The VEE GEE Scientific 47002 Water Activity Meter is a portable water activity analyzer designed for food and beverage QA/QC, product development, pharmaceutical applications, cosmetics, ingredient testing and laboratory research.
The included capacitive humidity sensor measures water activity from 0.001 to 1.000 aw with 0.001 aw resolution and ±0.01 aw published accuracy under stable measurement conditions.
Two measurement modes allow users to choose between a fixed 6-minute Quick Mode for rapid predictive testing and a Stability Mode that measures until the sample reaches defined stability criteria, typically taking approximately 5 to 30 minutes depending on the sample.
The 47002 also includes 99-record data logging, 1- to 3-point calibration, detachable sensor construction, USB computer connectivity and Windows 10/11 software, making it a strong option for laboratories that need more measurement flexibility and data capability than a basic entry-level water activity meter.
Water activity (aw) is the ratio of the vapour pressure of water in a sample to the vapour pressure of pure water at equilibrium.
In practical terms, water activity describes how much of the water in a product is available to support microorganisms and participate in chemical, enzymatic and physical changes.
This makes water activity an important measurement in food safety, shelf-life studies, formulation development, ingredient control and product stability.
Moisture content measures the total amount of water present in a product.
Water activity measures the availability of that water. Two products can contain similar amounts of moisture while having different water activity values and therefore different microbial, chemical and physical stability.
The VEE GEE 47002 provides two distinct measurement modes so the operator can balance speed and equilibration according to the application.
Quick Mode uses a 1-minute ageing period followed by a 5-minute measurement, giving a total measurement cycle of approximately 6 minutes.
VEE GEE describes Quick Mode as a predictive measurement intended for faster checks. The manufacturer recommends that users who are new to water activity measurement begin with Stability Mode before relying on Quick Mode.
In Stability Mode, the meter continues measuring until the water activity remains within a selected allowable aw range for a defined stabilization period.
VEE GEE specifies a typical Stability Mode measurement time of approximately 5 to 30 minutes depending on the sample.
Stability Mode is the better starting point when establishing a method, working with an unfamiliar sample or when the equilibration behaviour of the sample is important.
VEE GEE specifies that the calibration factors used for Quick Mode and Stability Mode are different. If your laboratory regularly uses both modes, each mode should be calibrated according to the manufacturer's procedure.
The included capacitive sensor has a published water activity accuracy of ±0.01 aw.
The technical manual specifies a measurement range of 0.001 to 1.000 aw with 0.001 aw resolution.
The meter can be configured to display either two or three decimal places. When two decimal places are selected, the third decimal is truncated rather than rounded.
The meter can display water activity to 0.001 aw, but its published accuracy is ±0.01 aw. The additional displayed digit can help identify trends and changes between samples, but it should not be interpreted as ±0.001 aw measurement accuracy.
Water activity is temperature dependent, so temperature stability is important when comparing samples or calibration standards.
VEE GEE specifically notes that ambient temperature fluctuations greater than ±0.2°C can affect water activity accuracy.
For best results:
The instrument displays the temperature inside the sample container during water activity measurements.
Unlike instruments where the sample chamber is permanently built into the meter, the VEE GEE 47002 uses a detachable sensor assembly with a threaded sample cup.
This allows additional samples to be prepared in separate cups while another measurement is underway, helping simplify repetitive QA/QC workflows.
Replacement cups are available separately, making it practical to keep several samples prepared for sequential measurements.
The standard VEE GEE 47002 includes a capacitive humidity sensor.
VEE GEE identifies this sensor for water activity testing of suitable:
Sample selection and preparation should always be appropriate to the product being tested.
Samples containing significant amounts of alcohol can affect a conventional capacitive humidity sensor.
VEE GEE therefore offers an optional electrical-resistance alcohol sensor specifically for water activity measurements in alcohol-containing samples.
The optional electrical-resistance sensor has a measurement range of approximately 0.200 to 1.000 aw and published water activity accuracy of ±0.02 aw.
If your product contains meaningful levels of alcohol, confirm the sample composition before testing. VEE GEE recommends the optional electrical-resistance sensor for alcohol-containing samples because alcohol can attack the standard capacitive sensor and affect readings.
The VEE GEE 47002 supports one-, two- or three-point water activity calibration using suitable calibration salts.
Multi-point calibration allows laboratories to establish calibration across the part of the aw range most relevant to the products they routinely test.
Calibration factors are stored directly with the sensor assembly and can also be saved to a computer.
This is particularly useful if a laboratory owns multiple sensor assemblies or uses different sensors for different sample types.
VEE GEE offers reusable water activity calibration salts specifically for use with the 47002 system.
