Why and Where Use IR Thermometers

Resource Description

Why and Where Use IR Thermometers

IR thermometers allow users to measure temperature faster, at the distance, without touching the item that is required to measure. This device is valuable, and simple to apply to find overheated equipment and electrical circuits. However, there may be some issues with generating reading measurements. Luckily, these sources are simple to prevent.

IR thermometers are most commonly applied in such applications:

  • Finding issues in high-power electrical circuits;
  • Placing overloaded circuit breakers;
  • Determining fuses near the current rated capacity;
  • Determining issues in electrical switchgear;
  • Checking and measuring bearing temperatures in motors and rotating equipment;
  • Finding “hot spots” in electronic devices;
  • Finding leaks in sealed vessels;
  • Identifying faulty insulation in process pipes or other processes;
  • Capturing process temperature readings.
  • Capturing process temperature readings

IR thermometers applications

How Does IR Thermometer Work?

Not all infrared thermometers operate the same, however, they share the same principle of work. Generally, infrared thermometers operate by measuring the temperature of the particular object relating to the thermal radiation that is emitted from the object.

Infrared light is focused on the object, applying the component known as a thermopile. Particularly, the device measures the difference between the infrared radiation waves the object emits and the waves in the environment directly surrounding it. Radiation reading is converted into heat by the thermopile, which is then converted to the electric signal.

The thermocouple process is when the electric signal is relayed to the temperature sensing mechanism and displayed as a temperature reading. Several IR thermometers display readings to the user within two seconds.

Note: The more infrared radiation is emitted, the more the amount of electricity. The more the amount of electricity, the higher the object’s temperature.

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How To Use Infrared Thermometer

Step 1: Make Sure You Get The Right IR Thermometer

How To Use Infrared Thermometer

Before applying the IR thermometer for measuring the needed object, it is required to have the right one in your hand. You should apply a high-quality IR thermometer for specific use. This is because IR thermometers cover various limited temperature ranges that allow for achieving high accuracy.

Step 2: Read The Instruction Of The IR Thermometer Carefully

How To Use Infrared Thermometer

Read the instructions carefully before applying the IR thermometer, to make sure you know all the specifications and options of the device. Understanding the specifications of the device allows you to apply it more efficiently for checking the temperature more precisely.

Step 3:Be Sure That The Device Is Clean And Dry

How To Use Infrared Thermometer

Before starting to measure the temperature, be sure that the device is clean and dry. Keeping the device free of dirt, dust, frost, and moisture provides accurate readings, since the results may be affected by moisture and dirt. You may lean the IR thermometer by allying cloth or cotton swab with water or medical alcohol to clean. Just wipe the lens and the main body of the device, and then you need for the IR thermometer to dry entirely before applying it.

Note: Never clean the device with soap or chemicals.

Step 4: Switch on the thermometer

How To Use Infrared Thermometer

Before you start measuring the temperature, look through the manuals and read the settings, readings, and other information. To switch on the thermometer you need to gently press the on/off button. When you switch on the IR thermometer you may be able to select other settings.

Various Ir thermometers are switched on by pressing the trigger on the handle. However, some are powered on by pressing the button.

Step 5: Adapt the temperature setting between Celsius and Fahrenheit

How To Use Infrared Thermometer

If it is required, you may adjust the needed scale between Celcius and Fahrenheit. Generally, plenty of IR thermometers allow switching the unit, and there may be a button *C/*F. That is why, when you find this button, press it to select the needed unit for your work. If there is no option to select the scale, press the “SET” button.

Step 6: Start measuring the temperature

How To Use Infrared Thermometer

Point the IR thermometer at the object you need to measure. Hold the device 6 inches away from the object. Hold the IR thermometer’s trigger until it starts measuring the temperature.

Step 7: Continue holding the device

How To Use Infrared Thermometer

Hold the IR thermometer until you get stable results. For better results, keep the device at the same distance you started measuring.

Step 8: Record the readings

How To Use Infrared Thermometer

Once the records appear on the IR thermometer display, the results should be steady.

How To Calibrate IR Thermometers?

Step 1:

How To Calibrate IR Thermometers?

Fill a large glass or another container with crushed ice.

Step 2:

How To Calibrate IR Thermometers?

Add cold water until it reaches about ½ inch (1cm) below the top of the ice.

Note: The crushed ice and cold water mixture should be 32.0*F (0.0 *C).

Step 3:

How To Calibrate IR Thermometers?

Set the IR thermometer to the emissivity setting of 0.95 or 0.97.

Step 4:

How To Calibrate IR Thermometers?

Hold the IR thermometer the way the lens is perpendicular to the surface of the ice bath.

Note: If you hold the IR thermometer far from the surface of the ice substance, the device may take the measurements of the glass, or table thus providing inaccurate readings.

Step 5:

How To Calibrate IR Thermometers?

Make sure that the surface is well inside the sides of the glass or container, and press the button on the IR thermometer to start measurements. If you provide the calibration correctly, the IR thermometer will show a reading of 32.0*F (0.0*C).

Pros Of Using The IR Thermometer?

Portable And Easy To Use

The IR thermometer is portable because of its lightweight. Its shape is like a gun, which makes it easy to hold. This device is extremely easy to use within a few seconds. Several IR Thermometers include a memory option that allows easy recording of plenty of temperature readings.

Fast And Accurate Temperature Measurements

The Infrared Thermometer can measure the area or object fast within a few seconds. The fast temperature results allow the IR thermometer to measure vast groups of individuals.

Furthermore, the IR thermometer may provide accurate temperature readings with the only error of +/- 2.0%. Various IR thermometers support adjusting emissivity settings that may be able to calibrate the device for accurate measurements of several types of items.

Non-contact and Non-contamination

As IR thermometers are non-contact, they allow performing temperature measurements from a distance. This option is very useful for measuring high-temperature areas and objects that can’t be touched or reached. Furthermore, the non-touch feature allows the IR thermometer to detect the temperature of an object without touching it at all. The lack of contact leads to less or even no chance of contamination, thus allowing for faster and innocuous use while measuring a group of objects.

Valuable Device In A Variety Of Applications

The IR thermometer is a valuable device in a wide variety of industries such as detecting automotive issues, diagnosing heat-related HVAC problems, checking food safety, observing manufacturing products for quality assurance, and measuring the human body temperature.

Measurement Of Moving Objects May Be Performed

The IR thermometers include lasers that allow taking measurements of moving objects which makes measurements fast and efficient.

Conclusion

So, The Ir thermometer is a type of valuable device for fast and precise temperature measurement. The device includes a built-in laser that allows measuring the area or the object’s temperature based on the thermal radiation emitted from that object. The IR thermometer is a useful temperature-measuring tool applied in a wide range of industries that require a non-contact option. Moreover, this tool is applied for the safety measuring of human temperature.

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