Types of Thermometers

Thermometers are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and functions. A thermometer is necessary for many types of highly important functions such as medical testing, where they are used for checking the body temperature of patients. These tools come in both plastic and metal varieties and use a variety of technologies to measure temperature. There also have varying levels of accuracy, depending on their uses.

The word thermometer originally appeared in La Recreation Mathematique in 1624. A Frenchman named J. Leurechon describes a thermometer with an eight-degree scale. The word “thermometer” comes from the Greek words “thermos” and “metatron” and was later used in other languages as well. However, today’s thermometers have been around for much longer.

The earliest thermometers were made of mercury, which was a dense poisonous metal. Mercury is toxic and the Environmental Protection Agency recommends handling it with care. One common type of thermometer is a probe. It offers instant temperature readings and is used for checking the temperature of food. It is often made of a metal or plastic material and has a pointy tip. It is especially useful for hygiene testing. A fixed probe has a pen-like structure and is less expensive, while wired probes are more accurate and have more features, such as alarms. If you are looking to buy a new thermometer, you should consult an expert about your requirements.

What Are the Different Types of Thermometers?

Analogue thermometers are the most basic and affordable type of thermometer. They are the most common type and are best suited for non-specialist environments or when accuracy is not a top priority. Analogue thermometers do not have traceable accuracy. Most people associate analogue thermometers with liquid thermometers, but they can also have mechanical components. The dial and pointer have a scale and a mercury-filled bulb.

Most thermometers use an electronic sensor to measure the temperature. Infrared thermometers use infrared light to determine the temperature of surfaces safely. There are two main types of thermometers: bimetal and infrared thermometers. These thermometers measure temperature by measuring the expansion of the two different liquids to heat.

If you are still unsure about the type of thermometer you need, you should contact a professional. ProServices Supply is a hardware and customer product training specialist based out of Atlanta, GA, that provides services across the US. You can visit their website for more information or call them at (877)-776-8228 to speak to an expert today!