Infrared temperature gun vs. traditional thermometers: 7 critical differences you must know

Thermometers are essential tools for monitoring body temperature. Over the years, the technology behind these devices has evolved, leading to the development of different types of thermometers, including traditional ones like mercury and digital thermometers and more modern versions like infrared temperature gun models. This article aims to comprehensively compare infrared thermometers and traditional thermometers, focusing on their benefits and drawbacks to help you decide which is better for your specific needs.

How does an infrared temperature gun work?

An infrared temperature gun is a non-contact device that measures temperature by detecting infrared radiation emitted by individuals or objects. This technology contributes to quick, accurate, and safe temperature measurements. Unlike traditional mercury or digital thermometers, an infrared temperature gun provides instant readings, making it ideal for quick assessments.

Its non-contact nature of touchless thermometer models reduces the risk of cross-contamination, making it particularly valuable in healthcare settings. Aiming an infrared temperature gun at the forehead or another suitable body part allows for obtaining accurate readings without physical contact.

Benefits of IR thermometer gun

Infrared heat gun models offer valuable advantages over traditional thermometers. They are:

Non-Contact Measurement

A contactless thermometer allows individuals to measure temperature without direct contact, which is crucial during pandemics. That is why heat temp gun gained their popularity during COVID-19.

Speed

Infrared thermometers provide instant temperature readings, making them ideal for situations where quick measurements are essential.

Versatility

Laser thermometer models can measure the temperatures of both people and objects, making them suitable for diverse applications, from checking body temperature to monitoring some processes. For instance, the infrared thermometer ThermoMAX by SonoHealth can measure the temperature of the body and bottles with liquid, making it invaluable for parents. Also, it has a built-in memory feature that allows you to store up to 30 readings.

Safety

Since they do not require physical contact, infrared thermometers are safer for measuring temperatures of hot, hazardous, or hard-to-reach objects.

Convenience

Thermometer gun is designed to be lightweight and portable, with user-friendly interfaces that make them easy to operate. Also, due to the non-contact feature of the infrared temperature gun, you can measure the temperature of infants and babies without disturbing them.

Drawbacks of infrared heat gun

Despite vast advantages, infrared temperature gun also has some limitations:

• Accuracy: The accuracy of an infrared thermometer can be affected by factors such as distance from the target, ambient temperature, and the emissivity of the object’s surface. To ensure accurate readings, they require proper calibration and correct usage.
• Cost: High-quality heat sensor gun can be more expensive than traditional thermometers, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
• Battery Dependency: Like digital thermometers, infrared temp gun requires batteries, which need regular replacement to ensure continuous operation.

Traditional thermometers overview

Mercury Thermometers

Mercury thermometers have been around for centuries and were once the gold standard for measuring temperature. They consist of a glass tube filled with mercury, which expands and contracts in response to temperature changes. The level of mercury is read against a calibrated scale.

Benefits:

• Accuracy: Mercury thermometers are highly accurate and reliable for various temperatures.
• Durability: When handled properly, mercury thermometers can last many years without recalibration.

Drawbacks:

• Safety: Mercury is toxic, and if the thermometer breaks, it can pose a significant health hazard. Cleanup requires special procedures to avoid contamination.
• Environmental Impact: Mercury is a persistent environmental pollutant, and its use is being phased out in many regions.
• Response Time: Mercury thermometers can take several minutes to provide a stable reading, which can be inconvenient in many situations.

Digital Thermometers

Digital thermometers have replaced mercury thermometers in many applications due to their safety and ease of use. These thermometers use electronic sensors to measure temperature and display the reading on a digital screen.

Have you ever wondered about the various methods of taking your temperature and which one is best suited for you? The video below is your ultimate guide, providing insights into the diverse techniques from mouth to bum.

Benefits:

• Safety: Digital thermometers do not contain hazardous materials like mercury, making them safer to use and dispose of.
• Speed: Digital thermometers typically provide a reading in a matter of seconds.
• Ease of Use: They are straightforward to use, often with simple buttons and clear digital displays.

Drawbacks:

• Battery Dependency: Digital thermometers require batteries, which must be replaced periodically.
• Durability: They can be less durable than mercury thermometers, especially if exposed to moisture or dropped.
• Calibration: Over time, digital thermometers may require recalibration to maintain accuracy.

Conclusion

Choosing between an infrared temperature gun and a traditional thermometer depends on your specific needs and the context in which you will use them. Mercury thermometers offer high accuracy and durability but have significant safety and environmental concerns. Digital thermometers balance safety, speed, and ease of use, making them suitable for most applications.

With their non-contact measurement capability, speed, and versatility, infrared temperature gun models are increasingly becoming the preferred choice in many fields, from medical diagnostics to industrial applications. However, various factors can influence their accuracy, and they are typically more expensive than traditional thermometers.

Infrared temperature gun FAQs

1. How to use infrared thermometer on forehead?

To use an infrared temperature gun on the forehead, start by powering on the device and ensuring it is set to body temperature mode. Hold the thermometer 1-3 cm away from the center of the forehead, ensuring the sensor is perpendicular to the skin and free from hair or obstructions. Press the measurement button and wait for the beep, indicating the reading is complete.

2. How to calibrate infrared thermometer?

For simpler methods, obtain a known temperature source to calibrate an IR temperature gun, such as a blackbody calibration device or an ice bath (0°C) and boiling water (100°C). Measure the temperature of the source with the infrared thermometer and compare it to the known value. If the readings differ, adjust the thermometer’s settings according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually involve accessing a calibration mode through specific button sequences. Repeat the process to verify accuracy.

3. Where to use infrared thermometer on body?

An infrared temperature gun is most commonly used on the forehead to measure body temperature due to its ease of access and accuracy. The forehead is preferred because it is exposed and has a consistent temperature reading area. To use it, ensure the area is clean and dry, free from sweat or makeup, and position the thermometer 1-3 cm away from the center of the forehead. Other suitable areas include the wrist and the temple, but the forehead remains the most reliable for consistent, non-contact temperature measurements, especially in medical and clinical settings.