Best thermometer tool to test on pipes?

stupidhomeowner

Hey guys, trying to test my radiator send and return pipe temps.  Just wondering if you guys can send some links to some that you think are good.  

I tried using my electronic probe thermometer from the kitchen but it takes forever for the temp to climb.

EdTheHeaterMan

I have used this one for over 30 years. The thermocouple can be placed on a pipe and held in place with painters tape. A small piece of pipe insulation can't hurt either.


I don't think this Fluke 52 dual is available anymore, but they make newer ones
If you get the infrared thermometers, you will need to get some black friction tape to put on the pipe in order to get an accurate reading. Copper pipe reading will be inaccurate because of the ability to reflect the infrared signal

EdTheHeaterMan

stupidhomeowner said:

Hey guys, trying to test my radiator send and return pipe temps.  Just wondering if you guys can send some links to some that you think are good.  

I tried using my electronic probe thermometer from the kitchen but it takes forever for the temp to climb.

Kitchen thermometer is OK but you need to wrap insulation around the probe to be accurate. Now the real question... Why do you need to know this? There must be some problem you are trying to solve...

EDIT: Never mind...
I read your other post.

@mattmia2 has a good idea below:
https://www.amazon.com/Clip-pipe-thermometer-hot-water/dp/B00GYV0L5I

mattmia2

i use an electronic thermometer with a pip clamp probe that looks like a big clothes pin(there is also a plunger style that will accommodate a larger pipe size) but that is a bit pricey. you can buy little analog dial thermometers that clamp on with a little spring that you could buy half a dozen and leave them where you want to look at temps

hot_rod

One of my favorites
Battery or 24VAC from a transformer

Need to insulate over any probe or thermistor.

Don't get too hung up on delta T across an emitter, it is every-changing.

We plug in a ∆ to design around, reality is that it may never operate at that ∆.

Expect to see a wider ∆ on cold start. As the ambient around the emitter comes up the ∆ will close up. A 30 ∆ on start shows you are moving a lot of heat energy into the space, and this is possible even if you designed for 20∆. The space temperature has fallen below design for example.
When it closes to 5° not so much transfer is taking place.

Reality is one hand on supply, one on return can tell a lot.

Expect a ∆ of 0 when the heat shuts off or stops transferring

stupidhomeowner

EdTheHeaterMan said:

Hey guys, trying to test my radiator send and return pipe temps.  Just wondering if you guys can send some links to some that you think are good.  

I tried using my electronic probe thermometer from the kitchen but it takes forever for the temp to climb.

Kitchen thermometer is OK but you need to wrap insulation around the probe to be accurate. Now the real question... Why do you need to know this? There must be some problem you are trying to solve... EDIT: Never mind... I read your other post. @mattmia2 has a good idea below: https://www.amazon.com/Clip-pipe-thermometer-hot-water/dp/B00GYV0L5I

What kind of insulation are you using to do that?  And as far as friction tape goes, would black electrical tape work? I would put it in the pipe or my probe?