There are a variety of thermometers available, each with a specific use. Understanding how different thermometers work will help you to find a thermometer that will be most suitable for your needs. This will help to ensure that the results you get are credible so that you can trust the information you are using to make decisions. So read the following to learn the related information.
Basic Types of Thermometers
1. Traditional Thermometer
Traditional thermometers are designed for at home use for measuring the temperature of the air or water in both F or C. These should not require much maintenance, but they may have a varied accuracy, range and resolution.
2. Resistance Thermometer
Resistance thermometers are designed to measure temperatures between -250 and 700 degrees Celsius by noting the resistance change of a liquid by a currant flowing through the platinum wire inside.
3. Thermocouple Thermometer
This type of thermometer notices the difference between hot and cold junctions through the current in the attached probes. Among various types of thermometers, this is a very sensitive model that can provide accurate temperature results between -250 and 1600 degrees Celsius.
4. Dual Sensor Thermometer
These thermometers are designed for professional use as they provide dual readings of environments that can remain steady for long periods of time. The main reader of this thermometer can be mounted to a desk or wall and the probes can be inserted into a variety of environments for readings.
5. Fixed and Wired Probe Thermometer
Probe thermometers are designed to provide accurate readings of temperatures in foods, liquids or semi-solids in retail or laboratory settings. These are mainly designed for hygiene testing, and they will vary in size and focus on providing solid, accurate readings to ensure safety.
6. K-Type Thermometer
These thermometers are designed to measure extreme temperatures in the air, liquids or surfaces within a professional environment. The specific temperature range will vary by brand but they work to provide a non-slip grip that is manoeuvrable for use in a variety of environments without compromising accuracy.
7. Data Logging Thermometer
Unlike other types of thermometers, these provide temperature results in real time that can be downloaded to a computer to note the temperature history of an environment to check for variances. This can be used to provide graphical data and accurate readings that are suitable for professional use.
8. Infrared Thermometer
These can measure very high or low surface temperatures without the need to make contact with the item in question, which is ideal for spot checking temperature settings within an environment. However, there can be up to a 30 percent error reading due to this lack of contact, but this can be corrected with a traceable accuracy setting.
9. Bimetal Thermometer
Bimetal thermometers are designed to note temperature changes as the metal in the base expands and contracts. These are typically used on thermostats or dial thermometers to note the temperature at a specific time by allowing the dial in the face to rotate as necessary.
10. Liquid-Crystal Thermometer
These thermometers will change colors due to the liquid crystals in the face to reflect the temperature on the forehead or other substance where this is placed. The designated temperature will become darker on the face to designate a reading that also provides a digital reading.
11. Gas Thermometer
Among listed types of thermometers, these are a very common type of industrial thermometer that are used to keep the temperature of stored gas constant within a confined area. The pressure of this gas will be measured to determine the temperature inside.