Infrared thermometers are convenient, reliable tools for measuring surface temperatures quickly, safely, and from a distance. 

What’s great is that they’re also especially useful in identifying overheated equipment or electrical circuits before they cause major issues.
Read on to learn more about using infrared thermometers and how to modify Celsius to Fahrenheit settings

How Does An Infrared Thermometer Work?

Contactless infrared thermometer work by focusing the infrared energy emitted by an object onto a detector, known as a thermopile. This converts it into heat and electricity, which can then be measured for temperature readings.

Most digital thermometers, including under-the-tongue and infrared models, offer the option to display temperature readings in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. This is particularly helpful when checking fever or working with industrial applications where temperatures may vary significantly between different equipment or parts.

Types of Thermometers and Their Pros and Cons

Thermometers play a crucial role in measuring temperature across various applications, ranging from medical settings to industrial processes. 

Different types of thermometers have been developed, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. 

Here, we will explore some common types of thermometers and discuss their pros and cons.

Mercury Thermometers

Mercury thermometers utilize the expansion and contraction of mercury in response to temperature changes. 

The mercury column rises or falls within a calibrated tube, providing a numerical temperature reading.

Pros:

• Accurate and reliable
• Wide temperature range
• Well-established technology

Cons:

• Fragile and can break easily
• Mercury is toxic, posing environmental and health risks
• Slower response time compared to electronic thermometers

Digital Thermometers

Digital thermometers use electronic sensors to measure temperature and display the results on a digital screen. 

They can be designed for various applications, including oral, ear, or infrared measurements.

Pros:

• Compact and portable
• Quick and accurate readings
• Easy-to-read digital displays
• Safe, as they do not contain hazardous materials like mercury

Cons:

• Battery-dependent, requiring periodic replacement
• Electronic components can be sensitive to extreme conditions
• The initial cost might be higher compared to traditional thermometers

Infrared Thermometers

Infrared thermometers measure temperature by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by an object. They are non-contact devices ideal for surface temperature measurements.

Pros:

• Fast response time
• Non-contact, ideal for measuring surface temperatures
• Suitable for a wide range of applications, including medical and industrial

Cons:

• Limited to surface temperatures
• May require recalibration for certain materials
• Accuracy can be affected by the emissivity of the material being measured

Thermocouples

Thermocouples consist of two different metal wires joined at one end. 

The temperature difference between the junction and the free ends generates a voltage, allowing temperature measurement.

Pros:

• Quick response time
• Wide temperature range
• Can measure high temperatures accurately
• Durable and suitable for harsh environments

Cons:

• Requires a reference junction for accurate readings
• More complex setup and calibration compared to simple thermometers
• May have lower accuracy compared to other types in specific temperature ranges

Bimetallic Thermometers

Bimetallic thermometers employ two different metals with distinct coefficients of thermal expansion. 

As temperature changes, the metals bend, causing a pointer to move along a calibrated scale.

Pros:

• Robust and durable
• Affordable and easy to manufacture
• Suitable for a wide temperature range

Cons:

• Mechanical components may wear out over time
• Slower response time compared to some other types
• Limited accuracy, especially in extreme temperatures

3 Easy Steps to Change Infrared Thermometer Settingsrs Settings

Digital thermometers, either under-the-tongue or infrared, typically offer the versatility to read in multiple units of measure. Many are capable of switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit with a simple push of a button.

If your backlight infrared thermometer or no backlight infrared thermometer displays temperatures in Celsius instead of Fahrenheit, there are a few easy steps you can take to switch the mode on most digital thermometers.

Step 1: Make Sure the Unit Is Switched Off

To change the mode on most without Voice Announcements infrared thermometers, turn off the device and press and hold its power button for 5 to 7 seconds. Afterward, the display screen should come back with “/SET, /SET,” so you can change it back to your preferred temperature setting.

Step 2: Locate the Temperature Setting Button

Most infrared thermometers have a button or two above their display that toggles the temperature unit on and off. These usually read “MODE” or “degC/degF.” Give it a short press, and the display changes from Fahrenheit to Celsius (with an informative label showing what’s happening). Repeat this process if you want to switch back to Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Press and hold the button

Press and hold the button once more to save your new settings on your infrared thermometer. This will guarantee the new unit in subsequent boots as well.

Once you’ve made the switch, ensure your infrared thermometer is unplugged from its charger and out of reach of children to avoid accidental overheating. You can reattach its cord when ready to use it again.

If you don’t want to bother with manual switching, some electronic thermometers offer the convenience of clicking and holding a settings button. These buttons can be found on devices by the Caretek brand.

Some infrared thermometers feature an arrow key or ‘+’ and ‘-‘ buttons to select units. You can browse the menu to see if your thermometer has other settings that allow you to customize readings or calculate them yourself if your device doesn’t. If any problems arise, be sure to reach out to your thermometer manufacturer for assistance or consult its user manual for additional directions.

FAQs

How do you change a digital thermometer from Celsius to Fahrenheit?

To change a digital thermometer from Celsius to Fahrenheit, you typically need to refer to the user manual for specific instructions. 

However, a common method is to press and hold the power button or a designated button until the display shows the desired temperature scale (either Celsius or Fahrenheit). 

This process may vary among different thermometer models, so checking the manual is crucial for accurate guidance.

How do you use an infrared thermometer?

To use an infrared thermometer, power it on, select the appropriate mode (if applicable), aim the sensor at the target surface, press the trigger to measure, read the displayed temperature, record the reading if needed, and power off the thermometer. 

Consult the user manual for model-specific instructions and distance guidelines.

Key Takeaway

The choice of thermometer depends on the specific requirements of the application, taking into consideration factors such as accuracy, response time, cost, and safety. 

While digital thermometers are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience and precision, traditional options like mercury and bimetallic thermometers still find application in certain contexts. 

Infrared thermometers, on the other hand, excel in non-contact surface temperature measurements. 

It is essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully to select the most suitable thermometer for a given situation, ensuring accurate and reliable temperature measurements.

Conclusion

IR thermometers by Caretek come in a range of sizes and types, either handheld portable or fixed-mount devices. They’re usually employed to monitor processes or for quality assurance, maintenance, and diagnostics purposes. If you wish to learn how to use an infrared thermometer? Click here!