Infrared Thermometer

Professional grade infrared thermometers starting at under $50.00. (-25F to 999F - D/S 12:1)

Click Here to see our online store with our outstanding line of thermometers.  Questions and Phone Orders 888-766-5801

Perfect for HVAC, Home inspectors and Electricians

Our $$$ HOLIDAY SPECIAL $$$ is already underway!  Our New, dual function  ST 631 Thermometer now only $47.25!  Click on the links above for additional information...

Professional Grade Infrared Thermometer - Portable, Laser Infrared Thermometers. 

 Also, see our new Infrared Thermal Camera!  Call toll free 888-766-5801 for pricing and availability!

Table of Contents

1. How do I use my infrared thermometer?
2. How do infrared thermometers work?
3. What is the distance to spot ratio?
4. What are some common household applications for infrared thermometers?
5. What are some common industrial applications for infrared thermometers?
6. What should I consider when shopping for an infrared thermometer?

How do I use my infrared thermometer?

While there are many different shapes and styles of handheld infrared thermometers, and many features available, the basic function is very similar in very nearly every variation. The first step in taking a measurement, is determining the desired target.  All portable infrared laser thermometers regardless of design will have a means of "aiming" the instrument at the target.  Some versions simply are shaped in such a way that pointing at the target is the targeting method.  Others have a guide such as a laser spot, or group of laser spots that indicate the area being targeted.  The temperature measurement is taken when the "trigger" is activated.  This is usually a button located either underneath the pyrometer (gun style), or on top (television remote control style). The accuracy of the measurement depends on several factors.  See What is the distance to spot ratio?  to understand the elements governing accuracy.

Back to Top
Shop Infrared Thermometers

How do infrared thermometers work? 

All matter- liquid, solid, or gas--constantly exchanges thermal energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation with its surroundings.  If there is a temperature difference between the object in question and its surroundings, there will be a net energy transfer in the form of heat.  This means that a colder object will be warmed at the expense of its surroundings, and a warmer object cooled.  If the object in question is at the same temperature as its surrounding, the net radiation energy exchange will be zero.  In either case, the characteristic spectrum of the radiation depends on the object and its surroundings' absolute temperatures which is a relative to absolute zero (0 K, –273.16°C, –459.69°F).  Infrared thermometers take advantage of this "radiation dependence" on temperature to produce a value for the targeted object and displays the results for the operator to read.

 Back to Top

What is the distance to spot ratio?

D/S Ratio- Distance to Spot ratio refers to a very important feature of your infrared thermometer.  This ratio is the size of the area being evaluated by the infrared thermometer as it relates to distance.  In other words, the area being measured becomes larger as the distance increases.  This has a profound impact on the accuracy or precision of the reading.  If the target you are measuring is 6 inches in size, and your infrared thermometer has a D/S ratio of 8:1, than the maximum distance you can reliably measure the temperature of the target is 48 inches.  Beyond this distance, not only is the target being measured, but whatever else falls within the "spot" is being measured as well.  This means that if a very hot object is the target, and it is in cooler surroundings, than measurements taken beyond the maximum distance will include cooler elements, and lowering the "average" of what is in the "spot".

D/S Ratio X Target Size,   or   8:1 X 6 = maximum measure distance of 48 inches.

As the target size decreases, or the distance to the target increases, a larger D/S Ratio becomes necessary.  Using the same example above, and changing first the target size, and then the D/S ratio, you can see that this formula helps you decide the correct D/S ratio and therefore the Infrared Thermometer for your needs.

D/S Ratio X Target Size,   or   8:1 X 2 = maximum measure distance of 16 inches.

D/S Ratio X Target Size,   or 12:1 X 2 = maximum measure distance of 24 inches.

D/S Ratios vary greatly, so carefully compare this feature of IR Thermometers when comparison shopping.  This ratio, and temperature range are the two biggest factors to consider when shopping for an Infrared Thermometer!

Back to Top

What are some common household applications for infrared thermometers?

While infrared thermometers are primarily used in industry, there as several useful applications for around the home!

