Using a Surface Probe and Meter to Pinpoint Emissivity
If your target surface is particularly reflective, or if you need a higher level of accuracy on your readings, consider verifying the emissivity of a surface with the help of a surface probe and meter:
- Take a surface reading with a surface probe and meter (like a MicroTherma 2 with a Precision Surface Probe) and write down the temperature.
- Using a chart value as a starting point, adjust the emissivity setting on your infrared thermometer up and down until the temperature reading on your infrared thermometer matches the temperature recorded by the surface probe and meter.
You can now be confident that other measurements taken with that same infrared thermometer on that same surface material in the same general temperature range will be accurate.