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IR Infrared Thermometers

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IR Infrared Thermometers

Infrared thermometers calculate temperature based on the amount of thermal radiation emitted by the measured object. They come in a variety of styles and sizes to meet a range of needs. IR Thermometers are used by HVACR technicians, electricians, plumbers, building inspectors, manufacturing technicians, food processing inspectors, and homeowners. Common styles are gun-style IR thermometers, food grade IR thermometers, and visual IR thermometers. Some models include temperature probe options for contact readings.

IR Thermometer Applications

Detecting hot spots in mechanical equipment, electrical circuit boxes, or outlets
Checking heater temperature for calibration and control purposes
Checking oven temperature for calibration and control purposes
Checking for hot spots in firefighting situations
Monitoring materials during heating and cooling processes
Research and development
Manufacturing quality control situations
Heat Loss Energy Audits
Measuring and logging food temperatures during cooking, serving, cooling, storage, transport, and reheating

Types of Infrared Thermometers

This video demonstrates the Extech 42511 Dual Laser Infrared Thermometer. It is just one of IR gun-style thermometers available. It features adjustable emissivity, audible alarm alerts, and more.

Food Grade IR Thermometers. Food Grade IR thermometers meet GMPs and HACCP requirements set by the FDA. They are used to ensure food safety, quality, and consistency by measuring and logging food temperatures during cooking, serving, cooling, storage, transport, and reheating.
Visual IR Thermometer. Visual IR Thermometers combine the convenience of a spot thermometer with the visual advantage of a thermal imager, creating a brand new tool category. They feature a troubleshooting camera with infrared heat map that instantly identifies the exact location of the problem.

This video demonstrates the Fluke VT02 Visual IR Thermometer. It works by taking a visual image and applying a thermal heat map.

Choosing an IR Thermometer

Field of View (FOV) / Distance-to-Spot ratio (D:S). The field of view is essential to obtaining an accurate temperature reading. The target being measured should completely fill the field of view of the instrument. A measurement error can occur if the background temperature is different from the object temperature. This is why distance to spot ratio is important when selecting an IR thermometer.
The distance-to-spot ratio (D:S) is the ratio of the distance to the object and the diameter of the temperature measurement area. The larger the ratio number is the better the instrument's resolution, and the smaller the spot size that can be measured. For instance, an IR thermometer with 50:1 ratio will accurately measure temperatures of smaller objects than an IR thermometer with a 10:1 ratio. If the D:S ratio is 10:1, measurement of an object 10 inches (25.4 cm) away will average the temperature over a 1 inch (25 mm) diameter area. A ratio of 50:1 will measure a 1 inch (25mm) diameter area that is 50 inches (127 cm) away. When selecting an IR thermometer consider the distance from the target to be measured and select a model with an appropriate distance-to-spot ratio.
Temperature Range. When selecting an IR thermometer, a wide temperature range is important. Since these thermometers are used in applications with very high and very low temperatures, the thermometer must be able to accurately measure these temperatures. This is especially important in food and beverage applications as well as applications that measure frozen materials.
Adjustable Emissivity. Emissivity is the ratio of energy radiated (invisible heat) by a material to the energy radiated by a black body at the same temperature. It is the only type of heat that can be used to measure the surface temperature of an object. Reflected and transmitted heat cannot be used.
However, IR thermometers recognize reflected, transmitted, and emitted heat, so the device must be adjusted to read only emitted heat in order to provide a surface temperature. A black body will have emissivity of 1 and objects will have a value between 0 and 1. Emissivity of common objects is generally available in the IR thermometer instruction manual or on the internet. Better IR thermometers have adjustable emissivity settings. Others have a pre-set emissivity of 0.95. For better results with these 0.95 fixed models use emissivity tape, available from TEquipment, on the surface to be measured. To learn more about emissivity tape, see the section "What is Non-Reflective Tape for IR Thermometers (Emissivity Tape)?" below.
Data Capture. When selecting an IR thermometer, look at the data logging features. Many store dozens of reads and feature connectivity options that allow for easy recording and analyzing. This makes the user’s job easier and more efficient.

Additional Features of IR Thermometers to Consider

- Fast response time
- Dual laser targeting system helps approximate the target spot size
- Large backlit LCD
- Automatic temperature "hold" when the trigger is released
- Display and backlight turn off after 15 seconds of inactivity
- Auto-power off after 60 seconds of inactivity °F and °C selectable
- Lightweight
- Thermocouple port
- Min/Max. modes
- High and Low temperature alarm
- Differential and Average Temperature functions
- Low battery indication
- Includes Certificate of Traceable Calibration
- ROHS, CE, and WEEE approved
- Meets GMPs and HACCP requirements set by the FDA.
- HACCP check lights for instant recognition of safe/unsafe temperatures
- Countdown timer to monitor cooking, cooling and HACCP exposure times
- Velcro pipe probe for superheat, sub-cooling or other contact and ambient measurements
- Easily trend and analyze data with included software
- See your data right away without leaving the site, using the USB and your laptop for "Hands-free" data logging
- Built-in fold-out probe for measuring internal food temperatures
- Quick hot and cold spot finders - available in visual, infrared and blended views
- Almost invisible penetration hole due to special food probe

What is Non-Reflective Tape for IR Thermometers (Emissivity tape)?

This tape can be used with IR thermometers that have fixed emissivity rates to increase accuracy when measuring shiny objects. Simply place the tape on the object being measured and allow time for it to reach the same temperature as the object. Use the taped spot as the measuring spot.

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