Heating and cooling efficiency- This is a popular use for those who live in extreme climate areas.  Very cold winters, or very hot summers mean that escaping heating or cooling drives up the electric bill!.  During the extreme weather time of the year, the user can locate escaping heat, or cold around windows and doors and dramatically improve the heating, or cooling efficiency of their home!  Even a reasonably small area around a window or two that you can seal, may well return your investment in your thermometer in a single season by reducing heating or cooling costs!

Electrical Troubleshooting- A troublesome circuit breaker "popping" frequently, can be an indication of loose connections within the electrical box.  The qualified do-it-yourselfer can easily locate a loose connection by "scanning" through the electrical box.  Overall, the contents of the box should be within a temperature "range", but any loose connections will be drawing additional amperage and causing extra heating as a result.  Of course, as always when dealing with electricity, only qualified persons should make corrections, and only after taking the necessary precautions.

Back to Top

What are some common industrial applications for infrared thermometers?

There are literally hundreds of applications in industry for infrared thermometers.  Some uses would not occur to the average person.  Here is a list of some common applications, and a few unusual ones as well!

HVAC- Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technicians are one of the most frequent users of portable infrared thermometers.  It is vital in their job, to take accurate measurements, usually from a distance to gauge the efficiency of the unit by measuring the degree of cooling (or heating) of the air.

Home Inspections- Home inspectors have many uses as listed in the categories above.  They also might use their infrared thermometer to measure hot water temperature, look for insulation leaks etc.  This is becoming on of the most popular applications for pyrometers.

Health Inspectors- Perhaps not an example that would occur to everyone, health inspectors closely monitor many temperature related things in and around food handling and preparation.  Heating bins and surfaces hot enough?  Refrigerators and freezers cold enough to protect food from spoiling?  Restaurant owners, does your health inspector use an infrared thermometer?  If so, getting the same tool he uses is wise to avoid surprises!

Process Controls- This is a very broad category, but the following list details some industries that utilize handheld infrared thermometers for monitoring and maintaining temperature sensitive aspects of their business.  Some examples are:

Measuring the surface temperature of curing concrete to determine if cracking is a danger.

Measuring asphalt prior to pour to ensure smooth application.

Measuring ink temperatures prior to mix for accurate color matching in printing presses.

Monitoring the temperature of lamination materials for proper adhesion

Verifying part temperature following an oven baking operation to ensure proper drying, ductility, curing of paints and coatings etc.

Any application where taking temperature is either impossible through direct contact because of barriers or distance.

Taking temperatures in a hazardous environment where the user can maintain a safe distance by using non contact infrared thermometer technology.

Back to Top

What should I consider when shopping for an infrared thermometer?

There are many factors to consider when shopping for an infrared thermometer.  There are many features and variables available, and of course, a very, very wide range of prices.  The following list of factors is structured so that the factors at the top of the list will likely have the greatest impact on cost.  You will notice that some of these factors are related in the way that they affect the value of the instrument.  So ask your self the following questions before shopping, and use the list below to help guide you in selecting the best infrared thermometer for your needs.  You can than start comparison shopping with an arsenal of information that will enable you to get the best value!  The one factor not listed below is Warranty from the provider.  While shopping, use this to determine what distributor has the greatest confidence in the product they are selling!

Question: What is the minimum and maximum temperature I might expect to be measuring?

Question: What is the maximum distance I may be measuring from?

Question: What is the smallest target object I may need to measure?

Question: How accurate do my results need to be?

Question: Do I need features like, Overtemp. alarm, Logging multiple readings etc.

Question: Do I need a targeting guide like a laser spot for accuracy?

Temperature Range- One of the most important feature that affects the cost of an infrared thermometer is the temperature range of the instrument.  A couple of important things to note, is that most thermometers fall into several groups that have a natural separation of costs.  Medical Use, Smaller Range, Medium Range, Lower Minimum Medium Range, Wide Range, Very Wide Range.

