Product Data Sheet

00813-0200-7062, Rev AB
February 2023

Rosemount™ 1208C Level and Flow

Transmitter
Non-Contacting Radar

■ Cost-effective FMCW radar with 80 GHz technology

■ Ideal for level measurement in small tanks and open air applications
■ Volume flow measurement in open channels
■ Maintenance free solution unaffected by process conditions such as density, viscosity, temperature, and pressure
■ 4-20 mA HART® Revision 7 protocol
Rosemount 1208C February 2023

Introduction
Good fit for open air applications
Rosemount 1208C delivers reliable level measurements regardless of challenging weather conditions such as
condensation, wind, sunlight, and changing temperature. The transmitter can also be used in open channel
applications to determine the volume flow.
Figure 1: Bracket Mounting

A. M12 connector for simple commissioning

B. PVDF housing
C. Standard bracket
D. Extendable bracket

Installation flexibility on tanks

The compact design of the transmitter allows it to be installed in tight spaces and small vessels, either by using a
threaded flange or a threaded fitting.

Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Ordering information.........................................................................................................................................................................5
Performance specifications...............................................................................................................................................................7
Functional specifications................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Physical specifications..................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Installation considerations..............................................................................................................................................................14
Product certifications....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Dimensional drawings..................................................................................................................................................................... 18

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Easy integration into control systems

Connect the Rosemount 1208C to your host system or visualize and control your process data by pairing with the
Rosemount 3490 Controller. The control unit provides comprehensive control functionality for any of your 4–20 mA or
HART compatible devices.

Related information
Rosemount 3490 Product Data Sheet

Non-contacting radar technology

Non-contacting radar technology is ideal for a wide range of applications as it is maintenance-free, has a top-down
installation that reduces the risk of leakages, and is unaffected by process conditions such as density, viscosity,
temperature, pressure, and pH.
The Rosemount 1208C uses Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology and smart algorithms to
maximize measurement accuracy and reliability, even in small tanks and challenging fast-filling vessels.

Application examples
Level and pump control
Pump stations need accurate measurement and control to ensure an optimal water flow to the next stage of the
potabiliztion process, while also avoiding overflows and pumps from dry-running. Flow and level measurement are
essential to ensure a sustainable extraction of water and a sufficient supply of water to the next phases of the
potabilization process.

Open channel flow

Open-air channels transport water from a water source to a water plant where it will be processed. Flow monitoring in
open channels is important to know the amount of water that is flowing to comply with regulations and avoid flooding.

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Differential level
In the screening process level measurement is necessary to monitor the level of water in the different parts of the
screen, which will determine when to start the cleaning of the sieve.

Tank volume
Storage tanks are used in water processes to store chemical substances, which are needed to treat the water. Level
measurement is necessary to monitor and control the inside of this tanks and avoid overfilling.

Access information when you need it with asset tags

Newly shipped devices include a unique QR code asset tag that enables you to access serialized information directly
from the device. With this capability, you can:
■ Access device drawings, diagrams, technical documentation, and troubleshooting information in your MyEmerson
account
■ Improve mean time to repair and maintain efficiency
■ Ensure confidence that you have located the correct device
■ Eliminate the time-consuming process of locating and transcribing nameplates to view asset information

4 Emerson.com/Rosemount
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Ordering information
Rosemount 1208C Level and Flow Transmitter
The Rosemount 1208C is a non-contacting radar transmitter for continuous measurement of level, and volume flow
in open channels.
 VIEW PRODUCT >

Models
Description Output Thread type Model number

Rosemount 1208C Level and Flow Transmitter 2-wire 4-20 mA/HART NPT 1½-in. 1208CN

G 1½-in. 1208CG

Accessories
Mounting brackets

Description Material Part number

Mounting bracket, standard, for pipe/ceiling/wall 316L 01208-5000-0001

Mounting bracket, extendable, for pipe/wall 316L 01208-5000-0002

Process connection adapters and flanges

Description Inner thread Material Part number

2-in. Class 150 flange for non-pressurized applications NPT 1½-in. PE100 01208-5000-0003

