What To Know
- Infrared thermometers measure the temperature of the surface they are pointed at, so the distance from the object can affect the accuracy of the reading.
- The angle at which the thermometer is pointed at the object can also affect the accuracy of the reading.
- A low battery can cause the thermometer to give a lower reading than the actual temperature of the object being measured.
Infrared thermometers are widely used for measuring body temperature, but can they be wrong? The answer is yes, infrared thermometers can be wrong, and there are several factors that can affect their accuracy.
Factors Affecting Accuracy
1. Distance from the Object
Infrared thermometers measure the temperature of the surface they are pointed at, so the distance from the object can affect the accuracy of the reading. The closer the thermometer is to the object, the more accurate the reading will be.
2. Angle of the Thermometer
The angle at which the thermometer is pointed at the object can also affect the accuracy of the reading. The thermometer should be held perpendicular to the surface of the object to get the most accurate reading.
3. Ambient Temperature
The ambient temperature can also affect the accuracy of an infrared thermometer. The thermometer should be calibrated to the ambient temperature to get the most accurate reading.
4. Emissivity
Emissivity is a measure of how well an object emits infrared radiation. Different objects have different emissivities, and this can affect the accuracy of an infrared thermometer. The thermometer should be calibrated to the emissivity of the object being measured to get the most accurate reading.
5. Reflection
Infrared thermometers can be affected by reflection from other objects in the environment. This can cause the thermometer to give a higher reading than the actual temperature of the object being measured.
6. Movement
If the object being measured is moving, this can affect the accuracy of the reading. The thermometer should be held still and pointed at the object for several seconds to get the most accurate reading.
7. Battery Level
The battery level of the infrared thermometer can also affect the accuracy of the reading. A low battery can cause the thermometer to give a lower reading than the actual temperature of the object being measured.
How to Improve Accuracy
There are several things you can do to improve the accuracy of an infrared thermometer:
- Hold the thermometer close to the object being measured.
- Hold the thermometer perpendicular to the surface of the object being measured.
- Calibrate the thermometer to the ambient temperature.
- Calibrate the thermometer to the emissivity of the object being measured.
- Avoid measuring objects that are reflecting heat from other objects.
- Hold the thermometer still and pointed at the object for several seconds.
- Make sure the battery level of the thermometer is high.
When to Use an Infrared Thermometer
Infrared thermometers are best used for measuring the temperature of objects that are difficult to measure with a traditional thermometer. For example, infrared thermometers can be used to measure the temperature of food, liquids, and moving objects.
When Not to Use an Infrared Thermometer
Infrared thermometers should not be used to measure the temperature of humans. Infrared thermometers can also be inaccurate when measuring the temperature of objects that are very hot or very cold.
What to Do If You Get an Inaccurate Reading
If you get an inaccurate reading from an infrared thermometer, there are several things you can do:
- Check the distance from the object.
- Check the angle of the thermometer.
- Check the ambient temperature.
- Check the emissivity of the object.
- Check for reflection from other objects.
- Check for movement.
- Check the battery level.
If you have checked all of these factors and you are still getting an inaccurate reading, you may need to calibrate the thermometer.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Can infrared thermometers be used to measure body temperature?
No, infrared thermometers should not be used to measure body temperature. Infrared thermometers can be inaccurate when measuring the temperature of humans.
What is the best way to measure body temperature?
The best way to measure body temperature is with a traditional thermometer. Traditional thermometers are more accurate than infrared thermometers when measuring body temperature.
How often should I calibrate my infrared thermometer?
You should calibrate your infrared thermometer regularly, especially if you are using it to measure the temperature of critical objects. The frequency of calibration will depend on the specific thermometer you are using.
What are the limitations of infrared thermometers?
Infrared thermometers have several limitations, including:
- They can be inaccurate when measuring the temperature of humans.
- They can be inaccurate when measuring the temperature of objects that are very hot or very cold.
- They can be affected by reflection from other objects.
- They can be affected by movement.
- They can be affected by the battery level.
What are the advantages of infrared thermometers?
Infrared thermometers have several advantages, including:
- They are non-contact, so they do not need to touch the object being measured.
- They are fast and easy to use.
- They can be used to measure the temperature of objects that are difficult to measure with a traditional thermometer.
