There are many different types of thermometers on the market. Whether you’re checking the temperature of food and beverages, monitoring ambient or outdoor temperatures in the workplace, choosing a thermometer for a child’s medicine cabinet, or taking critical industrial measurements, it’s vitally important to choose the thermometers that work best for you. suit your needs. the job in question.
In today’s market, more thermometers are used without first being verified for traceable accuracy or fitness for purpose, but the accuracy and fitness of your thermometer for its intended application could make the difference between passing or failing a health and safety audit. , wasting a total industrial process, or getting it right the first time.
When choosing a thermometer, it is important to understand its associated application, temperature measurement range, resolution, accuracy, and the maintenance required to achieve repeatable measurements. Some applications will require you to achieve a much more accurate reading than others. You will also need to consider the environment in which the thermometer is used. In a professional setting, the accuracy of your reading will ultimately affect the credibility of your future measurements and the organization as a whole.
So let’s briefly consider the types of thermometers on the market and their proven applications.
Traditional Thermometers (Spirit Filled)
Often the cheapest and most popular type of thermometer, these are ideal for use at home or in non-specialist settings where traceable accuracy is not required. They have a bubble level indication, are easy to read, and typically measure in both degrees C and degrees F. They can often be wall-mounted or submerged in liquids and require very little maintenance. These thermometers have variable measurement ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.
Dual Sensor/Multi Sensor Thermometers
Often used in a professional setting, these thermometers allow simultaneous monitoring of two or more environments for short and long periods of time. They are ideal for applications such as indoor/outdoor temperature comparisons, storage area monitoring, and classroom maintenance. A package typically consists of a main display unit and external temperature sensors. Each external sensor reading is displayed on the main unit. The main unit can typically be wall or desk mounted, and traceable accuracy is recommended. These thermometers have variable measurement ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.
Irreversible temperature labels
Temperature indicator labels are self-adhesive sheets for temperature tests. They are ideal for use in processes where it is necessary to reach specific temperature values, such as sterilization. They are also suitable for use where temperature values must not be exceeded, such as in motor or bearing control. They are a relatively inexpensive, yet effective way to achieve accurate permanent records. Each foil segment of a label is sensitive to a different temperature and, when exposed to classification, turns black. Each segment has temperature values in both °C and °F. Each tag is oil and water resistant, and the color change is irreversible even after the measured object cools down. After use, the labels can be removed. These thermometers have variable measurement ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.
Fixed and wired probe thermometers
Fixed Probe Thermometers are designed to provide instant temperature readings of foods, liquids, and semi-solid samples through their fixed probe, which will be suitable for both immersion and penetration. They are ideal for use in the foodservice industry for hygiene testing, retail stores and laboratories. Being very easy to use and highly portable, probes vary in size, material and maneuverability. Wired probe thermometers are similar to fixed probe thermometers, except that the probe is attached to the thermometer by a wire. This maximizes utility without compromising accuracy. Traceable accuracy is recommended if used in a professional environment. These thermometers have variable measurement ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.
Type K Thermometers
Type K thermometers withstand extreme temperatures and are typically found in laboratories and industries. They suit applications requiring high accuracy and can provide a range of interchangeable plug-in probes for air, liquid, penetration and surface temperature measurements. They are usually the best thermometer choice if you have multiple applications in a professional setting. They offer wide temperature measurement ranges, high accuracy, and fast measurement response times. Non-slip function buttons and impact-resistant housing make these thermometers ideal for use in harsh work environments. Probes will vary in size, material, and maneuverability, and traceable accuracy is recommended if used in a professional setting. These thermometers have variable measurement ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.
Data Logging Thermometers
Datalogging thermometers allow continuous temperature measurements to be displayed in real time, or downloaded and stored on PCs or laptops. They are designed to record temperature history in critical areas such as storage rooms, transportation, and laboratories, and are ideal if you want to send regular records to management, auditors, or co-workers. Recorded measurements can be attached to emails or reports, and are great for troubleshooting or traceability in controlled environments. A user can select the logging rate, start time, alarm limits and logging mode. The supplied analysis software provides a graphical display of data, showing total readings, a zoom function for individual readings, and a visual indication of alarm levels throughout the recording period. Traceable accuracy is recommended if used in a professional setting, and again, these thermometers have varying measurement ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.
infrared thermometers
Infrared thermometers are designed for non-contact measurement of very high/low surface temperatures and are often equipped with a laser to measure radiated heat. They are suitable for temperature measurements of air conditioning systems, automotive and transportation spot checks, and food preparation surfaces. It is not as simple to operate these thermometers as some vendors would have you believe. It is not a point; pull the trigger, read the measurement. Important factors to consider before measuring are the size of the laser spot and the emissivity value of the surface being measured. The error in the accuracy of a measured value can be as high as 30% of the reading based on emissivity alone. Traceable accuracy is recommended if used in a professional environment. These thermometers have variable measurement ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.
thermal imaging cameras
Thermal imaging cameras allow immediate identification of hot and cold areas through thermal imaging. They are ideal for detecting hidden problems, inspecting buildings for moisture and leaks, identifying energy losses and poor insulation, electrical faults, and detecting plumbing problems. Some cameras make it easy to download images to PCs or laptops. The logged data can then be attached to emails or reports, and is great for troubleshooting or traceability in controlled environments. Some models include a correction for emissivity and reflected temperature. Again, there will be varying measurement ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.
If you can choose the thermometer that best suits your intended application, AND provide a traceable calibration of the instrument to an auditor, you can always be sure of the credibility of your measurement. If you are unsure of the suitability of a thermometer, always seek help from a professional body.