3-in. Class 150 flange for non-pressurized applications NPT 1½-in. PE100 01208-5000-0004

4-in. Class 150 flange for non-pressurized applications NPT 1½-in. PE100 01208-5000-0005

2-in. Class 150 flange, ASME B16.5 NPT 1½-in. 316/316L 01208-5000-0006

3-in. Class 150 flange, ASME B16.5 NPT 1½-in. 316/316L 01208-5000-0007

4-in. Class 150 flange, ASME B16.5 NPT 1½-in. 316/316L 01208-5000-0008

2-in. NPT adapter NPT 1½-in. 316/316L/1.4404 01208-5000-0009

DN50 PN10/PN16 flange for non-pressurized applications G 1½-in. PE100 01208-5000-0010

DN80 PN10/PN16 flange for non-pressurized applications G 1½-in. PE100 01208-5000-0011

DN100 PN10/PN16 flange for non-pressurized applications G 1½-in. PE100 01208-5000-0012

DN50 PN10/PN16 flange, EN1092-1 G 1½-in. 1.4404 01208-5000-0013

DN80 PN10/PN16 flange, EN1092-1 G 1½-in. 1.4404 01208-5000-0014

DN100 PN10/PN16 flange, EN1092-1 G 1½-in. 1.4404 01208-5000-0015

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Gasket for G threaded version

The transmitter is shipped with an EPDM gasket.

Description Approvals Material Part number

Gasket 1½-in., dia 60/47.8/2.0 N/A FKM GLT 01208-5000-0016

FDA, EC 1935/2004, NSF, WRAS EPDM 01208-5000-0017

Nut
The applicable nut is also shipped with each transmitter.

Description Material Part number

Nut G1½-in. PVDF 01208-5000-0018

Nut NPT1½-in. PVDF 01208-5000-0019

Cables and connectors

Description Length Part number

Cable assembly, 4P A-code, M12 female angled - M12 male straight, IP66/IP68 6.6 ft. (2 m) 01208-5000-0020

16.4 ft. (5 m) 01208-5000-0021

32.8 ft. (10 m) 01208-5000-0022

65.6 ft. (20 m) 01208-5000-0023

Cable assembly, 4P A-code, M12 female straight - M12 male straight, IP66/IP68 6.6 ft. (2 m) 01208-5000-0024

16.4 ft. (5 m) 01208-5000-0025

32.8 ft. (10 m) 01208-5000-0026

65.6 ft. (20 m) 01208-5000-0027

Cable assembly, 4P A-code, M12 female angled - Unterminated, IP66/IP68 6.6 ft. (2 m) 01208-5000-0028

16.4 ft. (5 m) 01208-5000-0029

32.8 ft. (10 m) 01208-5000-0030

65.6 ft. (20 m) 01208-5000-0031

164 ft. (50 m) 01208-5000-0032

Cable assembly, 4P A-code, M12 female straight - Unterminated, IP66/IP68 6.6 ft. (2 m) 01208-5000-0033

16.4 ft. (5 m) 01208-5000-0034

32.8 ft. (10 m) 01208-5000-0035

65.6 ft. (20 m) 01208-5000-0036

164 ft. (50 m) 01208-5000-0037

Connector(1), 4P A-code, M12 female straight - Field attachable, IP67 N/A 01208-5000-0038

(1) A connector is shipped with each transmitter.

