9
Emissivity
Emissivity describes the energy-emitting characteristics of materials. Most organic materials and painted or oxidized
surfaces have an emissivity of about 0.95.
If possible, to compensate for inaccurate readings that may result from measuring shiny metal surfaces, cover
the surface to be measured with masking tape or flat black paint (<150°C / 302°F ) and use the high emissivity
setting. Allow time for the tape or paint to reach the same temperatures as the surface beneath it. Measure the
temperature of the tape or painted surface.
If you cannot use paint or use tape, then you could improve the accuracy of your measurements with the
emissivity selector. Even with emissivity selector, it can be difficult to get a completely accurate infrared
measurement of a target with a shiny or metallic surface.
The thermometer allows you to adjust the emissivity for the type of surface you’re trying to measure the
temperature of. Use a different setting for your application by referring to the Table of Surface Emissivity.
Reminders
1. Changes of surrounding ambient temperature can result in inaccurate reading, allow time for the
instrument to adopt the change of ambient temperature before use. Specified accuracy applies after 30
minutes when the instrument changes to a different temperature environment an inaccurate.
2. The instrument cannot measure through transparent surfaces such as glass. It will measure the surface
temperature of the glass instead.
