Power ON /Scan button

Battery cover

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Function mode button –

• Forehead (Body)

• Ambient (Room)

Memory function button

Sound ON/OFF button

Screen Display

Celsius/Fahrenheit button

Temperature Range Indicator –

Green / Orange / Red
Green = Normal* temperature range

Orange = Raised* temperature range

Red = High* temperature range

Note: Since the above temperature

ranges are averages, refer to page

5 for normal temperature ranges by age

Key to Functions & Screen Display- Continued

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Screen Display

Displays for 1 second when

thermometer is turned on

In forehead mode -

Temperature is above

maximum range

In forehead mode -

Probe out of range

of forehead or

temperature is below

minimum range

When reading a child’s temperature,

if display shows 40ºC or 104ºF

or more, consult your doctor

immediately

Unit is switching to auto OFF mode

If room temperature is higher than

40ºC or lower than 16ºC, the screen

will display ‘Err’ when you take

temperature

Sound

Battery level

Temperature

Forehead (Body) temperature mode

Ambient (Room) temperature mode

ºCelsius / ºFahrenheit

Memory function

Memory number

Backlight (green)

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How to Use the Thermometer

1 When Using Thermometer for the 1

Time:

• Open the battery compartment by carefully lifting up Battery Cover

where indicated (refer to ‘Battery Power and Replacement’) so as
not to scratch or damage cover.

• Insert 2 x AAA batteries

in the direction illustrated

inside the

battery compartment.

• Replace the Battery Cover.

• Turn on and use thermometer as described below.

Note: If the batteries have been inserted the wrong way, the thermometer will

not work and the handle might warm up, in which case immediately remove the

batteries (to prevent damaging the thermometer) and re-insert.

2 Switching Thermometer ON:

• The thermometer can be switched ON in either mode – Forehead or

Ambient.

• Start by briefly pressing ‘Power On /Scan button’ which turns on the

thermometer.

• All icons will display on the screen for 1 second followed by a short

beep indicating that the thermometer is now ready to use.

• The screen is also backlit for 10 seconds and the display will now

show the last setting memory data i.e. last temperature reading
and mode. This will remain until either a temperature is taken, the
thermometer turns off or the temperature mode is changed.

3 Switching Thermometer OFF:

• Without any operation for 30 seconds i.e. left idle, the thermometer

will automatically turn OFF. This is a power-save feature.

Temperature Range Indicator

The Temperature Range Indicator is an additional indication of the
patient’s temperature. Whilst the Display Screen advises the specific
temperature, the Temperature Range Indicator provides a quick visual
reference of the temperature range by utilising a traffic-light system of
green, orange or red.

If the Temperature Range Indicator (Fig. 1) displays:

• Green = the measurement is within the average

normal temperature range (of ≥36.3ºC to ≤37.3ºC)

• Orange = the measurement is within the average

raised temperature range (of ≥37.4ºC to ≤37.9ºC)

• Red = the measurement is in the average high

temperature range (of ≥38.0ºC)

Note: Since the above temperature ranges are averages, refer to page 5 for

normal temperature ranges by age.

Fig. 1

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4 Switching Between Forehead and Ambient Modes:

• The screen will display either a Forehead or House icon to indicate

which temperature mode it is currently in, and will also display the
last forehead or ambient temperature taken.

• If it is in Forehead mode but you want ambient mode or vice versa,

press the Function mode button and this will change the display
icons and a short ‘beep’ will sound to confirm the change.

5 Measuring Ambient (room) Temperature:

• Once in Ambient mode, briefly press the Power ON / Scan button

and keep the thermometer in the same position until a beep sounds,
which indicates the measurement is complete. Then read the
temperature on the screen.

6 Measuring Forehead Temperature:

• When in Forehead mode, aim the thermometer at the forehead,

ensuring that the distance between the probe and forehead is
between 2-5cm, and then briefly press the Power ON/Scan button.
Keep the thermometer in the same position until a beep sounds,
which indicates that measurement is complete.