VEE GEE recommends performing water activity calibration if measurement of a saturated salt standard under the same conditions as normal sample testing deviates by more than ±0.02 aw from its reference value.
The manufacturer's reusable salt standards should not be pierced through their waterproof breathable membrane and are recommended for replacement after approximately one year.
Contact Cambridge if you need help selecting appropriate calibration points for the normal aw range of your products.
The VEE GEE 47002 stores up to 99 sets of measurement data internally.
Each logged record can contain:
The logging interval can be adjusted from 1 to 3,600 seconds.
When more than 99 records are stored, the oldest records are overwritten, so measurements that need to be retained should be downloaded regularly.
The 47002 connects to a Windows computer using the included USB Micro-B to USB-A cable.
VEE GEE's VG-WAM software can be used to:
VEE GEE currently identifies the software for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
The operating manual specifies that the meter should not remain connected to the PC while taking a water activity measurement. USB is used for setup, calibration and data transfer rather than as a live measurement connection.
The VEE GEE 47002 is particularly well suited to food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and product-development laboratories that need good water activity accuracy while retaining the portability of a handheld instrument.
Potential applications include:
Water activity is an important intrinsic factor affecting whether microorganisms can grow in a food.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency notes that most pathogens will not grow below approximately 0.85 aw. Different microorganisms have different minimum water activity requirements, and ingredients such as salt and sugar as well as processes such as drying and cooking can change a product's aw.
A result below 0.85 aw should not automatically be interpreted as proof that a product is shelf stable or microbiologically safe. Product formulation, pH, processing, packaging, storage conditions, microorganisms of concern and applicable regulatory requirements must also be considered.
Water activity measurements can help R&D teams understand how formulation and processing changes affect product stability.
The VEE GEE 47002 can be used to compare:
Water activity should be considered alongside microbiological, chemical, physical, sensory and packaging information when establishing product shelf life.
VEE GEE identifies pharmaceutical applications as one of the intended uses of the 47002.
Water activity can be useful for suitable powders, ingredients, tablets and other pharmaceutical or natural-health-product materials where available water affects microbial or physical stability.
Regulated laboratories should confirm that the instrument, method, calibration documentation and data controls meet their specific quality-system requirements.
The VEE GEE 47002 can also be used for suitable cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
Potential samples may include:
Water activity can provide useful formulation information but does not replace required microbiological testing, preservation studies or applicable regulatory requirements.
VEE GEE recommends filling the sample container approximately 70–80% before attaching the sensor assembly.
For repeatable testing:
The manufacturer notes that very high-water-activity samples can influence subsequent measurements.
After measuring a high-aw sample, VEE GEE recommends allowing the sensor assembly to remain in an environment of approximately 50% relative humidity for at least 10 minutes before the next measurement when necessary.
Samples containing volatile substances can also affect sensor calibration if the sensor is exposed for extended periods, so samples should be removed promptly after testing.
| Manufacturer | VEE GEE Scientific |
| Item Number | 47002 |
| Standard Sensor | Capacitive humidity sensor |
| Water Activity Range | 0.001 to 1.000 aw |
| Water Activity Resolution | 0.001 aw |
| Water Activity Accuracy | ±0.01 aw |
| Measurement Modes | Stability and Quick Prediction |
| Quick Mode Time | 6 minutes total |
| Stability Mode Time | Approximately 5–30 minutes depending on sample |
| Calibration | 1 to 3 points |
| Temperature Measurement Range | 0 to 80°C |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Ambient RH Measurement Range | 10–95% RH |
| Ambient RH Resolution | 0.1% RH |
| Data Logging | 99 data sets |
| Logging Interval | 1–3,600 seconds |
| Computer Connection | USB Micro-B to USB-A |
| Software | VG-WAM software for Windows 10 / 11 |
| Power | 4 × AAA alkaline batteries, not included |
| Approximate Battery Life | Approximately 60 hours under specified standard conditions |
| Operating Conditions | 5–45°C, 15–90% RH, non-condensing |
| Storage Conditions | 0–50°C, 40–60% RH, non-condensing |
| Dimensions | 130 × 92 × 47 mm / 5.1 × 3.6 × 1.85 in. |
| Weight | 160 g / 0.35 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year |
VEE GEE specifies the 47002 for indoor use and advises against operation where the instrument may be splashed with water or exposed to high concentrations of dust. Portable does not mean waterproof.
Four AAA alkaline batteries are required for portable measurement and are not included.
