What is an Infrared (IR) Thermometer and how does it work?
A. Infrared thermometers collect energy transmitted, reflected or emitted from an object. The hotter the object, the more infrared energy it emits. This energy is then focused on a detector that converts the energy to an electrical signal, which is amplified and displayed. Infrared thermometers are well suited for moving or hard-to-reach objects or for hazardous materials. These types of thermometers have difficulty accurately measuring temperatures through glass, reflective surfaces or plastic films, depending on the material type and thickness.