• The specific temperature will appear on the screen, and the

Temperature Range Indicator will give the additional quick visual
reference of the temperature range.

Note: There is no need to keep your finger pressed on the Power ON / Scan
button to take a reading. In fact keeping your finger pressed on the Power ON /
Scan button will prevent the temperature from being read, so always press it
briefly, but keep the thermometer in the same position until the beep sounds.

• Immediately after the measurement process (in either mode),

both the Display Backlight and Temperature Range Indicator will
automatically come on and remain on for 10 seconds.

7 Switching Between Celsius and Fahrenheit:

The Celsius/Fahrenheit button can be found in the battery compartment.

With the device turned on, briefly press C/F button to convert between Celsius
and Fahrenheit. The screen icon and temperature will change and a beep will
sound to confirm this change.

8 Memory Function:

• With the thermometer ON, press the ‘M’ Memory Function button

to display the previous 19 readings. Press once for the last reading
data, press again for the second but last reading data and so
on. The data displayed will be the number of the reading, the
temperature mode and the actual temperature measurement.

9 Turning Sound ON or OFF:

• With the thermometer ON, press the Sound button to turn the

device audible sound ON or OFF.

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Battery Power and Replacement

• Every time the thermometer is turned on

it will detect the battery life.(Fig. 2)

• Replace both batteries when the screen

shows the low battery icon.

• It is not recommended to let the batteries get

VERY LOW to ensure there is always sufficient
power available to take temperature.

• When the batteries get VERY LOW,

‘Lo’ will appear on the screen (Fig. 3)
and the battery icon will flash 3
times before the thermometer turns
itself off.

• To change the batteries, open the

battery compartment by carefully
lifting up Battery Cover where indicated
(Fig. 4) so as not to scratch or damage
cover, remove old batteries and replace
with 2 new AAA batteries.

Battery Safety Guidelines

• If the batteries have been inserted the wrong way, the thermometer

will not work and the handle may warm up, in which case immediately
remove the batteries (to prevent damaging the thermometer) and
re-insert correctly.

• The supply terminals are not to be short circuited, so do not

interfere with the metal contacts in the battery compartment
(Fig. 5).

• Help the environment by disposing of all products responsibly.

The wheelie bin symbol (Fig. 6) indicates the product and

batteries must not be disposed of in the domestic waste as they
contain substances which can be damaging to the environment
and people’s health. Please use designated collection points or
recycling facilities when disposing of the device or batteries.

Note: Please comply with local guidelines or regulations if discarding the

batteries or any part of the thermometer and its packaging.
Remove empty batteries from product to prevent corrosion.
The enclosed batteries are non-rechargeable although rechargeable batteries can

be used.
Batteries should be inserted with correct polarity.
Do not mix old and new batteries.

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 3

Fig. 2

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Product Specification

Device name

Model No.

Measurement modes

Power Supply

Screen Display Measuring range

Accuracy

Clinical repeatability

Operational environment

temperature for Forehead (Body)

Storage Environment

Temperature

Screen Display precision

Measuring Distance

Weight

Dimensions

Non-Contact Forehead & Room Digital Thermometer
BM 70933
Forehead (Body), Ambient (Room)

3V DC, 2 x AAA batteries

Forehead (Body): 32.0 – 42.9°C (=89.6 – 109.2°F)
Ambient (Room): 15.0 – 40.0°C (=89.0 – 104.0°F)

Forehead (Body):
±0.2°C (= ±0.4°F) 36.0 – 39.0°C (=96.8 – 102.2°F)
±0.3°C outside the above range
Ambient (Room):
±1.0°C (= 1.4°F)

Forehead (Body) ± 0.3°C

16.0°C – 40.0°C (=60.8 – 104.0ºF) 20% – 80%RH

–20.0 – 55.0°C (= – 4.0 – 131.0°F) 20% – 95%RH

0.1°C (=0.1°F)

2cm – 5cm from forehead

109.5g

154 x 47 x 37mm

Manufacturing Date:

• Manufacturing date is indicated by the LOT number located on the

inside of the Battery Cover (see Fig.7). To interpret the LOT number
as an actual date, look at just the first two letters whereby the first
letter is the year and the second letter is the date, whereby:

Letter

G = 2013

H = 2014

I = 2015 etc.