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Performance specifications
General

Reference conditions
■ Measurement target: Stationary metal plate, no disturbing objects
■ Temperature: 59 to 77 °F (15 to 25 °C)
■ Ambient pressure: 14 to 15 psi (960 to1060 mbar)
■ Relative humidity: 25-75%
■ Damping: Default value, 2 s

Instrument accuracy (under reference conditions)

±0.08 in. (±2 mm)(1)

Repeatability
±0.04 in. (±1 mm)

Ambient temperature effect

±0.04 in. (±1 mm)/10 K

Sensor update rate

1 update per second

Maximum level rate

200 mm/s

Measuring range

Maximum measuring range

49 ft. (15 m)(2)

(1) Refers to inaccuracy according to IEC 60770-1 when excluding installation dependent offset. See the IEC 60770-1 standard for a definition of radar
specific performance parameters and if applicable corresponding test procedures.
(2) The measuring range is limited to 33 ft. (10 m) for oil-based media (dielectric constant < 10). Also note that a combination of adverse process
conditions, such as heavy turbulence, foam, and condensation, together with products with poor reflection may affect the measuring range.

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Accuracy over measuring range

Figure 2 illustrates the accuracy over measuring range at reference conditions.
Figure 2: Accuracy Over Measuring Range

±0.08 ±0.4
(±2) (±10)
A B

5.9 (150)

A. Device Reference Point

B. Accuracy in inches (millimeters)
C. Distance in inches (millimeters)

Environment

Vibration resistance
2 g at 10-1000 Hz according to IEC 61298-3, level “field with general application”

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

■ EMC Directive (2014/30/EU): EN 61326-1
■ NAMUR recommendations NE21

Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)

Complies with 2014/68/EU article 4.3

Radio approvals
■ Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) and Radio Equipment Regulations (S.I. 2017/1206):
— ETSI EN 302 372
— ETSI EN 302 729
— EN 62311
■ Part 15 of the FCC Rules
■ Industry Canada RSS 211

Related information
Product certifications

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Functional specifications
General

Field of application
Continuous measurement of level and open channel flow.

Minimum dielectric constant

2

Measurement principle
Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW)

Frequency range
77 to 81 GHz

Maximum output power

3 dBm (2 mW)

Internal power consumption

< 0.8 W in normal operation

Humidity
0 - 100% relative humidity, non-condensing

Turn-on time
< 60 s(3)

®
4-20 mA HART

Output
Two-wire, 4-20 mA. Digital process variable is superimposed on 4-20 mA signal, and available to any host that conforms
to the HART protocol. The digital HART® signal can be used in multidrop mode.

HART universal revision

7

(3) Time from when power is applied to the transmitter until performance is within specifications.

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Load limitations
For HART® communication, a minimum loop resistance of 250 Ω is required. Maximum loop resistance (R) is
determined by the voltage level of the external power supply (UE):
R = 44.4 × (UE − 14)
Figure 3: Load Limits
R (Ω)
930

800

600

444
400

250
200

0 UE (Vdc)
14 19.6
24 35

Analog signal on alarm

The transmitter automatically and continuously performs self-diagnostic routines. If a failure or a measurement error
is detected, the analog signal will be driven offscale to alert the user. High or low failure mode is user-configurable.
Table 1: Signal on Alarm

Standard High Low

Rosemount standard ≥ 21.75 mA ≤ 3.75 mA

NAMUR NE43 ≥ 21.5 mA ≤ 3.6 mA

Analog saturation levels

The transmitter will continue to set a current that corresponds to the measurement until reaching the associated
saturation limit (and then freeze).
Table 2: Saturation Levels

Standard High Low

Rosemount standard 20.8 mA 3.9 mA

NAMUR NE43 20.5 mA 3.8 mA

Configuration

Configuration tools
■ Field Device Integration (FDI) compliant systems
■ Device Descriptor (DD) compliant systems
■ Device Type Manager (DTM™ ) compliant systems (pending)

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Damping
User selectable (default is 2 s, minimum is 0 s)

Output units
■ Level and distance: ft., in., m, cm, mm
■ Level rate: ft/s, in./min, in./s, m/h, m/s
■ Volume: ft3, in.3, yd3, US gal, imperial gal, barrel (bbl), m3, l
■ Volume flow: US gal/h, m3/h
■ Temperature: °F, °C
■ Signal strength: mV

