Emissivity
The Emissivity setting is shown in small digits at the lower left corner
of the display. To adjust the Emissivity please refer to the Settings
mode section.
Emissivity represents the reflectivity of a material. Most organic materials
and painted or oxidized surfaces have an emissivity of approximately 0.95.
If possible, masking tape or flat black paint should be applied to cover the
measured surface.
Wait a period of time to allow the tape or paint to reach thermal
equilibrium with the surface of the covered object. Measure the
temperature of the surface covered with tape or paint only after
equilibrium has been achieved.
Another way to find the emissivity of a surface is to use the Type-K
thermocouple to take a contact temperature reading. Note this
reading and then take a non-contact temperature reading and adjust
the emissivity until the non-contact measurement matches the contact
measurement.
Emissivity Factors for Common Materials
Material under test Emissivity
Material under
test
Emissivity
Asphalt
0.90 to 0.98
Cloth (black)
0.98
Concrete
0.94
Skin (human)
0.98
Cement
0.96
Leather
0.75 to 0.80
Sand
0.90
Charcoal
(powder)
0.96
Soil
0.92 to 0.96
Lacquer
0.80 to 0.95
Water
0.92 to 0.96
Lacquer (matt)
0.97
Ice
0.96 to 0.98
Rubber (black)
0.94
Snow
0.83
Plastic
0.85 to 0.95
Glass
0.90 to 0.95
Timber
0.90
Ceramic
0.90 to 0.94
Paper
0.70 to 0.94
