High-performance and low-cost non-contact sensor unit designed for permanent monitoring of industrial application temperatures up to 1000°C

RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc , the global distributor for engineers, has launched a new RS Pro low-cost and high-performance infrared temperature sensor. Available at a highly attractive price, key features of the device include its extremely small size – 31mm diameter by only 30mm high – and side-entry cable, making it ideal for mounting in areas where space is limited. Other features include fast 125ms response time, built-in temperature display and controls.

The device is essentially a non-contact thermometer that is designed to measure temperature from a distance. Infrared thermometers are typically used for a wide variety of temperature monitoring functions, primarily in applications where contact sensors are unsuitable, such as when the target object is moving or inaccessible, or when a fast response time is required. Use of the sensor’s analogue voltage output enables the setting of alarms, or connection to a data logger for quality checking.

Although the new unit is similar in operation to handheld temperature measurement guns, the RS Pro device is intended as a permanent measurement unit for fixed mounting via a bracket, for example to install on manufacturing machinery to measure product temperature, or to monitor the condition of machine parts. Key industrial application examples include: product temperature measurement in paper and cardboard manufacturing; food manufacturing; pharmaceuticals; thermoforming; curing and drying; as well as condition monitoring on mechanical or electrical equipment.

The unit features two simultaneous and configurable outputs: selectable voltage-output ranges from 0 to 5V, 1 to 5V or 0 to 10V DC, proving a linear voltage output with measured temperature; and an open collector alarm output for temperature threshold and hysteresis. Other features of the sensor include temperature measurement from 0 to +1000°C; accuracy of ±1.5% of reading or ±1.5°C; IP65 protection, and operation over the ambient temperature range from 0 to +70°C.

Electrical characteristics include: operating supply voltage from 28V down to 6V DC, or 12V DC if the output is set to 0 to 10V, and a maximum current draw of 30mA. The unit also meets industrial EMC standards, including EN61326-1 and EN61326-2-3 for use in electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory applications.

The RS Pro infrared temperature sensor is now available from RS.

To find out more about the RS Pro range please go to www.rspro.com