Obviously an infrared thermometer intended for medical purposes only needs a limited range.  There is a much greater need for accuracy however.  These are often very inexpensive and intended only for this purpose.  A more expensive unit could take measurements in the appropriate range, but the accuracy would likely not qualify, eliminating it as useful for this purpose.  Of course, plus or minus 2 degrees F is the difference between normal, and a fever!

Smaller Range infrared thermometers vary somewhat, but generally have a total range of  450 F or so.  A typical range for an instrument in this category might be -4F to 425 F.  Somewhat lower and higher variations will be noted, but this is an average for this category.  Usually inexpensive, and useful for many applications, this group is your choice if this range meets your needs.

Medium Range infrared thermometers typically are more consistent in their grouping regarding min. and max. temperature.  The average temperature range for this group is -25F to 999F.  This is the group that has the most versatility without adding a great deal of cost in most cases.

Lower Minimum Medium Range infrared thermometers are also sometimes called "Food Service IR Thermometers".  This is the case because the lower end of the range reaches down below -40F. (Usually -50F or more)  This is important to the food service industry to ensure the safety and freshness of frozen foodstuffs.  This is the group most likely used by health inspectors.

Wide Range IR thermometers represent the first big jump in cost.  For this reason, the health inspector for example, will likely select the prior category.  Number one because of cost, and number two, because he would likely not need the extreme upper range that this unit offers.  Although the lower end is the same as the previous group, and the accuracy is the same, the extra cost may not be attractive to that consumer, unless the thermometer will be used in other environments requiring the expanded upper range.  Typical ranges for this group go below -50F to 1000+ F.

Very Wide Range infrared thermometers are obviously the most costly group of IR thermometers, if we ignore other features than range alone.  Typical temperature ranges for this group can be nearly -60F to 1800+ F!  Found mostly in high end industrial applications, these units are rarely found in everyday uses as mentioned above.  They are reserved for special applications and as such are priced accordingly!

Conclusion: The better value will be the instrument with the greatest range for the same cost, all other factors being equal.

Distance from the target / target size-  These go hand in hand as we look at the Distance to Spot Ratio.  This feature is as important as temperature range when accurate readings are needed.  See what is the distance to spot ratio.  This determines many things among which are, the smallest target you can measure and from what distance.  Distance to Spot Ratios (D/S) will vary dramatically, and have an equally dramatic impact on cost.  D/S can be as low as 4:1 and as high as 50:1 or more!

Conclusion: The better value will be the instrument with the highest D/S ratio for the same cost, all other factors being equal.

Instrument Accuracy- Accuracy seems to be, on the surface a simple factor.  However, if cost is a concern as it generally is, than selecting an infrared thermometer that meets your needs as opposed to exceeding your needs, may mean a reduced cost for a suitable instrument.  I always suggest erring on the side of caution, and making sure the accuracy is adequate and then some.

Conclusion: The better value will be the instrument with the greatest accuracy for the same cost, all other factors being equal.

Features- The importance of various features is completely dictated by the intended end use.  If simple measurements are all that is required, than data logging, averaging, and high temperature alarms etc. are not necessary.  In many cases however, these features may be available for a minor added cost when selecting an upgraded unit, or even the same cost from another brand name!  This is where the diligent shopper can ensure that the best infrared thermometer for his or her needs is acquired by visiting several outlets and comparison shopping.

Conclusion: If extra features are needed, the instrument with the best features for the same cost, all other factors being equal will be the greatest value, and most useful.

Laser spots / Targeting Guides- The need for targeting aids such as laser spots or sighting scopes is primarily dictated by the need for accuracy.  It is important to note, that recent versions of infrared thermometers available now, almost always have the laser option.  The one negative to this feature is that it is a drain on the battery.  Many versions have a laser on/off feature, which can be disabled to either achieve extended overall battery life, or preserve remaining life when the battery has been in service for a while and is becoming drained.

Back to Top

Remember, if you are looking to purchase an infrared thermometer, Martrow Technical Products offers a complete line of portable infrared thermometers at very reasonable prices and provides excellent customer service and support.

Gregory S. Rowe
Copyright © 1999  Martrow Technical Products. All rights reserved.