Reccommendations on Non Contact Thermometers

JB_6

Anyone have any input regarding infrared thermometers? Is it a useful tool, or a toy?
Any brands/models you're happy with? I appreciate any input you are willing to share. jim

Uni R_2

Raytek

Umnmm I guess they now are all Flukes! ;-)

Fluke 60 series

ralman

I am using a fluke 62 mini.

at my house right now. I have owned it for 2 years. I am just a homeowner. I have done some work on my hot water heating system. The infrared is very convenient for monitoring system temperatures. I am trying to dial in the flow balance on a split loop and system bypass. Sears craftsman has their brand on sale right now. 48$ if you are a member of the craftsman club.

ed rockwelll

uei cheap and works well

adambuild

RAYTEK

RAYTEK MT4 with laser! Small, accurate, and nice design, <$90.>

D107

Can the fluke 'see' temps of pipes hidden under sheetrock?

I would like to verify piping layout above basement ceiling. I figure when heat has been well established that should be readable by the fluke--I could stand within 5 ft and by pointing the meter could see temp fluctuations in a pattern that would indicate direction of pipe. Not as good as infrared camera but a fairly clear 'map'. Possible?

Thanks,

David

PS Could also be used like a camera to pinpoint cold spots re: infiltration.

ralman

Very Good Question.

But I don't have the answer. All of my pipes are exposed, so I don't have anything under sheet rock to measure. I have measured the temperature of my ceilings and walls in summer and winter to see what effects outside temps are having. Walls are 65-70 degrees right now depending on which one I measure with outside temp of 43. Inside temp is 74. I need insulation in my walls. The fluke reading is affected by the distance you hold the meter from the item you are measuring.

hvacfreak

resolution

At one time , Raytek had the tightest resolution for the money. Just remember that the area measured increases with distance ( at 3 ft you are measuring say 3 inch diameter roughly ). I am forever having to go out to the truck to get my Fluke 52 w surface probe and solve temperature arguments.

I love my Raynger for setting up pneumatic tstats on vav boxes , but is of no use for critical surface temps like ac work. -freak

D107

just spoke to fluke tech

he said he couldn't guarantee it would work clearly enough through sheetrock for my purposes--but that it was possible. He suggested renting a thermal imaging device from companies like ElectroRent, Telogy or Test Equity.

Sounds like the Fluke 62 would be good to have around though, and the price is right.

Thanks,

David