TechnicianVision · Knowledge base
Common Mistakes: Emissivity
I-CAR · November 14, 2019
Summary
This article explains emissivity as an object's ability to emit infrared energy and highlights how low-emissivity surfaces like shiny, reflective, or bare aluminum and steel can cause non-contact infrared thermometers to give inaccurate readings. It advises technicians to use alternative temperature monitoring tools, such as temperature crayons, heat sticks, thermal paints, or temperature-indicating labels, to ensure compliance with OEM heat guidelines.
What to do on the job
Do not rely on non-contact infrared thermometers when monitoring temperatures on shiny, reflective, or bare metal surfaces; instead, use temperature crayons, heat sticks, thermal paints, or temperature-indicating labels.
How to use it
Use this document to justify the line-item cost of alternative temperature monitoring consumables (such as temperature crayons, thermal paint, or indicating labels) on estimates and supplements when performing structural or panel repairs that require strict adherence to OEM heat limits, especially on bare aluminum or steel.
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