Cambridge supplies replacement components for the VEE GEE 47002, including:
Shop VEE GEE 47002 Replacement Parts & Accessories
The VEE GEE 47002 sits between Cambridge's basic portable meters and higher-resolution production QA/QC instruments. Its strongest advantages are ±0.01 aw published accuracy, 0.001 aw resolution, dual measurement modes, multi-point calibration and the optional alcohol-resistant sensor.
| Feature | PCE-WAT 10 | VEE GEE 47002 | PCE-WAM 20 |
| Best Fit | Straightforward portable QA/QC | Flexible QA/QC, R&D and specialty samples | Higher-resolution production QA/QC and R&D |
| Published Accuracy | ±0.02 aw | ±0.01 aw | ±0.015 aw at 10–30°C |
| Resolution | 0.01 aw | 0.001 aw | 0.0001 aw |
| Measurement Modes | Routine | Quick + Stability | Normal + Fast + Continuous |
| Calibration | Basic | 1–3 points | 1–4 points |
| Stored Results | 99 | 99 | 5,030 |
| PC Connectivity | USB | USB + VG-WAM software | USB-C + PC software |
| Alcohol-Sample Sensor | No dedicated option listed | Optional electrical-resistance sensor | No dedicated option listed |
Choose the PCE-WAT 10 for straightforward portable QA/QC where ±0.02 aw accuracy and 0.01 aw resolution meet the application.
Choose the VEE GEE 47002 when ±0.01 aw published accuracy, 0.001 aw resolution, Stability and Quick modes, multi-point calibration or an alcohol-resistant sensor option are important.
Choose the PCE-WAM 20 when 0.0001 aw display resolution, greater onboard storage and a more advanced production QA/QC interface are priorities.
Compare All Water Activity Meters
VEE GEE specifies ±0.01 aw accuracy with the included capacitive sensor under appropriate stable measurement conditions.
The current 47002 operating manual specifies 0.001 aw resolution with the included capacitive sensor. The display can be configured to show two or three digits after the decimal point.
The included capacitive sensor measures from 0.001 to 1.000 aw.
Quick Mode takes approximately 6 minutes total. Stability Mode typically takes approximately 5 to 30 minutes depending on the sample and selected stability criteria.
Quick Mode uses a fixed short measurement cycle to provide a predictive result. Stability Mode continues until the aw value remains within a specified fluctuation range for the selected stabilization period.
The meter supports one-, two- or three-point water activity calibration using suitable salt standards.
Yes, but VEE GEE recommends using the optional electrical-resistance alcohol sensor for samples containing alcohol because alcohol can affect the standard capacitive sensor.
The optional electrical-resistance sensor has a specified range of approximately 0.200 to 1.000 aw and published accuracy of ±0.02 aw.
VEE GEE recommends filling the sample cup approximately 70–80% before attaching the sensor assembly.
The meter stores up to 99 measurement records. Once more than 99 records are saved, the oldest records are overwritten.
Logged data can include the date, time, ambient temperature, ambient humidity, sample temperature and water activity measurement.
Yes. The included USB Micro-B to USB-A cable and VG-WAM software allow measurements and settings to be transferred between the meter and a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer.
No. VEE GEE specifies the meter for indoor use and advises against using it where it could be splashed with water or exposed to high concentrations of dust.
Yes. Water activity can provide important information during food shelf-life and formulation studies. Results should be considered together with product formulation, pH, microbiology, processing, packaging and storage conditions.
No. Moisture content measures total water, while water activity describes how available the water is for microbial, chemical and physical processes.
No. Most foodborne pathogens do not grow below approximately 0.85 aw, but product safety and shelf stability depend on multiple factors including pH, formulation, process, packaging, storage conditions and the microorganisms of concern.
Yes. Cambridge supplies replacement capacitive sensors, sensor filters, alcohol sensors, alcohol-sensor filters and sample containers for the VEE GEE 47002.
Cambridge Environmental Products supplies the VEE GEE Scientific 47002 Water Activity Meter in Canada along with replacement sensors, sample cups, sensor filters, calibration products and other water activity testing equipment.
Cambridge Environmental Products supplies water activity meters and related QA/QC equipment across Canada for food and beverage, product development, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agriculture and research applications.
If you are unsure whether the VEE GEE 47002 is the right water activity meter for your application, send us your sample type, expected aw range, number of tests per day, required accuracy, whether the sample contains alcohol and your data-recording requirements.
The VEE GEE 47002 is a strong middle-ground option for laboratories that want ±0.01 aw published accuracy, 0.001 aw resolution, multi-point calibration, data logging and flexible measurement modes in a compact portable instrument.
Send Cambridge your sample and workflow requirements and we can help compare the VEE GEE 47002 with the PCE-WAT 10, PCE-WAM 20 and other available water activity systems.
