Non-contact temperature measurements using IR thermometers

Infrared (IR) thermometers allow non-contact measurement of surface temperatures by analyzing the invisible, infrared spectrum emitted from an object. IR measurement devices, like the Fluke 61and 65, make it safe to take surface temperature readings of items like rotating, hard-to-reach, electrically live, or dangerously hot targets. For preventative maintenance tasks, they cut measurement time to almost zero with the ability to take a surface temperature reading in less than one second.

IR thermometers can be used to conduct thousands of different types of measurements, including:

• Electrical: IR thermometers can be used to troubleshoot problems with electrical connections and verify uninterruptible power supplies by locating hot spots in the output filters or dc battery connections. They can also be used to check components in battery banks, power panel terminations, ballasts, switch gears, circuit breaker and fuse connections that could be draining energy due to the heat created by loose connections or corrosion buildup.

• Preventive maintenance: Using IR thermometers for preventive maintenance measurements of hard-to-reach equipment such as HVAC supply diffusers or dangerous equipment like motors, generators, and bearings helps identify potential problems.

• HVAC: It’s estimated up to 30 percent of air conditioning leaks are due to faulty ducting, which can be quickly and easily detected with an IR thermometer.

• Steam: IR thermometers are particularly useful in taking surface temperature measurements of uninsulated steam lines, steam valves, fittings, receiver tanks, and condensate return lines, which pose a large safety hazard due to the potential presence of live steam.