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IR thermometers

Search of Forum show several discussions, some five years ago and some talking how they use them.  I have two, one for house and one for Motorhome.  I found some odd readings with one, started comparing the two and versus Mercury thermometer.  For some uses, ten degrees deviation is not important, but on AC performmance it is.  And it I guess just a personal thing, I do not like two similar devices of different brands reading ten degree different.

So, any updates on best buys for the money you spend for one that is pretty accurate?  Reviews I found rated the kintrex IRT0421 highly plus couple others.  One on Amazon for about $12 some reviewers saying very poor performance.

Mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: IR thermometers

Reply #1 –
Mine's a ThermoWorks.  I have a model that accepts a thermocouple probe so it's a multitasker (I use it in the kitchen).

ThermoWorks Infrared Meters
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: IR thermometers

Reply #2 –
Thanks Dave, I found that a Raytek was said about the same as a Fluke, at least a reviewer said seem identical?  The Raytek about $65 on Amazon whereas the kintex is $45.  Still, if you prefer the Fluke, seems good way to go.  I will see what others say on Forum.  I bought two cheaper from Harbor Freight, woulda saved if bought one Fluke versus the money for the two from HF, maybe.

thanks again

mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: IR thermometers

Reply #3 –
Oh great Michelle, what an idea.  That may be best option, we have been checking AC performance, looking at temp drop across inlet/outlets.  That thermocouple would perhaps give me the accuracy I really need, then I can use the IR for tire checks, etc.

thanks, again for your idea of this

mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: IR thermometers

Reply #4 –
Mike, responded to your post but I guess it didn't make it.  I have used several IR thermometers as a home inspector and found them useful.  However, each one that I owned measured surface temperature and not air temperature.  So if accurate AC temps are required, a calibrated digital thermometer is the proper tool in my opinion. 
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

Re: IR thermometers

Reply #5 –
I have a Fluke, which I think is pretty accurate. I also have some HF quality IR thermometers in my tool box. I use them just as much because most the time for me the accual temp is not that important, the difference between two things that should be about the same is. Like checking for a dead of missing cylinder in an engine, which brake is getting hot, etc. The cheepies work for that. Mark
Mark Freeman 1995 grand villa, Brimson Mn
8.3 Cummins  G95 4709 40 WTBS U280 WE21

Re: IR thermometers

Reply #6 –
Quote from: mark f –
I have a Fluke, which I think is pretty accurate. I also have some HF quality IR thermometers in my tool box. I use them just as much because most the time for me the accual temp is not that important, the difference between two things that should be about the same is. Like checking for a dead of missing cylinder in an engine, which brake is getting hot, etc. The cheepies work for that. Mark

same HF unit for the same temp difference reasons
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: IR thermometers

Reply #7 –

I'd go with Fluke or Thermoworks ... I do also have a cheap one that bangs around in my toolbox that I use to look for deltas.

Just to note non contact thermometers are going to have some accuracy issues.  Some of that is just the physics involved emissivity and distance to target and some of that is the quality of the device.

Here is a basic one from Thermoworks thats on sale, not $12 but not to bad. Amazon.com: Industrial Infrared Thermometer: Instant Read Thermometers:...
Accuracy:

Quote
55 to 95°F (15 to 35°C): ±2.7°F (±1.5°C);
32 to 1022°F (0 to 550°C): 4°F (2°C) or ±2% of reading, whichever is greater;
 -76 to 32°F (-60 to 0°C): ±4°F+0.09°F (2°C+0.05°C)

Or a fluke 62 Max Amazon.com: Fluke 62 MAX Infrared Thermometer, AA Battery, -20 to +932...
Accuracy:
Quote
±1.5°C (±2.5°F) or ±1.5% of reading, whichever is greater
-10°C to 0°C: ±2.0 (±3.5°F)
-30°C to -10°C: ±3.0 (±5.5°F)

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: IR thermometers

Reply #8 –
Bill & Donna, thanks for your post.  I did not see one earlier so think second try got you on this thread unless it was a PM

Steve, I think I have learned from you and the other recent posts that I was expecting too much in accuracy.  I have read....and just today....which you remind us all in your post about the emissivity, which I heretofore totally overlooked....and the distance aspect.

SO....I gotta rethink.  I have two of these units already though and using the same way, same object, get 10 degrees F different.  Led me to begin to look into this....Just not confident in that difference.  I will get the thermocouple as Michelle wrote, then the Fluke model, or the Raytek that reviews say is the same.

Really appreciate all of you contributing to another learning experience for me.

Thanks,  Mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: IR thermometers

Reply #9 –
I used the same Fluke I use in HVAC work.

TOM
SOB (Some Other Brand) division
1995 Wanderlodge WB40
8V92 :D

Re: IR thermometers

Reply #10 –
One important thing about IR thermometers is the distance from the object.  I know the Fluke 62 is a 1:10 ratio.  That means at 10" it is measuring a 1" circle. So closer is better.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas
 

Re: IR thermometers

Reply #11 –
I got this one, which has dual laser that merges together when target is correct: Noncontact Thermometer – Raytek

Raytek ST25

Also, if you really want cool, get an infared camera for your iphone, android, or go nuts and get something like Flir e4.
1998 U270 34'