Infrared thermometers are practical tools that make for a smart investment. They are designed to perform numerous tasks in the professional workspace as well as around the home. Easy to use and user-friendly, these devices take temperature measurements quickly and accurately with just a point and click.
For a thorough understanding of this handy and essential home tool, check out this how-to guide that explains the ins and outs of this versatile device.
- How does an infrared thermometer work
- How to use an infrared thermometer properly
- How to clean and care for an infrared thermometer
- How to use an infrared thermometer for different applications
How does an infrared thermometer work
An infrared thermometer gun can measure the temperature of an object from a distance without any contact. Although it is often referred to as a laser thermometer, the visible laser of an IR thermometer is made to target objects. As such, the laser is not part of the actual temperature-measuring process.
Instead, an infrared thermometer measures the infrared radiation of a test subject. It is equipped with a lens that it uses to focus the infrared light coming from this test subject onto a detector called a thermopile. The thermopile converts the incoming infrared radiation into electricity. In turn, the created electricity is used to measure the heat intensity of the test subject.
The infrared radiation measured by these devices is coming from the surface of the object. As such, it is important to remember that an infrared thermometer can only measure the temperature of surfaces. It can not measure the internal temperature of food, for example (which would require a meat thermometer with a probe). Likewise, it is not suitable for taking the temperatures of human beings.
How to use an infrared thermometer properly
Infrared thermometers feature a simple operation that allows anyone to use them. And yet, there are a few things to remember when using this device.
- Measure solid surfaces: Use an intermediary object like a cast iron frying pan when measuring objects equipped with grills or have holes (e.g. outdoor barbecues and HVACs)
- Be aware of your measuring distance: The range of an infrared thermometer is limited by its distance-to-spot ratio. For example, a device with a 12:1 distance-to-spot ratio can measure a 1-inch area from a distance of 12 inches. However, at a distance of 12 feet, this area will grow to 1 foot. As such, this will reduce the precision of the test area.
- Adjust emissivity for better results: Different objects have different surface textures that emit different levels of thermal radiation. A good thermal thermometer will allow users to adjust this ‘emissivity‘ setting in a range of 0.1-1.0.
- Use a non-reflective surface: Problematic test subjects with high reflectivity can be measured by placing a piece of non-reflective tape on their surfaces. After allowing it to acclimatize by waiting half an hour, use the infrared thermometer to measure the piece of tape.
- Everything in equilibrium: An important thing to keep in mind is that the temperature gun needs to be at the same relative temperature as the object it is testing. If changing environments with different temperatures, give time for the IR thermometer to adjust to its present surroundings before use.
- Affected by air particles: Even though the infrared temperature monitor is a non-contact device, tiny microscopic air particles may get in the way between it and the test subject. Take precautions when measuring in an environment with heavy dust, fog, air pollution, or similar phenomenon.
How to clean and care for an infrared thermometer
By taking proper care of your IR measuring device, you can prolong its usefulness to get the most value out of this product.
- Clean regularly: Use a soft cloth with water or medical alcohol to gently wipe the lens and body of the device. Never use soap or any other chemicals, and never submerge any part of your infrared thermometer in water.
- Handle carefully: Drops and other powerful shocks can easily damage the sensitive mechanisms of an infrared thermometer.
- Store in a safe place: Put the temperature gun in a dry environment with temperatures between 40°F and 149°F (4-65°C).
How to use an infrared thermometer for different applications
Due to its simple “point-and-click” operation and non-contact requirements, an infrared thermometer can be used for a wide variety of applications.
- Look for weak spots in the insulation of your home’s walls and ceilings
- Automotive repair
- Discover heat zones in your electronic devices
- Safely measuring hot, dangerous items such as pizza ovens, BBQ grills, boiling soup, and more
- Stay dry while measuring the temperatures for swimming pools, baby baths, bathtubs
- Optimize your home’s HVAC system
- Finding faulty terminations in high-power electrical circuits
- Locating overloaded circuit breakers
Final thoughts
With this fundamental understanding, you should be able to put your infrared thermometer to good use.
Consider getting one of the many infrared thermometers available from ThermoPro. This lineup of reliable and accurate devices features the TP410. Compact and lightweight, this pocket-sized infrared thermometer can be taken anywhere for temperature readings on the go. Buy yours here!
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