With so much at risk of being harmed by a fire, a method of detection is needed to alert people to the danger. Non-contact temperature measurement devices can solve this issue. These types of sensors are able to quantify the temperature of an object without needing to touch it. Below we provide further insights on non-contact temperature sensors, in particular infrared thermometers, and discuss how these devices can be utilized for fire detection.
Understanding Non-Contact Temperature Sensors
The emergence of a fire can make a location a treacherous place to be in due to the level of heat. When these situations occur, it can be helpful to have a device that can provide non-contact temperature measurements. Non-contact temperature sensors can deliver these temperature measurements without needing to be in contact with the object. Their non-contact temperature measurements stem from their ability to identify infrared radiation, which is a form of heat energy. Every object will project a certain amount of infrared radiation. If the object experiences an increase in temperature, its infrared radiation will become more intense. A non-contact temperature sensor can pinpoint this radiation and examine it to quantify the temperature from the object’s surface.
There are a number of non-contact temperature measurement devices that can be utilized to provide temperature measurements. One such example is infrared thermometers. They’re constructed with a lens that can hone the infrared light in on a thermopile. A thermopile is a sensor with the capability to transform the infrared radiation into heat. This is through the use of its thermocouples, which are placed either in a series or parallel. These thermocouples are made up of two metals. One acts as a reference and is cooler (known as the cold junction). The other is able to identify heat (defined as the hot junction). When the hot junction experiences a change in temperature compared to the cold junction, an electrical voltage occurs. The electrical voltage is then used to quantify the temperature.
Other sensors are also available that can deliver non-contact temperature measurements, including:
- Thermographic cameras: Provide a visual depiction of any temperature alterations that take place across the surface of an object.
- Pyrometers: Like infrared thermometers, they utilize thermopiles and detect infrared radiation to quantify temperatures. The difference between them is that pyrometers tend to be used in applications with increased temperatures, normally between 700 and 3200°C, offering extremely accurate measurements in heated conditions.
- Laser pyrometers: Contain a laser pointer to ensure the right item has its temperature measured.
Applying Infrared Thermometers And Their Non-Contact Temperature Measurements to Fire Detection
Infrared thermometers offer non-contact temperature measurements of surfaces or locations, therefore they’re extremely useful for detecting fires. They can quantify temperatures through identifying radiation levels, helping to prevent fires from occurring by noting the heat signatures that come from the increased temperature of a surface. Even if the fire is not visible, the measurements from infrared thermometers can indicate a temperature spike. Consequently, this gives time for intervention to prevent an incident from taking place.
The fact that infrared thermometers do not require any physical contact with an object to establish its temperature is an excellent advantage. Thus, they can be utilized with applications that are deemed unsafe, such as high-voltage electrical panels. Moreover, their non-contact temperature measurements can be achieved at a distance. This distance can ensure safety even when infrared thermometers are used in dangerous environments, such as confined spaces.
It’s common to find infrared thermometers in high-risk areas. They can provide warnings about rising temperatures and, ultimately, the risk of fire. Infrared thermometers can be used in plants and factories to watch for any signs of overheating equipment. Afterall, overheating apparatus could be the cause of a fire. By identifying equipment that’s overheated, preventative action can be taken to rectify these temperatures.
Although infrared thermometers can prove extremely beneficial for preventing fires from taking place, they can also be helpful when a fire does occur. Infrared thermometers can help firefighters to find the source of a fire, offering heat detection as a way of pinpointing the fire even when smoke causes navigation issues.
Infrared Thermometer Placement
Non-contact temperature measurements from infrared thermometers are useful for preventing potential fires. Therefore, they tend to be used in a variety of different locations:
- Electrical systems: Discovering faults or hotspots in wiring and circuit breakers.
- Construction: Identifying insulation problems or heat loss.
- Transport: Quantifying the temperatures of exhaust systems and engines.
- Laboratories: Examining the temperatures used in equipment or experiments.
You Can Stop The Outbreak Of A Fire With The Right Device
Preventative measures must be taken to stop fires before they do serious harm. With our thermopile technology, you can utilize the power of sensors to keep watch over your locations. Give yourself peace-of-mind and confidence that there will always be a detector watching carefully for the temperature signs of a fire. Visit our website now and browse through the detectors we have available for fire prevention.