Used across various industries, IR testers, also known as infrared thermometers, are designed to test temperature in professional contexts accurately.
IR testers feature advanced technology to ensure consistent and accurate temperature test results and radiation testing. To ensure optimal accuracy when using an IR tester, it’s important to calibrate the device before use correctly.
How do you calibrate an IR tester so that you can get started recording temperatures at work? Here’s everything you need to know.
Prepare to calibrate
First, you need to prepare to calibrate your IR tester. You’ll need to understand how your infrared thermometer works and what parts it comprises. This will help you identify the elements that need to be tested.
Before calibrating your IR tester, read through your provided instruction manual, and improve your understanding of how your tester works. Ensure that you plan to use your tester in suitable scenarios and that you clearly understand the readings your tester provides.
By planning for these things ahead of time, you can ensure an effective and useful calibration of your IR tester. You’ll know what to expect, and you’ll be able to use your device as productively as possible.
Gather your equipment
Next, it’s time to gather your equipment ahead of your calibration. To perform IR tester calibration, you’ll need transfer standards as measured by an accurate tool, ideally a highly calibrated existing IR tester or something similar.
You will also need a thermal radiation source for testing, a partition, a mounting device, a distance-measuring device, and an ambient temperature thermometer. These items will help you determine how effectively your IR tester can measure temperature and radiation.
Remember, calibration should provide clear accuracy results and demonstrate how well your IR tester works. For this to work, you need to know what exact results you’re expecting, and you need to be able to eliminate false results if and when they occur.
Begin calibration
When you’re ready, you can begin the calibration process for your IR tester. Calibration points should be tested based on the temperature range you’re using to calibrate your thermometer. If you’re working with a wide temperature range, you’ll need at least three calibration points, while a narrow range may only need one or two.
You’ll need to set your IR tester reflected temperature and align the unit to a set level distance. This will allow a complete examination of the temperature source, which should be positioned directly in front of your device. To target the surface area, the tester should be no more than 5 degrees from normal.
You can start taking readings when your IR tester is set and aligned. It’s best to take multiple readings so that you can compare results. It’s also a good idea to base measurements on 10 times the thermometer response time, holding the device in place for longer than it needs to achieve a reading.
Understand your results
Finally, you’re ready to report your findings. Is it a good idea to do this in a report format so that you can keep track of the results from your calibration test?
When recording calibration results, including the test location and methodology, as well as the date, the measuring distance, and the diameter details of the radiation source. You’ll also need to record ambient temperature and humidity, emissivity settings and temperature results, including any uncertainties that arise.
