Use and Care Manual

IR Theory
IR thermometers measure the surface temperature of an object. The
meter’s optics sense emitted, reflected, & transmitted energy that is
collected and focused onto the meter’s detector. The meter’s circuitry
translates this information into an LCD reading.
IR Field of View
Ensure that the desired target is larger than the spot size as shown in the
diagram below. As the distance from an object increases, the spot size of
the area measured by the meter becomes larger. The meter’s field of view
ratio is 8:1, meaning that if the meter is 8 inches from the target, the
diameter (spot) of the object under test must be at least 1 inch. Other
distances are shown below in the field of view diagram.
Emissivity
Most organic materials and painted or oxidized surfaces have an
emissivity of 0.95. Inaccurate readings will result when measuring shiny
or polished surfaces. To compensate, cover the surface under test with
masking tape or flat black paint. Allow time for the tape to reach the
same temperature as the material underneath then measure the
temperature of the tape or the painted surface.