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The different types of thermometers and their use

There are many different types of thermometers on the market. Whether you’re checking food and beverage temperatures, monitoring room or outdoor temperatures at the workplace, choosing a thermometer for a child’s medical kit, or taking critically important industrial measurements, it’s vitally important. choose the thermometer that best suits your needs. the job in question.

In today’s market, more thermometers are being used without first verifying traceable accuracy or suitability of purpose, however, the accuracy and suitability of your thermometer for its intended application could be the difference between passing or failing a health audit. and safety, 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 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 reputable applications.

Traditional thermometers (filled with alcohol)

Often the cheapest and most popular type of thermometer, they are ideal for use in the home or in non-specialized 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 immersed in liquids and require very little maintenance. These thermometers have variable measuring ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.

Dual Sensor / Multi Sensor Thermometers

Often used in a professional environment, these thermometers allow the simultaneous monitoring of two or more environments for both short and long periods of time. They are ideal for applications such as indoor and outdoor temperature comparisons, storage area monitoring, and classroom maintenance. A package typically consists of a main display unit and external temperature sensors. Each reading from the external sensor is displayed on the main unit. Typically the main unit can be wall or desk mounted and traceable accuracy is recommended. These thermometers have variable measuring ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.

Irreversible temperature labels

Temperature indicator labels are self-adhesive, temperature-proof sheets. They are ideal for use in processes where specific temperature values ​​must be achieved, such as sterilization. They are also suitable for use where temperature values ​​should not be exceeded, such as motor or bearing control. They are a relatively inexpensive but effective way to achieve permanent precision records. Each foil segment on a label is sensitive to a different temperature and, when exposed to its rating, turns black. Each segment has temperature values ​​of ° C and ° F. Each label is waterproof and oil resistant, and the color change is irreversible even after the object being measured cools down. After use, the labels can be removed. These thermometers have variable measuring ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.

Fixed and wired probe thermometers

Fixed probe thermometers are designed to offer instant temperature readings of food, liquid and semi-solid samples through their fixed probe, which will be suitable for both immersion and penetration. They are ideal for use in the catering industry for hygiene testing, point of sale and laboratories. Being very easy to use and highly portable, the probes vary in size, material and maneuverability. Corded probe thermometers are similar to fixed probe thermometers, with the difference that the probe is connected to the thermometer through a cable. This maximizes utility without compromising accuracy. Trackable accuracy is recommended if used in a professional environment. These thermometers have variable measuring ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.

Type K thermometers

Type K thermometers are adapted to extreme temperatures and are commonly found in laboratories and industries. They are suited to applications requiring high precision and can provide a range of interchangeable connection probes for air, liquid, penetration and surface temperature measurements. They are usually the best thermometer option if you have multiple applications in a professional setting. They offer wide temperature measurement ranges, high precision, and fast measurement response times. Non-slip function buttons and impact resistant housing make these thermometers ideal for use in harsh work environments. Probes vary in size, material, and maneuverability, and traceable accuracy is recommended if used in a professional environment. These thermometers have variable measuring ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.

Data logging thermometers

Data logging 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 coworkers. Recorded measurements can be attached to emails or reports, and is ideal for troubleshooting or traceability in controlled environments. A user can select the logging speed, start time, alarm limits, and logging mode. The supplied analysis software provides a graphical data display showing total readings, a zoom function for individual readings, and a visual indication of alarm levels throughout the recording period. Trackable accuracy is recommended if used in a professional environment, and again these thermometers have varying measuring 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, transportation and automotive controls, and food preparation surfaces. These thermometers are not as easy to operate as some vendors would have you believe. Has no sense; squeeze 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 solely on emissivity. Trackable accuracy is recommended if used in a professional environment. These thermometers have variable measuring ranges, resolutions, and accuracy.

Thermographic 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. Recorded data can be attached to emails or reports and is excellent 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 precision.

If you can choose the thermometer that best suits your intended application, AND provide a traceable instrument calibration to an auditor, you can always be confident of the credibility of your measurement. If you are unsure of the suitability of a thermometer, always consult the help of a professional body.

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