Output variables
Variable 4-20 mA Digital output

Level ✓ ✓

Distance (ullage) ✓ ✓

Volume ✓ ✓

Volume flow ✓ ✓

Electronics temperature N/A ✓

Level rate N/A ✓

Signal strength N/A ✓

Volume flow calculations

■ Linearization table
■ Parshall flume
■ Khafagi-Venturi flume

Process pressure
-15 to 43.5 psig (-1 to 3 bar)
Note
The PE100 flanges must be used only in non-pressurized applications.

Temperature limits

Process temperature
-40 to 176 °F (-40 to 80 °C)

Ambient temperature
-40 to 176 °F (-40 to 80 °C)

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Storage temperature
-40 °F to 194 °F (-40 °C to 90 °C)

Physical specifications
Material selection
Emerson provides a variety of Rosemount products with various product options and configurations, including
materials of construction that can be expected to perform well in a wide range of applications. The Rosemount product
information presented is intended as a guide for the purchaser to make an appropriate selection for the application.
It is the purchaser’s sole responsibility to make a careful analysis of all process parameters (such as all chemical
components, temperature, pressure, flow rate, abrasives, contaminants, etc.), when specifying product, materials,
options, and components for the particular application. Emerson is not in a position to evaluate or guarantee the
compatibility of the process fluid or other process parameters with the product, options, configuration, or materials of
construction selected.

Housing and enclosure

Process connection
NPT 1½-in. or ISO 228/1-G1½-in. thread with a choice of different brackets, adapters, and flanges

Materials
■ Transmitter housing: Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
■ M12 housing: Zinc die-cast nickel-plated
■ M12 contact body: Polyamide (PA)

Transmitter weight
0.8 lb (0.35 kg)

Ingress protection
Enclosures meet NEMA® Type 4X/6P, IP66, and IP68 (33 ft. [10 m] for 1000 hours(4)) when properly installed.

Impact protection
IK07 (4 J impact test)

(4) Verified with selection of cables from Weidmuller; for other cable selections IP68 conditions may vary.

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Mounting bracket

Materials
■ Bracket: Stainless steel 316L
■ Nut: PVDF

Flanges

Materials
■ Polyethylene PE100
■ Stainless steel 316/316L
■ Stainless steel 1.4404

Threaded adapters

Materials
Stainless steel 316/316L/1.4404

Material exposed to tank atmosphere

■ Antenna and housing: PVDF
■ Gasket: EPDM or FKM GLT
■ Flange: PE100, 316/316L, or 1.4404
■ Threaded adapter: 316/316L/1.4404

Electrical connection

Power supply
The transmitter operates on 14-35 Vdc at the transmitter terminals.

Connector type
M12 male (A-coded)

Cable selection
Use 24-18 AWG wire (0.20-0.75 mm2). Twisted pairs and shielded wiring are recommended for environments with high
EMI (electromagnetic interference).

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Wiring diagram
Figure 4: Connection
1 BN
L+
2 2 WH
NC
3 1 4 BK
NC
4
3 BU
L

Table 3: Pin Assignment

Pin Wire color(1) Signal

1 BN Brown L+ 24 V

2 WH White NC Not connected

3 BU Blue L- 0V

4 BK Black NC Not connected

(1) According to IEC 60947-5-2.

Installation considerations
Before installing the transmitter, follow recommendations for mounting position, sufficient free space, nozzle
requirements, etc.

Mounting position
When finding an appropriate location on the tank for the transmitter, the conditions of the tank must be carefully
considered.
Consider the following guidelines when mounting the transmitter:
■ For optimal performance, the transmitter should be installed in locations with a clear and unobstructed view of the
product surface.
■ The transmitter should be mounted with as few internal structures as possible within the signal beam.
■ Do not mount close to or above the inlet stream.
■ Do not mount the transmitter on a manway cover.
■ Do not position the transmitter directly over a side manway door.
■ Multiple Rosemount 1208C transmitters can be used in the same tank without interfering with each other.

