Need inexpensive IR thermometer

Harold

I have a basement slab with imbedded radiant tubing. The instller will not give me any information as to where the tubes are located. I need to drill some holes for various things and need to know where.

I am thiking that an inexpensive IR meter (not an image device, simple thermometer) could be used to see where tubes are if I start the boiler from a cold floor condition and keep measuring as the floor warms up.

Does anyone have recommendations for a good low cost IR unit?

Brad White_9

Raytek

has a full range of products with various features. Mine cost about $230 four years ago or more. Must be less now or that price will buy you much more. They have come down in price; they cost $600 or so when I first saw them in 1995 or so.

CHARLES_4

INFRARED THERM

How's about an infrared thermometer w/laser? $66.00 +/- S+H. Cool toy...

Gordy

Radio shack

50 bucks.

Gordy

David Sutton_6

Hello Harold.

Try this first...You said it was a slab? turn the heat down and let cool for as long as possible...then take a mop and wet the floor down and crank you the heat and watch where it dries first, if the tubing is not to deep you should see clearly were the pipes are...David

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hvacfreak

I second the Raytek

Whatever you buy , just keep in mind the " resolution ". Once I got this through my thick skull , I have found even the cheapest ones to be accurate. I like Raytek for resolution per dollar.

Brad White_9

Second Thought....

You say your contractor cannot or will not give you information about where the tubing is? Tell him he can be replaced with a device costing less than a couple of hours of his time

hr

Depends on how accurate

you need to be. I've not had much luck with wet floors or infrared guns. It will get you in the neighborhood, but not close enough to start drilling.

If you need to know exactly consider hiring some one with an infrared camera. In the end it may be less expensive than a chop and repair if you miss with the other methods.

Fire departments, utility companies, have them or contact the manufactures for a demo.

I pay 100 bucks an hour to rent one and it pinpoints exactly.

hot rod

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