OT: Non-contact thermometers

[Doug-P]

I'm considering an infrared thermometer to check contactors and heater blocks and such to head off problems like burnt wiring and downtime.

I've seen a Fluke for ~$800 with 80:1 sensing and some ~$90-~$150 models with 6:1 or 8:1 sensing.

Is $800 too much to spend for what I want? Is there any great advantage to the 80:1 capability?

Thanks

 

[gbradley]

...
Is $800 too much to spend for what I want? ...
Thanks

I think $800.00 is too much.
If you are just checking for hot leads it seems like the $89.95 Fluke would be sufficient.

 

[leitmotif]

I think $800.00 is too much.
If you are just checking for hot leads it seems like the $89.95 Fluke would be sufficient.

We have the 89.95 Fluke in our shop. Partner hates it because he feels it is inaccurate. In part he is correct - for our applications - he wants 2 or 3 degree resolution - he will not get it due to emissivity.

For switchgear and contactor work where you are looking for hot spots ie 50F or more greater than ambient or adjacent equipment I think the Fluke is perfect.

Dan Bentler

 

[HJTRBO]

hmm, I also have the low cost fluke. I work in a blown film extrusion plant. I rarely use it because if I shoot it onto a shiny surface I get say 80 deg, when I shoot it in a very nearby spot onto a cap head bolt (dark matt colour) i'll get 180 deg. Something about efficacy so I read somewhere onetime.

 

[Tom@Pton]

I don't think $800 is to much to spend. Then take a class on how to use it. Fluke has a short video but expect a phone call the next day.

 

[Doug-P]

Thanks for the replies. Your responses are much appreciated.

 

[Roy Matson]

I was at "The Source" previously known as "Radio Shack" a few weeks back, they had a small point and read thermometer the size of a car remote entry fob for $11, I thought it was too good to be true but when I tried it pointing at a pot boiling on the stove it turned out to be quite accurate.
I use it on my motorbike to measure cylinder temperature etc. it's really good when troubleshooting a multi cylinder machine.
The $89 Fluke should be a handy tool.

 

[Doug-P]

I went with a

http://www.newark.com/extech-instru...lar Products&MER=PPSO_N_C_EverywhereElse_None

Not excessive bells and whistles and fast response makes it easier to pick up a spike while scanning a row of contactors.

 

[pokajy]

I'm using fluke 568 but I don't know price.

 

[tracer]

<we have a fluke at the shop, in the instructions it says, to determine temp from shiny objects like stainless pipe, you need to paint a small square with flat black paint.
Actually if you want a good / true indication of loose wires, contactors overheating etc, I would suggest you hire a contractor with a thermal camera. It will probably cost 800$ or more for the survey but is well worth it.