How Do I Calibrate My Thermometer

Choosing a Thermometer and How to Calibrate It

Not all thermometers work the same way, and which calibration approach makes sense depends on the type you’re using. Calibration means comparing a thermometer’s readings against a known standard and adjusting for any drift. Here’s a rundown of common thermometer types and how each is typically calibrated.

Types of Thermometers

1. Contact Thermometers: These need to touch the object to measure its temperature.
   • • Liquid-in-glass Thermometers: Simple and common, but not very accurate and can break easily.
     • Bimetallic Thermometers: More durable but can be affected by pressure and humidity.
     • Thermocouples: Fast and sensitive but need frequent calibration.
     • Resistance Thermometers: Very accurate but expensive and fragile.

    

2. Non-contact Thermometers: These measure temperature from a distance.
   • Infrared Thermometers: Fast and convenient but can be inaccurate if there is dust or moisture.
   • Thermal Imaging Cameras: Useful for detecting hot spots but very expensive.

Types of Calibrations

1. Field Calibration: Simple and done by comparing with another thermometer or fixed points like ice water. Suitable for everyday use.
2. Laboratory Calibration: More accurate, done by qualified technicians using calibrated standards. Suitable for scientific and industrial use.
3. Certified Calibration: The most reliable, done by accredited labs with a certificate issued. Suitable for legal and quality assurance purposes.

Please see our post on how to choose the right thermometer calibration here

Which one is right for you? If you need everyday spot-checks, field calibration against a reference thermometer is usually enough. If you need documented, NIST-traceable accuracy for compliance or lab work, that calls for laboratory calibration. ICS performs both field and laboratory thermometer calibration at our Dayton and Aliquippa labs — contact us to find out which fits your equipment.