Letter

A = January B = February

C = March etc.

• So, in the example shown in Fig.7 where “GH” is stated, the

manufacturing date is August 2013.

Fig. 7

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Error Messages:

Reason:

Temperature reading hampered by hair,

perspiration or environmental conditions such as
exposure to cold or air flux.

The measuring distance is too far.

Solution:

Ensure there is no obstruction prior to taking

temperature and there is no air flux (such as breeze
of wind).

Sitting next to a cold air conditioning unit or

hot radiator will directly interfere with Forehead
temperature.

Adhere to the measuring distance (2

–

5cm).

Reason

Ambient (Room) temperature is not within the

operating range (16.0 – 40.0°C or 60.8 – 104.0°F).

The sensor or thermometer is damaged.

Solution:

Allow the thermometer to adjust to the room
environment by remaining in a room for 30 minutes
at the correct operating range temperature before
taking a temperature.

If not caused by out of range room temperature
then stop using and please contact us (see ‘Further
information’).

Compliance:

• This infrared thermometer device complies with the requirements of

the Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC.

Calibration:

• This infrared thermometer device is initially calibrated at the time

of manufacture.

• If the thermometer is used and cared for according to the instructions

in this user manual, periodic re-adjustment is not required.

• If at any time you question the accuracy, contact Brother Max.

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Your Family Members’ Normal Temperature Range

Whilst normal temperature ranges by age are shown on page 5 of

this manual, every member of the family will have a slightly different

‘normal’ temperature range.

So it’s a good idea to build up a picture of those normal ranges for each

member of the family using your regular thermometer, no

matter what type or brand of thermometer you use.

This will help you and your medical practitioner when a family member is

unwell as you will have a far more reliable benchmark to compare against.

To do this, take temperature readings for each member of your family:

• At three different times of the day, such as 8am, 1pm and 6pm, but

always with at least five hour intervals;

• Over five different days;

• Always from the same body part;

• Always using the same thermometer;

• Always in the same room in your home.

Notes: Do not self-diagnose.
The use of any thermometer is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a
physician. If the temperature of a child under 6 months old reaches 40.0°C / 104.0°F
or more, consult a doctor immediately. Note that this danger level drops the older
the patient becomes.

C /

Our family members’ normal

temperature range: Forehead

Family Member's Name:

C /

Date: 08:00 13:00 18:00

C /

Our family members’ normal

temperature range: Forehead

Family Member's Name:

C /

Date: 08:00 13:00 18:00

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Other Products in our Range

We have over 50 products in our range, including:

Visit

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for further information

Further Information

If you have any questions about, or problems with, your thermometer,
please get in touch with us (see below for contact details).

For more information on this and all products in our range, including
movies demonstrating the features, benefits and maintenance of this
product, visit

www.brothermax.com

We’d really like to hear from you. We want to know what you like and
how our products could make your life even easier or happier. We want
to know if you have a parenting challenge that you need a
solution for, or a product that you find frustrating. Don’t be shy, drop us
a line at

family@brothermax.com

Please retain our address and packaging for future reference

Brother Max, Simple Clever Ideas® and Inspired by Family® are registered trade

patents granted and pending.

Product Code:

BM70933

Version 1.0

To see more and to

of all our products visit

www.brothermax.com or drop us a line at family@brothermax.com

31mm

14.3mm

0473

Non-contact Infrared Forehead Thermometer

Model: BM 70933

Power: DC 3V, 2 x AAA batteries

Manufacturer: Brother Max Ltd

IP22