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Figure 5: Recommended Mounting Position

Free space requirements

If the transmitter is mounted close to a wall or other tank obstruction such as heating coils and ladders, noise might
appear in the measurement signal. See Table 4 for recommended clearance.
Figure 6: Free Space Requirements

Table 4: Distance to Tank Wall (L)

Minimum Recommended

8 in. (200 mm) ½ of tank radius

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Inclination
The transmitter should be mounted vertically to ensure a good echo from the product surface. See Figure 7 for
recommended maximum inclination.
Figure 7: Inclination

Max. 3°

90°

Non-metallic tanks
Nearby objects outside the tank may cause disturbing radar echoes. Wherever possible, the transmitter should be
positioned so that objects close to the tank are kept outside the signal beam.

Beam angle and beam width

The transmitter should be mounted with as few internal structures as possible within the signal beam.
Figure 8: Beam Angle and Beam Width

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Beam angle (α)

8°

Beam width
See Table 5 for beam width at different distances.
Table 5: Beam Width

Distance (D) Beam width (W)

6.6 ft. (2 m) 0.9 ft. (0.3 m)

13.1 ft. (4 m) 1.8 ft. (0.6 m)

19.7 ft. (6 m) 2.8 ft. (0.8 m)

26.2 ft. (8 m) 3.7 ft. (1.1 m)

32.8 ft. (10 m) 4.6 ft. (1.4 m)

49.2 ft. (15 m) 6.9 ft. (2.1 m)

Nozzle requirements
To allow the microwaves to propagate undisturbed, the nozzle dimensions should be kept within the specified limits as
given in Table 6. The inside of the nozzle must be smooth (i.e. avoid bad welding, rust, or deposit).
Figure 9: Mounting in Nozzles

Table 6: Nozzle Requirements

Nozzle diameter (D) Maximum nozzle height (H)

1.5 in. (40 mm) 5.9 in. (150 mm)

2 in. (50 mm) 7.9 in. (200 mm)

3 in. (80 mm) 11.8 in. (300 mm)

4 in. (100 mm) 15.8 in. (400 mm)

6 in. (150 mm) 23.6 in. (600 mm)

Product certifications
See the Rosemount 1208C Product Certifications document for detailed information on the existing approvals and
certifications.

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Dimensional drawings
Related information
Type 1 Drawing

Transmitter
Figure 10: Rosemount 1208C
Ø 3.11 (79)

4.84 3.86
(123) (98)

A 0.79 (20)

0.13 (3)

A. NPT 1½-in. or ISO 228/1-G1½-in. thread

B. M12 male connector (A-coded)
C. Gasket for G threaded version
Dimensions are in inches (millimeters).

Threaded adapter
Figure 11: 2-in. NTP Threaded Adapter
Ø 2.56 (65)

1.46
(37)

Dimensions are in inches (millimeters).

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Mounting brackets
Figure 12: Standard Version
5.20 (132)

A
5.91 (150)

4.72 (120)

A. For 1- to 2-in. nominal pipe sizes; 2-in. pipe is the recommended size
Dimensions are in inches (millimeters).

Figure 13: Extendable Version

A. For 1- to 2-in. nominal pipe sizes; 2-in. pipe is the recommended size
B. Adjustable length: 17.5 to 28.9 in. (445 to 735 mm)

Bracket hole pattern

Figure 14: Hole Pattern for Wall Mounting
3.23 (82)

Ø 0.28 (7)

2.44 (62)

Dimensions are in inches (millimeters).

Emerson.com/Rosemount 19
 00813-0200-7062
Rev. AB
February 2023

For more information: Emerson.com

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mark of one of the Emerson family of companies. All
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