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IR temp gun

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adamt
adamt Member Posts: 16
in Radiant Heating
Hello all, any recommendations on an IR temp gun? I heard they might not work well on shiny copper pipes due to reflection. Is there a better way to measure the water temp on a zone without a pre-installed gauge?


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  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,519
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    You can use an electronic thermometer with a probe (Fluke 51/52) or some electrical testers have a temperature setting.

    spray painting the copper black will work with an IR gun
  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 3,290
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    Hello, I like the FLIR One and paint or tape on new copper will help.
    Yours, Larry
    ratioJohnNY
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,280
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    Electrician's tape wrapped around the pipe works fine.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    steamedchicago
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,625
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    @Larry Weingarten's got it with the FLIR ONE and tape. I've got the ONE Pro and it's got a great picture. The image overlay works good too. (NB: I don't have a $50k model to compare it with.) Attached is a pic from mine, to give you an idea of what you can expect.
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,131
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    30 bucks buys a good temperature gun
    Flat black marker or friction tape, nothing shiny
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    rick in Alaska
  • Gordy
    Gordy Member Posts: 9,546
    edited December 2019
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    Keep in mind the aspect ratio when using.

    You need to be right up close to the target.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,671
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    Gordy said:

    Keep in mind the aspect ratio when using.

    You need to be right up close to the target.

    And the IR gun needs to be stabilized at the room temperature otherwise it'll drift as it changes.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • adamt
    adamt Member Posts: 16
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    Thank you for all of the comments and feedback.
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 5,833
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    I guess IR has its place but I'll always use a clamp on. I can capture with it too.

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