Keeping tabs on concrete temperature throughout the setting process is crucial to ensure the concrete’s strength and quality once complete. Temperatures that are too high or too low can have a negative impact on the concrete’s mix design, and they can ultimately cause a project to fail because it doesn’t meet ASTM, AASHTO or other specifications. Luckily, it’s quite easy to keep tabs on concrete temperature with a simple lab grade thermometer. Before you choose the first thermometer you come across, however, you should keep a few important considerations in mind.
Different Types of Thermometers and Their Uses
Modern technology has given us several different types of thermometers that have their own unique strengths and features. Most will fall into one of the following categories.
Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
This category represents the classic image that probably pops into your head when you hear the term “thermometer.” Liquid-in-glass (LiG) thermometers consist of either mercury, red alcohol or another liquid substance sealed in glass with volumetric measurements printed on the casing. Based on the laws of thermal expansion, the liquid within the glass will expand or contract depending on how hot or cold the substance is, providing a fairly high level of accuracy. Mercury thermometers in particular are hailed for their ability to measure extreme temperature ranges.
But, are mercury thermometers accurate? Yes; mercury has certain thermal expansion properties that can make these thermometers more accurate for temperature readings than other LiG materials. The bigger issue is that mercury is hazardous and, therefore, prohibited in certain municipalities. Mercury thermometers are also no longer calibrated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), although the ASTM still requires their use in certain testing situations that require a 7C or 7F thermometer (no other LiG materials can be used as accurately for this purpose). Always be sure to check your locale’s regulations before using a mercury thermometer for your application, or simply use other accurate LiG thermometers to be safe.
Bimetallic/Bimetal Thermometers
These thermometers are often used to measure the temperature of food and beverages. They are mechanical, using two metal strips (often steel and copper or brass) that bend at different rates when exposed to heat to move a dial along a scale. They’re a durable and fairly accurate solution, often displaying readings at an accuracy of ±1%. They are also safe, durable and inexpensive. However, certain environments can throw off the calibration of bimetal thermometers, making them less accurate and consistent than LiG thermometers, so they may not be the best choice for concrete testing purposes.
Digital Thermometers
Digital or electronic thermometers are some of the most technologically advanced options available, using electronic circuitry and microchips to provide quick, accurate results. They can include many features depending on how complex they are, including automatic calibration, data logging, maximum/minimum temperature recording and timestamping. Given these advanced features, they can be much more expensive than a traditional LiG or bimetallic thermometer.
Another advantage of digital thermometers is that they do not contain any toxic or hazardous materials, making them safe for any use. They also provide results faster and, in certain cases, do not require calibration via boiling or ice bath to provide accurate readings.
Infrared Thermometers
Another advanced style, infrared thermometers measure temperature by converting infrared energy into an electrical signal that provides a temperature readout on the device’s display, all without making actual contact with the substance being measured. They can measure a broad range of temperatures, as well. However, infrared thermometers do not have a very high degree of accuracy and are generally used for repeatability purposes instead.
Digital Thermometers vs. Mercury Thermometers
One of the biggest debates about lab grade thermometers is whether digital or mercury is more accurate for concrete testing (or any temperature measuring) purposes. Consider these factors that distinguish digital and mercury thermometers:
- Digital thermometers are more precise than mercury.
- Digital thermometers can log temperature readings and even connect to laptops for further analysis at a later time.
- Mercury thermometers are more affordable than digital while still providing accurate results.
- Mercury is a toxic substance that is banned in certain areas.
- Digital thermometers provide faster results.
- Digital thermometers can sometimes self-calibrate, which saves time otherwise spent on hot/cold bath calibration.
- Certain testing processes call for the use of mercury thermometers as a standard.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lab Grade Thermometer
Aside from accuracy of results, there are varying levels of convenience and features that different thermometers can provide to make your job quicker and easier. Take these factors into account when choosing your lab grade thermometer as well:
- Temperature display options (Fahrenheit, Celsius, Kelvin)
- Response time
- Temperature range capabilities
- Display types (printed scale or digital screen)
- Casing material (plastic, glass or metal, depending on the volatility of substances being measured)
- Application (field or lab use)
- Cost
- Testing process specifications and standards
- Logging/laptop hookup capabilities
5 Best Lab Grade Thermometer Options from Certified MTP
- Sper Scientific Min/Max Memory Thermometer: This digital thermometer simultaneously displays internal and external temperature, has min/max memory and comes with a Certificate of Calibration Traceable to NIST.
- Concrete Thermometer Stick: This organic filled stick thermometer measures a temperature range of 0-125°F, uses red liquid against a yellow background for easy readability and is protected by a sturdy aluminum shroud.
- Asphalt/Concrete Stem Thermometer: The bimetal thermometer has a measurement range of 50-500°F, displayed in increments of 5, and meets or exceeds ASTM E-11 specifications.
- Pocket Digital Thermometer: This small digital thermometer measures temperatures from -58-500°F (-50-260°C) for quick, accurate readings.
- Digital Min/Max Thermometer: On top of simultaneously displaying min/max temperature ranges, this lab grade thermometer is water resistant for extra durability in wet environments.
We especially recommend the Sper 800102 Infrared Thermometer Gun 8:1, -4 To 930 Deg F
Related Blogs for Concrete Thermometers:
Thermometers with Mercury: Everything You Need to Know
Precision ASTM Thermometers: Certification and Specification
How to Convert 65 Degrees C to F>
Role of Thermometers in Concrete Curing
How to Convert 70 Deg F to C Easily
How to Convert 158 Fahrenheit to Celsius (158 F to C)
Lab Grade Thermometer for Concrete Testing
Certified Thermometers for Material Testing
Maximum and Minimum Thermometer: Get Accurate Temperatures
Thermometers Calibrated: Calibrate for Accurate Readings
Convert 900 Degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius (900 F to C)
Master C to F Formula: How to Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit
Digital Humidity and Temperature Meter: Discover the Best
Min Max Thermometer Digital: Accurate Temperature Monitoring
Outdoor Waterproof Thermometer for Temperature Monitoring
7 Fahrenheit to Celsius: Quick Temperature Conversion Guide
75 Fahrenheit to Celsius Converter: Easy Conversion Method
Easy Guide: Convert 69 Fahrenheit to Celsius Effortlessly
67 F to C: Accurate Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion Guide
Convert 99.4 F to C: Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion
Easy K to F Conversion: Your Guide to Kelvin to FahrenheitÂ
Quick 35 f to c Conversion: Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
Easy 0 F to C Conversion: Turn Fahrenheit into Celsius Fast
60 Degrees C to F: Quick Conversion Guide
32 Celsius to Fahrenheit: Easy Temperature Conversion Guide
How to Convert 79 Degrees F to C Easily [Conversion Solved]
Temperature Conversions Table: Fahrenheit to Celsius
How Do I Check My Temperature with an Infrared Thermometer?
Temperature Conversions Table: Fahrenheit to Celsius