July 14, 2023
Thermometers are essential in a number of ways. They are used to not only measure temperature but also to convert them into readable formats like Fahrenheit, Kelvin, or Celsius. Temperature can determine things like what clothes we wear to the safety of the food we eat.
As it turns out, digital thermometers have a ton of uses. As we progress through this post, it will become apparent just how versatile a tool a digital thermometer is.
The best place to start when – other than grabbing a reliable digital thermometer from RS – is to go over the various types of digital thermometer. Whether for personal or business use, there is a good chance that you already use one in your day-to-day life.
Stem thermometers. These compact thermometers get their name because they have a probe or stem attachment to read temperature through contact. These are most commonly used in laboratories and kitchens.
Infrared thermometers. These are non-contact thermometers that use infrared targeting and measurement to gauge temperature. This kind of temperature is great for research and quality control, automotive, and HVAC uses.
Dual-laser thermometers. Also commonly used for HVAC, automotive, and research and quality control is the dual-laser thermometer. These are great for target area identifications and determining precise temperature measurements.
Thermocouple thermometers. An advanced temperature measurement device that has a pair of electrical conductors that form electrical junctions for different temperatures. The voltage is temperature-dependent which provides the measurement. These are most commonly found in offices and the automotive industry.
Digital thermometers are one of the most versatile tools around. As a matter of fact, they have some uses that most people may not have quite realised. Here are the most common applications when using a digital thermometer.
Business environments. Office environments are required to provide adequate ventilation and heating in order to ensure a safe, comfortable environment. Technicians and HVAC system fitters use both dual-laser and infrared thermometers because they are non-contact. They can then get temperature readings on ventilation shafts and other areas that are tougher to access.
Automotive/Airline. Also using infrared thermometers, both the automotive and airline industries use these thermometers to monitor ventilation and vehicle heating systems. Because of the extreme temperatures involved in these situations, being able to get a reading from a safe distance is critical.
Cooking/Restaurants. In both home and professional kitchens, thermometers are used regularly. Using a probe, food temperature can be measured to ensure safety. For more precise cooking, even something like oil temperature can be gauged to ensure that the oil is hot enough.
For years, the only thermometers available were using Mercury. There were inherent safety issues with using Mercury, which is a big reason for the implementation of digital thermometer. There are a few key advantages to using them:
Precise measurements. Depending on the application, being off by even a degree can alter the end result. By using digital thermometers, a precise measurement can be made. For laboratory research and the food service industry, precise measurements are a must and can’t move one way or another.
Improved Safety. For industries like automotive or airline, some systems can get into temperatures that are unsafe for people to be around. By using infrared thermometers, a measurement can be garnered from a safe distance without sacrificing accuracy.
Great for small spaces. Infrared and dual-laser thermometers are fantastic where space is limited. In HVAC and construction, these thermometers can allow for accurate measurement without having to contort to make contact with a surface.
